Lachen Tourism (2024) - India > Top Places, Travel Guide

"Big Pass"

Lachen Tourism

Nestled in the northern district of Sikkim, Lachen is a picturesque mountain town renowned for its serene landscapes, vibrant culture, and gateway status to several iconic destinations like Guru Dongmar Lake, Chopta Valley, and Thangu Valley. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,750 meters (9,000 feet), Lachen translates to "Big Pass," reflecting its importance as a connecting point in North Sikkim. This quaint town is known for its peaceful ambiance, less crowded environment, and stunning views of the Eastern Himalayas.

Lachen's most significant landmark is the Lachen Monastery, a spiritual haven belonging to the Nyingma order of Himalayan Buddhism. The monastery overlooks the town, offering a tranquil space for meditation and reflection while also providing panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The town is characterized by lush alpine vegetation, including grasslands, shrubs, and apple orchards, which thrive under the clear Himalayan skies. Lachen also serves as a base for several treks and expeditions, including the Green Lake trek and excursions to the Kanchenjunga National Park.

1. Lachen Monastery

Lachen Monastery, also known as the Ngodub Choling Monastery, is a serene spiritual destination located in the picturesque village of Lachen in North Sikkim. Nestled amidst snow-capped peaks and lush (Read More)greenery, this monastery offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Located at the height of 17,100 feet above the sea level, Gurudongmar Lake, located in Sikkim, is one of the fifteen highest lakes in the world. It is also the second highest lake in Sikkim, after the (Read More) Cholamu Lake located at the height of 18,000 feet. The splendid and scenic beauty of the place is breathtaking and attracts tourists from all across the world.

Chopta is a very famous tourist hotspot in North Sikkim known for its varying hues. Famous as the "Valley of flowers", the Chopta Valley is popular for its riot of colours during summer months. This v (Read More)alley is unexplored and untouched, as a very few tourists travel to this destination despite its popularity. Nature lovers and wildlife lovers will enjoy travelling to this splendid valley and spotting many rare species of animals, plants and birds.

Situated at an altitude of 18,000 feet, Tso Lhamo Lake is one of the most remote and picturesque lakes in India. Known for its crystal-clear waters, the lake offers a serene and tranquil environment. (Read More)It is accessible via a challenging trek and is a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts.

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, North-sikkim

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, home to over 40 species of rhododendrons. Best visited in April and May, the sanctuary is vibrant with colorful blossoms during thi (Read More)s period. It also supports unique Himalayan fauna like the red panda and snow leopard.

Located at an altitude of 13,000 feet, Thangu Valley is a quaint village offering mesmerizing views of the mountains. It serves as a rest stop for those heading to Gurudongmar Lake or the Chopta Valle (Read More)y. The valley is blanketed with snow during winters, adding to its charm.

Permits: Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory for Indians; foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Permits can be arranged through tour operators.
Altitude Precautions: At 2,750m, acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness. Carry necessary medication.
Monastery Etiquette: Leave a donation when visiting monasteries and always circle shrines in a clockwise direction. Avoid smoking, drinking, or talking loudly near sacred places.
Transport: Roads are steep and winding; hiring a local driver or vehicle is recommended.
Best Time to Visit: March–June and October–December offer pleasant weather. Monsoons can cause landslides.
Connectivity: Limited mobile network; BSNL and Airtel provide partial coverage.
Cash: ATMs are scarce; carry sufficient cash for expenses.