Lachen isn’t just a destination—it’s a revelation. Nestled in the rugged folds of North Sikkim, the top tourist places in Lachen offer a rare blend of alpine grandeur, spiritual serenity, and raw Himalayan adventure. Whether you’re chasing glacial lakes, trekking through untouched valleys, or soaking in the quiet charm of Buddhist monasteries, Lachen is where nature whispers and time slows down.

🏔️ Why Visit Lachen?

  • Altitude: ~2,750 meters above sea level

  • Vibe: Peaceful, remote, and culturally rich

  • Ideal For: Nature lovers, spiritual seekers, photographers, and adventure travelers

  • Best Time: March to June and September to December

 

 

🌟 Top Tourist Places in Lachen

Here’s a curated list of Lachen’s most iconic and soul-soothing destinations:

1. Gurudongmar Lake

  • Altitude: ~17,800 ft

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

  • Experience: Snow-covered peaks, turquoise waters, and spiritual silence

  • Best Time: April to June

This glacial lake is a spiritual and scenic marvel—frozen in winter, surreal in summer.

2. Lachen Monastery (Ngodub Choling Gompa)

  • Built: 1858

  • Highlights: Traditional Tibetan architecture, prayer wheels, and panoramic views

  • Experience: Peaceful meditation, cultural immersion

  • Best Time: Year-round

A spiritual anchor in Lachen’s cultural landscape.

3. Chopta Valley

  • Altitude: ~13,000 ft

  • Highlights: Alpine meadows, wildflowers, and river views

  • Experience: Trekking, photography, and birdwatching

  • Best Time: Spring and early summer

Often snow-covered in winter, Chopta Valley is a dream for nature lovers.

4. Thangu Valley

  • Altitude: ~13,000 ft

  • Highlights: High-altitude valley with seasonal blooms and yak sightings

  • Experience: Scenic drives, snow play, and cultural exploration

  • Best Time: May to June

A picturesque stop en route to Gurudongmar Lake.

5. Green Lake Trek

  • Duration: 10–12 days

  • Highlights: Base camp for Kanchenjunga expeditions

  • Experience: Forests, glaciers, and high-altitude terrain

  • Best Time: April to June and September to November

A bucket-list trek for serious hikers and mountain dreamers.

6. Tso Lhamo Lake (Advanced Trek)

  • Altitude: ~18,000 ft

  • Highlights: Remote glacial lake near the Indo-China border

  • Experience: Trekking, solitude, and untouched beauty

  • Best Time: Summer (requires permits and fitness)

One of the least explored lakes in India—raw and remote.

7. Handicraft Shopping in Lachen Market

  • Highlights: Locally made woolens, prayer flags, and souvenirs

  • Experience: Interact with locals, sip butter tea, and shop mindfully

  • Best Time: Morning and evening strolls

A small but charming market that reflects Lachen’s cultural warmth.

 

 

🧘‍♀️ Cultural & Spiritual Experiences

  • Monastery Visits: Lachen Gompa and nearby spiritual sites

  • Festivals: Losar (Tibetan New Year), Saga Dawa, and mask dance rituals

  • Local Cuisine: Try thukpa, momos, churpi soup, and yak cheese

 

 

🏨 Where to Stay

Lachen offers cozy, mountain-view accommodations:

Type

Features

Ideal For

Homestays

Local hospitality, authentic food

Culture seekers

Budget Hotels

Basic amenities, warm service

Backpackers, solo travelers

Mid-Range Lodges

Comfortable rooms, valley views

Families, couples

Popular options include Apple Orchard Resort, Delight Royal Lachen, and homestays near the monastery.

 

 

🍛 What to Eat

Lachen’s food is hearty and warming:

  • Thukpa: Noodle soup with vegetables or meat

  • Momos: Steamed dumplings with spicy chutney

  • Churpi Soup: Made from hardened yak cheese

  • Butter Tea: Salty, creamy, and energizing

  • Sel Roti: Sweet rice bread, often served during festivals

 

 

📅 Best Time to Visit

Lachen is best visited when the roads are clear and the skies are crisp:

Season

Months

Highlights

Spring

Mar–May

Blooming valleys, trekking season

Summer

Jun–Aug

Mild weather, Gurudongmar access

Autumn

Sep–Nov

Clear skies, cultural festivals

Winter

Dec–Feb

Snowfall, monastery visits

Avoid peak monsoon (July–August) due to landslides and road closures.

 

 

🚗 How to Reach

  • By Air: Nearest airport is Bagdogra (200+ km); shared taxis to Gangtok, then Lachen

  • By Train: Nearest station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP)

  • By Road: Gangtok to Lachen (~120 km) via scenic mountain roads

Permits are required for North Sikkim—your hotel or travel agent can assist.

 

 

🛍️ What to Buy

Lachen’s markets offer simple but meaningful souvenirs:

  • Woolens & Shawls: Locally woven

  • Prayer Flags & Beads: Spiritual keepsakes

  • Yak Cheese & Churpi: Edible souvenirs

  • Handmade Crafts: Bamboo, wood, and stone items

 

 

✨ Final Thoughts

The top tourist places in Lachen aren’t just destinations—they’re experiences. From the sacred silence of Gurudongmar Lake to the fluttering prayer flags of Lachen Monastery, every moment here feels like a blessing. Whether you’re trekking to Green Lake or sipping butter tea in a cozy homestay, Lachen invites you to reconnect—with nature, with culture, and with yourself.

So pack your layers, charge your camera, and let Lachen’s Himalayan magic unfold.