Mesmerising Scenic Beauty, alpine pastures, wooden homes – all this and more is what makes Lachen the ultimate summer destination. This quaint Himalayan village is home to abundant and diverse flora and fauna making it ideal for a memorable family as well as romantic holiday. There are many places to visit in Lachen that include the likes of the Lachen Monastery, Green Lake, Chopta Valley, and many more. This dreamy village is surrounded by majestic peaks, has heart-warming people, and is a paradise for adrenaline junkies. Nature lovers and birdwatchers find themselves in utter delight here!
There are many places to visit in Lachen that include the likes of the Lachen Monastery, Green Lake, Chopta Valley, and many more. This dreamy village is surrounded by majestic peaks, has heart-warming people, and is a paradise for adrenaline junkies. Nature lovers and birdwatchers find themselves in utter delight here!
8 Best Places To Visit In Lachen
Are you planning a trip to Lachen to beat the blues? Here is the best list of places to visit in Lachen that will make your trip to Sikkim even more magical and memorable. Read on and take notes!
- Lachen Monastery: Inspiring Architecture
- Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary: Enchanting Sanctuary
- Gurudongmar Lake: Sacred Lake
- Chopta Valley: Nature’s Bounty
- Thangu Valley: Enthralling Nature
- Tso Lhamo Lake: Picturesque Scenery
- Lhonak Valley or Muguthang Valley: Exuberant Valley
- Green Lake: Heavenly Abode
1. Lachen Monastery: Inspiring Architecture
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There are numerous places to visit in Lachen Sikkim, but among those, a visit to the Lachen Gompa or Lachen Monastery should be on top of everyones list. This is one of the most popular monasteries in Sikkim and a fine example of Tibetan architecture. The premises are embellished with prayer wheels and colourful prayer flags. The Annual Mask Dance here is a must-attend!
Location: Lachen, Sikkim 737120
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2. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary: Enchanting Sanctuary
Surrounded by striking Himalayan mountain ranges, the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is home to a spectacular collection of gorgeous more than forty Rhododendron species. The best time to visit is from April to July when the flowers are in full bloom. Although you can spot these beautiful flowers all over Northern Sikkim, the collection at the sanctuary is magnificent.
Location: Yumthang Valley
Suggested Read: 11 Fantastic Things To Do In Pelling For A Taste Of The True Sikkimese Heritage
3. Gurudongmar Lake: Sacred Lake
Gurudongmar lake is a sacred lake located amidst the magnificent Kanchenjunga ranges and is a must-see amongst Lachen tourist places. This is among the most famous Lachen tourist places and is one of the highest and largest lakes in all of Sikkim. The lake holds religious significance for both Buddhists and Sikhs. The lake is named after the founder of Tibetan Buddhism Guru Padmasambhava who visited the lake during the 8th century and unfroze it!
Best way to reach: Drive or trek
Tip: Foreigners are not permitted to visit the lake as its located in near the International border and Indians need an Inner Line permit to visit.
Suggested Read: 10 Monasteries In Sikkim To Witness The Best Of India’s Cultural Heritage
4. Chopta Valley: Nature's Bounty
Next on the list of beautiful places to see in Lachen is this picturesque valley located in Northern Sikkim near Thangu Valley is a popular trekking destination from Lachen. The valley is home to snow-capped peaks, orchids, meandering rivers and its scenic beauty is unparalleled! Breathtakingly beautiful, the valley tops all lists of Lachen sightseeing places. Trekking trails around the valley, one of the most exciting things to do in Lachen, attract adventurers from all over the globe while wildlife spotting and bird watching are other activities you can enjoy here.
Best way to reach: Drive or Trek
Tip: Visitors (both Indians and foreigners) need an Inner Line Permit or Restricted Area Permit to visit.
Suggested Read: 28 Things To Do In Sikkim For Unbeatable Adventures In Breathtaking Landscapes!
5. Thangu Valley: Enthralling Nature
5 km away from Chopta Valley, this picturesque valley is a paradise for nature lovers. Although there are many magnificent Lachen sightseeing places, Thangu Valley outshines them all. Due to its high altitude, the valley is blanketed with snow almost year-round and is surrounded by army camps. The valley is ideal for those seeking a quiet and peaceful excursion as well as a reprieve from the blazing Indian summers. Trekking at this place is one of the things to do in Sikkim.
Tip: Visitors need special permission from the tourism office to visit Thangu valley.
Suggested Read: 7 Luxury Villas In Gangtok Which Are The Ultimate Staycation In Sikkim!
6. Tso Lhamo Lake: Picturesque Scenery
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Located just 10 km from Gurudongmar Lake, the Tso Lhamo Lake is the highest altitude lake in India and 14th highest in the world, and is also one of the must visit places to see in Lachen. Also known as Cholamoo or Cho Lhamo Lake, it has a breathtaking landscape that makes it a paradise for nature lovers. The serene atmosphere and astounding beauty make Tso Lhamo Lake the crowning jewel of Lachen tourism.
Distance from Lachen city center: 74.1 KM
Travel time: 3h 7m
Tip: Foreigners are not allowed to visit the lake as its located near the Indo-China border and Indians need permission from the Indian Army or the Sikkim Police to visit.
Suggested Read:A Brief Guide To Trains From Delhi To Sikkim For First Time Travelers To North East India
7. Lhonak Valley or Muguthang Valley: Exuberant Valley
Lhonak Valley is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Sikkim and one of the most visited places in Lachen. The valley is mostly uninhabited except for rare settlements of Tibetan nomads. The valley is under constant vigil form the Indian Army as it’s the last Indian outpost in Sikkim. Visitors can indulge in birdwatching and wildlife spotting during their trek to the valley.
Distance from Lachen city center: 59 KM
Travel time: 2h 30m
Best way to reach: Drive and trek
Tip: Foreigners are not allowed to visit, and Indians need an inner line permit.
Suggested Read: 8 Pelling Resorts: Staying In The Comfort Zone At The Highest Hill Station Of Sikkim
8. Green Lake: Heavenly Abode
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This virtually untouched treasure in Sikkim is one of its most famous trekking destinations. The lake offers stunning views of the magnificent Kanchenjunga mountain ranges. The trekking trails that lead to this breathtaking abode are surrounded by dense forests and beautiful meadows rich with blue poppies and a variety of flora and fauna.
Distance from Lachen city center: 48.1 KM
Travel time: 1h 46m
Best way to reach: Drive or trek
Further Read: 48 Places To Visit In Sikkim: Extraordinary Realms In The North East!
This is our pick of the best places to visit in Lachen. Most of these destinations are located within a comfortable driving distance from Lachen city centre and offer tremendous outdoor activities, breathtaking landscapes, and serene surroundings year-round. Which ones of these would you like to check out on your next trip? Plan a customisable Sikkim holiday and explore ‘em all!
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Lachen
A. Lachen is a beautiful town in Sikkim that is frequented by travelers for its scenic beauty. It is also the base for those headed to Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley, offering the best treks in Sikkim.
A. Gurudongmar lake is one of the top attractions in Sikkim and those planning a trip to Gangtok often include a tour to the lake too. Journey from Gangtok to the lake in a single stretch is not a great idea and Lachen is the base where people choose to stay for the night. After an overnight stay at Lachen, one can start their journey to the lake, the next morning.
A. Lachen is at a distance of around 106 km from Gangtok and it takes around 4-5 hours to reach. One can hire a private taxi in Gangtok for Lachen.
A. No, Lachung and Lachen are two different villages in Sikkim, and both are equally beautiful in terms of scenic beauty. They are 47 km apart and one can choose either of the towns for an overnight stay, when planning a trip to the famous Gurudongmar lake.
A. Nathula is at a distance of around 54 km from Gangtok, and one can take a shared cab, or private taxi at Gangtok, to visit Nathula.
A. It generally begins to snow in Sikkim in December so there are less chances for one to encounter snow in Sikkim in October.
A. Yes, there are accommodation options available in Lachen, and people planning to go to the famous Gurudongmar lake, often plan an overnight stay at Lachen.
A. A single day is good for Lachen, and mostly people explore this place on their way to other attractions in Sikkim.
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Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
