Lachung

Lachung, nestled in the valleys of North Sikkim, is one of the region's most exquisite villages. Situated at an altitude of 8,800 feet (2,650 meters) and 115 km from Gangtok, it serves as a frequent stop for travellers heading to the enchanting areas of Yumthang, Katao, and Yumasamdong. While Lachung itself is a captivating destination, it primarily caters to tourists as a night halt before they explore the stunning Yumthang Valley during the day. With no tourist accommodations available north of Lachung, the village has rapidly evolved into a popular tourist hub, spurred by the allure of Yumthang Valley.

Lachung is adorned with glorious snow-capped mountains, dazzling waterfalls, and sparkling streams, earning it the title of the "most picturesque village of Sikkim" by Joseph Dalton Hooker in his seminal work, The Himalayan Journal (1855). A small monastery perched on a solitary hilltop provides a serene setting for meditation. In winter, the valley transforms into a magical wonderland, blanketed by a thick layer of snow. Once a quaint village, Lachung has now blossomed into a thriving tourist destination, with a myriad of small, medium, and large hotels scattered throughout the area.

Location: Lachung, North Sikkim, 115 km from Gangtok
Altitude: 8,800 feet (2,650 meters)
Significance: A prime night halt destination for visitors to Yumthang Valley

Attractions

Tourists use Lachung as the base to travel to Yumthang Valley and its surrounding areas such as Katao and Yumasamdong. The small town in itself is also an interesting stay. You can spend some leisure hours sitting beside the Lachung-Chu River, mesmerized by the beauty of the place. The local monastery is also a nice place to spend an evening and learn about the local Buddhist culture.

Yumthang Valley

Yumthang Valley, also known as the "Valley of Flowers," is a breathtaking sanctuary in North Sikkim, just 25 km from Lachung. This valley is the primary reason for tourists visiting North Sikkim. At an altitude of 12,100 feet (3,700 meters), it offers stunning vistas of lush meadows, vibrant rhododendron forests, and majestic snow-capped peaks. The valley is a paradise for nature lovers. More information on our Yumthang Valley page.

Yumthang Hot Spring

The Yumthang Hot Spring is a natural wonder renowned for its therapeutic properties. Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes of snow-capped mountains and lush greenery, it offers several hot springs in the area. Accessible via a short walk from the main road, the warm, mineral-rich waters provide a soothing retreat for weary travellers. For a more secluded experience, you can visit one of the less touristic hot springs, but be prepared with extra clothes. Most of the hot springs are housed inside covered areas, yet lack additional facilities, so bringing your clothing and necessities is essential.

Yumesamdong (Zero Point)

Yumesamdong, popularly known as Zero Point, is a captivating destination located about 30 km from Lachung. Situated at an altitude of 12,800 feet (3,900 meters), it marks the end of the road in North Sikkim accessible to tourists. The area is renowned for its stunning landscapes, featuring snow-covered mountains, vast stretches of ice, and pristine rivers. More about Yumesamdong

Katao

Katao, often referred to as the Switzerland of Sikkim, is a picturesque destination located around 26 km from Lachung. At an altitude of 13,100 feet (4,000 meters), it offers panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks. Katao requires a special permit to visit, but the stunning landscapes are well worth the effort.

Bhewma Falls

Bhewma Falls, located in Lachung, is a waterfall of about 300 meters in height. If you have some extra time, you may walk to the falls from most of the hotels. Bhewma in the local dialect means Red Snake, it is also referred to as the Lachung waterfall.

Lachung Monastery

Lachung Monastery, perched on a solitary hilltop, is a spiritual haven that offers tranquillity and stunning views of the surrounding valley. The Lachung Monastery was established as a Bon monastery and later converted to a Buddhist monastery. The monastery is said to have been established in 1880. It now belongs to the Nyingma pa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Lachung River

The Lachung River, flowing through the picturesque village of Lachung, adds to the area's scenic charm. Originating from the high Himalayan Tson Lhamo Lake, the Lachung Chu (Chu means river in local dialect) river's crystal-clear waters meander through verdant valleys and rugged landscapes. The river flows down to Chungthang below Lachung where it meets the Lachen River or Lachen Chu and forms the mighty Teesta River.

Accommodations

Till the end of the 20th Century, Lachung only had very few tourist accommodations in the form of some budget hotels and homestays. Over the last three decades, a large number of tourists flocking to Lachung has increased the tourist infrastructure tremendously. A large number of tourist accommodations have come up here to cater to every need and budget. Though the very high-end 5-star hotels are yet to come up in the area, for every other tourist segment, there is something in Lachung.

A specific list of hotels here would not serve the purpose as every year new properties come up here and lease ownership of hotels keeps on changing. Our operational team is in touch with the best hotels in different segments suitable to your interest. Whether you are a pure vegetarian, or a experiential traveller looking for a unique stay, contact our helpdesk team for the latest information about tourist accommodation at Lachung. Call the number given on the top of this page or fill the form at the bottom and we will soon get back to you.

Dining and Cuisine

The local cuisine of Lachung is a delightful blend of traditional Sikkimese flavours and Tibetan influences, offering a unique culinary experience for visitors. For tourists, there are options from Chinese to Continental and Indian. There are very few running restaurants catering to outsiders as most hotels in Lachung run on a full board basis. If you wish to savour the local delicacies, such as the Momo (steamed dumplings filled with vegetables or meat), Thukpa (a hearty noodle soup), and Phagshapa (a flavorful pork dish with radishes and chillies), visit the local eateries or talk to your hotel's chef.

Getting There

Lachung is about 115 km from Gangtok. You have to travel through the North Sikkim Highway through Phodong, Mongan, and Chungthang before reaching here. Average travel time is 6 to 7 hours but varies widely depending on the condition of the road at the time of journey. The terrain is quite rough and Lachung often becomes inaccessible, especially during Monsoon due to heavy rain and landslides. During the winter months also road closure due to heavy snowfall is not uncommon. Talk to our helpdesk executive to know about the present condition of the road and accessibility to Lachung.

Lachung can only be accessed through Gangtok. Hence overnight stay at Gangtok is compulsory before and after your Lachung visit. You can not visit any other tourist destination directly from Lachung, you also can not come to Lachung directly from any other tourist destination. Mangan district (Previously known as North Sikkim) destinations such as Lachen, Mangan and Dzongu are the only exceptions to this rule. Even to visit these other destinations of Mangan district, one has to come through Gangtok for permits. Hence a visit to the area must take place via Gangtok.

North Sikkim can only be visited on a two or four-wheeler. The vehicle also needs to have its permit. Public transport is rare and most tourists will have to travel to Lachung on a tourist vehicle.

Permission

Tourists visiting North Sikkim must procure a Restricted area permit (for Indian tourists) or a Protected area permit (for international travellers). Tourists travelling through us are provided with the permits through our arrangements, provided the tourists provide us with the required documents in time.

If you are not travelling with us, contact your transporter/hotelier/travel agent etc. for your permit. It is also possible to get your permit yourself, but you must be prepared to deal with the hassle of the process. 

Itineraries

Most tourists stay at Lachung either for one or two nights. Since Lachung can only be accessed through Gangtok, at least one night stay in Gangtok while coming and returning, is a must.

One Night Lachung is a common itinerary. This saves on cost and time and covers most tourist destinations. The typical itinerary includes travel to Lachung from Gangtok on the first day (6-hour drive), on the second day complete the sightseeing early and return to Gangtok by the evening. However, this is a very hectic option and we do not recommend it to most tourists. Especially if your group includes the elderly or the young, this short tour is not recommended.

The Two-night Lachung tour is a relaxed option. You travel on Day one to Lachung and on Day three back to Gangtok. Day two is completely reserved for your sightseeing activities.

The last option is to spend one night each at Lachen and Lachung. The first day is spent on reaching Lachen, on the second day tourists visit Gurudongmar Lake and drive down to Lachung in the afternoon. On the third day, you will visit Yumthang Valley and return to Gangtok in the evening. Check our package tours for all the three options.

Weather

Lachung experiences a diverse climate, making it a captivating destination year-round. During summer, temperatures range from a comfortable 12°C to 20°C, offering pleasant weather perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The region's lush greenery and vibrant flowers thrive in the mild summer climate. Winter, on the other hand, transforms Lachung into a snowy wonderland with temperatures often dropping below freezing point. The heavy snowfall blankets the village and surrounding mountains, creating a picturesque, serene landscape. 

The best time to visit

Spring (March to Mid-June)
Spring is an excellent time to visit Lachung, as the valley comes alive with blooming rhododendrons and other vibrant flowers. The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This is also the height of tourist season, so be prepared to shell out some extra cash. Tourism infrastructure during high summer months is also often stretched to its limit and occasional delays are not uncommon.

Monsoon (Mid-June to August)
Monsoon in Lachung offers mild temperatures between 12°C and 20°C, providing a comfortable escape from the heat of the plains. Monsoon brings heavy rainfall and occasional landslides, affecting travel plans. We do not recommend travelling to Lachung during this period.

Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is another ideal time to visit Lachung. The weather is crisp and clear, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. The post-monsoon season ensures lush landscapes and clear skies, making it a great time for photography and trekking. Also, visibility during this time is at its best.

Winter (December to February)
Winter transforms Lachung into a snowy wonderland, with temperatures often falling below freezing. This season is perfect for those who enjoy snow and winter sports. Road closure during the winter is not unusual due to heavy snowfall.

Map of Lachung