Lachung

Lachung: Where the Himalayas Whisper in Silence

Destination Type: Mountain Village | Nature | Adventure | Spiritual Escape
Best Time to Visit:

March to June – Rhododendrons and alpine bloom season
October to December – Crisp air, clear skies, light snowfall begins
April–May – Best to witness Yumthang Valley in full bloom
Ideal Duration: 2 days (as part of a 4–5 day North Sikkim trip)

(Typically combined with Gangtok and Yumthang Valley)

Morning:
- Depart from Gangtok early (6–7 AM) with a North Sikkim tour package (only registered vehicles allowed).
- The ~6–7 hour drive is a visual treat: mountain cliffs, forest trails, rivers, and waterfalls.
- Key en route stops:
  - Seven Sisters Waterfall
  - Naga Waterfall
  - Chungthang (confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers)
Afternoon:
- Arrive in Lachung (8,800 ft) – check into a mountain homestay or lodge.
  - Recommended: Yarlam Resort, Magellan’s The Golden Bridge, or homestays with valley views.
- Relax with hot tea and soak in the breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
Evening:
- Stroll around the quiet Lachung Monastery for a peaceful sunset.
- Enjoy a cozy dinner with simple but warm Sikkimese cuisine (thukpa, momos, or dal-bhaat).
- Night temperatures can dip—bundle up and rest for next day’s exploration.

Early Morning:
- Drive to Yumthang Valley (11,800 ft) – ~1 hour away.
  - Known as the “Valley of Flowers of Sikkim”, it’s a surreal alpine meadow surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
  - Enjoy hot tea, take pictures near the river, and walk through wildflower trails (in bloom season).
Optional Extension:
- Continue to Zero Point (Yumesamdong) – another 45 mins uphill.
  - Snow-covered for much of the year, this is the last civilian-accessible point near the Indo-China border.
  - Great for snow play, photography, and altitude thrill.
Return:
- Head back to Lachung for lunch.
Afternoon:
- Begin return journey to Gangtok (~6–7 hrs). Reach by evening.

Permit Required: Apply in advance via a registered tour operator for North Sikkim (carry voter ID/passport + passport-sized photos)
Accommodation: No luxury hotels – expect basic but warm hospitality
Connectivity: No mobile networks or Wi-Fi beyond Chungthang
Altitude: Drink water, rest properly – avoid exertion at Zero Point
Food: Basic local fare – carry snacks and medicines
Travel Only With Registered Operators – DIY travel is not allowed in North Sikkim