Into the Heart of North Sikkim: A Complete Guide to the Top Tourist Places in Lachen

From glacial lakes and alpine valleys to ancient monasteries and high-altitude passes, the top tourist places in Lachen offer a soul-stirring blend of nature, culture, and adventure. Perched at an altitude of 2,750 meters, Lachen—meaning “big pass” in the Bhutia language—is a tranquil hamlet that serves as the base for exploring North Sikkim’s most iconic destinations. With its wooden homes, fluttering prayer flags, and snow-draped peaks, Lachen is a dream for nature lovers, photographers, and spiritual seekers alike.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top places to visit in and around Lachen, complete with travel tips, seasonal highlights, and cultural insights.

🏞️ 1. Gurudongmar Lake

• Altitude: 17,800 feet

• Significance: One of the highest lakes in the world, sacred to Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus

• Highlights: Turquoise waters, snow-capped peaks, spiritual serenity

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

Gurudongmar Lake is the crown jewel of Lachen tourism. Surrounded by barren mountains and often partially frozen, the lake is believed to have healing powers. The journey to the lake is equally breathtaking, passing through rugged terrain and army outposts.

🌸 2. Chopta Valley

• Altitude: 13,200 feet

• Highlights: Alpine meadows, wildflowers, yak rides, snowfields

• Experience: Ideal for nature walks, birdwatching, and photography

• Best Time: March to May for blooms; December to February for snow

Often compared to Switzerland, Chopta Valley is a lesser-known gem that bursts into color during spring and transforms into a snowy wonderland in winter. It’s a peaceful alternative to the more crowded tourist spots.

🛕 3. Lachen Monastery (Ngodub Choling)

• Founded: 1858

• Highlights: Traditional Tibetan architecture, prayer wheels, murals

• Experience: Spiritual retreat with panoramic views of the village

• Tip: Visit during morning prayers for a meditative experience

Perched on a hilltop, Lachen Monastery is a serene space that reflects the spiritual soul of the village. It’s also a cultural hub during festivals like Losar and Drukpa Tshechi.

🏔️ 4. Thangu Valley

• Altitude: 13,000 feet

• Distance from Lachen: 30 km

• Highlights: Snowfields, grazing yaks, wooden bridges

• Experience: A high-altitude village en route to Gurudongmar Lake

Thangu is a picturesque stopover for travelers heading to Gurudongmar. In summer, it’s dotted with alpine flowers; in winter, it’s blanketed in snow. The valley is also a base for treks to Muguthang and Chopta.

🏞️ 5. Green Lake Trek

• Duration: 7–10 days

• Route: Lachen – Zema – Tallem – Jakthang – Yabuk – Green Lake

• Highlights: Close-up views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, glaciers, rhododendron forests

• Best Time: April to June and September to November

For seasoned trekkers, the Green Lake Trek is a bucket-list adventure. The trail winds through dense forests, alpine meadows, and glacial moraines, culminating at the emerald-hued Green Lake with majestic views of Kanchenjunga.

🌄 6. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

• Location: Near Yumthang Valley, accessible from Lachen

• Flora: Over 40 species of rhododendrons

• Best Time: April to mid-June

Though technically closer to Lachung, this sanctuary is often included in Lachen itineraries. During spring, the entire valley is ablaze with rhododendron blooms, making it a paradise for botanists and photographers.

🧭 7. Kalapatthar

• Altitude: ~14,850 feet

• Highlights: Black rocky terrain, panoramic Himalayan views, snow-covered trails

• Experience: Offbeat and less crowded than Gurudongmar

• Tip: Requires special permits; check with local tour operators

Kalapatthar (not to be confused with the one near Everest Base Camp) is a stark, high-altitude destination known for its dramatic landscapes. It’s ideal for those seeking solitude and raw Himalayan beauty.

🏕️ 8. Tso Lhamo Lake (for the truly adventurous)

• Altitude: 18,000+ feet

• Access: Restricted; requires special permits and military clearance

• Highlights: One of the highest lakes in the world, near the Indo-China border

• Experience: Remote, untouched, and spiritually significant

Tso Lhamo is not typically included in standard packages due to its remoteness and permit restrictions, but it’s a dream for explorers. The lake is fed by glaciers and offers surreal views of the Tibetan Plateau.

🛍️ 9. Lachen Village Walk

• Highlights: Traditional wooden homes, prayer flags, local life

• Experience: Slow travel at its best

• Tip: Interact with locals, visit small eateries, and shop for handmade woolens

Sometimes, the best way to experience Lachen is to simply walk through it. The village is a living postcard, with its wooden homes, fluttering prayer flags, and warm-hearted people.

🧳 Travel Tips for Visiting Lachen

• Best Time to Visit: April to June (spring/summer) and October to November (autumn)

• Avoid: Monsoon (July–September) due to landslides; winter (Dec–Feb) can be extremely cold

• Permits: Required for Indian nationals to visit Gurudongmar, Thangu, and Zero Point

• Altitude Caution: Acclimatize in Gangtok before heading to Lachen; carry basic medicines

• Connectivity: Limited mobile and internet access—embrace the digital detox

• Packing Essentials: Warm layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, ID proofs, and reusable water bottles

🏨 Where to Stay in Lachen

• Mid-Range Hotels: Delight Royal Lachen, Rufina Lachen Deezong

• Homestays: Local family-run stays offering authentic Sikkimese hospitality

• Tip: Book in advance during peak seasons; most accommodations are basic but cozy

🍛 What to Eat

• Local Delights: Thukpa, momos, churpi soup, gundruk

• Beverages: Butter tea, tongba (millet beer), herbal teas

• Tip: Try home-cooked meals at your homestay for authentic flavors

Lachen is not just a destination—it’s a feeling. A place where the mountains whisper ancient stories, the lakes reflect the sky, and every trail leads to wonder. Whether you’re trekking to Green Lake, meditating at a monastery, or simply sipping tea with a view, the top tourist places in Lachen promise a journey that’s as enriching as it is unforgettable.