bigtravelbuzzLachen is a small town located in North Sikkim district of Sikkim, India. It is situated at an altitude of 2750 meters and is known for its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. Lachen is a popular tourist destination and serves as a gateway to many high altitude trekking trails in the region. Visitors can explore the town’s Buddhist monasteries, local markets, and scenic spots.
Places to Visit in Lachen
Some popular places to visit in and around Lachen are:
Lachen Monastery: This is a beautiful Buddhist monastery located in the heart of Lachen. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim and houses many ancient artifacts and relics.
Gurudongmar Lake: This is a high altitude lake located at an altitude of 17,800 feet. It is considered to be one of the holiest lakes in Sikkim and is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning views.
Thangu Valley: This is a picturesque valley located at an altitude of 13,000 feet. It is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Chopta Valley: This is another beautiful valley located near Lachen. It is known for its pristine beauty and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Green Lake: This is a high altitude lake located at an altitude of 16,000 feet. It is a popular spot for trekking and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Kanchenjunga National Park: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located near Lachen. It is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.
Lachung: This is a nearby town located at a distance of 50 km from Lachen. It is known for its apple orchards, hot springs, and scenic beauty.
Yumthang Valley: This is a beautiful valley located at an altitude of 11,800 feet. It is known for its hot springs, meadows, and scenic beauty.
Best Time To Visit Lachen
The best time to visit Lachen is during the summer months from April to June when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. The monsoon season from July to September should be avoided due to the heavy rainfall and landslides. Winter months from November to February can be extremely cold and are best avoided unless one is visiting specifically for winter sports or trekking.
Things to Do in Lachen
Lachen is a small village in the Indian state of Sikkim, known for its serene beauty and stunning landscapes. Here are some of the top things to do in Lachen:
Visit the Lachen Monastery: This is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim and is located at the top of a hill. It offers a panoramic view of the village and surrounding mountains.
Explore the Chopta Valley: This valley is famous for its alpine vegetation and stunning landscapes. You can also trek through the valley to reach the Gurudongmar Lake.
Trek to the Gurudongmar Lake: This is a high-altitude lake located at an elevation of 17,800 feet. It is considered a sacred lake by both Hindus and Buddhists.
Visit the Thangu Valley: This valley is known for its pristine natural beauty and is a popular spot for trekking and camping.
Experience the Lachen Homestays: Homestays are a popular way to experience the local culture and lifestyle of the villagers in Lachen. You can stay with a local family, eat traditional food, and learn about the customs and traditions of the region.
Enjoy the beauty of the snow-capped mountains: The snow-capped mountains of Lachen are a sight to behold. You can take a leisurely walk around the village or just sit back and enjoy the view.
Try local cuisine: Lachen offers a variety of local food that you must try, including momos, thukpa, and chhang.
How to get around in Lachen
Lachen is a small town in North Sikkim, and it is easy to explore the town on foot. However, to explore the surrounding areas, you can hire a private vehicle or take a shared taxi or jeep. Shared taxis are a common mode of transport in the region, and they are available from Gangtok and other nearby towns. You can also hire a private taxi for a day or more to explore the nearby attractions.
It’s important to note that roads in Lachen can be quite steep and narrow, so it’s essential to hire a driver who is experienced in navigating such terrain. Additionally, if you plan to visit in the winter months, be sure to check the road conditions before you travel, as heavy snowfall can make some roads inaccessible.
Where to eat in Lachen
As Lachen is a small town in Sikkim, there are not many options for eating out. Most of the hotels and guest houses have in-house restaurants that serve local and Indian cuisine. Some of the popular places to eat in Lachen include:
Hotel Snow Lion Restaurant
Golden Fish Restaurant
Lachen Retreat Restaurant
Modern Lodge and Restaurant
It is recommended to check with your hotel or guest house for dining options or pack some food items with you while traveling to Lachen.
Famous street stalls in Lachen
As Lachen is a small town located in a remote region of Sikkim, there are not many street stalls or food vendors in the town. Visitors can find some small local eateries and restaurants serving local Sikkimese and Tibetan dishes. However, there are no famous or popular street stalls in Lachen. Most visitors prefer to eat at their hotel or guesthouse, which often offers meals as part of their accommodation package. Additionally, visitors can also try local home-cooked meals offered by homestays in Lachen.
Where to stay in Lachen
Luxury accommodation
Lachen is a small town in Sikkim, India and does not have any luxury accommodation options. The closest luxury accommodations can be found in Gangtok, which is about 120 km away from Lachen. Some of the popular luxury accommodations in Gangtok include:
Mayfair Spa Resort and Casino
The Elgin Nor-Khill
The Royal Plaza Hotel
Summit Namnang Courtyard and Spa
The Denzong Shangrila Hotel and Spa
It is recommended to book your stay in Gangtok in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to avoid any last-minute hassle.
Where to stay in Lachen
Budget accommodation
Lachen is a small town in North Sikkim and has limited options for budget accommodation. However, there are a few guesthouses and homestays that offer comfortable stays at an affordable price. Some popular options for budget accommodation in Lachen are:
Himalayan Residency – This guesthouse offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as hot water and power backup. It is located in the heart of Lachen town and offers great views of the surrounding mountains.
Lachen Homestay – This homestay is run by a local family and offers guests a chance to experience the local culture and way of life. The rooms are simple but comfortable and the hosts are warm and welcoming.
Hotel Snow Lion – This hotel is located on the main road in Lachen and offers basic rooms at an affordable price. It has a restaurant that serves local and Indian cuisine.
Delight Hotels Royal Lachen – This hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities such as TV, hot water, and power backup. It is located on the main road in Lachen and offers great views of the mountains.
It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance as the options are limited and tend to get booked out quickly, especially during peak tourist season.
Travel Tips Lachen
Some travel tips for Lachen are:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Lachen is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant.
Permits: To enter Lachen, you need to obtain permits from the Sikkim government. These permits are usually arranged by tour operators or hotels.
Altitude sickness: Lachen is located at an altitude of 2,750 meters, so it is important to acclimatize yourself properly to avoid altitude sickness.
Packing: Since Lachen is located in the Himalayas, it can get quite cold, especially at night. It is important to pack warm clothing and comfortable shoes.
Transportation: Public transportation in Lachen is limited, so it is advisable to hire a private car or jeep to explore the area.
Respect local customs: Lachen is a small, close-knit community, so it is important to respect the local customs and traditions.
Drinking water: It is advisable to carry bottled water or a water purification system as the water in Lachen may not be safe to drink.
Accommodation: There are limited options for accommodation in Lachen, so it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
Food: The food in Lachen is largely influenced by the local Tibetan cuisine, and you can find a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. However, it is important to be aware that the availability of food may be limited in this remote location.
Trekking: Lachen is a popular base for trekking to places such as Gurudongmar Lake and the Green Lake trek. It is advisable to hire a local guide for these treks.