Lachung is a beautiful mountain town in North Sikkim, standing at an altitude of 8,610 feet above sea level. The place is much celebrated for its landscape beauty to which one can see snow-covered peaks, waterfalls, and rivers.
Lachung is a serene mountain village in the northern part of Sikkim, 2,600 meters above sea level-an ideal retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The breathtaking natural beauty and peaceful surroundings are renowned all over the world for their beautiful snow-clad peaks, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque green valleys.
Indeed, it is the gateway to the famous Yumthang Valley, also called the "Valley of Flowers." The village is a riot of colors with a carpet of wildflowers, particularly rhododendrons, in the spring time and is considered one of the most scenic spots in the region. The valley is also associated with the Yumthang Hot Springs, said to have a high sulfur content, hence considered to be medicinal for the body.
Lachung is an ideal place for the traveler who wishes to spend solitude with nature and not amidst the crowded tourist flow.
There is a river passing through the village called the Lachen which adds much beauty to the scenic view through its crystal clear meandering waters through the valley. In winters, Lachung becomes a wonderland covered with snow which attracts tourists with its sceneries and sounds of isolation.
The village also holds high cultural importance as the Lachung Monastery serves as the spiritual hub of this community. A feeling of majesty and serenity wraps around the beauty of the monasteries that enable the visitor to experience the reflection and meditation in the serene and peaceful environment. The influence of local Buddhist culture and traditions can be felt at this place.
Yumthang Valley of flowers is actually 25 kilometers from Lachung and one of the photogenic scenery spots around it. Here, huge meadows of colorful rhododendrons and lush green landscapes adorn the place along with breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains. It is a whole carpeted by blooming flowers in the spring, and it takes the form of a white paradise in winter. Yumthang Hot Springs: Located nearby, this is another source of attraction for those who want to relax in the warm sulfur-rich waters amidst nature.
Lachung Monastery, also termed as the Lachung Gompa is one of the major Buddhist places situated at the very center of the village. It was founded in 1880 and gives a glimpse into the religion and culture of the villagers. Prayer flags and colorful murals and sculptures of the deities beautify it and make it an apt shrine for meditators. Every year, Lachung hosts the Mask Dance Festival in the monastery, in which the monks perform their traditional Cham dances. It is one of the chief cultural events there.
Zero Point is a beautiful and breathtaking location at an altitude of 15,300 feet above sea level which is about 50 km from Lachung. This marks the last point of civilian travel before the Indo-China border. Zero Point is a favorite among those who love snow as even during summer, the location is snowy. This region is circled by the Himalayas in which one may experience extreme weather conditions and some panoramic scenic views. Most tourists visit here after visiting Yumthang Valley; therefore, this is an exciting continuation of the trip.
Mount Katao is an offbeat yet breath-taking destination situated next to Lachung and at a distance of about 28 km. One would require special permits from the Indian Army to access the location; however, this journey is all worth it. During winters, one can enjoy adventure activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. The views provided by Mount Katao are unsurpassed and its mountains, valleys, and dense forests of pines surround the destination.
Chopta Valley is another secret hideout lying within the perimeter of North Sikkim, 30 km away from Lachung. The valley is famous for its untouched beauty. It boasts dense forests, snow-covered landscape, and crystal-clear rivers. It's an ideal spot for nature lovers and trekkers who wish to have a difference in the offbeat experiences. In spring, it is garlanded with colorful flowers; in winter, it is a wonderland of snow. Chopta Valley is also a place for bird watching and photo opportunity capturing the beauty of the Himalayas.
Among the most beautiful waterfalls near Lachung, Bhima Nala Waterfalls is popularly known as "Bhim Nala Falls" or "Amitabh Bachchan Waterfalls" due to its height. It is located at a distance of about 13 km from Lachung. The sight of water gushing down from a great height along with the sound of the cascading water amidst lush greenery is breathtaking. The waterfall creates a refreshing stopover for travelers on their way to or from Lachung.
In the highway connecting Lachung and Gangtok, one of the finest natural sights seen in Sikkim is the Seven Sisters Waterfalls. Just as the name says, the waterfall is of seven separate streams plunging from a sheer cliff. The view is great when the waterfalls are in full flow that can be witnessed during monsoon. The beauty of the surroundings is also breathtakingly grand with the dense foliage and mountain views.
Located on the way to Lachung from Gangtok, the Phensang Monastery is highly recommended to visit. The Nyingmapa sect monastery was established in 1721 and has one of the most majestic views of valleys and mountain tops. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it a must-visit stop for all those interested in Sikkimese spirituality and culture. The monastery springs to life during the annual Cham festival, masked dances are performed by the monks there.
Along the way to Lachung, the small town of Chungthang is historically and culturally significant. Guru Padmasambhava, a Buddhist great saint, stopped over in Chungthang on his way to Tibet. So much so that he even left behind his footprint on a rock, which can be seen even today. It is the meeting point of Lachen and Lachung rivers, which later conflate to form the Teesta River, a serene background and spiritual significance, making Chungthang an excellent spot to stop for a short visit while heading to Lachung.
Naga Falls Naga Falls is a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall lying en route to Lachung from Gangtok. It is one of the biggest waterfalls in Sikkim and makes for a great welcome respite for tourists. There are few waterfalls which form a series of tiers in several levels of its falling waters which create a spectacular as well as peaceful ambiance. A perfect photography and relaxation spot surrounded by thick greenery.
Green Lake is this mystery, a hidden treasure for the serious trekker located near Lachung, offering great territory reward after making difficult trails. Of course, there are still the widely untouched Himalayas and Kanchenjunga when one reaches such beautiful, glacial-treacherous high-altitude lakes. After surmounting dense forests, the beautiful alpine meadows, and touch with treacherous terrains of glaciers, it forms an exhilarating experience for all those who have taken it up as a serious trekking adventure. Raw and offbeat, truly serene natural beauty awaits there to be enjoyed.
The best time to visit Lachung depends upon your preferences. Spring, March to May is the perfect time for flora lovers. Here the Yumthang Valley erupts in multicolored rhododendrons while the climate is quite mild; from 10°C to 20°C, that is from 50°F to 68°F. Summer days range from 15°C to 25°C that is 59°F to 77°F and the place is clothed in emerald green, but frequent showers often cause landslides. Autumn (September to November).
Autumn is actually the best season to visit overall, with clear skies and crisp, dry weather, suitable for trekking and other sightseeing. Winter December to February: Lachung turns into a wonderland during the winter months suitable for those who love winter sports as the temperature often drops to sub-zero levels below 0°C (32°F).
Lachung is an awesome destination which turns out to become a favorite of the visitors, not only due to the beauty of nature but also because of rich cultural heritage and a serene environment. Whether or not anyone is interested in the vibrant blooms in spring, lush green landscapes in summer, clear skies in autumn, or fairy-tale snow in the winter, Lachung has a unique experience for each traveler.
From the beautiful valleys like Yumthang to fresh water lakes and ancient monasteries where the chances of experiencing local culture come by, it is a gateway to some of the breathtaking views of North Sikkim. Its charm and serenity make Lachung a must-visit destination for anyone looking to have a memorable journey in the Himalayas.
