Lachung, Sikkim – A charming mountain village at an altitude of around 9000 ft

Want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the urban life for some days and rest in the lap of enchanting Himalayas, then you must come to Lachung, a charming mountain village nestling at an altitude of around 9000 feet in the North Sikkim district. It lies close to the Tibet border. Lying at the confluence of Lachung River and Lachen River, both being the tributaries of River Teesta the location of the place justifies its name. The literal meaning of the word Lachung is “small pass”. The spectacular waterfalls, snow covered mountain peaks, cascading streams and apple orchards, Lachung will honestly soothe your eye. This place is famous for peaches, apples and apricots. Lachung was a trading post between Tibet and Sikkim. The tourism is raising the economy of the town considerably. Lachung is mainly inhabited by Tibet and Lepcha descent, who all mainly interact in Lepcha, Nepali and Bhutia language. British writer and explorer Joseph Dalton has described Lachung in the book ‘The Himalayan Journal’ as the “most picturesque village of Sikkim”.

Places to see at Lachung, North Sikkim

The crowning attraction of Lachung is the beautiful Lachung Monastery, which is locally called Lachung Gompa. It is an age-old monastery, erected in the year 1880. Set amidst beautiful apple orchards, the monastery truly offers a visual pleasure. The monastery also houses a number of murals, and it also flaunts two wheels. Many tourists also visit the handicraft centre, where exquisite blankets and rugs are woven beautifully. You will fall under the spell of the picturesque Yumthang Valley, nestled at an altitude of about 11800 feet. This place is also renowned for the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, through which flows the winding Yumthang Chu. The sanctuary nurtures more than 24 species of Rhododendron trees, the State Flower.

Nearby attractions of Lachung, North Sikkim

Mount Katao is a beautiful destination near Lachung that is located at a distance of 30 km. However, this tourist site only welcomes visitors from India. Lachung is located at a distance of 100 kms from Gangtok. So, trips are also made from Lachung to Gangtok, which takes around 5 – 6 hours and this journey is truly fascinating.

Things to do at Lachung, North Sikkim

Take a stroll along this beautiful village and savour its scenic natural beauty. Skiing is also conducted in Phuni near this town. Lachung is also the base camp for Rhododendron valley trek, which embarks from Yumthang Valley and ends at Lachen Valley. However, Lachung sightseeing while enjoying nature and the Himalayan Mountains is the best thing you can do at Lachung.

Best time to visit Lachung, North Sikkim

The ideal time to visit Lachung is from March to June. The climate during this time remains mild and pleasant. However, if you are visiting Lachung in winter, carry adequate warm clothes, as winter temperature dips down as low as –5 degree Celsius.

How to go ?

Lachung can be reached by availing buses and cabs from locations within the state of Sikkim. The nearest railhead of Lachung is the New Jalpaiguri Rail station in West Bengal, located 139 km away from Lachung. The nearest airport of Lachung is the Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, connected to different cities of the country. However, visit to Lachung is done in Package Tours from Gangtok as special permits are required to visit Lachung village.

Where to stay ?

Lachung hosts a good variety of budget hotels and resorts, offering decent lodging and dining facilities. Lachung hotels have comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms, hot water geysers, room heaters. Budget family rooms and deluxe category rooms are available at Lachung for comfortable stay. Hotels have restaurants and server mainly local Indian cuisine. However, to easily visit Lachung it is best to opt for Lachung Lachen package tour that are operated from Gangtok.

Yarlam Resort:  (+91) 94343 30033 / 35
Hotel Seasons’ House: (+91) 9434449042
The Fortuna: (+91) 94340 24070, +91 98320 87334, +91 94341 84448

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.