Lachen is a small and charming village nestled in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2750 meters. It is one of the most beautiful and unexplored places in North Sikkim that will mesmerize you with its natural beauty, tranquility, and hospitality. Lachen is not just a village, but a gateway to some of the most spectacular attractions and activities in the region. From the sacred Gurudongmar Lake to the scenic Chopta Valley, from the adventurous Thangu Valley to the ancient Lachen Monastery, Lachen has something for everyone.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a cultural immersion, or an adrenaline rush, Lachen will not disappoint you. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Lachen, including the best places to see, things to do, time to visit, accommodation options, and travel tips.
Places to See at Lachen
Lachen is surrounded by some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in North Sikkim. Here are some of the places that you must see when you visit Lachen:
1. Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest and holiest lakes in India. It is located at an altitude of 5180 meters near the Indo-China border. The lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava, who is said to have blessed the lake and made a part of it never freeze even in winter. The lake is revered by Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus alike. The lake offers a breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains and the blue sky. The lake is also home to some rare wildlife such as yaks, blue sheep, and migratory birds.
2. Chopta Valley
Chopta Valley is a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. It is located at an altitude of 4023 meters between Thangu Valley and Gurudongmar Lake. The valley is known for its lush green meadows, colorful flowers, crystal clear streams, and exotic birds. The valley is also a popular trekking destination as it offers some of the best views of the Himalayan peaks such as Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Narsingh, etc. You will need a permit from the forest department to visit Chopta Valley as it is part of the Khangchendzonga National Park.
3. Thangu Valley
Thangu Valley is a picturesque and peaceful valley that serves as a base for many alpine lakes and glaciers. It is located at an altitude of 4100 meters and is about 30 km from Lachen. The valley is inhabited by the Lachenpas, a tribe of Tibetan origin who follow Buddhism and have a unique culture and lifestyle.
4. Lachen Monastery
Lachen Monastery is an ancient and sacred monastery that is a prominent religious site in Lachen. It is located on a hilltop overlooking the village and was built in the 19th century by Lama Karchen Dorje Drak. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism and houses many statues, paintings, scriptures, and relics of Guru Padmasambhava, who is revered as the second Buddha by the Tibetans.
Also read: A day in Lachen, North Sikkim
Things to Do in Lachen
Lachen is not only a place to see, but also a place to do. There are many things that you can do in Lachen that will make your trip more memorable and exciting. Here are some of the things that you can do in Lachen:
1. Trekking
Trekking is one of the most popular and thrilling activities that you can do in Lachen. Lachen offers some of the best trekking trails and routes in North Sikkim that will challenge your stamina, endurance, and courage. You can trek to some of the most amazing places such as Gurudongmar Lake, Chopta Valley, Thangu Valley, Muguthang Valley, Tso Lhamo Lake, Green Lake, etc.
2. Camping
Camping is another fun and adventurous activity that you can do in Lachen. Camping in Lachen allows you to experience the nature and culture of Lachen more closely and intimately. You can camp in some of the most beautiful and serene locations such as Chopta Valley, Thangu Valley, Muguthang Valley, etc. You can also enjoy the starry night sky, the fresh air, the bonfire, and the local cuisine.
3. Wildlife Spotting
Lachen is home to some of the most diverse and rich wildlife in North Sikkim. You can spot some of the rare and endangered species such as yaks, blue sheep, snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan black bears, Tibetan wolves, etc. You can also see some of the beautiful and colorful birds such as monal pheasants, blood pheasants, Himalayan griffons, lammergeiers, etc.
Best Time to Visit Lachen
Lachen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Each season has its own charm and attractions but also its own challenges and drawbacks.
Spring: Spring is the best time to visit Lachen if you want to see the valley of flowers.
Summer: Summer is the best time to visit Lachen if you want to avoid the cold and snow.
Autumn: Autumn is the best time to visit Lachen if you want to see the clear views of the mountains.
Winter: Winter is the best time to visit Lachen if you want to see the snow and ice.
Accommodation in Lachen
Lachen has a limited but decent range of accommodation options for tourists. You can find some hotels, resorts, homestays, etc. that offer comfortable and affordable rooms with basic amenities such as bed, bathroom, heater, TV, etc. You can also find some luxury and premium options that offer additional amenities such as Wi-Fi, restaurant, spa, etc. You can also find some camping sites that offer tents, sleeping bags, mats, etc. for a more adventurous stay.
How to Reach Lachen
Lachen is well-connected by road from different parts of India but not by air or rail. You can reach Lachen by following these steps:
By Air: The nearest airport to Lachen is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal which is about 200 km away. You can take a flight from any major city in India to Bagdogra Airport and then take a taxi or a bus to Lachen which will take about 6 hours.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Lachen is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in West Bengal which is about 190 km away. You can take a train from any major city in India to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and then take a taxi or a bus to Lachen which will take about 5 hours.
By Road: You can take a taxi or a bus from any nearby city or town in Sikkim or West Bengal to Lachen which will take about 4 hours from Gangtok (120 km), 3 hours from Mangan (60 km), or 2 hours from Chungthang (30 km).
Lachen is a hidden gem in North Sikkim that will take your breath away with its stunning views, thrilling adventures, and rich culture. It is a place that will make you feel alive and happy. It is a place that you will never forget. If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, then Lachen is the perfect destination for you.
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Lachen now!
Also read: Splendours Of Sikkim- Exploring North And East Sikkim