Lachen is a traveller’s paradise and has a myriad hidden jewel that awaits exploration. The enigmatic Himalayan vistas with its hills and valleys and enchanting flora and fauna make Lachen an attractive tourist place. The veritable magic created by the alluring Lachen Monastery, Green Lake, Chopta Valley, and various other tourist attractions make Lachen visit very enjoyable.
Explore the exquisite Lachen Monastery
The Lachen Gompa or Lachen Monastery is an important tourist attraction. It is one of the most popular monasteries of Sikkim and showcases a fine example of Tibetan architecture. The colourful and beguiling prayer wheels along with the prayer flags add an extra charm. The Annual Mask Dance performed here allures a lot of tourists from far and near.
Travel to the wild Kanchenjunga National Park
The Kanchenjunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the home to several glaciers such as the Zemu glacier and presents a rich variety of rare and fierce wildlife such as the clouded leopard, snow leopard, musk deer, etc.
Enjoy the fascinating Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Situated 22 kilometres from Lachen in the Yumthang Valley is the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary which is surrounded by spectacular Himalayan mountain ranges. It is the home to a remarkable collection of more than forty enthralling Rhododendron species. April to July months make for the most ideal time to visit this sanctuary when the flowers are in full bloom.
Get awed by the scintillating Gurudongmar Lake
The spectacular Green Lake or the Gurudongmar Lake forms an undeniable attraction of Lachen visit. The trek to Green Lake is a very popular trekking expedition on Sikkim. The trek is your chance of spotting some rare and exotic animal and bird species. It has the magnificent Kanchenjunga ranges as its backdrop and the lake is considered sacred by the locals. The locals believe that the lake was blessed by the great Buddhist saint Guru Padmasambhava, who was the founder of Tibetan Buddhism during the 8th century. This lake never freezes completely even in peak winters and is now a source of freshwater for the locals and wildlife of Sikkim.
Traverse through beauty steeped Chopta Valley
The picturesque Chopta Valley is located in Northern Sikkim near Thangu Valley. It is a popular trekking destination from Lachen. Chopta Valley is the home to majestic snow-capped peaks, exuberant orchids, meandering rivers and rich scenic beauty. The valley is strikingly beautiful and is an active interest for enthusiastic trekkers. Adventurers travel to this place from all across the globe for wildlife spotting and bird watching.
Get peace in the serene Thangu Valley
You will need special permission form Sikkim tourism to visit this fantastic Thangu valley which is located 5 km away from Chopta Valley. It is a paradise for all nature lovers. Thangu Valley is a high altitude valley which remains covered with snow almost throughout the year and is surrounded by army camps. The valley presents a glorious haven for people seeking peace and solitude along with relief from the blazing Indian summers.
Get thrilled by the mesmerizing Tso Lhamo Lake
This lake is in the Indo-China border around 75 kilometres from the main city centre of Lachen and has restricted visit. Permission from Indian army is required to visit this heavenly lake. It is the highest altitude lake in India and ranks 14th highest in the globe. Tso Lhamo Lake is also known as Cholamoo or Cho Lhamo Lake. The breath-taking settings turn it into a paradise for nature lovers. The surreal beauty make Tso Lhamo Lake makes it the crowning jewel of Lachen tourism.
Enjoy the beauty of Lhonak Valley or Muguthang Valley
Lhonak Valley is located about 60 kilometres from Lachen and takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach. It is a popular trekking destinations of Sikkim. This lake attracts a lot of nature lover and is one of the most visited places in Lachen. The valley is majorly uninhabited and only a few rare settlements of Tibetan nomads are to be found. The valley remains protected and guarded by the Indian Army and it is the last Indian Army outpost in Sikkim. Visitors enjoy birdwatching and wildlife spotting during their trek to the valley.
Visit the Green Lake
Trek or simply drive down to the Green lake is a virtual treasure trove of infinite natural beauty. This lake forms an unexplored gem of Sikkim and is a famous trekking destination of Sikkim. From the lake surroundings you also get stunning views of the magnificent Kanchenjunga ranges. There trekking trails are wondrous. The lake is the abode of ancient dense forests and beautiful meadows rich that smile brightly with colourful blossoms of blue poppies and a wide variety of spectacular flora and fauna.
Travel to Lachung
Lachung, the striking Himalayan village located in Northern Sikkim is an interesting destination from Lachen. The landscape of Lachung is the home to numerous gushing waterfalls, strong towering mountain ranges, bright rivers, scented fruit orchards and immaculate natural beauty. It is also the storehouse to variety of adventurous activities such as paragliding and river rafting.
Trek to Lachen’s valleys and hills
For those who enjoy trekking, one of the most popular things to do in Lachen is trekking to one of its surrounding lakes or valleys. The trekking trails of Lachen are captivating and offer some of the best views of raw and wild nature. The jagged mountains, rich biodiversity, dense woods, wild flowers, placid icy lakes are all surreal and offer breath-taking views. The hiking terrains can be quite challenging and the weather might be unpredictable but trekking though these vistas in immense fun. Go with preparation and a trained and fit mind to enjoy the enchanting wilderness of Lachen.
