Lachen & Gurudongmar Lake 

Lachen is a small village in North Sikkim district of Sikkim and is one of the most beautiful villages of Sikkim. It is located at an elevation of nearly 2750 meters. The name Lachen means "big pass". It’s the last settlement for civilians to stay in North Sikkim district. This small settlement is the base camp to trekkers visiting the Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake. Each year there is an annual yak race conducted here with a huge celebration in Thangu during the summertime. Nestled amidst the amazing Himalayan Mountains, the small settlement offers a perfect retreat to relax and escape from the daily routine. Stroll around the area with family and loved ones on the roads of Lachen will be a memorable time. Guests will positively admire the breathtaking beauty of Lachen which is drenched in every-bit of beauty. Lachen is the last major settlement from Gangtok in the North District. It acts as a base camp for the trekking routes of Green Lake trek. It serves as a trailhead for two of the most thrilling treks to the famous Green Lake or Kanchenjunga National Park. Each year during the summers annual yak race is organized in Thangu. To the extreme north, there is the old settlement called Thangu where the day time temperature varies from 04°C to 12°C i.e. 40°F to 55°F, even in the summer months of summer. Infrastructure is not much developed here but decent Hotel, Home Stay, Resort are present along with vehicles. We arrange for North Sikkim packages which include stay and Transfer along with sightseeing and food. tour.  Lachen & Lachung packages are with all food as there is no restaurant.  North Sikkim packages are of 02 Nights or 03 Nights.

The town forms the base to the Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake Trek. It is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Sikkim and it retains a freshness which is very appealing. One can visit the Lachen Monastery or Gompa here and observe the simple village life of the Lachenpas. The area is restricted for Indians & foreigners, but special passes called Inner Line Permit (ILP) can be procured in advance. Gurudongmar Lake is visited from Lachen. It can be reached from Lachen after a 70-kilometer drive preferably early morning. It is a sacred lake in the Great Himalayas Region. It is said that Guru Padmasambhava Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs. It is named after Guru Padmasambhava and Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak's visit is also claimed by people hence it is also a religious site for Sikhs. It is quite a popular destination for the trekkers and tourists alike. There is the famous 08 - 10 days trek to Green Lake. Lachen & Lachung has its own system of rules and regulations known as Dzumsa. Wooden homes, alpine pastures, and scenic beauty are there waiting for guests to take the tour of beauty. A walk around the village, with houses built on Tibetan style window frames, will lend you with a feel so surreal. One must visit Nyingma, which is one of the oldest major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Guests can also be a part of the adrenaline-filled adventure by setting off to a trek to Yumthang Valley, Thangu Valley, Chopta Valley, and Tso Lhamu Lake. Leisure tourists, bikers and trekking group visit the region every winter, Spring & Autumn, Bird lovers can indulge in bird watching as this region as it is blessed with avifauna or a rare kingdom of birds. Lachen is sure to offer nature lovers, adventure buffs and crazy shutterbugs with a memorable tour. Some of the major tourist attractions are Thangu, Chopta Valley, Lachen Monastary, Gurudongmar Lake. Thangu & Chopta are only valley one crosses while visiting the Gurudongmar Lake.

Lachen is situated at an altitude of 2750 meters i.e. 9022 feet. Gurudongmar Lake is at an elevation of 17100 feet above the sea level. This lake is one of the fifteen highest lakes in the world. It is also the second-highest lake in Sikkim next to only Cholamu Lake. Cholamu Lake is situated at an elevation of 18,000 feet.

A package tour to North Sikkim requires a special permit (Inner Line Permit). The permit is given to Tourists through an authorized tour operator like us. Indian tourists are allowed to visit Gurudongmar Lake. International tourists can stay in Lachen but can't visit Gurudongmar Lake. Their tour is limited to Chopta Valley a few kilometers before the lake. The lake is situated at an extreme corner of India. The nearest tourist accommodation at Lachen is 70 kilometers and is nearly 03 hours drive by road. Guests interested to visit Gurudongmar lake should start by 06:00 AM - 07:00 AM and be back to Lachen the latest by lunchtime. As the day progresses weather in the high altitude begins to worsen. The quaint destinations are untouched Shangri-La. Major attractions of the region are Shingbha wildlife sanctuary on the way and at Lachung, Chopta Valley and Thangu on the way to Gurudongmar Lake. Guests can enjoy some of the most beautiful views as one travels along the treacherous mountain roads. The drive from Gangtok is through the majestic mountains covered in snow, though the road is rough and the drive bit tiring yet the streams of cold water gushing down the hills, the alluring waterfalls, the diverse and colourful flora and fauna, the vast spellbinding blue sky, the enchanted and tantalizing view of the valleys make the drive fascinating. It is an experience that will sweep one off the feet.

Tourist generally gets mesmerized by the natural beauty, observe the pleasant people and take home experiences of a secret paradise. There are few suggested itineraries indicative of what could be possible. We can also tailor holidays for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications to suit your need for an unforgettable India tour. Packages to Lachen are coupled with Lachung. It is 02 Nights or 03 Nights package i.e. 01 Night in Lachen and 01 Night in Lachung or 02 Nights in Lachung and 01 Night in Lachen. Landslides occur during mid-May and are not safe to visit then. December to April is nice. January & February there is snowfall and roads are occasionally blocked but clear within a day or two. It is always better to avoid traveling from Mid-May as monsoon starts during the period. It’s always pleasant to travel from mid-November to April. The monsoon season lasts longer and the period between mid-May to End September is not the right time to visit Lachen or Lachung.

Places of Interest

• Lachen
• Thangu Valley
• Chopta valley
• Lachen Monastery
• Gurudongmar Lake
• Green Lake
• Lachung
• Yumthang Valley
• Katao
• Yumesamdong
• Zero Point
• Lachung Monastery
• Mangan

Communication 

Airways: There are Two Nearby Airport i.e. Pakyong Airport (PYG) & Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is approximately 130 kilometers and is 04 to 05 hours drive by national highway 10. Pelling, Lachung to Gangtok is 125 kilometers and a drive of another 34 kilometers is Pakyong Airport (PYG). Earlier chopper service took 30 minutes to reach from Bagdogra Airport rung by Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation. Twice daily at 11:00 AM and at 2:00 PM.  It is a five seated chopper with limited baggage. The chopper can be chartered in Sikkim if booked well in advance. Bagdogra is the major Airport in this region. 

Railways: The nearest major Railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station nearly 130 kilometers and is 04 - 05 hours drive by National highway 10. Sikkim has no railway system but a project by railway is on and the station will be Rangpo. The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), Siliguri Junction, and Siliguri Town Station and is assessable from all the major towns/cities of Sikkim. NJP is well linked up with the rest of the country with frequent trains. Lachung to the nearest Railway station is 255 kilometers.

Roadways: The network of roads in Sikkim is good compared to its difficult terrain. Gangtok is approximately 130 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Chungthang is 95 kilometers, Lachen and Lachung is nearly 124 kilometers from Gangtok and requires a special permit. One has to stay in Gangtok one day before and one day after visiting North Sikkim. Lachen is 123 kilometers from Gangtok. Lachung is 123 kilometers from Gangtok. Chungthang is 96 kilometers from Gangtok and from Chungthang the route divides into two way Lachen & Lachung. Lachen & Lachung is can be reached after a 05 - 06 hours’ drive along a rough road journey. Smaller vehicles are risky due to low ground clearance. It is always better to travel by Scorpio, Tata Sumo or Zylo. Innova with lesser weight is OK but with more than 04 adults will be again risky.