The northeastern wonder of India — Sikkim — is a paradise that blends Himalayan beauty, vibrant Buddhist culture, and untouched mountain serenity. Among its many treasures, the twin villages of Lachung and Lachen stand out as two of the most breathtaking destinations. These snow-clad hamlets, perched high in the North Sikkim district, serve as gateways to some of the most stunning natural landscapes — from Gurudongmar Lake to Yumthang Valley, and beyond.
Whether you’re a wanderer seeking peace, an adventure enthusiast chasing high-altitude thrills, or a photographer longing for pristine Himalayan frames — Lachung and Lachen are among the most beautiful villages in Sikkim and all of Northeast India.
🌿 About Lachung & Lachen – The Twin Himalayan Gems
Located in North Sikkim, Lachung and Lachen are small, picture-perfect mountain villages nestled at altitudes ranging between 8,500 to 9,000 feet.
- Lachung means “small pass” in the local Bhutia language and is famous for its apple orchards, waterfalls, and as the base for Yumthang Valley — the Valley of Flowers.
- Lachen, translating to “big pass”, is the serene gateway to the sacred Gurudongmar Lake and the remote Chopta Valley.
the Lachung and Lachen Both villages are surrounded by snow-covered peaks, alpine forests, and glacial rivers that make them look straight out of a postcard.
These Lachung and Lachen is villages are not just scenic destinations — they are the cultural heart of Sikkim’s highlands, where you can witness the traditional lifestyle of the Lachenpas and Lachungpas, local tribes known for their hospitality, ancient customs, and close-knit community life.
📍 Table of Contents
- 🌿 About Lachung & Lachen
- 🏞️ Places to Visit in Lachung & Lachen
- 🏔️ Inside the North Sikkim Area
- 🌸 Nearby Attractions of Lachung and Lachen
- 🗓️ Best Time to Visit Sikkim’s Mountain Villages
- 💰 Travel Permits & Entry Guidelines of Lachung and Lachen
- 🎒 Travel Tips for Sikkim
- 🌍 Why Visit Lachung & Lachen
- 🏔️ Final Thoughts of Lachung and Lachen
🏞️ Places to Visit in Lachung & Lachen
🌸 Yumthang Valley – The Valley of Flowers
Just 25 km from Lachung, Yumthang Valley is one of the most spectacular sights in North Sikkim. During spring (April to June), the valley bursts into a sea of colors with over 24 species of rhododendrons blooming across the hills.
- Altitude: 11,800 ft
- Highlights: Rhododendron Sanctuary, Teesta River view, snow peaks
- Best Time: April to June for flowers; December to February for snow
❄️ Gurudongmar Lake
One of the highest lakes in the world, Gurudongmar sits at a staggering 17,800 ft near the Indo-China border. It is revered by Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus alike and is believed to have been blessed by Guru Padmasambhava.
- Location: 66 km from Lachen
- Attraction: Crystal-clear blue waters that remain partially unfrozen even in winter
- Tip: Due to the high altitude, start early morning from Lachen (around 4 AM) to avoid harsh winds and oxygen drop.
🏡 Lachung Village
A quaint riverside village surrounded by apple orchards, monasteries, and mist-covered peaks. The Lachung Monastery, built in 1880, offers panoramic views of the mountains.
- Don’t Miss: Lachung Monastery, Bhim Nala Waterfall, and Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary.
- Stay: Wooden homestays and eco-lodges run by locals.
🏔️ Lachen Village
Quieter and less commercialized than Lachung, Lachen offers raw Himalayan beauty and serves as the base for Gurudongmar Lake.
- Highlights: Lachen Monastery, Chopta Valley, and serene mountain walks.
- Cultural Note: Attend local festivals like Lhabab Duchen or Losar to experience Sikkimese traditions.
🏔️ Inside the North Sikkim Area
🌄 Chopta Valley
Located near Lachen, Chopta Valley is known for its frozen rivers, snow-laden mountains, and colorful prayer flags fluttering against the icy wind. During spring, the valley transforms into a carpet of wildflowers.
- Altitude: 13,200 ft
- Best for: Snow activities, photography, and serene walks.
🌉 Bhim Nala & Naga Waterfalls
Between Mangan and Lachung lie two of North Sikkim’s most powerful waterfalls. The thundering water plunges from great heights, creating misty rainbows — a sight straight from a fairy tale.
- Bhim Nala Waterfall: Also called Amitabh Bachchan Falls due to its towering height.
- Naga Waterfall: A scenic spot often included in North Sikkim road trips.
🕍 Monasteries
- Lachung Monastery: Perched above the village, it’s a tranquil place surrounded by fluttering prayer flags.
- Lachen Monastery: A small but spiritually powerful gompa offering views of snow peaks and the Lachen Chu River.
🌸 Nearby Attractions
🌋 Zero Point (Yumesamdong)
Situated beyond Yumthang Valley at 15,300 ft, Zero Point marks the end of the civilian road. The area remains covered in snow for most of the year.
- Experience: Snow play, breathtaking Himalayan views, yak sightings.
- Tip: Carry warm clothes; temperatures can drop below freezing even in daytime.
🦋 Katao
Known as the “Switzerland of Sikkim,” Katao is about 24 km from Lachung. During winter, it turns into a white wonderland covered in snow.
- Note: Requires a separate permit.
- Ideal for: Snow sports and mountain photography.
🕉️ Chungthang
A small town where the Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu rivers meet to form the Teesta River. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava rested here, blessing the land.
- Attractions: Guru Padmasambhava rock shrine, local monasteries.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Lachung & Lachen
🌿 March – June: The “Best Time” for Flowers and Scenic Beauty
- Weather: Pleasant, with clear skies and cool temperatures (10°C – 20°C).
- Highlights: Rhododendron bloom, Yumthang Valley in full color, great time for photography and outdoor activities.
❄️ October – February: The “Best Time” for Snow and Serenity
- Weather: Cold and snowy; temperatures often drop below freezing.
- Experience: Snow-covered landscapes, frozen rivers, Gurudongmar Lake’s magical blue ice.
- Crowds: Fewer tourists; ideal for solitude and peace.
🌧️ July – September: Monsoon Closure
- Weather: Heavy rainfall and frequent landslides.
- Advice: Not recommended for travel due to poor road conditions and limited visibility.
💰 Travel Permits & Entry Guidelines of Lachung and Lachen
Since Lachung and Lachen, and Gurudongmar Lake are close to the Indo-China border, permits are mandatory for all visitors.
- For Indians:
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) can be obtained through your hotel, travel agent, or the Tourism Office in Gangtok.
- Requires valid ID proof and passport-sized photos.
- For Foreign Nationals:
- Need both ILP and Protected Area Permit (PAP).
- Can be arranged through registered tour operators.
🕓 Permit Timings: Usually issued for 2–5 days and verified at army check-posts en route.
🎒 Travel Tips for Visiting Lachung & Lachen
🧳 1. Carry Warm Layers, Always
Even in summer, nights can get freezing at high altitudes. Carry thermals, gloves, woolens, and good trekking shoes. of the Lachung and Lachen
📸 2. Photography Essentials
Bring a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a zoom lens for capturing distant peaks or wildlife like yaks and Himalayan birds. also Lachung and Lachen
🧘 3. Acclimatize Before Going to Gurudongmar
Stay one night at Lachen before ascending to Gurudongmar Lake to avoid altitude sickness. Carry hydration salts and drink plenty of water.
🕉️ 4. Respect Local Customs
Sikkim’s mountain communities are deeply spiritual. Always remove shoes before entering monasteries and avoid touching sacred objects.
🍲 5. Try Local Cuisine
Don’t miss Thukpa (noodle soup), Phagshapa (pork stew), Momos, and Butter Tea — simple but delicious mountain food that keeps you warm.
🚗 6. Road Journey Tips
The drive from Gangtok to Lachung and Lachen (around 6–8 hours) is scenic but bumpy. Roads can be rough, so motion sickness medication is advisable.
⚠️ 7. Mobile Network & ATM
- Only BSNL and Jio have limited connectivity.
- ATMs are scarce beyond Mangan, so carry cash.
🌍 Why Visit Lachung & Lachen in North Sikkim
✨ 1. Gateway to Himalayan Heaven
These villages give you access to the raw, untouched beauty of the Eastern Himalayas — snow peaks, waterfalls, and alpine meadows all in one region.
🐅 2. Rare Wildlife & Flora
Spot Himalayan blue sheep, yaks, snow pigeons, and rare rhododendrons that paint the valley in 24 colors every spring.
📸 3. Perfect for Photography & Peace
From misty monasteries to the shimmering Gurudongmar Lake, every corner of Lachung and Lachen is a picture waiting to happen.
🙏 4. Spiritual Significance
The lake and monasteries hold sacred importance for Buddhists and Hindus, offering an aura of peace and divine tranquility.
🚙 5. Road Trip Adventure
The winding mountain roads, river crossings, and waterfalls along the route make it one of India’s most thrilling Himalayan drives.
💖 6. Authentic Sikkimese Culture Lachung and Lachen
Witness traditional wood houses, local festivals, and the warm hospitality of the mountain people — a true cultural experience.
🌿 Other Hidden Gems in North Sikkim
- Phuni Valley: A peaceful meadow near Lachen, perfect for camping and stargazing.
- Tso Lhamo Lake: Further north of Gurudongmar, this lake is one of the sources of the Teesta River (requires special permission).
- Seven Sisters Waterfall (on the way to Mangan): A breathtaking series of cascades, a must-stop for photographers.
- Singhik View Point: Offers a panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu.
🏔️ Final Thoughts – The Call of the Himalayas and Lachung and Lachen
Lachung and Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake together form the soul of North Sikkim — a place where time slows down, the air smells of pine and prayer, and every sunrise paints the mountains gold.
The journey here is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about feeling the Himalayas — their peace, their power, and their purity.
As you sip butter tea overlooking snow-clad peaks, you’ll realize why Sikkim remains one of the most magical corners of India — untouched, unhurried, and unforgettable.
If you’re searching for a destination that combines spirituality, adventure, and natural grandeur — the villages of Lachung and Lachen, and the divine Gurudongmar Lake, should top your travel bucket list.
🌏✨
“Sikkim is not a place you visit. It’s a place that stays with you forever.”
⭐ Overall Review: Lachung & Lachen | North Sikkim
Spiritual & Cultural Experience: 9/10
Scenic Beauty: 10/10
Adventure & Road Journey: 9/10
Accessibility: 7/10 (reachable via Gangtok – requires special permits; road is long but extremely scenic)
Accommodation & Facilities: 8/10
Weather & Season Comfort: 8.5/10
Peace & Serenity: 10/10
🌄 Verdict:
Lachung and Lachen are twin Himalayan treasures that capture the untouched charm of North Sikkim. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, alpine forests, and crystal rivers, these villages offer an authentic mountain experience far from city life.
From the colorful Yumthang Valley and sacred Gurudongmar Lake to the peaceful monasteries and warm local hospitality, every moment here feels pure and rejuvenating. Though the journey is challenging due to rugged mountain roads and high altitude, the reward is beyond imagination — pristine nature, soulful calm, and a true taste of Himalayan beauty.