Lachen is a scenic town that is located in the Mangan district of North Sikkim. Lachen offers alpine forests, wooden homes, and picturesque scenery to visitors. The rich cultural heritage, serene tranquility, and breathtaking scenery of Lachen help it stand out as a tourist destination.
Lachen is situated at an elevation of 8838 feet above sea level and is the pathway to Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley. Lachen is also situated near the Lachen River and is surrounded by mountains. The nearest airport to Lachen is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) which is located at a distance of 204 km.
The nearest railway station to Lachen is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) which is situated at a distance of 197 km. Thus, one needs to visit Lachen by road transport. The climate is Lachen is pleasant and the average temperature there in summer is 15 degrees Celcius and in winter it is 5 degrees Celsius.
If you are planning to visit Lachen, you must ensure prior room booking and also collect the necessary permits such as The Protected Area Permit (PAP) to ensure a hassle-free journey.
Table of Contents
Here are the Top 10 Places to visit in Lachen :
1. Chopta Valley
Chopta valley is also called the “valley of flowers”, situated at a height of 4023 meters above sea level. This place also offers immense tranquility and peace to visitors, who are searching for an escape from their monotonous life.
Chopta Valley Travel Tips
Chopta Valley is a serene place that is situated at a distance of 16.2 km from Lachen and may take traveling time up to 40 minutes. You may opt for taxis to travel to the lake and enjoy the mesmerizing views while traveling to your destination. The best season to visit Chopta Valley is the summer season, which is between March and May.
Chopta Valley Facts
During the winter, the lake near Chopta Valley gets frozen allowing the visitors to walk over the frozen river. The valley is also considered the starting point of some interesting treks in Sikkim and attracts a number of tourists to this destination. During the summer season, the valley becomes a home to Lachen pas.
Main Highlights
The Chopta Valley offers an unforgettable experience to visitors accompanied by panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and forests. Moreover, the blooming flowers in the valley also add charm to the destination and are another standpoint to attract tourists.
2. Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake is a renowned lake and is also a high-altitude lake that is situated at an elevation of 17800 feet above sea level. Moreover, this lake is also considered as sacred by the Buddhists and Sikhs and is a pilgrimage destination. The snow-capped mountains and glaciers surrounding the lake offer vivid scenery.
Gurudongmar Lake Travel Tips
Gurudongmar Lake is situated at a distance of 64.3 km and may take around 2 hours and 12 minutes to reach the destination. You may reserve a taxi to travel to Gurudongmar Lake. You must also ensure carrying the necessary medicines if prescribed to you by the doctor and also arrange for oxygen as the level of oxygen is low in such high altitudes.
Gurudongmar Lake Facts
The founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Padmasambhava, better known as Guru Rinpoche, visited the lake in the eighth century and is remembered by the name Gurudongmar Lake. It is also believed by the Sikh community that Guru Nanak visited this lake during his third Udasi.
Main Highlights
According to locals, one part of the lake was blessed by Guru Padmasambhava himself, for which it remains unfreezed even during the harsh winters, when the entire lake freezes, except for this particular part.
Also Read: Must Visit offbeat Places in Sikkim
3. Lachen Monastery
Lachen monastery is another point of attraction in Lachen, which is also known as Launching Gompa located near Lachen in the Northeast Sikkim. The monastery is situated at a picturesque location overlooking the village and is decorated with colorful flags.
Lachen Monastery Travel Tips
If you are planning to visit Lachen monastery, then the best time to visit is between March and June, when the weather will stay pleasant. Lachen monastery is situated at a distance of 3.4 km and may take a travel time of around 10 minutes.
Lachen Monastery Facts
Lachen monastery was founded back in the year 1858 by the Nyingma Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Eight monks have helped in the transformation of a small hut into a monastery that was built by the Lama Karchen Dorje Drak. There are also several chapels and meditation halls present in the monastery.
Main Highlights
The colorful prayer flags and prayer wheels offer attraction to the monastery. The monastery stands as a testimony to strong spirituality and belief. The golden and red paint on the walls adds charm to the architecture of the monastery.
You can also witness the traditions, rituals, and ceremonies performed by the Buddhists along with offerings and chants. One can also communicate with the monks present at the monastery to learn about their culture and practices.
4. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is an amazing nature park that offers a mesmerizing view to visitors. The picturesque scenario helps the visitors spend time within the sanctuary. During the winter season, you may also witness different scenery in the sanctuary, as the area will get covered with snow.
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary Travel Tips
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is situated near Yumthang valley in the North Sikkim. The sanctuary is located at a distance of 68.8 km and will take around 2 hours and 34 minutes of travel time to reach the destination. The best time to visit this sanctuary is between April and July, when the flowers bloom and offer the visitors a magnificent scenario.
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary Facts
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is home to 40 different species of Rhododendron species, which offers a colorful spectrum. The sanctuary expands over an area of 43 square kilometers to help the flowers bloom.
Main Highlights
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary offers 40 different species of rhododendron, and when bloomed spreads vibrant colors of reds, whites, and purples. The lush valleys and snow-capped mountains add charm to the place and offer a better scenario to the visitors.
Also Read: Things to Do in Sikkim
5. Thangu Valley
Thangu valley is an ideal place for adventure seekers and it also offers scenic views. The valley offers panoramic vistas highlighting shimmering rivers, lush meadows, and snow-capped mountains. Thangu Valley is located at the base of the Chola range which forms the border between India and China.
Thangu Valley Travel Tips
Thangu Valley is situated at a distance of 32 km from Lachen and may take a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes to reach. The valley is home to a number of animals and birds. There are also a number of guesthouses and homestays that ensure shelters for the visitors planning to spend part of their journey in Thangu Valley.
You must also ensure carrying the necessary medicines as well as the equipment to survive the cold and high altitude sickness.
Thangu Valley Facts
The temperature in Thangu Valley may range around 5 degrees Celsius in the summer and may drop down to -10 degrees Celsius during the winter season. The valley is home to a number to a number of plants and trees such as fir, pines, rhododendrons, and others.
Main Highlights
Thangu Valley is a popular destination renowned for its camping and trekking events that take place and also attract a number of visitors from across different parts of India. The area near Thangu Valley is surrounded by alpine vegetation that enhances the lush green environment.
6. Lhonak Valley
Lhonak Valley is also called Muguthang Valley, which is a breathtaking as well as remote trans-Himalayan valley that is situated in the northwest part of Sikkim.
Lhonak Valley Travel Tips
Lhonak Valley is located at a distance of 55.1 km from Lachen and may take around 2 hours and 18 minutes of time to travel to this destination. You can opt for taxi services from Lachen to travel to this wonderful and peaceful destination.
Lhonak Valley Facts
Lhonak Valley is a trans-Himalayan grassland that offers a pleasant scenario to visitors. Lhonak Valley is also home to a number of animals and birds that help in attracting tourists. The serene environment, lush green vegetation, and nearby glacial lakes offer soothing and peace from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Main Highlights
Along the Lhonak valley, you can witness the Dokpas, who are nomadic Tibetan herders, yak caravans, which help Dokpa commence their daily ilfe in an efficient manner by transferring goods through the beats. If you prefer to stay at a location near Lhonak valley, you can also visit Muguthang village.
7. Tso Lhamo Lake
Tso Lhamo Lake is also known as Cholamu Lake, which is a glacial lake that is situated amidst North Sikkim. This lake is an off-beat destination for tourists to visit The untouched natural beauty of this destination attracts a number of tourists from different parts of India to visit this destination.
Tso Lhamo Lake Travel Tips
Tso Lhamo Lake is a freshwater lake that is located at a distance of 70.7 km from Lachen and may take a traveling time of around 2 hours and 25 minutes. Before traveling to this destination, you need to ensure obtaining the PAP. The best time to visit this lake is in the months of October and November when one can get a clear view of the surrounding.
Tso Lhamo Lake Facts
Tso Lhamo Lake is situated at an elevation of 16700 feet above sea level and also holds cultural and historical significance. “Tso Lhamo” in Tibetan means Goddess lake and is featured in local folklore.
Main Highlights
The crystal clear water reflects the snow-capped peaks of the majestic mountains surrounding the lake. The vat meadows and snow-capped mountains offer a scenic view to the visitors. The diverse flora and fauna also add charm to the destination.
Again, you can find a different scenery during winter, when the lake freezes. You can enjoy the scenic walk, do a yak ride around the lake, capture beautiful pictures, and feel the peaceful ambiance of the surrounding environment of the lake.
8. Green Lake Trek
Green Lake is a mesmerizing scenery situated in the Northeastern Sikkim. The rich flora, lofty mountains, and dense forest offer the trekkers with challenging terrain and also a glimpse of regional culture.
Green Lake Trek Travel Tips
The Green Lake Trek generally takes around 7-9 days, which helps the visitors explore the places during their trek. You must contact the tour operator to assist you in acquiring the necessary permits required for the trek. Acclimation days are crucial for travelers, as going too high at a continuous rate may cause altitude sickness as our human body requires time to adapt to the decrease in oxygen level.
You must also hire an experienced and qualified guide who is familiar with the route as well as the local regulations. The best time to visit this place is between April and June when the weather is pleasant.
Green Lake Trek Facts
The trek to Green Lake starts from Lachen and the elevation of the Green Lake is 5000 meters above sea level. One can experience the warm hospitality of the local people as well as learn about their way of life. Yaks are often used for carrying goods as well as the transfer of luggage from one point to another.
Main Highlights
The trek helps travelers visit less explored places in North Sikkim that are filled with elevated mountains, picturesque lakes, serene ambiance, thick woodland, and lush greenery. Green Lake also offers stunning views of Kanchenjunga and the Himalayas, which attracts a number of nature lovers to visit Green Lake.
9. Lachung
Lachung is a beautiful town that is situated amidst mountains and is situated in the Northeast Sikkim. The panoramic vistas attract visitors from different parts of India and is surrounded by a serene environment.
Lachung Travel Tips
The best time to visit Lachung is during autumn and summer, as the weather there will be pleasant. You must avoid traveling to Lachung in winter and monsoon due to the extreme weather conditions that may restrict traveling to the destination. Lachung is situated at a distance of 50 km from Lachen and may take around 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Lachung Facts
Lachung is surrounded by lofty mountains and a number of glacial rivers and fruit orchards. A British botanist, Joseph Dalton, in his book “The Himalayan Journal”, has labeled Lachung as the most picturesque village of Sikkim. The nearest airport to Lachung is 196 km and the nearest railway station is situated at a distance of 191 km.
Main Highlights
Lachung is located at an altitude of 9600 feet above sea level. The destination offers a break to the tourists from their daily lives and also refreshes them with the unpolluted mountain air. You can also visit the Lachung River which is situated at a distance of 21.7 km from Lachung.
10. Gangtok
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and also one of the most popular cities of Sikkim. The culture and traditions along with markets attract visitors and also the restaurants, cafes, and pubs help meet the tastes and needs of the visitors.
Gangtok Travel Tips
Gangtok is located at a distance of 124 km and may take around 4 hours and 40 minutes to reach the place from Lachen. The best time to travel to Gangtok is between March and April and between October and November. It is best to avoid traveling in the rainy season, as you may face travel restrictions, landslides, or roadblocks. M G Marg is one of the crowded places in Gangtok that has a number of shops, bakeries, hotels, and restaurants.
Gangtok Facts
The closest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport (ix), while the closest train station is New Jalpaiguri Train Station (njp). Gangtok highlights the Buddhist and Tibetan culture that is represented by different monasteries located around Gangtok.
Main Highlights
Gangtok offers tourists a number of options to choose from, such as cable car rides river rafting, mountain biking, trekking, and others. M G Marg Road is considered the first spit and litter-free place in Gangtok.
Moreover, there are also festivals like the Sikkim Red Panda Winter Festival, Gangtok Food and Culture Festival, and others.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is special in Lachen?
Some of Sikkim’s most well-known tourist destinations, including Chopta Valley, Green Lake, Lachen Monastery, Kanchenjunga National Park, Rhododendron Sanctuary, and Lachung, are located in Lachen.
Is Lachen worth a visit?
It is worthwhile to visit Lachen, a peaceful town located in Sikkim, India, amid the foothills of the Himalayas. Lachen is an ideal base from which to explore nearby locations such as Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, Gurudongmar Lake, and Chopta Valley. Here are some locations in Lachen worth seeing:
Which peak is visible from Lachen?
The northern part of Lachen is made up of the nearby villages of Rabom, Chaten, Talem, Yakthang, Kalep, Samdong, and Thangu. In Lachen, there are footpaths that go to the most stunning peak, Mt. Sinolchu, and the highest mountain peak in the nation, Mt. Khangchendzonga.
How many days are enough for Lachen?
The Lachen Lachung journey from Gangtok takes 3 days, and during that time you will get the best possible views of Yumthang Valley, the Teesta River, and one of the tallest lakes, Gurudongmar Lake.
Which is better Lachen or Lachung?
In Sikkim, India, there are two stunning locations: Lachung and Lachen. Lachung is a highland town renowned for its breathtaking scenery and unspoiled beauty. Lachen is the location of the Rhododendron Sanctuary and the Lachen Monastery, which is Sikkim’s oldest monastery.
Can we see Kanchenjunga from Lachen?
The Kanchenjunga is seen from Green Lake, which is close to Lachen, Sikkim. Another excellent spot to see other Himalayan peaks is Green Lake.
Can kids go to Lachen?
Children under the age of 18 must provide their birth certificate, voter ID, or passport. The Adhar card isn’t recognized. They may visit Yumgthang and Lachen but are not permitted to go to Gurudongmar.
