Top Tourist Places in Lachen: A Himalayan Gateway to Serenity and Adventure

Nestled in the rugged folds of North Sikkim, the top tourist places in Lachen offer a rare blend of alpine tranquility, spiritual depth, and high-altitude adventure. This remote village, perched at 8,800 feet, serves as the base for some of the region’s most breathtaking excursions—from sacred glacial lakes to flower-filled valleys and monastery trails. Lachen is not just a destination; it’s a doorway into the untouched soul of the Himalayas.

Whether you're a nature lover, spiritual seeker, or trekking enthusiast, here’s your curated guide to the most iconic and immersive places to visit in and around Lachen.

🏞️ 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 the crown jewel of Lachen tourism—sacred to Buddhists and Sikhs, and breathtaking in its frozen serenity. The journey to the lake is as mesmerizing as the destination itself, with dramatic landscapes and prayer-flag-lined roads.

🏔️ 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. In spring, the valley bursts into color with rhododendrons and primulas; in winter, it transforms into a snowy wonderland.

🛕 3. Lachen Monastery (Ngodub Choling)

• 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, panoramic views, and a glimpse into the region’s Buddhist heritage.

🌸 4. 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 canvas in winter. It’s also a vital acclimatization point for those heading to Gurudongmar.

🏞️ 5. 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, stunning vistas, and a rare glimpse of Kanchenjunga’s eastern face.

🧘 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. It’s a spiritual and geographical marvel for those who venture beyond Gurudongmar.

🌿 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 that’s both meditative and photogenic.

🏡 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. A slow walk through the village reveals the soul of Sikkim.

🛍️ 9. Local Handicrafts and Souvenirs

• What to Buy: Woolen shawls, handmade prayer flags, yak wool scarves

• Where: Small stalls near the monastery and homestays

• Tip: Support local artisans and ask about the stories behind each item

Lachen’s crafts are rooted in tradition and made with love—perfect keepsakes from your Himalayan journey.

🗓️ 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, yak cheese, and fermented bamboo shoot dishes

🗓️ Sample 5-Day Itinerary: Lachen Highlights

Day 1

• Arrive in Gangtok → Drive to Lachen (6–7 hours)

• Evening village walk and monastery visit

Day 2

• Excursion to Chopta Valley and Thangu

• Return to Lachen for local dinner

Day 3

• Early morning drive to Gurudongmar Lake

• Return and rest

Day 4

• Optional Green Lake Trek or cultural immersion

• Visit Rhododendron Sanctuary (seasonal)

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 revelation. From the sacred stillness of Gurudongmar Lake to the floral trails of Chopta Valley, the top tourist places 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.