Lachung

Lachung is a picturesque town in North Sikkim in India. It is located in the North Sikkim district near the border with Tibet. Lachung is at an elevation of about 9,600 feet (2,900 m) and at the confluence of the Lachen and Lachung Rivers, both tributaries of the River Teesta. The word Lachung means "small pass". The town is approximately 125 kilometres (78 miles) from the capital Gangtok. Guests can visit Yumthang Valley (Valley of Flowers) and Yumesamdong (Zero Point) from Lachung. Guests can visit Yumthang valley to view the unique Flora and Fauna: the valley is home to a variety of Himalayan flowers, including rhododendrons, primulas, poppies, and iris. The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary within the valley has over 24 species of rhododendrons, the state flower of Sikkim. There are several hot springs in the valley, which are believed to have medicinal properties due to their rich sulfur content. There is no lachung airport and the nearest airport to reach Lachung is Pakyong & Bagdogra airport.

Lachung Travel Trips

Here are some enticing activities you can pursue in Lachung:

Travel to Yumthang Valley: Embark on a beautiful drive to the breathtaking Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers during spring (March-May) when it bursts into a vibrant display of colorful blooms. Explore Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary during spring time to witness amazing rhododendron flowers, capture stunning photographs, and enjoy the natural beauty of this captivating valley.
Explore Lachung Valley: Lachung Valley itself is a visual treat, offering mesmerizing mountain vistas, gushing rivers, and serene landscapes. Hike through the valley, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and soak in the tranquility of the surroundings.
Witness Majesetic Waterfalls: Lachung boasts several captivating waterfalls, including the Bhim Nala Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Sikkim, and the cascading Naga Falls. Enjoy the refreshing spray, capture scenic photographs, or simply relax amidst the sound of cascading waters.
Lachung Monastery: Explore the spiritual aura of Lachung Monastery, a 19th-century Buddhist monastery adorned with vibrant prayer flags. Witness the intricate architecture, interact with the monks (if permissible), and experience the tranquility of this sacred place.
Zero Point (Yumesamdong): For adventure enthusiasts, a trip to Zero Point (Yume Samdong), located at a high altitude, offers stunning mountain vistas and a feeling of being on top of the world. However, this destination is accessible only during specific seasons due to weather conditions. It is often inaccessible in the winter months

Yumthang Valley, North Sikkim

Things to note when travelling to Lachung:

Get your permits made before hand from your travel agent. You will need permits when you are visiting Lachung because of its proximity to China border. Read all about permits in Sikkim here
If you are visiting Gurudongmar Lake, then you need to stay in Lachen and not Lachung
It is a good idea to visit Lachen first and then Lachung. This is because many times guests want to return to Gangtok on the same evening and Gurudongmar lake is a much more tiring journey than Yumthang Valley.
It is best to spend two nights in Lachen and two nights in Lachung. It will be a comfortable holiday.
Carry warm clothes with you and you can expect some electricity problems in the winter. Hence check with your homestay/hotel for generator backup.
Sanglaphu Cho (lake) is the newest tourism addition in North Sikkim. The Sanglaphu lake is located at an altitude of 5,080m (16,670ft) and is about 5 km far from Yumesamdong, also called Zero Point near Lachung.

Where to stay in Lachung?

Lachung has many accommodation options but it is best to stay in Homestays in Lachung. The hospitality is really good and you get to try good local food. Expect rice, dal and vegetables at most properties.

Some of the good homestays in Lachung are:

Bichu Homestay Lachung, Bayul Homestay Lachung and OurGuest Camp Lachung which is a beautiful campsite in Lachung with luxury tents (attached bathroom) and 360 degree views of the mountains.

You can also read our blog about best homestays in Lachung for other good homestay options in Lachung.

Important things to note when travelling to Lachung:

There is no heater at many hotels/homestays in Lachung and due to the recent floods in October 2023 , their entire power station was washed away and hence power fluctuations are common
Road to Lachung is badly damaged so you may have to travel to Lachung via Dzongu which takes about 7 hours and the roads are narrow.
Plastic water bottle is banned in Lachung, so you ideally get your own water bottle from Gangtok and refill it multiple times in Lachung

For a customized North Sikkim tour you can contact us at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in

Lachung Facts

- Lachung is approximately 125 kilometres (78 miles) from the capital Gangtok and Lachen to Lachung distance is 50 kms and takes about 2 hours time. Please note that due to the recent floods, the road to Lachen is disrupted and it isn't possible to go to Lachen via road currently.

- Rhododendron flowers bloom during spring time in Yumthang valley (Mid April to May)

How to Reach

By Air

Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri serves as the nearest airport to Lachung. Bagdogra Airport is connected with rest of India by almost all domestic airlines. From Bagdogra you have to drive down to Gangtok, which takes about 4 hours and drive from Gangtok to Lachung the next day after getting travel permits in the morning.

By Train

Lachung does not have a railway station of its own and the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. From NJP you have to drive down to Gangtok, which takes about 4 hours and drive from Gangtok to Lachung the next day after getting travel permits in the morning.

By Road

Lachung has a good road connectivity with nearby destinations. Direct buses are available from New Jalpaiguri to Gangtok. Guests should stay one night in Gangtok, which is about 4.5 hours from the Airport/Railway Station. They need to get the permits made from their travel agent so that next morning, they can leave for Lachung. It will take about 5 hours to reach Lachung excluding lunch/tea break (preferably at Mangan/Rangrang)