The picturesque mountain village of Lachung, at a height of 8610 ft, 120 Km
from Gangtok, embraced by snow capped
mountain peaks, breathtaking waterfalls, sparkling streams and apple orchards
is the perfect holiday destination. Sprawled across the banks of the Lachung
Chu (River) which slices the village in two, Lachung is famous for its apples,
peaches and apricots. At Lachung you can visit the Lachung Gompa, built around
1880, the monastery is situated amidst apple orchards across the river from the
town centre. At an altitude of 8500 ft & distances of 130Kms from Gangtok, Lachen is alluring in its simplicity. Not yet as big a tourist destination as Lachung, it retains a freshness which is very appealing.. Lachen is the starting point for some of the most interesting treks in North Sikkim as well as the gateway to the holy Guru Dongmar and Tso Lhamu lakes.
Note : Being a border state and for some other reasons special permission is to be taken for Indian ( to some areas of Sikkim ). Foreign tourists visiting Sikkim needs to have an Indian Visa. In addition they need a special Inner Line Permit.
Interesting to See at Lachun & Lachen :
Guru-Dongmar Lake : Guru-Dongmar Lake is revered as
one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim
both by the Buddhists and the Hindus. This milky white lake is believed to be
touched by the Guru Padmasambhava when he visited Tibet from
this area. Yumthang Valley : This famous valley in North Sikkim lies 140km north of Gangtok. Lachun provides the base for exploration of Yumthang, the valley of flowers. Situated at an altitude of 11800 ft ( 3564m) with a close proximity of Tibet, Yumthang is a unique place where the tree line ends. But rhododendron and primula still bloom covering the whole area in a surreal shade. It also offers view of a stunning array of peaks with Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa. A number of hot springs are scattered in the valley providing an unexpected opportunitny to feel the warmth of the water even in freezing temperature. Rich in sulphur these springs are believed to have miraculous healing power.
Phodong Monastery : Phodong Monastery is One
of the six major monasteries in Sikkim and is located in the North
approximately 38 kms from Gangtok. Go 4 kms beyond Phodong and have a view of
the recently renovated Labrang Monastery
exceptional in it architectural design.Singhik : comes next with its promises of one of the most glorious views of Kunchanjungha. Situated at an altitude of over 4000ft Singhik offers a desired break to the travelers on the way to Lachen or Lachung. For those having time, a half an hour's walk uphill takes one to an ancient monastery suspended in time.
Chungthang : Straddling at the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers lies Chungthang, a small town with full of legends. One of such legends claims this to be the place from where the word Demaong (the hidden valley of rice) first originated for Sikkim. The road coming from Gangtok divides at Chungthang. One leading towards northeast via Lachung up to Yumthang, Yumesamdong and Katao, all in the high altitude plateau above 12000ft and the other one via Lachen towards further north up to Thangu, Gurudongmar and Tso-Lamu Lake on Tibet border.
How to
Reach :To visit Lachun & Lachen in North Sikkim traveler prefer to travel from Gangtok. So once you reach Gangtok then after you can visit North Sikkim. From Gangtok drive towards 115 Kms north towards to Lachung.
By Air :
The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB), which is at a distance of 124 km from
Gangtok. From Gangtok Lachung is 115 Kms.
Helicopter
services are available from Bagdogra to Gangtok, only once during a day. It
takes about 20 minutes one way flight
By Rail :
The nearest rail is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is nearly 148 km away from
Gangtok. From Gangtok Lachung is 115 Kms.
By Road :
Gangtok is connected to the rest of the world through NH31A which connects
Gangtok to Siliguri. There are regular buses and taxis connecting Gangtok to
all other towns including Siliguri and Darjeeling.
Accommodation
: “Eco Trails” deals with some of the best Hotel, Home Stay in
Lachun and Lachen. Lachun and Lachen provides few tourist hotels. All
accommodated hotel are very much basic with all basic amenities for stay. As
because option is few in accommodation you have to booked your accommodation few
month before your journey.
Food : Local dishes specially and tastefully cooked for you served
by local chef. Much variety is not possible owing to the remoteness of the
area; yet best possible food is provided under strict hygienic supervision.
Vegetables come from the organic gardens of the village, chicken from the
village farms, fresh fruit from the village garden.
Activities:
Bird Watching, Lachun Sight Seeing, Lachen Sight Seeing, Yumthang Valley Visit,
Gurudongmar Lake Visit, Soft Trekking, Nature Walk
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