Lachen Tourism | Lachung Travel Guide

Lachung Monastery situated in the quaint town of Lachen in North Sikkim attracts not just Buddhist followers but people of all religion and creed. This is because apart from the ancient monastery, there are many noteworthy things about Lachen. The town, at a height of 9022 ft. is replete with scenic beauty and lush green vegetation. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, away from the hustle-bustle of popular and most frequented hill stations then Lachen gets a tick in every department. Apart from Lachung monastery, other attractions include Gurudongmar and Tso Lhamu Lake.

Best time to visit Lachen?

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Unlike other places which, though beautiful, but remain inaccessible during the monsoon season, the best time to visit Lachen is during this season. The weather is extremely pleasant (150-220 C) between May and September and you can enjoy the monsoon season completely, with mild to heavy rainfall in July-September months. Though landslides might play spoilsport in your holidays! In case you wish to spend time here, away from the scorching heats of the plains, you can also witness the annual yak race (Thangu) that takes place every year in the summer season. These months are quite moderate (100-280 C) and enjoyable. During peak winters, the temperature dips quite low (50-150 C) with the Gurdongmar Lake providing a frozen look which is mesmerizing.

How to reach Lachen?

To reach Lachen, you will need to hire a cab from the nearest point of contact.

Lachung is well connected by roads which offer a spectacular view of North Sikkim. On your way to the village, you will see beautiful waterfalls that will stay with you forever. Located close to the China border, you will have to plan your visit in advance. To reach Lachung, you can opt for airways, railway or roadways.

By air : Bagdogra is the nearest airport located nearly 200 km from here. A taxi from here will take nearly 4.5 hrs. The taxi will cost you around INR 2800-3400 for this ride. Other methods of reaching Lachen from Bagdogra include reaching Siliguri by taxi (INR 260-320; 12 min.), taking a bus from Siliguri to Gangtok (INR 550-800; 4.5 hrs.) and taxi from Gangtok to Lachen (INR 1900-2300; 3 hrs.)

By train :Darjeeling is the closest railway station to Lachen (175 km) which is well connected with other places in Sikkim. New Jalpaiguri station is 195 km from Lachen which is connected with other major cities of the country. You can hire taxis or buses from the railway station to take you to Lachen.

By road : Excellent road network connects Lachen to other parts of the state. Sikkim State Road Transport Corporation (SSRTC) buses and private bus service is available to reach Lachen. Taxi service is also available to connect Gangtok to Lachen.

Major Attractions in Lachen

Pine covered trees which fill the valley, beautiful apple orchards and black cliffs which offer a stark contrast to the pristine snow-clad Eastern Himalayan Mountains are a sight which greets the tourists when they enter Lachen. It is one of the popular bases of various treks to the North Sikkim region.

1.) Trekking is one of the best things to do when in Lachen. Frozen Gurdongmar Lake and Green Lake are a sight to behold! You can trek from here to Tso Lhsmo Lake (5 km) with prior permission from the army. Breath-taking views greet you from every nook and corner. However, the weather and terrain can be quite unpredictable, so, getting a health check-up prior to venturing on an uphill trek is recommended.
2.) Lachen is a nature lover’s paradise. You can spot many exotic bird species like Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler etc. on your sightseeing.
3.) Sikkim boasts of amazing wildlife and you can view Wild Yaks, Red Panda, Musk Deer, etc. while trekking.
4.) You can visit the Rhododendron sanctuary which offers a spectacular collection of Rhododendron species, wildlife sanctuary (Kanchenjunga National Park)

What to do while in Lachen?

Though not exactly a shoppers’ paradise, you can get amazing handicrafts and woven handloom products made from yak and sheep wool-like handmade shawls, carpets, blankets, handbags, hats, bags, etc. apart from wooden articles. These can be purchased from the Handicraft Centre and Angora Rabbit Farm in the Main Market.

While in Rome, do as the Romans, goes the saying. Well, if you are in Sikkim, you should try the local delicacies which have a bit of Nepali influence. Popular dishes include Thupka, Sha Phaley, Phagshapa, and momos.

While making a trip to Lachen, it is vital that you hire a guide to show you around the place so that you gather interesting information about the town. Hire cabs for long-distance travels and explore the town on foot to avoid disturbing the fragile ecological balance of the place. While visiting monasteries, you should circle the shrine in a clockwise direction and leave a donation. Ensure that you know about local customs and follow them to have an amazingly satisfying trip.

Popular Tourist attractions in Lachen :

Lachen gives you an opportunity to celebrate the scenic beauty of picturesque spot and set all the memories for you. The fascinating Lachen is a perfect backdrop for capturing those beautiful moments you spent here. Since past few glorious years, Lachen is letting the tourist experience worthwhile which is very hard to find anywhere else. Nature loving tourist or honeymooners or adventurous people will enjoy the fresh glance of the city. Lachen attracts tourist in many ways and once you reach you will feel the sensation of the unwavering beauty of the city.