Lachung is a renowned tourist destination in Sikkim that is located at an elevation of 9600 feet above the sea level. The natural beauty of Lachung attracts tourists from all over India. The panoramic vistas attracts tourists from all over India to enjoy their leisure time amidst nature.
Besides being a paradise for nature lovers, there is also a rich cultural heritage that attracts a number of pilgrims and spiritual seekers to travel to Lachung and explore its rich cultural past. Lachung offers a pleasant weather in between the months of Match to July, when the village is relatively warm and dry.
The rhododendrons filled site mesmerizes the tourists. You can also enjoy their local cuisines and wide array of tastes.
Here are the Top 10 Places to visit in Lachung:
- Yumthang Valley
- Lachung Monastery
- Chopta Valley
- Zero Point
- Thangu Valley
- Green Lake
- Bhim Nala Falls
- Lachen
- Naga Falls
- Chungthang
Table of Contents
Yumthang Valley
Yumthang valley is a picturesque place that is considered as a sanctuary of flowers and is surrounded by grazing pasture, hot springs and river flowing. The serene environment at Yumthang valley attracts a number of tourists each year especially during the blooming season of the flowers in the valley. However, the fall season, when the colour changes, the valley also offers a mesmerizing view to the visitors.
Yumthang Valley Travel Tips
The best time to visit Yumthang valley is during the blooming period that is from March to June. During the months of September to November, one can experience clear skies and a pleasant weather.
You can also witness the beauty of the fall season that is between October to December and during the months of December to February that shows a snow-covered scenario. You must also ensure obtaining the necessary permits to travel to Yumthang valley without facing any hassle.
Yumthang Valley Facts
In Yumthang valley, there are number of different flower that blooms in Yumthang valley such as primulas, poppies, cobra lilies, lousewords, irises and rhododendrons. A British botanist, Joseph Dalton Hooker, in his Himalayan Journal had compared Yumthang valley with valley of Switzerland, highlighting the scenic beauty.
Main Highlights
In Yumthang valley, there is a collection of over 24 species of rhododendrons. Moreover, this valley is also considered to be a natural sanctuary that helps in conserving the natural flora and fauna of the region to ensure existence of the picturesque landscape.
Also Read: Must Visit offbeat Places in Sikkim
Lachung Monastery
Lachung Monastery or Lachung “Samten Choling” Monastery is a Nyingma Buddhist Gompa that was established back in the year 1850 during the iron-dog year XIVth Rabjung cycle. The monastery has a colorful architecture and also has a two-storey prayer hall.
Lachung Monastery Travel Tips
The best time to visit Lachung monastery is between March to May when the weather remains pleasant and the flowers bloom. This season is also ideal for sightseeing and exploration. The monastery is open to the public from 7 am till 7 pm and is absolutely free to enter. This monastery is situated at a distance of 900 meters that will take only 5 minutes to drive from the center of Lachung.
Lachung Monastery Facts
Some of the treasure that this Gompa holds includes statues of Buddha, a Guru, Chenrezig made of copper along with Tengyur and Kangyur texts were brought from Tibet. This treasure helped in flourishing Dharma of the Nyingmapa Sect of Buddhism. The Lamas back in 1983 has remodelled this Gompa to help in celebrating major ceremonies like the Annual Mask Dance.
Main Highlights
Lachung monastery has a statue of Buddha in it that attracts the people to visit this monastery. The ancient statues and unique wall murals grabs the attention of the visitors. The monastery also organizes religious dance festivals on 28th and 29th day of the 10th Buddhist month which is December
Chopta Valley
Chopta valley is another beautiful tourist attraction that is near Lachung. Chopta valley is situated amidst snow capped mountains. This valley is situated at an elevation of 4000 meter above the sea level. During the summer season, the stunning alpine flowers offers a colorful hue to the valley that pleases the tourists. The panoramic vistas surrounding the valley attracts the tourists to visit this destination across different parts of India.
Chopta Valley Travel Tips
The best time to visit Chopta valley is during the months of May and June, when the weather stays ideal for you to witness the stunning scenery developed by the wild flowers. The distance between Lachung and Chopta valley is 33.5 km and will take a travel time of 1 hour and 19 minutes to reach the place.
Chopta Valley Facts
Chopta valley is situated on the way towards Gurudongmar lake, which is a high altitude lake that is considered sacred by Sikhs and Buddhists. This place also serves as the last dense vegetation point, which also offers a scenic contrast.
Main Highlights
Chopta valley offers you the chance to experience camping amidst the serene beauty and offer you a stunning view of the Himalayas. This valley also serves as a base to different trekking trails that are moderately challenging. People also visit this place top experience the rich biodiversity and mesmerizing mountain views.
Zero Point
Zero Point is also known as Yume Samdong that is situated at an altitude of 15300 feet above the sea level and is also said to be the last outpost of civilisation. The enchanting beauty of the scenery offers a pleasant experience top the visitors.
Zero Point Travel Tips
If you are planning to visit Zero Point, then you must ensure collecting the permits beforehand, as the area is near to the international border of China and India. Tourists with breathing problem needs to arrange for oxygen supply, as the oxygen density at such high altitude is low.
Zero Point Facts
The reason behind calling the place Zero Point is because there are no civilian roads after this point. You must also carry necessary medicines with you as there is scarcity of medical supplies in such less populated area.
Main Highlights
In Zero Point, you can witness the confluence of three rivers, Lachung Chu, Lachen Chu and Teesta river called Triveni Sangam. In most time of the year, the place remained covered with snow and offers you a scenic journey while reaching the point.
Also Read : Locations in Sikkim to not Miss
Thangu Valley
Thangu valley or Thangu Chopta valley is an amazing place to visit that is located in North Sikkim, Mangan District and is situated at an altitude of 3962 meters above the sea level. The valley is surrounded by alpine meadows and the shimmering water of River Teesta enhances the beauty of the valley.
Thangu Valley Travel Tips
The best time to visit Thangu valley is between the months of May and June, when one can see the blooming alpine flowers in the valley. The summer months are considered suitable to travel, as the roads are then accessible. Thangu valley is situated at a distance of 32 km from Lachen, which will take around 1 hour and 7 minutes to reach.
Thangu Valley Facts
Thangu valley has a number of nomadic tribes and has a toral number of around 1000 residents. Being located at such a high altitude, you will find the area covered in snow in most of the time.
Main Highlights
In most times of the year, this valley is covered with snow, especially between the month of October to March. The valley is visited by tourists for short treks and trekking in this region lets you walk past the scenic routes.
Green Lake
Green lake is a tourist attraction situated in North Sikkim that is situated at an altitude of 1437 meters above the sea level. The place offers a scenic view to the visitors along with the majestic mountain peaks including Kanchenjunga. The trekking path to Green lake is loved by adventure enthusiasts as the road has rocky terrains, dense forest and meadows of rhododendrons, primulas and poppies.
Green Lake Travel Tips
The best time to visit Green lake is between the months of March and May, when the climate stays pleasant and you can also see full blooming rhododendrons while trekking to the lake.
Green Lake Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth of the Lake | 195 feet |
| Trek Starting Point | Zema |
| Trek Duration | 7 to 9 days to reach the destination |
Main Highlights
During your trek to Green lake, you will travel through Talem, Yabuk, Jakthang, Mount Simvo and Mount Siniolchu. You can camp near the Green lake and enjoy the serene and peaceful ambience that surrounds the lake.
Bhim Nala Falls
Bhim Nala falls is a spectacular waterfall that is located near Khedum village which is situated near Lachung in the North Sikkim. You can locate this waterfalls on the Chungthang-Lacghung road and this waterfall is also known as Amitabh Bachchan waterfall, because of the height from which the water falls in the form of a three stage waterfall.
Bhim Nala Falls Travel Tips
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | Between the months of October and March |
| Entry Fee | Rs 10 |
Bhim Nala Falls Facts
Bhim Nala falls is the highest waterfall in Sikkim, which is around 70 feet that creates a wonderful view of cascading water helps in offering you a picturesque landscape.
Also read: Tourist Places around Sikkim
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lachung famous for?
Lachung, renowned for its picturesque beauty and rich Sikkimese culture, is a charming village known for its five-season appearance and British explorer Joseph Dalton Hooker’s 1855 reference.
Is it worth visiting Lachung?
Yes, Lahung is a little town that is worth a visit by the tourists due to its calm and serene environment and is also located at a close proximity to the Tibet border. The panoramic vistas that you will be witnessing at this destination will cherish your trip.
Which month is best to visit Lachung?
The best month to visit Lachung is between the months of March and May, when you will find a pleasant weather that is ideal for sight seeing.
Which is more beautiful Pelling or Lachung?
Lachung is comparatively more scenic as compared to Pelling because of its natural and untouched beauty. Pelling also offers some scenic views and majestic panorama of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Do we need permit to visit Lachung?
Yes, permits are required to visit in Lachung as it is a sensitive area for being at a close proximity to the China border. Indians can visit Lachung by acquiring Protected Area Permit (PAP).
Can we go directly from Lachung to Pelling?
Yes, one can go directly from Lachung to Pelling by driving a distance of 164 km that will take around 6 hours and 36 minutes to reach the destination via car.
