Lachen

Lachen is a small Bhutia village in North Sikkim. The place is developed as a new tourist destination in Sikkim. For the increasing popularity of Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley which is only 25 kilometers from the village. The village is unique in culture & tradition. There is a small Monastery in Lachen which is the centre of all religious function of locals. Lachen is a small hamlet, resplendent with sublime beauty made accessible to the tourists just a few years back. Situated at an altitude of 8,838 feet, lies on the North Sikkim. An interesting feature is the water of Gurudongmar lake which is partially frozen and is so even in extreme winter.

Nature has numerous beautiful aspects and one of these facets comes alive at Lachen, on a verdant plain land that is segregated by cavernous ravines and lined by the blooming Rhododendrons. The multi- hued mountains, along with snowy peaks and black cliffs, appear to rise from this place. Mostly covered with snow but is beautiful from the month of March to December. Lachen monastery and the village is worth a visit. The trek route to the Green Lake or Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake are some of the most interesting and beautiful excursion.

To See

• Lachen Monastery
• Gurudongmar Lake
• Chopta Valley
• Thangu
• Green Lake trek

To Reach

By Air – Lachen is 124 kilometers from Gangtok. The closest air port is at Bagdogra in Siliguri, which is 249 kilometers from Lachen. Bagdogra is connected with all important Indian metros with regular flights from Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, etc. Helicopter / Chopper services to Gangtok from Siliguri and back are regular service. Mountain flights and other such tours to North Sikkim are also conducted.

By Rail – Lachen is 124 kilometers from Gangtok. The nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri at Siliguri which is 154 kilometers from Lachen. NJP is well connected with all major cities in India. At Gangtok, railway bookings can be made at the booking counter of the Sikkim Nationalized Transport Terminus.

By Road – Gangtok is connected with Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Siliguri by the national highway 31A. The Sikkim Nationalized Transport plies regular bus services between Gangtok and Siliguri, Darjeeling and within Sikkim. Private buses, taxis and jeeps are also available from Siliguri & Bagdogra. Gangtok is at a distance of 120 kilometers from Siliguri and will take 4 hours from Siliguri to reach Gangtok. Gangtok is connected by road with Darjeeling 95 kilometers (4 hours), Kalimpong 75 kilometers,