Lachen – The Northeast India’s Heaven

Lachen is a small village in the North Sikkim district of India, nestled among the majestic Himalayan mountains. It is a hidden gem that offers a serene and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Lachen is also the gateway to some of the most stunning attractions in Sikkim, such as the Gurudongmar Lake, the Green Lake, the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, and the Kanchenjunga National Park.

If you are looking for a place to experience the beauty and culture of Sikkim, Lachen is the perfect destination for you. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Lachen, including its places of interest, things to do, how to reach, the best time to visit, shopping, and more. So, let’s get started!

Places of Interest in Lachen

Lachen has many places of interest that will captivate your senses and make you fall in love with this place. Here are some of the must-visit places in Lachen:

• Lachen Monastery: This is one of the oldest and most revered monasteries in Sikkim, dating back to the 19th century. It is also known as the Lachen Gompa or Ngodub Choling Monastery. It is situated on a hilltop overlooking the village and offers a panoramic view of the surroundings. The monastery is adorned with colorful murals, statues, and prayer wheels. It is also the venue for the annual mask dance festival that showcases the rich culture and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

• Gurudongmar Lake: This is one of India’s highest and most sacred lakes, located at an altitude of 5,430 meters above sea level. It is believed to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, who visited this place in the 8th century. The lake has a stunning turquoise color and remains unfrozen even in winter. It is also a source of fresh water for the locals and wildlife in the region.

• Green Lake: This is another beautiful lake in Lachen that attracts many trekkers and nature lovers. It is situated at an altitude of 4,930 meters above sea level and offers a splendid view of the Kanchenjunga Peak. The trek to Green Lake is one of the most popular and challenging treks in Sikkim, passing through dense forests, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and glaciers.

• Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary: This is a paradise for flower enthusiasts, as it boasts more than 40 species of rhododendrons that bloom in various colors from April to July. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 43 square kilometers and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is also home to many rare and endangered animals such as the red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, and blood pheasant.

• Kanchenjunga National Park: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers an area of 1,784 square kilometers and encompasses many glaciers, valleys, rivers, lakes, and peaks. It is one of the most biodiverse regions in India, hosting more than 550 species of birds and 150 species of mammals. Some of the notable wildlife that can be spotted here are the snow leopard, clouded leopard, Tibetan wolf, blue sheep, and Himalayan tahr.

Things to Do in Lachen

Lachen offers a plethora of activities for all kinds of travelers, whether you are looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation. Here are some of the things you can do in Lachen:

• Trekking: Lachen is a trekker’s delight, as it has many trails that lead to some of the most scenic and remote places in Sikkim. You can choose from various treks depending on your level of fitness and interest. Some of the popular treks are Green Lake Trek, Chopta Valley Trek, Thangu Valley Trek, Muguthang Valley Trek, and Tso Lhamo Lake Trek. You will need a permit from the army or local police to undertake these treks as they are located close to the Indian border.
• Camping: If you want to experience the wilderness and solitude of Lachen, camping is a great option for you. You can pitch your tent near one of the lakes or valleys and enjoy the starry night sky and the crisp mountain air. You can also interact with the local villagers and learn about their lifestyle and culture. Camping is a great way to connect with nature and yourself.
• Wildlife Spotting: Lachen is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it has many sanctuaries and national parks that host a variety of flora and fauna. You can go for a safari or a guided tour to spot some of the rare and exotic animals and birds that inhabit this region. You can also take your camera and capture some amazing shots of the wildlife and the landscape.
• Shopping: Lachen may not be a shopping destination, but it has some local markets and shops selling unique and authentic items. You can buy some handicrafts, souvenirs, woolen clothes, carpets, rugs, shawls, hats, gloves, etc. made by the local artisans. You can also buy some organic products such as honey, tea, spices, cheese, etc. produced by local farmers.
• Visiting Monasteries: Lachen has many monasteries that reflect the spiritual and cultural heritage of Sikkim. You can visit these monasteries and witness the architecture, art, and rituals of Tibetan Buddhism. You can also participate in the prayers and ceremonies and seek blessings from the monks. Visiting monasteries is a great way to learn about the history and philosophy of this region.

How to Reach Lachen – Lachen – The Northeast India’s Heaven

Lachen is well-connected by road from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. You can take a taxi or a bus from Gangtok to Lachen, which will take about 6 to 7 hours. The road is scenic but also steep and winding, so be prepared for some bumps and turns along the way. You will also need a permit to enter Lachen, which you can obtain from Gangtok or Mangan.

The nearest airport to Lachen is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, which is about 200 kilometers away. You can take a flight from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, or other major cities to Bagdogra and then take a taxi or a bus to Gangtok. From Gangtok, you can follow the same route as mentioned above to reach Lachen.

The nearest railway station to Lachen is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in West Bengal, which is about 190 kilometers away. You can take a train from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, or other major cities to New Jalpaiguri and then take a taxi or a bus to Gangtok. From Gangtok, you can follow the same route as mentioned above to reach Lachen.

Best Time to Visit Lachen

Lachen has a pleasant and moderate climate throughout the year, but the best time to visit Lachen depends on what you want to see and do there. Here are some suggestions based on the seasons:

• Summer (March to June): This is the best time to visit Lachen if you want to enjoy the greenery and the flowers of this place. The temperature ranges from 10 to 28 degrees Celsius and the weather is clear and sunny. You can also indulge in various outdoor activities such as trekking, camping, wildlife spotting, etc.
• Monsoon (July to September): This is not an ideal time to visit Lachen as it receives heavy rainfall during this season. The temperature ranges from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius and the weather is cloudy and humid. The roads may also get slippery and blocked due to landslides. However, if you love rain and want to see the waterfalls and streams in full glory, you can visit Lachen during this time.
• Winter (October to February): This is the best time to visit Lachen if you want to witness the snowfall and the frozen lakes of this place. The temperature ranges from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius and the weather is cold and dry. You can also enjoy the views of the snow-capped mountains and valleys.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lachen

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Lachen that you may find useful:

• Q: Is Lachen safe for tourists?
• A: Yes, Lachen is safe for tourists as it is a peaceful and friendly village that welcomes visitors with warmth and hospitality. However, you should follow some basic precautions such as carrying your identity proof and permit documents, respecting the local customs and culture, avoiding traveling at night or alone, etc.
• Q: What are the accommodation options in Lachen?
• A: Lachen has limited accommodation options as it is a small village with few hotels and homestays. You can choose from budget to luxury hotels depending on your preference and budget. Some of the popular hotels in Lachen are Apple Orchard Resort, Delight Hotels Royal Lachen, Hotel Lachen View Point, etc. You can also opt for homestays that offer a more authentic and cozy experience of staying with the local families. Some of the popular homestays in Lachen are Lachen Eco Nest, Lachen Heritage Homestay, Lachen Alpine Homestay, etc.
• Q: What are the food options in Lachen?
• A: Lachen has few food options as it is a small village with few restaurants and cafes. You can find some local cuisine such as momos, thukpa, churpi, phagshapa, etc. that are delicious and filling. You can also find some Chinese, Indian, and Tibetan dishes that are popular among tourists. Some of the popular restaurants and cafes in Lachen are Cafe 15000, Snow Lion Restaurant, Himalayan Cafe, etc.
• Q: What are the things to carry for Lachen?
• A: Lachen is a high-altitude destination that has a cold and dry climate throughout the year. You should carry some essential things such as warm clothes, jackets, sweaters, scarves, gloves, hats, etc. that will keep you comfortable and cozy. You should also carry some sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, moisturizer, etc. that will protect you from the sun and the wind. You should also carry some medicines, a first aid kit, a water bottle, snacks, a torch, etc. that will come in handy in case of any emergency or need.
• Q: How to get a permit to enter Lachen?
• A: Lachen is a restricted area that requires a permit to enter for tourists. You can get a permit from Gangtok or Mangan by submitting your identity proof and passport-size photos along with a nominal fee. You can also get a permit from your travel agent or hotel if you have booked your trip in advance. You should carry your permit documents at all times as you may be asked to show them at various checkpoints along the way.

Lachen is a place that can be explored in a few days, depending on your preferences and budget. Comment below if you want a sample itinerary that you can follow to make the most out of your trip to Lachen.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article on Lachen and found it informative and helpful. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to comment below. Have a great day! 😊

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