Lachen
About Lachen
Far From City: 24 kms from city center
Cost:
About Lachen
Weather:
Open Time:Anytime
Cost:No entry fee
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Best time to visit Lachen
The best time to visit Lachen is between the months of November and June, given the pleasant weather that marks these months. Summers are moderate and quite pleasant in Lachen. An annual yak race called Thangu takes place at Lachen every summer. During winter, Lachen will get quite cold and the famous Gurdongmar Lake freezes completely which is a sight to behold.
How to Reach Lachen
The most convenient way of reaching Lachen is via Gangtok, which is at a distance of around 129 km and can be covered in a six and a half hour road journey. The adventure junkies can also opt for the two-day long trek from Yumthang Valley to Lachen which is sure to get the adrenaline pumping.
Air:The nearest Domestic Airport is Bagdogra Airport which is around four and half hour drive from Lachen. You will have to hire a taxi from the airport to reach Lachen.
Rail:The nearest Railway Station to Lachen is Darjeeling Railway Station which is connected to most of the cities of Sikkim and is at a distance of 171 Kms from Lachen. Siliguri, Sukna, Tindharia, Mahanadi, Dilaram, Sonada, Jorebungalow and Ghum are the cities it is well connected with.
Road:Lachen is connected through Sikkim State Road Transport Corporation (SSRTC) and some private travel services to all the major cities of Sikkim. Regular buses ply from Lachen to these states.
Getting Around Lachen
You can hire taxis to go around the place. Do hire a guide to show you around.
Where to Stay
Lachen has several deluxe and medium to budget accommodation choices. Some of the exotic and comfy hotels include Apple Orchard the (Lachen), Himalayan Residency (Lachen), Sonam Palgey Lachen (Lachen), Hiden Hill Lodge (Lachen) and Blue Pine Hotel (Lachen).
Sightseeing in Lachen
The two main tourist attractions in Lachen are Thangu and Gurdongmar Lake. A fresh water lake, it is one of the highest water bodies in the world as it is situated at an altitude of 5,210 m. The lake is positioned towards the North East of Kanchenjunga range which freezes completely during winters.
About 5 km ahead of this lake is the Tso Lhsmo Lake. With prior permission from the army, you can trek from the Gurdongmar Lake to Tso Lhsmo Lake. Thangu is an old and beautiful town in the North of Lachen. This is a place where most tourists prefer to stop at, before travelling to sight-seeing places like the Gurdongmar Lake and Cho Lhamu. The place is becoming a tourist hotspot.
Activities in Lachen
You can also go for trekking here as it is the base station for several treks.
Shopping in Lachen
Lachen may not be a shopper's paradise in its true sense but the hill town offers an enriching shopping experience to tourists. You can buy fabulous handicrafts and handloom products from here. You can fill your shopping bags with carpet, handbags, shawls, blankets made from Sheep and Yak wool along with amazing wooden articles. Go to The Handicraft Centre and The Angora Rabbit Farm (Rabom) to shop for fantastic woolen clothes and unique handicrafts.
The Lachen Experience
In Lachen, a traditional administrative system is in practice to follow rules and regulation and is known as Dzumsa. In summers, the interesting annual Yak Race called the Thangu takes place at Lachen. The population of Lachen is very less. It comes up to just about a 1000 people altogether.
Lachen's Nightlife
The place does not have much of a nightlife as there are hardly any clubs in this town.
Lachen's Cuisine
The local cuisine of Sikkim is popular in this area. Other cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, etc. are available too at nearby restaurants.
Best Restaurants Nearby
The Fortuna, Apple Orchard Resort, etc. are some resorts which have great restaurants. Several fast food joints can be tried too in Lachen.
Itinerary
Reach Lachen via any mode of transport and the places of interest on the way are Tashi View Point, the historic Kabi Lungtsok, Phodong Monastery. Check into a hotel in Lachen and after an early breakfast, drive to Gurudongmar Lake via Chopta Valley. Have a quick lunch at Lachen and don't miss the Lachen Monastery, while here. Follow it with a visit to Lachung the next day and enjoy that beautiful town. From there, you can go to Gangtok.
Tips
1. It is best to always travel with a guide.2. Since the vegetation is fragile, walking on designated trails is advised.3. Do not litter and deposit garbage at selected places. Keep all kinds of pollutants away from streams and lakes.4. It is customary to leave a donation at a monastery and to circle shrines in the clockwise direction.5. Avoid smoking, drinking and talking loudly near sacred places.
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