Overview in Lachung

Lachung, which is nestled in the northern district of Sikkim, is a picturesque village that is well known for its scenic beauty and tranquillity. It is located at an altitude of about 9,600 feet (2,900 metres) above sea level and surrounded by snow-laden mountains in addition to sparkling waterfalls and verdant green valleys, making it must must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts as well as adventure lovers.

The name Lachung means a “small pass” as it used to be a trading post between Tibet and Sikkim before the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1950. This led to its development into one of the most visited tourist destinations due to its beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage. The Lachung Monastery which was established in the year 1880, is one such place where you can find traditional Tibetan architecture besides being home to several Buddhist festivals.

The major inhabitants of this village are primarily Lepchas, together with Bhutias, who are ardent followers of Buddhism. This cultural richness can be observed through various local customs and traditional homestays, along with lively festivities held within Lachung. There exists a unique self-governance system called Dzumsa where village elders settle disputes, hence adding cultural appeal to this quaint village.

Lachung stands at the confluence point between two rivers, that are Lachen River and Lachung River, both tributaries to the Teesta River. The distance between the village and the capital city of Sikkim i.e. Gangtok, is about 115,2 km, which takes road transport routes. In terms of weather, though,