Lachung is a small, sleepy mountain village located at 8610 ft above mean sea level in Sikkim. It is a beautiful hilly region, ensconced by snowy Himalayas, sparkling rivers and endless rows of Rhododendron trees, a speciality of this place. Being a little village, Lachung may not seem a very attractive tourist destination at first glance but is actually a great dock to plan your tour in and around its scenic offerings. From the Zero Point where road for civilians ends, to the peaceful Lachung Monastery, fragrant apple and apricot orchards to the valley of Yaks, there are lots of things to do in Lachung for tourist.
Lachung Monastery
This is a Buddhist Monastery nestled in the laps of Lachung’s hilly landscape. It is one of the most tranquil places, even in this sleepy village that itself is definition of peace. You can visit this monastery to see the beautiful wall murals and ancient statues that the place houses. The monks are some of the most warm-hearted and welcoming people you will come across. This is one of the things to do in Lachung.
If you are visiting in the month of December (10th Buddhist month) then don’t miss the special religious dance between 28th to 29th.
Fruit Orchard Traipsing
You can go traipsing for a tour around the many fruit orchards in Lachung. The farmers and hosts are welcoming and show you around their apple, peach and apricot trees with much pride. The sweet smells of ripening fruit will tingle your nostrils if you go there in the right season. The children get wide, open spaces to play and you get to taste fresh dewy fruit, right off its branch. This is also one of the things to do in Lachung.
Visit Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
An impressive and rich collection of rhododendron, gregarious plants could be seen in the sanctuary. The place is surrounded by Himalayan mountain ranges and includes plants and trees such as potentillas, primulas, saxifrages, poppies, aconites, gentians etc.
Activity: Trek on the trails while enjoying amazing flowers and natural beauty right in front of the eyes. Click some amazing pictures and enjoy bird watching in the sanctuary which will always remind of nature and its closeness to the hearts. One can explore the place with more than 40 species of rhododendrons while walking past the trek path.
Trekking to Yumthang Valley
Yumthang valley will definitely show an artistic side where a green valley covered with pastures is loaded with small to medium sized flowers. Enchanting flowers are not alone to make one go awestruck but the presence of a calm blue river right in between the valley will be a participant too. Flowers like Primroses, Cinquefoils, Louseworts, and Cobra-lilies are part of the valley to name a few. This is one of the best thing to do in Lachung.
Activity: Trek to this beautiful valley and click some photographs where the spring season makes a collage of little flowers of multiple colors. Yaks grazing the field and enjoying the open nature is another addition to the scenery. Enjoy the views all through the trek which includes a vast stretch of lands and far away peaks.
Mask Dance at Lachung Monastery
An exhilarating experience can be achieved at the Lachung monastery which is standing in the abode of the natural beauty of Himalayas. Marvelous architecture, the backdrop of mountains and its connection to ancient history can’t combine all in one single word. This is one is also the best thing to do in Lachung.
Activity: Sikkimese culture will magnetize anyone with the performance of mask dance which is organized every year in the winter season. Strikingly colorful clothes and heavy masks are just breathtaking and photography in the season cannot be missed. Visiting here and spending a few hours is one of the best things to do in Lachung. Also, one can shop at handloom center present here for authentic Sikkim textile.
Excursion to Zero Point
Situated at an elevation of 15,300 feet, Zero point has no motorable road and visitors reach to the proximity of the Chinese border, from where they are not allowed to move further. This place is loaded with snow almost all through the year and thrills the visitors due to the cool climate and picturesque location.
Activity: A short trip to Zero points has to be on the checklist when visiting Sikkim. Make some snowballs, trek on some heights and click many pictures cladded with bright white snow. Take a deep feeling of Chinese proximity and soothe selves with enchanting location. Have some tea and coffee that local stalls serve.
Visit the Bhim Nala Waterfalls
Bhim Nala is also known as tallest waterfall in Sikkim and its grandness could be seen with naked eyes when it falls in 3 different tiers. Viewing this grandeur and enjoying is surely one of the best things to do in Sikkim. Interestingly, because of its huge height, it is also called Amitabh Bachchan falls.
Activity: Feel the droplets sprinkling on the face and trek to the rocky terrain to reach the cascading point. Enjoy clicking some pictures and soothe your eyes with the astonishing view. Sip a cup of coffee or tea near the falls.
Trek to Mount Katao
A treat for the eyes and a spot for adventure lovers is what Mount Katao has. The pristine valley and hills are studded with thick pine trees, snow-capped peaks, and beautiful valley to surround it. One has to avail a permit beforehand to reach the site. The valley hosts attractive flora and fauna like primula, rhododendron etc.
Activity: Trekking in the snow-loaded trails, basking in the sun and photography at Mount Katao is one of the best things to do in Lachung. Adventure lovers can also take part in skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing etc. in the winter months here.
