Popular Tourist Attractions in Lachen: A Gateway to North Sikkim’s Untamed Beauty

Lachen, a tranquil village tucked away in North Sikkim, is a high-altitude haven where nature, spirituality, and adventure converge. Popular tourist attractions in Lachen offer a blend of serene landscapes, sacred sites, and thrilling trails—making it a must-visit for nature lovers, trekkers, and spiritual seekers. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes, Lachen serves as the base for some of the region’s most breathtaking excursions. 

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top places that define Lachen’s Himalayan charm.

🏞️ 1. Gurudongmar Lake

• Altitude: 17,800 ft (one of the highest lakes in the world)

• Distance from Lachen: ~65 km

• Highlights: Crystal-clear glacial waters, snow-covered peaks, and spiritual significance

• Best Time to Visit: April to June and October to December

Gurudongmar Lake is a sacred and surreal destination revered by Buddhists and Sikhs alike. Its frozen beauty and mythological aura make it the crown jewel of Lachen tourism.

🏔️ 2. Chopta Valley

• Altitude: ~13,200 ft

• Distance from Lachen: ~30 km

• Highlights: Alpine vegetation, wildflowers, and snow trails

• Activities: Trekking, photography, and birdwatching

Chopta Valley is a painter’s dream—where every turn reveals a new canvas of Himalayan splendor.

🛕 3. Lachen Monastery (Ngodub Choling Monastery)

• Location: 4 km from Lachen Market

• Founded: 1858 by Lama Karchen Dorje Drak

• Highlights: Traditional Tibetan architecture, murals, and a statue of 1000-handed Chenrezig

• Experience: Attend morning prayers and interact with resident monks

Lachen Monastery is a spiritual anchor in the village, offering peace and panoramic views of the valley.

🏞️ 4. Green Lake Trek

• Starting Point: Lachen

• Duration: 8–10 days (moderate to difficult)

• Highlights: Views of Kanchenjunga, Zemu Glacier, and alpine forests

• Best Time: April to June and September to November

The Green Lake Trek is a bucket-list adventure for serious trekkers, offering solitude and stunning vistas.

🌸 5. Thangu Valley

• Altitude: ~13,000 ft

• Distance from Lachen: ~30 km en route to Gurudongmar

• Highlights: Meadows, rivers, and seasonal flowers

• Activities: Short hikes, photography, and acclimatization stop

Thangu Valley is a serene pitstop that blooms with rhododendrons in summer and turns into a snowy wonderland in winter.

🧘 6. Tso Lhamo Lake (Optional Extension)

• Altitude: ~18,000 ft

• Access: Restricted; requires special permits

• Highlights: Remote glacial lake near the Indo-China border

• Experience: For seasoned adventurers and photographers

Tso Lhamo is one of the highest lakes in the world—raw, remote, and rarely visited.

🏞️ 7. Rhododendron Sanctuary (Seasonal)

• Location: En route to Chopta Valley and Thangu

• Best Time: April to June

• Highlights: Over 40 species of rhododendrons

• Experience: Nature walks and floral photography

The sanctuary bursts into color during spring, offering a rare Himalayan botanical experience.

🛍️ 8. Lachen Village Walks

• Highlights: Traditional wooden homes, prayer flags, and local hospitality

• Activities: Interact with the Lachenpas, explore local cuisine, and visit small shrines

• Experience: Cultural immersion and storytelling

Lachen’s charm lies in its simplicity—where every home has a story and every smile feels like family.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Lachen

🧭 Travel Tips

• Permits: Required for Gurudongmar Lake and Nathula Pass (Indian nationals only)

• Altitude: Acclimatize properly; carry warm layers and hydration

• Transport: Private taxis from Gangtok; shared jeeps for budget travel

• Stay Options: Homestays and basic lodges; book in advance during peak season

• Local Cuisine: Try thukpa, momos, and yak cheese

🗓️ Sample 5-Day Itinerary: Lachen Highlights

Day 1: Arrive in Gangtok → Drive to Lachen → Village walk and monastery visit
Day 2: Excursion to Chopta Valley and Thangu → Return to Lachen
Day 3: Early morning drive to Gurudongmar Lake → Return and rest
Day 4: Optional Green Lake Trek or cultural immersion
Day 5: Departure to Gangtok or onward to Lachung

🌟 Final Word: Why Lachen Is North Sikkim’s Hidden Gem

Lachen is not just a destination—it’s a gateway to Himalayan wonder. From the sacred stillness of Gurudongmar Lake to the floral trails of Chopta Valley, popular tourist attractions in Lachen offer a journey that’s wild, soulful, and unforgettable.

Whether you're trekking toward Kanchenjunga or sipping tea in a monastery courtyard, Lachen promises memories wrapped in mist and meaning.