Top Tourist Places in Lachung: A Complete Guide for Travellers

Located in the picturesque North Sikkim district, Lachung is a serene mountain village that enchants visitors with its pristine beauty, Buddhist culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Often called the gateway to Yumthang Valley, Lachung is a destination where you can witness nature at its rawest and purest form. This complete guide on the Top Tourist Places in Lachung will help you plan your Sikkim trip efficiently, ensuring you explore its best valleys, waterfalls, monasteries, and cultural gems.

1. Yumthang Valley

Yumthang Valley, popularly known as the Valley of Flowers, is one of the top tourist places in Lachung. Situated at an altitude of 11,800 feet and about 25 km from Lachung, this valley is famous for its vast meadows covered with blooming rhododendrons, primulas, and alpine flowers between March and May. The valley is surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks with the Teesta River flowing through, creating a postcard-perfect Himalayan landscape. During winter, it transforms into a snow wonderland, attracting tourists for its serene snowy beauty.

2. Zero Point (Yumesamdong)

Zero Point, located about 51 km from Lachung, is where the motorable road ends near the Indo-China border. At an altitude of 15,300 feet, it remains covered with snow for most of the year, offering a true Himalayan winter experience. Travellers visit Zero Point to witness vast stretches of untouched snowfields surrounded by rugged peaks. Due to its high altitude, it is advisable to check your health suitability and carry warm clothes while visiting.

3. Lachung Monastery

Among the top tourist places in Lachung is the Lachung Monastery, built in 1880. This ancient Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect is located amidst apple orchards and pine forests, offering travellers a peaceful spiritual retreat. The monastery’s vibrant murals, colourful prayer flags, and traditional Tibetan architecture make it an important cultural stop. If you visit during the annual mask dance festival, you can witness monks performing Cham dances, which depict Buddhist legends through elaborate costumes and movements.

4. Bhim Nala Waterfall

Bhim Nala Waterfall, also known as Amitabh Bachchan Waterfall due to its tall drop resembling the actor’s towering personality, is among the highest waterfalls in Sikkim. Located near Khedum village, about 13 km from Lachung, it plunges down steep cliffs amidst dense forests, creating a mesmerising natural sight. There are small tea stalls nearby where you can sip on hot chai and Maggi while enjoying the views of this powerful waterfall.

5. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

This sanctuary, part of Yumthang Valley, deserves a special mention among the top tourist places in Lachung for its rich floral diversity. Spread across 43 sq km, it is home to over 24 species of rhododendrons that bloom between April and May, creating vibrant landscapes. The sanctuary is also popular among bird watchers, as Himalayan monals, blood pheasants, and other endemic birds are often spotted here, adding to its natural richness.

6. Apple Orchards

Lachung is dotted with apple orchards that enhance the beauty of this mountain village. During the apple blossom season (April-May) and harvest season (September-October), you can see trees laden with juicy red apples. Many locals allow visitors to walk through their orchards and taste freshly plucked apples, making it a simple yet memorable experience for travellers seeking authentic village life.

7. Chungthang

Chungthang is a small town located at the confluence of the Lachen and Lachung rivers on the way from Gangtok to Lachung. This beautiful town holds great religious significance due to the footprint rock associated with Guru Padmasambhava. Surrounded by green valleys and waterfalls, it serves as a peaceful stop for travellers before they ascend towards Lachung and Yumthang.

Best Time to Visit Lachung

The ideal time to visit Lachung is between March to June, when Yumthang Valley and Shingba Sanctuary bloom with flowers, and temperatures are pleasant. If you wish to experience snowfall and snow activities, visit between December and February. Monsoon months (July-September) are best avoided due to heavy rains and frequent landslides in North Sikkim.

How to Reach Lachung

• By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra (200 km). From there, you can hire a taxi to Gangtok and further travel to Lachung.
  
• By Rail: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (approx. 190 km).
  
• By Road: Lachung is accessible via Gangtok (approx. 110 km, 5-6 hours drive) by shared jeeps or private taxis through tour operators.
  

Travel Tips for Visitors

• Inner Line Permit: Required for Indian tourists visiting Lachung, Yumthang, and Zero Point. This can be arranged easily through your tour operator or at Gangtok.
  
• Clothing: Carry heavy woollens, thermal wear, gloves, and caps as temperatures remain cold, especially in mornings and nights.
  
• Health Precautions: Due to high altitude at Zero Point, carry necessary medicines and consult your doctor if you have altitude-related health issues.
  
• Cash: Carry sufficient cash as there are no ATMs in Lachung.
  
• Stay: Lachung offers basic hotels, guesthouses, and cosy homestays with local meals and warm hospitality.
  
• Responsible Travel: Do not litter, respect local customs, and avoid plucking flowers in sanctuaries.
  

Conclusion

From tranquil monasteries and cascading waterfalls to flower-filled valleys and high-altitude snowy landscapes, the Top Tourist Places in Lachung promise travellers a journey filled with nature’s beauty, spiritual calm, and Himalayan adventures. If you are planning a Sikkim trip, Lachung should definitely be on your itinerary to experience North Sikkim’s untouched grandeur and peaceful mountain village life.