One of the finest destinations in North Sikkim, Lachen is a charismatic village that attracts tourists every year. The sheer natural beauty of Lachen is good enough for mesmerizing people and steering them to visit here. The finest attraction of Lachen is the Lachung Monastery. Apart from the natural beauty and adventure activities that are on offer; Lachen is also an important destination for devotees.
It is a noteworthy place for Buddhist pilgrims and other such tourists. What makes Lachen a better place is its population which is very less. Lachen is also known as the popular gateway to Tso Lhamo Lake which is another sacred place in the village. If you plan to visit Sikkim, ensure that you do visit Lachen too. Here is the list of the best places to visit in Lachen.
Here is the list of the best places to visit in Lachen.
1. Lachen Monastery
Lachen, being an active pilgrim site, houses some amazing places to visit for devotees. One of them is the beautifully located Lachen Monastery. It is approximately 1 km from the village and was built in 1858 AD. Offering a pristine and breathtaking view on the backdrop that attracts a lot of attention and people year after year.
When you visit here, enjoy the time that you spend and then leave for two other amazing attractions around the monastery; Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley. You can buy colorful flags from nearby shops and spend some time in the serenity.
2. Chopta Valley
You might have heard the name ‘valley of flowers’ but that’s in Uttarakhand, right? What if you were told that a mirror image of this valley is also present in North Sikkim? Would you believe it? If not, head straight to the Chopta Valley which is in the Lachen region of Sikkim and is an amazing place to visit for sure.
One of the most beautiful destinations in the entire Sikkim, this valley has verdant beauty and an extensive diversity of wildlife. Chopta Valley is a place next to heaven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts because one can spot some rare species of birds, animals, and plants.
3. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Actually a part of Gangtok, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is an exquisite destination where you find rhododendrons abundantly. The entire sanctuary sprawls over 43 sq. km and one can find a diverse variety of their species. This triggers a lot of nature lovers to visit here and spend some time amidst the beautiful green park.
If you visit here during the monsoon season, you will be able to see all the amazing species of flowers and lush green vegetation throughout the sanctuary. A lot of adventure enthusiasts also come here on a few day’s trips owing to the adventure that’s on offer. Trekking, camping and a lot more things can be enjoyed here.
4. Gurudongmar Lake
Like any other attraction in Lachen, the Gurudongmar Lake is also a treat to your eyes. The entire place offers a pleasing natural beauty with a number of adventure activities on offer. More importantly, Gurudongmar Lake also acts as a base station for many treks so that is why adventure junkies come here.
Before you head for this place, make sure you have obtained the inner line permit which is an important thing. Apart from the natural splendor and adventurous offerings, Gurudongmar Lake is popular due to its proximity to the other popular destinations of Sikkim.
5. Thangu Valley
High-altitude passes, valleys, and mountain ranges, and adrenaline-rushing activities are a few things that define Lachen. Most people who visit here are in hunt of some heart-pumping activities and the treat to the eyes are just complimentary.
One of the finest places to visit in Lachen for some spine-chilling time is the Thangu Valley. Situated at approximately 3900m above sea level, Thangu Valley is approximately a 2-hour drive from the Lachen village. If you are a city-dweller looking for a perfect getaway then this quaint town is surely your place to visit. Get some time away from the hustle-bustle of the city in a quiet destination like the Thangu Valley.
6. Lhonak Valley
Amidst the top 10 places to visit in Lachen, you cannot miss out on the Lhonak Valley. Because when it’s about adventure sports and nature at its best at one place, then you have to surely visit the mesmerizing Lhonak Valley.
It is ideally a traveler’s spot where you get to enjoy all the fun like trekking, hiking, photography, mule riding and so much more. The altitude of this place is also high which makes it even better for thrill lovers.
7. Tso Lhamo Lake
Ladakh is well-known for high altitude lakes and so is Sikkim, especially the Northern Sikkim. One of the finest examples of high-altitude lakes in North Sikkim is the Tso Lhamo Lake. It is a freshwater lake that’s fed by the glacier.
The lake is situated at an astonishing height of 5100 m and is known to be one of the highest lakes in the world. Visiting here is no problem but you should have a valid Inner Line Permit to come here. Every year many travelers, especially bikers make their way to this amazing destination to enjoy the thrill it has on offer. So, if you are visiting Lachen anytime soon, don’t forget to visit here if you are an avid adventurer.
8. Green Lake
North-Eastern states of India have some deeply hidden secrets- these are in the form of places to visit where not many people go. One such offbeat destination is the Green Lake in the Lachen Region. It is situated towards the extreme Northern side of Sikkim but is a place worth visiting.
It is in proximity to the Chopta Valley and the Thangu Valley which makes it even better for travelers to visit here. From rocky mountains to rich meadows, the Green Lake is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty. While you visit here, ensure that your camera is fully charged.
9. Muguthang Valley
If you are visiting Lachen, we think you would not miss out on the beauty and thrill offered by the Muguthang Valley. It is approximately 60 km from the town of Lachen but the entire journey to this valley is spellbinding. The valley is located at an altitude of around 15,000 feet and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush green forests. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique vegetation.
The valley is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the snow leopard and Himalayan black bear. Visitors to Muguthang Valley can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, as well as take part in a range of outdoor activities such as trekking and camping.
10. Lachen Local Market
The village is known for its scenic surroundings, rich culture, and local markets. The Lachen Local Market is a bustling market located in the heart of the village, and is a popular attraction among tourists. It is known for its unique handicrafts, which are made by the local people using traditional techniques. Visitors to the market can find a wide range of handwoven fabrics, wooden artifacts, and other locally made products.
The market is an important part of the local culture, and is a great place to experience the traditional way of life in Lachen. Visitors can interact with the local people and learn about their customs and traditions. It is also a great place to buy souvenirs and mementos of your visit to Lachen. Visitors can find a wide range of locally made products, including postcards, keychains, and other memorabilia.
Conclusion
Now, this list does not comprise all the places in and around Lachen but yes, the listed places are complete in themselves. If you visit these on your trip to Sikkim, you will surely fall in love with this place. Not to forget that you can spend as much time as you want at all these places once your body adjusts to the gain in altitude. So, while iterating your trip, make sure that you have included all these places for sure.
Do You Know: Places to visit in Pelling | Places to visit in Sikkim | Places to visit in Lachung
