About Lachung Tourism
Lachung, a gorgeous township and hill station situated in the Mangan district of Northern Sikkim, is about 125 km from the state capital of Sikkim, Gangtok. Lachung is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Lachen River and Lachung River, the tributaries of the Teesta River. The majority of the inhabitants of this town are Lepchas and Tibetans, and the most commonly spoken languages are Nepali, Lepcha, and Bhutia.
Located in the north of the beautiful state of Sikkim, Lachung is one of the most beautiful Himalayan villages that one would have ever come across. Another factor that would stress the beauty of the village is its eroding mountains, gushing waterfalls, fruit-laden lush green valleys, and glacial rivers. This small but fascinating place does not disappoint any kind of traveler, whether one is a tourist, honeymooner, nature lover, photographer, or adventure seeker with a promise of creating unforgettable memories.
Lachung is located at an altitude of 8,600 ft, enabling it to feature on the travel plans of most visitors when it comes to Sikkim tourism, most especially those on a journey to the popular Yumthang Valley or Zero Point. The inherent beauty of the village, which includes bright-colored fruit orchards, clear water streams, and deep blue rivers set against the background of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, places it among the picture-perfect locations in North East India.
Known throughout the Himalayas as one of the most picturesque places, the village of Lachung has an impressive view that appeals to every visitor in no time. Member of the Family Travel Club, Lachung is surrounded by high mountain ranges, flowing waterfalls, fruit orchards, and rivers filled with glaciers; it is indeed a traveler’s paradise for every kind of traveler. No matter if one is on a vacation, a honeymoon, a dabbler in nature photography, a daredevil, or just keeping it quaint, the town engraves for good and, in some cases, for a lifetime.
Lachung is one of the most populated villages in Sikkim State. Lachung is blessed with natural beauty: deep coal-black fruit tree gardens, clear bubbling streams, and jade rivers juxtaposed against a backdrop of towering snow-capped Himalayas, making it one of the most beautiful villages in North-East India. So to escape the craziness of the city, a lot of people come here with the hopes of finding nature and relaxation instead.
Adventure lovers have an equally wider scope of fun in Lachung. One of the top things to do in Lachung are adventure activities such as trekking and snow sports. One such trekking center is Zero Point, or Yumesamdong, where trekkers come across breathtaking sights of greenery and raw geography. For the people who love snow sports like skiing, snow tubing, and snowboarding, another place that comes to their rescue is Mount Katao.
A part from that, there is beauty in the mountains as well as leisure activities in Lachung that invite the attention of the travelers who want to delve deeper into the ethnic and cultural aspect of the place.
Weather wise, the climatic conditions, attractions such as adventure, and cultural experiences in Lachung are interesting, cooperatively summing up the reasons as to why the place is rated among the top tourist destinations in Sikkim. This experience is enhanced with the picturesque green valleys, soothing waterfalls, scenic views filled with red rhododendron trees, and many other things for peace-loving adventure-oriented nature lovers with even an iota of respect for nature. Lachung will offer magical snow-covered landscapes in the great ranges of the Himalayas. It is worth visiting Lachung in Sikkim.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Lachung
Lachung is one of the must-visit places in Sikkim. It is blessed with several offbeat places like Mangan, Thangu, and Lachen. Go for treks to breathtaking places such as Green Lake and Mt. Katao, or seek Sikkim's wonders deep inside its gorgeous monasteries. The city life is miles apart and does not exist in the traditional sense. Thus, the impressive landscapes and calm atmosphere in Lachung turn out to be an ideal place for a natural and a relaxing, yet fun-filled holiday. Some of the popular tourist destinations are as follows:
- Naga Falls
- Bhim Nala Falls or Bhewma Falls
- Zero Point
- Yumthang Valley
- Lachung Monastery
- Chungthang Valley
- Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Mt. Katao
Naga Falls
Naga Falls is a beautiful multi-layered waterfall situated in North Sikkim, approximately 34 km away from the township of Lachung and a further distance of 82 km from the capital city Gangtok along Gangtok-Chungthang road. This place draws vibrantly clear water. The main fall which is behind the road, can also be accessed by visitors who have the strength to follow the rugged terrain leading to the fall's edge. This is a breathtaking sight at all times, however, during the rainy season it turned even more appealing but hazardous due to excessive blasting water. For tourists, Naga Falls remains one of the best places to visit in Lachung.
Bhim Nala Falls or Bhewma Falls
Bhim Nala Falls which is also known as the Amitabh Bachchan Falls because of its immense height, is one of the tallest waterfalls in Sikkim. It is situated 13 kilometers away from Lachung in Khedum village, and therefore one of the top tourist places in Lachung. The waterfall drops from a high mountain in three stages, thereby producing a loud, stunning sound which people can hear from a distance. The silver water sparkles as it drops. The mist and the few splashes in between the falls make it all the more picture sque.
Yumthang Valley
Yumthang Valley, 26 km away from Lachung in Sikkim, is a beautiful place often called the ‘Valley of Flowers’. This beautiful valley, situated at an elevation of 3500 meters, is at the terminus of the tree line where splendid views of green hills, yaks grazing in the distance and the Yumthang Chu river spanning across the valley can be seen. With the arrival of spring, the valley is covered with beautiful wild flowers like primulas and rhododendrons. This region also includes pine and silver fir forest, hot water springs and waterfalls. Although it's heaven on earth for nature enthusiasts, it is closed from the month of December to the month of March due to heavy snowfall.
Lachung Monastery
Lachung Monastery, also known as Samten Cheoling Monastery, is one of the Buddhist religious sites in Lachung, Sikkim. It is located about 500 meters from the town center along the banks of the Lachung River. Founded in 1850, the monastery was initially associated with Bon worshippers. Later, Bon practices were replaced with Buddhism, specifically aligning with the Nyingmapa Sect. After its restoration in 1983, the monastery found statues of Buddha, Guru, and Chenrezig, as well as some relevant scriptures from Tibet. Lachung is a small but vibrant monastery. It attracts tourists to North Sikkim with its annual mask dance, beautiful landscapes with apple orchards, and views of the Lachung Valley.
Chungthang Valley
Chungthang Valley lies in North Sikkim at a distance of 96 km from Gangtok and is a holy place which is said to be touched by the graces of Guru Padmasambhava. The word “Chungthang” which comes from the Lepcha language means “top valuable meadows”. Situated amidst hills and an impressive plant diversity, Chungthang is the eponymous origin of the Sikkimese word 'Demaong', which means ' hidden valley of rice '. Unsurprisingly, as a shrine growing in size, it acts as a starting point for quite a few tourist activities such as visiting places at very high altitudes like Lachen, Lachung and Yumthang Valley. The beauty of the region's rolling hills, accompanied by the journey, has made this one of thebest places to see in Lachung.
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is situated in Yumthang Valley, North Sikkim, and is estimated to cover about 34 sq. km. It is famous for harboring more than 40 species of Rhododendron including Arboretum, Grande and Nivale. Every year, from the month of March to May, Sikkim Forest Department organizes the International Rhododendron Festival during the valley's maximum flowering period. Adding to the visual charm of the sanctuary is the YumthangChhu River. The sanctuary is blessed with lush green vegetation and also has many other different plants including Potentillas, Primulas, Poppies, Saxifrages, Aconites, and Gentians, which color the place during spring season.
Mt. Katao
Mt. Katao is located in the northern region of Sikkim. It is 144 kilometers away from Gangtok and 28 kilometers away from Lachung. It has breathtaking scenic views and is a rewarding place for nature and adventure seekers. It is one of the best places to explore in Lachung. However, visitors must acquire army permits to get to the vicinity, but it is worthwhile because the area is adorned with wonderful views of the mountain peaks covered with snow. In winter, activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and stone grinding are very common. On the way to Mt. Katao, there is a beautiful waterfall, and the valley is full of blossoms such as poppies, primulas, and shrubs, making it a very beautiful and adventurous place to visit.
Best Time to Visit Lachung in Sikkim
Lachung experiences comfortable and warm weather during the months of March to May, which is perfect for tourism as snow starts to melt and flowers begin to blossom. June however is the best month to visit Lachung to experience the culture of the people especially during the colorful Saga Dawa Festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha, featuring many activities including folk art, food and ceremonies that animate the town.
How to Reach Lachung?
One can travel to Lachung by air, train, or roads, but Lachung doesn't have its own airport. Travelers have to make their way to Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, or board a train at the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is also situated in Siliguri. Taxis and buses are then made available to make the journey to Lachung. By road, the town is about 110 km away from Gangtok. There is a memorable, invigorating route to the town, where one has to go through beautiful winding mountain roads, gushing waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the valley.
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