Tucked away in the northern reaches of Sikkim, Lachen is a quiet mountain village that opens the door to some of the most surreal landscapes in the Himalayas. The popular tourist attractions in Lachen offer a blend of alpine beauty, spiritual serenity, and raw adventure. Whether you’re chasing snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, or the elusive Himalayan wildlife, Lachen is your basecamp to explore the untouched wonders of North Sikkim.
From the turquoise waters of Gurudongmar Lake to the rhododendron trails of Chopta Valley, Lachen is where nature whispers and silence speaks volumes.
🏞️ Why Lachen Is Worth Visiting
- 🏔️ Gateway to Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world
- 🌸 Home to Chopta Valley, a seasonal riot of wildflowers and snow
- 🐾 Starting point for treks to Green Lake and Kanchenjunga base
- 🛕 Rich in Buddhist culture, monasteries, and prayer flags
- 🌿 Surrounded by alpine forests, waterfalls, and glacial rivers
- 🧘 Ideal for slow travel, spiritual reflection, and nature photography
Lachen isn’t just a destination—it’s a Himalayan pause button.
📍 Popular Tourist Attractions in Lachen
1. Gurudongmar Lake
At an altitude of 17,800 feet, Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest and most sacred lakes in the world.
- Highlights: Crystal-clear waters, snow-covered peaks, spiritual significance
- Best time: April to June and October to November
- Tip: Start early from Lachen (4–5 AM) to reach before noon and avoid altitude sickness
2. Chopta Valley
A seasonal paradise, Chopta Valley is known for its wildflowers in spring and snowfields in winter.
- Activities: Nature walks, photography, birdwatching
- Best time: April to June for flowers, December to February for snow
- Tip: Carry warm layers—it gets icy even in summer mornings
3. Lachen Monastery
Also known as Ngodub Choling, this peaceful monastery offers panoramic views and spiritual calm.
- Highlights: Traditional architecture, prayer flags, Buddhist rituals
- Tip: Visit during early morning prayers for an immersive experience
4. Thangu Valley
Located en route to Gurudongmar Lake, Thangu is a high-altitude valley with grazing yaks and seasonal blooms.
- Altitude: ~13,000 feet
- Activities: Photography, acclimatization stop, tea breaks
- Tip: Spend 30–45 minutes here to adjust before heading to Gurudongmar
5. Green Lake Trek (Advanced)
For seasoned trekkers, the Green Lake trail offers a remote and challenging route to the base of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
- Duration: 8–10 days
- Highlights: Alpine meadows, glaciers, rare wildlife
- Tip: Requires permits and experienced guides—ideal for serious adventurers
6. Lachen Village Walk
Explore the traditional wooden homes, prayer wheels, and local life of this quiet Himalayan village.
- Activities: Photography, cultural interaction, local cuisine
- Tip: Try Sikkimese dishes like phagshapa and thukpa at homestays
7. Rhodo Trek (Seasonal)
During spring, the slopes around Lachen burst into color with blooming rhododendrons.
- Best time: Late March to May
- Activities: Guided nature walks, birdwatching, floral photography
- Tip: Ideal for honeymooners and nature lovers
8. Bhim Nala Falls (En route to Lachen)
Also known as Amitabh Bachchan Falls, this towering waterfall is a scenic stop on the way to Lachen.
- Activities: Quick photo stop, tea stalls nearby
- Tip: Visit during monsoon for full flow, but roads may be slippery
9. Tso Lhamo Lake (Restricted Access)
Located beyond Gurudongmar, this lake is near the Indo-China border and requires special permits.
- Highlights: Remote beauty, untouched landscapes
- Tip: Only accessible to Indian nationals with army clearance
📅 Best Time to Visit Lachen
| Season | Months | Experience |
| Spring | March to May | Rhododendron bloom, pleasant weather |
| Summer | June to August | Lush greenery, occasional rain |
| Autumn | September to November | Clear skies, ideal for Gurudongmar |
| Winter | December to February | Snow-covered valleys, frozen lakes |
Avoid peak monsoon (July–August) due to landslides and road closures.
🧳 Travel Tips for Lachen Visitors
- ✅ Acclimatize properly—Gurudongmar Lake is at high altitude
- ✅ Carry warm clothing, even in summer
- ✅ Book permits in advance for restricted zones
- ✅ Respect local customs and monastery etiquette
- ✅ Travel with a registered guide or tour operator for safety
Lachen is remote and pristine—travel slow, travel light, and travel mindfully.
🚗 How to Reach Lachen
- By Air: Nearest airport is Bagdogra (approx. 200 km)
- By Rail: Nearest station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
- By Road: Drive from Gangtok (approx. 6–7 hours); shared taxis and private vehicles available
- Permits: Required for all travelers (Indian and foreign nationals); arranged via tour operators or Sikkim Tourism
🧘 Ideal for Whom?
Popular tourist attractions in Lachen are perfect for:
- 🏔️ Nature lovers and landscape photographers
- 🧘 Spiritual seekers and slow travelers
- 💑 Honeymooners and couples seeking solitude
- 🥾 Trekkers and adventure enthusiasts
- 👨👩👧👦 Families looking for offbeat Himalayan experiences
Whether you’re chasing snow or silence, Lachen delivers with purity and peace.
🌟 Why Explore Lachen?
Because it’s not just a stop—it’s a sanctuary. These attractions let you:
- Witness one of the world’s highest lakes
- Walk through valleys painted with wildflowers
- Meditate in monasteries surrounded by mountains
- Trek to remote glaciers and alpine meadows
- Experience Sikkim’s untouched northern soul
Lachen turns travel into transformation—quiet, majestic, and unforgettable.
