Places To Visit in Lachung

Lachung, a small piece of land at 2,700 metres above sea level, is a beautiful scenic spot surrounded by snow-capped mountains, green valleys and the shimmering Lachung River. It has something to offer to everyone from nature lovers to adventure enthusiasts or just people looking for peace and tranquillity. Here are some of the must-visit places in Lachung:

One of the most popular and sacred places of worship in Sikkim is Lachung Monastery. It was built in 1850 AD and follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism. The mask dance festival is conducted annually every December, with thousands of devotees and tourists attracted to its premises. The monastery’s architecture consists of twin metallic dragons above its porch as well as big prayer wheels. It also has two floors. Moreover, inside the main assembly hall, there exists a huge statue depicting Guru Rinpoche, founder of Tibet Buddhism, accompanied by numerous old frescoes on walls and elaborate carved characters around it. The monastery is open from 7 am to 7 pm daily with no entrance fees.

Adventure lovers have no choice but to visit Mount Katao.  Situated just 28 kilometres away from Lachung, this majestic mountain offers breathtaking views along with plenty of opportunities for thrill seekers who like adventure sports activities too. At 15,000 feet high, Mount Katao remains blanketed by still-falling snow almost all year round. The winter season gives skiing enthusiasts a chance to engage in other recreational activities, including snow tubing, stone grinding and snowboarding. The natural vegetation at the base consists of many plants such as poppy, rhododendron and primula. However, since the mountain is found in a military base, one must be given entry by an Indian army before entering this area. Trekking should be done between March and June while skiing and snowboarding are better to be done between December and February.

Lachung Village Trip is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the traditional Bhutia culture. A beautiful village nurtured amidst snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and shining Lachung River amid all the places you have ever seen in your life. On the village walk, tourists will visit different typical houses as well as apple orchards or small gardens scattered throughout the place. The blooming season spanning from April to June, when one can see the variety of rhododendron flowers displayed in Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, are some interesting features here. Among other things that this place offers include exquisite murals on its walls found in Lachung Monastery and an annual mask dance event that takes place there once every year bringing out more about their spiritual life in general too. Through this walk, tourists can enjoy tranquil surroundings with beautiful sites as well as discover cultural traditions passed down through generations, thus taking full advantage of what Sikkim’s hidden jewel has to offer.

Thangu Valley lies at a height of 13,000 feet and is a beautiful trekking base on the way to Gurudongmar Lake as well as Chopta Lake. Snowcapped mountains can be seen in winter between October and March, whereas during summer, from May to June, vibrant alpine flowers bloom there. Thangu Valley is located close to the China border and only Indian citizens are allowed to visit this place. It also acts as an entry point for trekking routes to Chopta Valley and Muguthang. The recommended time for visiting Thangu Valley is November through June, while Thangu accommodation is limited and needs clearance from the Indian army. This valley can be reached from Lachen, which is 30 kilometres away.

Ravangla, found in South Sikkim, located at an elevation of about 7,000 feet offers breathtaking Himalayan views. In Ravangla, the Buddha Park remains a notable landmark boasting of a magnificent statue of Sakyamuni Buddha’s reincarnation. There is a well landscaped park with walkways, gardens and large open spaces for people to enjoy quietness around them while visiting it. Therefore, the most ideal time frames are April-June, when there is lush greenery and September to November when it snows heavily for those who love snowy environments. The park operates between 9 am – 6 pm daily at INR 50 per person entry fee.

The state contains many hot springs that have healing effects on our body systems whereby one can relax by taking part in Hot Spring Bathing activities, among which we list the following:

Reshi Hot Spring: Located on the bank of the Rangit River, it is known for its religious importance as well as medicinal values. It is easy to find small huts for resting.

Yumthang Hot Spring: It is found near the picturesque Yumthang Valley, and contains much sulphurated hydrogen gas, acting like a spa.

Yume Samdong Hot Spring: This spring consists of more than ten other hot springs at the bottom part of Dongkha La.

Ralong Hot Spring: Located just next to Ravangla, its therapeutic properties make it popular among tourists.

Borong Hot Spring: Its close proximity to Ralong Hot Springs makes Borong a favourite among trekkers and hikers.

Located at about an altitude of 15,300 feet above sea level, Zero Point, also called Yume Samdong, is one of the highest points in Sikkim. It is the last human settlement where three rivers converge amidst a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Visitors are required to take a permit to enter Zero Point as it lies near the India-China border. It takes approximately 1 hour and a half from Yumthang Valley and about 3 to 3.5 hours from Lachung. The road trip can be quite challenging but with beautiful spots through that drive on this route will be worth a while. Zero Point has amazing natural beauty and tranquillity that attracts tourists.

River Rafting in Teesta is a common adventure activity in Sikkim. Teesta River has its source in the eastern Himalayan trek and provides white foaming water and one of the best stretches for rafts in the world. The river is good for both first timers and experienced rafters. Melli is the most popular place for rafting on the Teesta River. As you float through with your boat, you are likely to go through thick forests lush greenery, and capture scenic views of mountains. 

Bhim Nala Falls, also called Amitabh Bachchan Falls, is an enchanting waterfall located amidst the stunning landscapes of Sikkim. Around 15 kilo-metres away from Lachung lie these natural beauties that gently trickle down, creating a peaceful atmosphere around them. The sound of water flowing and the calmness of surroundings make Bhim Nala Falls an ideal location for relaxation as well as rejuvenation purposes. Nature lovers and travellers seeking to have a refreshing experience with the Himalayan beauty have plenty to explore at Bhim Nala Falls.

The Yumthang Valley, also known as “Sikkim Valley of Flowers sanctuary”, comprises rivers, hot springs, yaks and grazing pastures on rolling meadows surrounded by Himalayan Mountains. Located at an elevation of 3,564 metres, the Yumthang Valley contains the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, which has over twenty-four species of rhododendrons. Between late February and mid-June, every year in bloom season turns the valley into a multi-colored carpeted flower garden. The valley also has a stream, which is a tributary of the Teesta River, that makes the valley look more beautiful. It’s also famous for having one hot spring, and thus a perfect place for people who love nature as well as adventure. It is perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers.