Lachen is a picturesque village located in the North Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim. The village is located at an altitude of about 9,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful mountains, valleys, and forests. It is a popular tourist destination in Sikkim, especially for those looking for an offbeat and secluded holiday experience a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Lachen is also an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can go trekking, hiking, and camping in the surrounding mountains, explore the forests and valleys, and experience the thrill of snowball fights and skiing. In this article, we will recommend some of the best Tourist places to visit in Lachen during your Sikkim Trip.
Famous Tourist Places in Lachen you Should not miss during Sikkim Trip
1. Gurudongmar Lake
This lake is considered holy by both Hindus and Buddhists and is named after Guru Padmasambhava, who is believed to have visited the lake in the 8th century. The lake is fed by glaciers and is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan Mountains, including the Kanchenjunga range. The lake remains frozen for most of the year, except for a few months in the summer when it thaws and becomes accessible to visitors. Gurudongmar Lake is known for its stunning beauty and serene environment. The lake’s crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a breathtaking sight for travellers and being considered one of the most tourist places to visit in Lachen.
Timings: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Trip Duration: Trekking time will take 4 – 5 hours
2. Chopta Valley
This valley is a paradise for nature lovers and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Chopta valley is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rhododendron, primula, blue poppy, Himalayan bear, musk deer, and the elusive snow leopard that make one of the top sightseeing in Lachen. Visitors can take a trek to the valley from Lachen, which is the nearest town, located about 75 km away. The trek passes through beautiful forests, waterfalls, and meadows and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a trek through the valley, explore the forests, and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Timings: No opening and closing time
Trip Duration: Trekking time will take 4 – 5 days
3. Lachen Monastery
This monastery is a must-visit destination for those interested in Buddhism, history, and culture. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and opportunities for spiritual exploration, Lachen Monastery offers a unique and unforgettable holiday experience. Visitors can explore the monastery, interact with the monks, and learn about their culture and traditions. The monastery also hosts an annual festival called “Chaam” which attracts visitors from all over the region and is held in the month of December. The festival is a colourful and lively affair, with masked dancers performing traditional dances, accompanied by music and chants.
Timings: 05:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Trip Duration: 4 – 5 hours
4. Thangu Valley
The valley is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rhododendron, primula, blue poppy, Himalayan bear, musk deer, and the elusive snow leopard. Visitors can take a trek to the valley from Lachen, which is the nearest town, located about 30 km away. The trek passes through beautiful forests, waterfalls, and meadows and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is considered the main Tourist Places to visit in Lachen.
Apart from its natural beauty, Thangu Valley is also known for its cultural significance. The valley is home to the ethnic Tibetan community and offers a glimpse into their way of life and customs. Visitors can interact with the locals and learn about their traditional practices, such as yak herding and weaving.
Timings: No opening and closing time
Trip Duration: 4 – 5 Hours
5. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
This is a popular destination among nature lovers, botanists, and photographers. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is known for its wide variety of rhododendron species, including the famous Rhododendron Niveum or the snow-white rhododendron, which is the state flower of Sikkim. Visitors can take a leisurely walk through the sanctuary and enjoy the stunning scenery and the beautiful blooms of the rhododendron flowers.
Timings: No opening and closing time
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 Hours
6. Lachung
This is a scenic village and home to several tourist attractions, including the Lachung Monastery, which is a prominent Buddhist monastery known for its unique architecture and beautiful surroundings. The monastery is home to several ancient relics, including prayer flags, prayer wheels, and murals, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in Buddhist culture and history. Lachung is also home to several hot springs, including the Yumthang Hot Springs and the Tseten Tso Hot Springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties and are popular among visitors for their therapeutic benefits.
Timings: No opening and closing time
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 Hours
7. Katao Valley
This is a small hamlet located about 30 km from Lachen. The hamlet is known for its scenic beauty, snow-capped mountains, and tranquillity. Visitors can take a trek through the snow-covered terrain, enjoy the beautiful views, and experience the thrill of snowball fights and skiing. Katao is known for its adventure activities, including skiing and snowboarding, which can be enjoyed during the winter months when the valley is covered in snow which makes it the most famous tourist attraction in Lachen. Visitors can also enjoy trekking and hiking in the valley, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys that will make this sightseeing one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Lachen.
Timings: No opening and closing time
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 Hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. To explore Lachen and its surroundings fully, it is recommended to plan a trip for at least 2 to 3 days. However, the duration of the trip can be extended based on the activities and destinations you wish to include in your itinerary.
A. Lachen is located at a distance of approximately 118 kilometres from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. The journey from Gangtok to Lachen takes around 5 to 6 hours by road and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
A. Lachen is famous for its natural beauty, cultural significance, and adventure activities. The village is located in the North Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Lachen is a massively underrated location in Sikkim that definitely needs to be on your bucket list if you want to complete the whole of Sikkim this year, or anytime soon. Our experienced travel agents can prepare a customized Sikkim travel package for all types of tours that can cover the essential locations! Contact us today for Lachen and other Sikkim travel packages for families that will be prepared for you!
