Lachung

The northern district of the Indian state of Sikkim contains a place named Lachung, which is considered to have a heavenly habitat. The altitude of Lachung is 8,800 feet above the sea level. If one wants to spend some time in seclusion and peace, then Lachung is just the perfect place to do so. The journey to Lachen introduces the visitors to an array of beautiful natural elements such as plush trees, waterfalls, small picturesque villages and panoramic locations. 

The word ‘Lachung’ stands for the phrase ‘Small Mountain’. In the year 1855, Joseph Salton Hooker coined the phrase ‘most picturesque village of Sikkim’ in the journal named ‘The Himalayan Journal’, owning to Lachung’s ethereal natural beauty and magnificent setting.

During the cold moths, the entire gorge resumes an outer worldly looks, when the gorge gets covered in a dense blanket of snow. The major part of the population is made up of the Bhutias. In order to protect the border of the country, there is an army cantonment present here in Lachung. In the northern portion of the state of Sikkim, Lachung is believed to be the last hamlet during ones journey towards the Yumthang Valley. The distance between Yumthang Valley and Lachung is 25 Kms. 

Lachung used to function as a business base point between Sikkim and the country named Tibet, prior to the year 1950. Under the initiative take by the tourism department, tourism has started to boom in Lachung and it has become quite a favorite tourist destination for the people of India and also outside India. 

If one wishes to visit the Lachung Monastery, then one will have to take the highway’s reverse slope. One can also choose to visit the handicraft centre as well as engage themselves by taking a stroll around the village and observing the traditions and culture of the place. Another activity that one should check out is the trout fishing. Another prime crowd puller is the Rhododendron Sanctuary, which is situated close to Lachung. 

There are numerous places to accommodate tourists visiting this place. Since, one requires permission to visit the area, one need to book a tour package from a renowned travel agent. Lachung functions as a centre point for making a trip to other locations such as Yumthang Valley and Katao. 

                                            HOW TO REACH LACHUNG

By Air: The closest air terminal to Lachung is the Bagdogra Airport.

By Rail: New Jalpaiguri Railway station and Siliguri station are the nearest railway terminal to Lachung. Jalpaiguri is located at a distance of 139 Kms.

By Road: Buses, shared jeeps and private cars are options to reach Lachung.