Lachung

Embraced by spectacular natural vistas like snow-capped peaks, rolling valleys, splendid rivers and streams, cascading waterfalls and beautiful expanses of rhododendrons and fruit orchards, Lachung offers the marvellous scene of how a nature’s paradise should be. The hill town is located in the Northeast Indian state of Sikkim and is a part of the district called North Sikkim. Nature tours and honeymoon tours are not the only options to spend time at this heaven, but one can also seek adventure in the form of trekking and skiing. Tourist places like Buddhist monasteries add the religious touch to the town which is also popular for its ethnic Tibetan culture.

‘Lachung’, the name translates to ‘small pass’ or ‘small mountain’. Flanked by Rivers Lachen and Lachung (each a tributary of River Teesta), the town is located at the height of about 9,600 ft. close to the Indo-Tibetan border and remains covered with snow throughout the winters. Monsoons here accompany heavy rainfall. Designated as the most picturesque Sikkim village by the writers and explorers from all over the world, the town is prettified by the orchards of fruits like peaches, apricots and apples. Local residents of Tibetan and Lepcha descent are extremely warm and make the place culturally beautiful. Visiting Lachung would require tourist pass and it is also recommended to hire a travel guide for the hassle-free travel experience.

October to June

Ethnic Tibetan food dominates the restaurants and roadside eating points in the town. Steamed momos, fern curry, bean curry, thukpa soup and nettle stew are the popular preparations. In-house facilities at various hotels serve North Indian, South Indian and Chinese cuisines. Must-try is the aromatic Sikkim tea prepared using yak butter and salt. Chhang, a locally brewed barley beer, is enjoyable in the cold weather.

Handicrafts and ethnic curios available at the town’s small markets are great items to take back home. Woollen caps, blankets and rugs are the popular items, while once can also look for yak figurines and toys and traditional jewellery items. Incense sticks in different varieties are also available. Don’t forget to buy yak cheese (called chhurpi), local tea packs and fruits.

Lachung is easily accessible by road from the state capital Gangtok and many other cities in the region. Buses, taxis and cabs are available for the same. Make sure to obtain tourist pass from Gangtok well in advance. Those boarding trains can travel up to New Jalpaguri Railway Station at Siliguri which is about 187 km. away. The closest airport is at Bagdogra which is about 186 km. away from Lachung. Secure useful tourist information at these places that can help you conveniently travel to Lachung.

Skiing at the nearby village of Phuni is another wonderful aspect of travelling to Lachung. One can also trek to Yumthang Valley and other places from here. One would never get bored of having breathtaking views of snow-covered Himalayas throughout the holidays at Lachung.

Yumthang valley (about 25 km.): Popularly called the Valley of Flowers, Yumthang turns into heaven when rhododendrons and other flowers blossom here. Trekking from Lachung to Yumthang is completely stimulating. Lachen (about 45 km.): Another picturesque town in Sikkim, Lachen is extremely beautiful and hosts tourist attractions like Gurudongmar Lake and Thangu yak race. Mangan (about 51 km.): A culturally rich town in the region, Mangan is mainly popular for its lively music festivals. Gangtok (about 100 km.): The state capital Gangtok, apart from being a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site, is home to attractions like Thakurbari Temple, Hanuman Tok, Himalayan Zoological Park and Botanical Gardens. Near by attractions of Lachung also include Rumtek Monastery, Ravangla tea gardens and hot springs, Namchi Monastery, Rolong Monastery, Ngadak Monastery, Jorethang, Legship and many more.