A relatively fresh and unexplored tourist destination – Lachen, is situated 129 kilometers from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The most noticeable spot is the well known Lachung Monastery of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism. Lush green vegetation, natural beauty, grasslands along with apple orchards are the major tourist spots here. Scheduling an itinerary of 1 to 2 days with Lachen as the base is the most ideal way to spend the vacation with expeditions to the stunning Tso Lhamo Lake (Forbidden for tourists as of now) - highest lake in India and 14th highest in the world, Lhonak Valley is one of the most popular trekking destination, Chopta valley, Green lake (untouched treasure of Sikkim offers stunning views of Kanchenjunga mountain ranges – takes almost 6-7 days to cover from Lachen), Singhba Rhododendron Sanctuary (spectacular collection of gorgeous more than forty Rhododendron species) and Gurudongmar Lake (one of the highest and largest lakes in all of Sikkim, having special religious significance, second highest lake in India and source of the mighty of the mighty Teesta river). Lachen has many trekking areas in the North Sikkim region including the famous Green Lake and Kanchenjunga National Park treks.
One of the most exotic towns in the northern district of Sikkim, very thinly populated, gateway to the sacred Gurudongmar Lake and Tso Lhamu lakes also home to Bhutia tribes and Tibetans. Buddhist pilgrims and tourists profoundly visit the territory. Plenty of tourist accommodations are available at Lachen. Lachen offers a number of tourist accommodations from hotels, lodges and homestays. The best time to visit is from February to June. The weather is great with nice congenial temperatures to explore and witness the beauty of the hills.
Gurudongamar is widely visited by tourists now days. Although the area falls under restricted area and tourists needs to obtain special permit from Gangtok to visit Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake. Although only Indians are allowed to Gurudongmar Lake due to its close proximity with the international border with Tibetan Autonomous Region of PR China. Lachen to Guruongmar Lake is a day trip covering a round trip of almost 140 Kms. Chopta is midway. Vegetation is quite low after gaining the altitude and hence Oxygen level is low. Children below 5/6 years are not suggested to visit Gurudongmar Lake.
To Reach
Approximately located at an altitude of 8838 ft, the small town is a good 6 to 7 hours drive from Gangtok along the North Sikkim highway through Phodong and Mangan before reaching Chungthang with the road bifurcating, one on the left going to Lachen about 26 kms away.
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