About Lachen Tourism
Lachen, located in the North Sikkim, is a quaint hideout perfect for those who desire a bit of adventure and peace at the same time. This beautiful little town lies at a height of 8,500 feet and is dotted with forests of rhododendron and conifers that offer marvelous views of the mighty Himalayan range, many snow-capped peaks, rocky cliffs, and even glaciers. Also, there are some best places to explore in Lachen, such as the holy Gurudongmar Lake, Tso Lhamo Lake, and the beautiful Chopta Valley.
Lachen is the land of Lachenpas, a Sikkimese Bhutia tribe. Its culture and traditions have strong Himalayan influences. Lachen monastery, which belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism, adds to the natural charms of the village. The local ladies' handicraft center, where they weave traditional blankets and carpets, gives one a peek into the culture and work of the people.
There are some top things to do in Lachen for trekkers. In the rest of the east Himalayas, trekkers could explore Green Lake, Chopta Valley, and Kanchenjunga National Park, which has some untouched portions. One can also experience the untouched beauty of Eastern Himalayan lush verdant flora forests and mountains. Furthermore, the road to sacred Gurudongmar Lake, one of the topmost lakes in the world, goes through white, shiny peaks standing high and tall. One more scenic drive takes you to Thangu, yes, another serene village located 30 km from Lachen, which is engulfed with flowering beauty in the summer and monsoon.
Additionally, although the place has been developed over the years, and with it, a certain degree of commercialism has been inculcated into it, Lachen still holds its old charm. A remarkable aspect about the town is its rugged simplicity—wooden huts, cattle dotted about, and winding hills with a few narrow lanes connecting them. Most of the towns have transformed to modernity, and with appropriate development, most of the harmony-maintained natural state has been defended. The best time to stroll around the village, for instance, is very early in the morning or late in the evening simply because of the atmosphere one is able to enjoy with the soft, cloudy, dry mountains and the clouds in the beautiful sky above.
This rustic charm of Lachen is further enhanced by the abundant warm-heartedness and genuine brotherhood that its inhabitants portray. The village homestays offer a true-life exposure to the local life and an original warmth of its residents. Other than that, there is hardly anything to shop at on the back, but the natural beauty and quiet serenity make up plenty for it.
Lachen is appealing for its primitiveness in natural appeal and old-timey culture. Also, there are other significant tourist destinations as well as trekking courses. Visitors will either experience the thrill of adventure or serenity, but one way or another leave this beautiful Himalayan destination with memories to last a lifetime. Lachen is not a tourist spot but an escape from the world with no more than mother nature to soothe your soul away from worldly distractions. It is worth visiting Lachen in Sikkim.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Lachen
Lachen is one of the must-visit places in Sikkim and it boasts magnificent mountainous scenery, peaceful green meadows and foggy hills. It is calm and quiet, and not much inhabited which guarantees comfort and peace, away from the noise of the cities. Ideal for a quiet holiday, the main appeal of Lachen is its unspoiled beauty and access to other famous attractions in Sikkim. Some of the popular tourist destinations in Lachen are as follows:
- Gurudongmar Lake
- Tso Lhamo Lake
- Thangu Valley
- Lachen Monastery
- Chopta Valley
- Lhonak or Muguthang Valley
Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake is located within the Kanchenjunga range. This area is of great importance to the practice of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism. The lake named after Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have been covered with ice by God in the 8th century A.D. The lake does not freeze over even during severe winters. People visit its tranquil splendor, which is compounded by the beautiful peaks of Mount Siniolchu and Kanchenjunga. This lies in Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve, which is also an important water source for the residents. Sikkim is also home to Tso Lhamo Lake, which serves another purpose for trekking elevation with its picturesque views and clear blue water.
Tso Lhamo Lake
Tso Lhamo Lake, which is also referred to as Cholamu Lake, is one of the highest lakes in India at an elevation of 5330 meters above sea level. It is positioned in the northern part of Sikkim, close to the Indo-China territory. Set amidst the serene, snow-capped Himalayas, this mesmerizing lake with its unblemished surface of cobalt blue water sits seamlessly under an equally dark, sullen skyline. As it is in a delicate place, reaching there is quite impossible, but special entry through passes has also been arranged. This lake is very much valued by the inhabitants here, but on the other hand, it is also a paradise for trekkers and photographers who have been coming across this place in wide numbers in the hope of spotting rare leopards or migratory birds.
Thangu Valley
Thangu Valley, which is in the Northern Sikkim Himalayas, is one such place that has managed to capture the hearts of a number of tourists, trekkers, and even bird watchers who are en route towards Guru Dongmar Lake. The valley filled with snow-clad mountains, a varied range of lovely orchids, and serene green forests welcomes all nature lovers with open arms. It is a must-visit place in Lachen while on a Lachen, Sikkim tour.The remote town of Thangu also provides relief from extreme summer heat, which makes the interiors of the country unbearably hot. Even at such altitudes where there are army cantonments, the valley seeks in visitors to appreciate the scenery and immerse in the culture. Because it is a very strategic region due to the border, no one can simply roam around without permits.
Lachen Monastery
Lachen Monastery, or the Lachen Gompa is one of the best places to visit in Lachen. In 1858, the beautiful monastery was built in typical Tibetan architecture and belonged to the first-ranked Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery, dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, is beautifully decorated with prayer flags and prayer wheels. Each year, colorful festivities are witnessed when the Annual Mask Dance is held on the premises. This site was initially a little shed built by Lama Karchen Dorje Drak, and today it has been transformed into an excellence known as a monastery. Also, the visitors get to see jaw-dropping views of the mountains bedecked with snow, increasing the value of this religious abode.
Chopta Valley
Lachen’sChopta Valley is a retreat located at an altitude of 4023 m along the route for visiting Gurudongmar Lake, a place perfect for people who want to get away from the modern world. With the peaceful snow-peaked mountains of the great Himalayas to the valleys, pine-wooded valleys, green meadows, and rivers, the valley is not only beautiful but also captivating. It has high and low hunting hills and their impossible rugged terrain. Conquering stunning waterfalls and calm, crystal-clear ponds becomes a dream for trekkers, hikers, and leisurely walkers. The valley hosts numerous animals and many retreat in winter and, as if in a dream, turns the valley into a blooming shelter full of colorful flowers in summer, making it a best place tosee in Lachen for both tourists and those who enjoy wildlife.
Lhonak or Muguthang Valley
Lhonak Valley, otherwise known as Muguthang, is growing into a tranquil place ideal for nature enthusiasts, which is less commercialized in its tourism. Located in North Sikkim, the valley is situated at an altitude of 14,850 feet and can be reached through hiking from Chopta Valley. There are many bird species in this region, which has vast territory with lakes, glaciers, marshy, grassland, and forest along the banks of the NakuChhu River and is rich in biodiversity. In the past, Tibetan resettlers frequented the area; however, Lhonak is still sparsely populated and is restricted as there is an Indian Army presence due to the northernmost borders, thus providing a top tourist place in Lachen for trekkers.
Best Time to Visit Lachen
The winter season is perfect for any adventure lover to visit Lachen, as Lachen experiences winter temperatures of -5°C to 15°C and offers sweeping views of snow-capped mountains.
During the summer season in Lachen, from March to June, the weather is warmer and attains a range of 10°C to 28°C, a period conducive for touring and visiting various places of interest. This period also shows activities such as the famous annual Yak Race that takes place in Thangu.
Unfortunately, with the rain comes the monsoon(July to September), which serves to limit the possibility of traveling and engaging in outdoor activities, thus proving to be least comfortable for planning a visit.
How to Reach Lachen?
First you have to get an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to reach Lachen. You can reach Lachen by air, train or road.
By Air: The nearest airport for reaching Lachen is Bagdogra in West Bengal, which lies roughly 200 km away. From there one can take a cab to Gangtok and will have to halt there for a day in order to get an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which in a travel package is generally provided by the travel agent. Next day, you can take a cab to reach Lachen.
By Train: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri located in Siliguri, W Bengal nearly 155 kilometers from Lachen. It is better to reach Gangtok and then travel to Lachen by a cab or bus.
By Road: The road networks of Lachen are well connected. It is advised to take a bus run by Sikkim State Road Transport Corporation (SSRTC) or you can also take a private cab.
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