Lachen is a quaint village located amidst the magnificent Himalayas in North Sikkim and is the gateway to some of the most popular tourist hotspots in Sikkim. Looking for fun things to do in Lachen? Well, it surely is a haven for nature lovers, peace seekers, shopaholics, and adrenaline junkies and serves as the unofficial base camp for trekking for starters. And its close proximity to the Kanchenjunga National Park and the Rhododendron Sanctuary is a cherry on the cake!
Visit the Gurudongmar Lake
The highlight of Lachen tourism is visiting its most famous lakes aka the Green Lake and the Gurudongmar Lake. The trek to Green Lake is one of the most popular trekking expeditions in Sikkim and an excellent opportunity to spot some wildlife and exotic bird species. On the other hand, the Gurudongmar Lake is situated amidst the spectacular Kanchenjunga ranges and is considered sacred by the locals. It is said to be blessed by the Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism during the 8th century. This once frozen lake is now a source of freshwater for the locals and wildlife in the region.
Tip: All visitors need a permit from the army or local police to visit the lakes as they are located close to the Indian Border and Foreigners are not allowed to visit these lakes.
Visit Kanchenjunga National Park
If you are travelling to Lachen, then you must plan a visit to the Kanchenjunga National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the national park is home to many glaciers such as the Zemu glacier and many diverse species of wildlife such as the clouded leopard, snow leopard, musk deer, etc.
Lachen Monastery
There are numerous places to visit in Lachen Sikkim, but among those, a visit to the Lachen Gompa or Lachen Monastery should be on top of everyones list. This is one of the most popular monasteries in Sikkim and a fine example of Tibetan architecture. The premises are embellished with prayer wheels and colourful prayer flags. The Annual Mask Dance here is a must-attend!
Chopta Valley: Nature’s Bounty
Next on the list of beautiful places to see in Lachen is this picturesque valley located in Northern Sikkim near Thangu Valley is a popular trekking destination from Lachen. The valley is home to snow-capped peaks, orchids, meandering rivers and its scenic beauty is unparalleled! Breathtakingly beautiful, the valley tops all lists of Lachen sightseeing places. Trekking trails around the valley, one of the most exciting things to do in Lachen, attract adventurers from all over the globe while wildlife spotting and bird watching are other activities you can enjoy here.
Thangu Valley: Enthralling Nature
5 km away from Chopta Valley, this picturesque valley is a paradise for nature lovers. Although there are many magnificent Lachen sightseeing places, Thangu Valley outshines them all. Due to its high altitude, the valley is blanketed with snow almost year-round and is surrounded by army camps. The valley is ideal for those seeking a quiet and peaceful excursion as well as a reprieve from the blazing Indian summers. Trekking at this place is one of the things to do in Sikkim.
Trek to the hills and valleys
A standout amongst the most mainstream activities in Lachen is trekking to one of its encompassing lakes and valleys. The trekking trails in Lachen are encompassed by sharp-edged mountains, rich biodiversity, and stunning scenery. Despite the fact that the landscape here can be very testing and the climate capricious, regardless it’ll be the best thing you’ll ever do while in Lachen! So get your trekking gears on and get ready to explore the ‘scenecity’ of Lachen.
Explore the rich bird species of Lachen
Bird Viewing is one of the most renowned outdoor activities in Lachen. Since Lachen is home to different variants of bird species, tourists from across the world come here to spend time bird watching. Regardless of where you go, you can simply spot new and charming types of birds especially in the spring season of April and May. While birding in the locale, guests may see dark hawks, Indian Cuckoo, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babblers, and many more.
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Encompassed by striking Himalayan Mountains, the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is home to an astounding accumulation of forty Rhododendron species. The best time to visit is from April to July when the blossoms are in full sprout. This haven is situated close to Lachung in Yumthang valley in North Sikkim and it is around 7 hours from the capital Gangtok. There are various cabs that are accessible from Yumthang and Gangtok for this place. Notwithstanding, trekking from Yumthang Valley is one of the best ways to explore the nooks and corners of this place. Potentillas, primulas, saxifrages, poppies, aconites, gentians are available in abundance here.
