Lachen, with its captivating landscapes, alpine meadows, and charming wooden houses, is the ultimate destination for a delightful summer getaway. This quaint village nestled in the Himalayas boasts a rich variety of flora and fauna, making it an ideal choice for both families seeking lasting memories and couples in search of a romantic retreat. The attractions in Lachen are aplenty, with notable sites including the Lachen Monastery, Green Lake, Chopta Valley, and many others. Surrounded by majestic peaks and inhabited by warm-hearted locals, this dreamy village also caters to adventure enthusiasts, making it a veritable paradise for thrill-seekers. Nature lovers and birdwatchers will find themselves utterly enthralled by the abundance of natural wonders that grace this charming destination.
If you’re considering a visit to Lachen to escape the monotony of everyday life, allow us to present the top eight must-visit locations in this enchanting village. This comprehensive list will add a touch of magic and ensure an unforgettable experience during your journey through Sikkim. Take note of these mesmerizing places:
1. Lachen Monastery: Inspiring Architectural Marvel
2. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary: Enchanting Haven
3. Gurudongmar Lake: Sacred Waters
4. Chopta Valley: Nature’s Extravaganza
5. Thangu Valley: Captivating Natural Wonder
6. Tso Lhamo Lake: Picturesque Landscape
7. Lhonak Valley or Muguthang Valley: Vibrant Enclave
8. Green Lake: Heavenly Refuge
Let’s delve deeper into the wonders of these remarkable locations and discover the stories they hold:
1. Lachen Monastery: Inspiring Architectural Marvel
[](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/92/Yuksom_Dubdi_Gompa.jpg)
Among the myriad attractions in Lachen Sikkim, a visit to the Lachen Gompa or Lachen Monastery is an absolute must. This revered monastery, renowned as one of the finest examples of Tibetan architecture in the region, captivates visitors with its exquisite beauty. Adorned with spinning prayer wheels and vibrant prayer flags, the monastery’s picturesque grounds offer a serene ambiance. Don’t miss the Annual Mask Dance, a cultural highlight that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Location: Lachen, Sikkim 737120
For further insight into Sikkim’s boundless natural grandeur, check out our recommended article: “14 Best Places To Visit In Sikkim In Summer To Witness Nature’s Grandeur!”
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2. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary: A Captivating Haven
Situated amidst the majestic Himalayan mountain ranges, the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary boasts an awe-inspiring collection of more than forty exquisite species of Rhododendrons. The ideal time to visit this enchanting sanctuary is from April to July, when the flowers are in their full blooming glory. While Northern Sikkim is adorned with these beautiful blooms, the sanctuary offers a truly magnificent spectacle.
Location: Yumthang Valley
Recommended Read: 11 Incredible Experiences in Pelling to Immerse in the Authentic Sikkimese Heritage
3. Gurudongmar Lake: A Sacred Oasis
The Gurudongmar Lake, nestled amidst the resplendent Kanchenjunga ranges, stands as a sanctified body of water that is an absolute must-visit among the various tourist spots in Lachen. This revered lake, one of the highest and largest in Sikkim, holds profound religious significance for both Buddhists and Sikhs. It derives its name from the great Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, who unfroze the lake during his visit in the 8th century.
Best mode of transportation: Drive or Trek
Tip: Due to its close proximity to the international border, foreigners are not allowed to visit the lake. Indian visitors require an Inner Line permit to gain entry.
Recommended Read: 10 Architectural Marvels in Sikkim That Showcase India’s Rich Heritage
4. Chopta Valley: A Natural Treasure
Adding to the list of splendid attractions in Lachen is the captivating Chopta Valley, located near Thangu Valley in Northern Sikkim. This picturesque valley is a popular destination for trekkers, offering mesmerizing views of snow-capped peaks, vibrant orchids, and winding rivers. Its scenic beauty is unparalleled, making it a top choice among Lachen sightseeing spots. Adventure enthusiasts from around the world are drawn to the exhilarating trekking trails that surround the valley, while wildlife spotting and bird watching are other delightful activities to indulge in.
Best mode of transportation: Drive or Trek
Tip: Both Indian and foreign visitors must obtain an Inner Line Permit or Restricted Area Permit to access the valley.
Recommended Read: 28 Exhilarating Activities to Experience in Sikkim and Immerse in its Breathtaking Landscapes!
5. Thangu Valley: A Captivating Natural Retreat
Located 5 kilometers away from the captivating Chopta Valley, this enchanting valley is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Among the numerous splendid sights to see in Lachen, Thangu Valley surpasses them all. With its elevated altitude, the valley remains covered in snow almost year-round and is surrounded by military encampments. It is the perfect destination for those in search of a tranquil and serene getaway from the scorching summers in India. Trekking in this area is one of the top activities to undertake in Sikkim.
Helpful Tip: Visitors must obtain special permission from the tourism office to explore Thangu Valley.
Recommended Reading: Discover 7 exquisite luxury villa accommodations in Gangtok for the ultimate staycation in Sikkim!
6. Tso Lhamo Lake: Scenic Wonder
Situated a mere 10 kilometers from Gurudongmar Lake, Tso Lhamo Lake holds the prestigious title of being the highest altitude lake in India and the 14th highest in the world. It is truly one of the must-visit destinations in Lachen. Also known as Cholamoo or Cho Lhamo Lake, it boasts a captivating landscape that will mesmerize nature lovers. The tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking beauty make Tso Lhamo Lake the jewel in the crown of Lachen’s tourism offerings.
Distance from Lachen city center: 74.1 kilometers
Travel time: 3 hours and 7 minutes
Helpful Tip: Foreign tourists are prohibited from visiting the lake due to its proximity to the Indo-China border. Indian tourists require permission from either the Indian Army or the Sikkim Police to visit.
Recommended Reading: A brief guide to trains from Delhi to Sikkim for first-time travelers to North East India.
7. Lhonak Valley or Muguthang Valley: Vibrant Haven
Lhonak Valley is a highly sought-after trekking destination in Sikkim and one of the most frequented places in Lachen. The valley remains mostly uninhabited except for sporadic settlements of Tibetan nomads. As the ultimate Indian outpost in Sikkim, the valley is under constant surveillance by the Indian Army. Trekkers can engage in birdwatching and spot wildlife during their journey to the valley.
Distance from Lachen city center: 59 kilometers
Travel time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Best way to reach: Drive and trek
Helpful Tip: Foreign tourists are not permitted to visit, while Indian tourists require an inner line permit.
Recommended Reading: Explore 8 delightful resorts in Pelling, where you can luxuriate in the comfort zone of Sikkim’s highest hill station.
8. Green Lake: Heavenly Retreat
This captivating gem in Sikkim remains untouched and is renowned as one of the most popular destinations for trekking. The lake presents awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Kanchenjunga mountain ranges. The trekking paths leading to this magnificent place are enveloped by dense forests and picturesque meadows adorned with vibrant blue poppies and diverse flora and fauna.
Distance from the center of Lachen: 48.1 KMDuration of travel: 1h 46mBest means of transportation: Drive or hike
Further Reading: 48 Extraordinary Realms in the North East: A Comprehensive Guide to Places in Sikkim!
These are our top recommendations for places to explore in Lachen. Most of these attractions are conveniently located within a reasonable distance from the city center of Lachen and offer an array of thrilling outdoor activities, breathtaking landscapes, and tranquil surroundings all year round. Which of these would you like to visit on your upcoming trip? Design a personalized Sikkim holiday and discover them all!
Commonly Asked Questions About Sights to See in Lachen
Q. What are the notable attractions in Lachen?
A. Lachen is a picturesque town in Sikkim that attracts travelers due to its scenic beauty. It is also the starting point for treks to Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley, which offer some of the finest trekking experiences in Sikkim.
Q. How can I travel from Gangtok to Gurudongmar Lake?
A. Gurudongmar Lake is a popular highlight in Sikkim, and visitors to Gangtok often include a visit to the lake in their itinerary. It is not advisable to travel directly from Gangtok to the lake in a single trip, so staying in Lachen overnight is a common choice. After spending the night in Lachen, one can commence their journey to the lake the following morning.
Q. What is the best way to reach Lachen from Gangtok?
A. Lachen is located approximately 106 km away from Gangtok, with a travel time of around 4-5 hours. One can hire a private taxi in Gangtok to reach Lachen.
Q. Are Lachung and Lachen the same?
A. No, Lachung and Lachen are two distinct villages in Sikkim, and both possess incredible scenic beauty. They are separated by a distance of 47 km, and either town can be chosen for an overnight stay while planning a visit to the renowned Gurudongmar Lake.
Q. How can I visit Nathula Pass?
A. Nathula Pass is situated approximately 54 km away from Gangtok, and one can travel to the pass by taking a shared cab or hiring a private taxi from Gangtok.
Q. Does Sikkim experience snow in October?
A. Generally, snowfall in Sikkim begins in December, so encountering snow in October is unlikely.
Q. Can I find accommodation in Lachen?
A. Yes, there are various accommodation options available in Lachen, and visitors planning to explore the famed Gurudongmar Lake often opt for an overnight stay in Lachen.
Q. How many days are ideal for a visit to Lachen?
A. A single day is sufficient to explore Lachen, and most people visit this place while heading to other attractions in Sikkim.
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