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Things to do in Lachen
Top 11 Awesome Things to Do in Lachen (Sikkim)
Lachen is a small, tranquil village in North Sikkim, nestled high amid the Himalayas. It's a place that draws in people who love the outdoors and want to see nature's beauty up close.
Lachen is full of stunning attractions. From the beautiful Gurudongmar Lake to the calm and inviting Kala Patthar, Sikkim’s popular tourist spots await you in the region.
Whether you're into quiet walks or looking for an adventure on trekking paths, Lachen has something special for you. Plus, it's close to two amazing spots – the Rhododendron Sanctuary and the Kanchenjunga National Park, making it a great addition to any Sikkim trip. Here’s a simple guide to the best things to do in Lachen that will make your visit unforgettable:
Remember, you'll need an entry permit to visit Lachen since it's close to the international border.
CONTENTS:
Here’s the list of the best things to do in Lachen Sikkim.
2. Enjoy a Trip to Chopta Valley
4. Witness the Beauty of Kala Patthar Lachen
5. Birdwatching at Lhonak Valley
6. Experience Local Culture at Lachen Monastery
7. Photography Session at Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
9. Make a Visit to Kanchenjunga National Park
10. Spend an Evening in Lachen Market
Planning a Trip to North Sikkim?
1. Visit the Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake is one of the top places to visit in Lachen. Sitting high in the mountains at 5,183 metres, this icy lake is one of the main sources of the Teesta River.
This stunning attraction is not only one of the most popular lakes in Sikkim but also ranks among the highest lakes globally. You'll love the clear water that mirrors the nearby mountains, creating a breathtaking sight you’ll cherish forever.
Gurudongmar Lake boasts a tranquil ambiance and is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus, making it even more special. Take some time to enjoy the serenity of this beautiful place in the Himalayas and make memories that will stick with you forever.
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Distance from Lachung Bus Stand: 114 km
Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
2. Enjoy a Trip to Chopta Valley
Chopta Valley is a must-see attraction in Lachen. It sits high up at 4,023 metres on the way to Gurudongmar Lake. The journey here takes you through lush pine forests and open fields, following a river that meanders through the valley, making for a beautiful trip. Plus, the entire valley is wrapped in snow-covered mountains and greenery, offering amazing views everywhere you look.
Strolling around Chopta Valley will offer you breathtaking views amid rich greenery while breathing in the fresh air of the mountains. It’s one of the most exciting things to do in Lachen, Sikkim. Don’t miss a trip to Chopta Valley when the rhododendron flowers are blooming in spring, covering the area in bright colours.
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: March to May
Distance from Lachung Bus Stand: 33 km
Trip Duration: 2-3 hours
3. Explore the Thangu Valley
Thangu Valley is another beautiful attraction in Lachen, sitting high at around 3,962 metres. It's almost always covered in snow, creating a stunning winter scene. The valley boasts wide open meadows, the sparkling River Teesta, and wooden houses, all making up a beautiful view.
Walk through green meadows full of wildflowers and small streams, and keep an eye out for rare plants and animals. It's a great place for those who love adventure, offering opportunities to camp, watch birds, and take beautiful pictures. Make sure to visit the valley in winter, when it turns into a snowy paradise.
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: March to June and November
Distance from Chopta Valley: 5 km
Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
4. Witness the Beauty of Kala Patthar Lachen
Located above both Chopta and Thangu Valley along the route to Gurudongmar Lake, lies another captivating attraction - Kala Patthar Lachen. Literally translating to "black rock," Kala Patthar sits at an altitude of 5545 m, adorned with everlasting snow cover and freezing temperatures.
To reach this spot, you'll journey along a serpentine road through the hills, offering splendid views of the surrounding peaks. You’ll also encounter beautiful rhododendrons, and magnolias, and even spot some rare birds.
Once you reach Kala Patthar, you'll be greeted with a breathtaking sight. The area presents a striking contrast of black rocks against the pure white snow, forming a mesmerising monochromatic landscape.
And the best part? From here, you can catch a glimpse of the south face of Mount Everest. Renowned for its panoramic views, Kala Patthar is one of the top places to visit in Lachen.
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: March to June and December to February (if you like skiing and snowboarding)
Distance from Gurudongmar Lake: 40 km
Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
5. Birdwatching at Lhonak Valley
Looking for more exciting things to do in Lachen? Spend a peaceful morning in the beautiful Lhonak Valley, close to Muguthang Village, surrounded by snowy mountains and thick forests. This valley, also known as Muguthang Valley, is a perfect place for those who love to watch birds. Here you can witness many species of Himalayan birds in their natural habitat.
Lhonak Valley is a Trans-Himalayan grassland in the Goma Chu River valley. And this is the only place in the Eastern Himalayas where the Black-necked Crane comes to breed. So don’t forget to bring your binoculars when visiting here as you may come across some rare birds flying high in the sky.
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Distance from Chopta Valley: 19 km
Trip Duration: 6 hours
6. Experience Local Culture at Lachen Monastery
Also known as Ngodrub Choling Gonpa, Lachen Monastery is one of the best places to visit in Lachen. Built in 1858, it holds statues of Guru Padmasambhava, a key figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Immerse yourself in Lachen's rich culture by visiting this serene monastery.
Being home to Lachen Monastic School, it radiates a feeling of calm and spirituality. Admire the detailed Tibetan architecture adorned with colourful prayer flags and spinning prayer wheels. You can even interact with the welcoming monks, join prayer ceremonies, and learn more about Buddhism. Don't miss the chance to explore the trails around the monastery, offering stunning views of the mountains.
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Distance from Lachung Bus Stand: 46 km
Trip Duration: 1 hour
Timings: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
7. Photography Session at Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Located at an altitude of 3048 m in the Yumthang Valley of Flowers near Lachen, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is among the top attractions in Sikkim. It’s a nature park that boasts around 40 rhododendron species, blooming vibrantly in spring with hues of red, pink, and white.
You can take a leisurely stroll along forest paths, capturing the stunning beauty of these flowers against the majestic Himalayan backdrop. With its natural splendor and vivid floral scenes, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary provides ample opportunities for remarkable photography. Keep an eye out for rare wildlife like the Wood snipe and Hoary-throated barwing.
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: April to July
Distance from Lachung Bus Stand: 12 km
Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
Timings: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fun Fact: Did you know Rhododendron niveum, a purple-mauve colored species of Rhododendron, holds the distinction of being the state tree of Sikkim?
8. Admire the Tso Lhamo Lake
If you want to witness the breathtaking views of Lachen and its surroundings, visit Tso Lhamo Lake in Mangan District. Also known as Cholamu Lake, this serene lake sits at an elevation of 5,100 metres, making it the highest lake in India and one of the highest in the world.
On your way to Tso Lhamo Lake, you can enjoy panoramic views of green valleys, waterfalls, and snowy peaks. Once reaching the lake, behold the breathtaking sight of flowers and mountain peaks mirrored on the water's surface, casting vibrant shades of colours. With its stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere, Cho Lhamo Lake is one of the best places to visit in Lachen.
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: May, June and October
Distance from Lachung Bus Stand: 120 km
Trip Duration: 2-3 hours
9. Make a Visit to Kanchenjunga National Park
If you’re looking for extraordinary things to do in Lachen Sikkim, visit Kanchenjunga National Park. Exploring this nature’s paradise Feels like stepping into a vast, stunning outdoor area where you can admire the majestic Kanchenjunga mountain peak, the third highest in the world.
Undoubtedly, this UNESCO World Heritage site is among the top places to explore near Lachen. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil time in nature or looking for some adventure, you’ll love spending your day here.
Within the park, you'll encounter diverse plant species, wide varieties of colourful flowers, and the sweet melodies of birds. If you're lucky, you might even spot some rare wildlife. You can choose to trek throughout the park or enjoy a jungle safari on a jeep with your friends. Every step you take brings the possibility of discovering something new and thrilling.
Entry Fee: INR 350
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
Distance from Lachung Bus Stand: 41 km
Trip Duration: 4-6 hours
Timings: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm
Jeep Safari Timings: 7:30 am to 10:30 am and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
10. Spend an Evening in Lachen Market
Want to take a glimpse into the local life? Spend an evening in Lachen market. Though not a popular place for shopping in Sikkim, this street market is vibrant and bustling with activities. Here, you'll find a variety of goods, from good food to handmade crafts. Look out for unique handicrafts and woven products made from yak and sheep wool, like shawls, carpets, and blankets. Don't forget to pick up some wooden items as souvenirs.
The market is also a fantastic place to sample local delicacies. You can try popular Sikkim food like thukpa or momos at affordable prices. Visit the place in the evening for the best experience.
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Distance from Lachung Bus Stand: 45 km
Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
Timings: 5:00 am to 9:00 pm
11. Trek to Green Lake
Green Lake is one of the most stunning offbeat places in Sikkim. And it’s the perfect destination for those who enjoy adventure and breathtaking views. Settled at the foot of Mt. Kanchenjunga, at an altitude of 4935 m, it also offers one of the most challenging treks in Sikkim.
Surrounded by Mt. Kanchenjunga and other peaks, the trekking trail to Green Lake passes through lush forests and meadows adorned with rhododendrons, blue poppies, and primulas. It's a journey that brings you close to nature and offers some of the best views in Lachen. Along the way, you'll encounter beautiful landscapes, including mountains, forests, and if you're lucky, some local wildlife.
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Best Time to Visit: March to May and October - November
Total Distance of Trekking Trails from Lachen: 92 km
Trek Duration: 3-4 days
Planning a Trip to North Sikkim?
Lachen is a hidden gem in North Sikkim with stunning views and fewer crowds. There are plenty of things to do in Lachen, like trekking to the lesser-known Green Lake, exploring the Lachen Monastery, or enjoying the beautiful valleys with their mountain views and lush greenery.
Don't miss out on any adventure. Book a customised Sikkim tour package that includes Lachen in its itinerary. Let Holidays Crowd be your partner in planning a budget-friendly trip, ensuring you don't miss any must-see attractions in North Sikkim. Book your North Sikkim tour package this month and enjoy exclusive discounts!