Welcome to Lachung, the place where two tributaries meet and form a paradise for tourists!
This small town in North Sikkim is surrounded by majestic mountains that will tempt you to travel here every year. With sparkling streams, peaks, and amazing waterfalls, it’s the perfect spot for nature lovers.
Lachung offers a pleasurable holiday experience amidst apple orchards, peaches, and apricots. The market is filled with handicrafts such as exquisitely woven rugs and blankets, making it ideal for shopping sprees. Lachung means ‘Small Mountain ‘, and it gets this name as it is outlined by majestic mountains.
The town is also a preferred base to visit the famous Yumthang Valley, quite a landmark in Sikkim’s tourism scene. This valley will make you feel like you’ve landed in the lap of nature. At an elevation of 3564 metres, it has blooming flowers, flowing rivers, hot springs, and yaks grazing on meadows. The best season to visit Yumthang is from February to June when flowers cover the valley in hues of the rainbow. It’s only an hour’s drive from Lachung.
Alternatively known as Yumesamdong, Lachung Zero Point is located at an altitude of 15,300 feet above sea level and is the last outpost of civilization. The journey to Zero Point from Yumthang valley is a lifetime experience as you drive through tortuous and rugged roads. The snow-clad mountains, the flowing rivers and the yaks grazing in search of vegetation make up for thrilling views. There are no roads further and just vast landscapes that never seem to end.
Since the place is close to India-China border, Inner Line permit is required which can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre or any registered tour operator. The best time to visit Zero Point is between February and June when the roads are clear and easily accessible. You can hire a cab from tour operators registered under Sikkim Tourism from Yumthang valley which is just 26 km away.
Now, let’s talk about the best time to visit Lachung. Almost every season has its own beauty, but summers and winters are preferred over the monsoon season since heavy rainfall can spoil outdoor activities. Summers witness calm and pleasant temperature while winters are cold due to incessant snowfall. The monsoon season comes with continuous showers and therefore disrupts sightseeing plans.
Winters in Lachung are chilling with the mercury hovering around 10 degrees and even falling below 0 degrees. The season starts setting in from October and lasts till February. Winters are characterized by heavy snowfall and fog. However, you will witness some spellbinding views as the whole city is covered with snow.
When it comes to sightseeing in and around Lachung, there are several places that you must not miss. For instance, Lachung Monastery is a Buddhist gompa in Sikkim that was established in 1880. A visit to the monastery is an interesting experience as you get to learn about the principles and culture of Buddhism.
Chungthang is another small picturesque town where you can take a halt while going to Yumthang valley.