Complete Travel Guide - Top Attractions and Things to Do
Explore Lachen
Lachen is a town located in the Mangan district of Sikkim, India, situated at a high altitude of approximately 8,838 feet (2,750 meters). The town is about 129 kilometers from Gangtok and its name means “big pass”.
Lachen is highly important as a tourist destination, serving as a base and crucial stopover point for travelers heading to the region’s attractions. It is the gateway for visiting the relatively unexplored Chopta Valley, the sacred Gurudongmar Lake, and Kala Patthar.
Historically and culturally, Lachen is distinct due to its unique form of self-governance known as Dzumsa, an administrative system where every household is a member. The town is also associated with the annual Thangu yak race held in the summer. Key historical landmarks include the Lachen Monastery, a spiritual retreat built in the 1850s, and a women’s handicraft centre showcasing the local weaving of traditional blankets and carpets.
Explore Lachung
Lachung is a important town and hill station located in the Mangan district of North Sikkim, resting at the confluence of the Lachen and Lachung Rivers. It is situated at an elevation of about 9,600 feet (2,900 m), and the town is approximately 125 kilometres from the capital Gangtok.
Historically, Lachung held importance as a trading post between Sikkim and Tibet until it was closed following the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1950. Recognized in 1855 by explorer Joseph Dalton Hooker as the “most picturesque village of Sikkim”, its economy today is significantly boosted by tourism.
For tourists, Lachung is a very popular destination, often serving as a crucial night stopover before heading toward major attractions. It is the gateway to natural landscapes such as the scenic Yumthang Valley (Valley of Flowers), Zero Point (Yume Samdong), Mt. Katao and Sanglaphu Lake which wasr ecently descoverd at the end of 2023 asn has been open to tourists since April 30, 2024.
