Situated at a height of about 9,600 ft. from sea level, Lachung is a nature lovers’ paradise. It is a hill station in the north of Sikkim on the banks of River Lachung Chu and is widely popular for its spellbinding beauty. Here are numerous things to do in Lachung that will make your trip to the Northeast exciting and memorable. The place is no less than a dreamland that awes visitors with lush rhododendron forests, magnificent waterfalls, hot springs, and spectacular snow-covered mountains. The stunning beauty of the place will stay in your mind forever once you visit.
10 Things To Do In Lachung
Lachung serves as the base for visiting various tourist attractions in North Sikkim. Here is a list of the top things to do in and around Lachung:
1. Visit The Lachung Monastery
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting the tranquil Lachung Monastery must be at the top of your list of things to do in Lachung. It is a Buddhist monastery, also known as Samten Chorling, nestled among apple orchards. The two-storeyed building consists of a prayer hall to pray and meditate. It boasts a serene environment and represents Sikkimese culture and traditions. You’ll also discover ancient murals, carvings on the walls and the statue of Guru Padmasambhava — the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. You can engage in various festivals held in December according to the Buddhist calendar.
Location: Singring, Lachung, Sikkim
Best Time To Visit: December (festival season)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Lachung For A Wonderful Vacation In Hills
2. Trekking To Yumthang Valley
Photo: Joginder Pathak / Wikimedia Commons
Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers, is one of the best things to see in Lachung. It becomes a white wonderland completely covered with a blanket of snow in winter and blooms as a colourful valley of flowers in spring. The valley is home to several rare and beautiful Himalayan flower species including primulas, rhododendrons, iris, poppies, etc. This place just can’t be missed if you’re in Lachung.
Distance: 25 km from Lachung
Best Time To Visit: March to May (Spring)
3. Experience The Beauty Of The Seven Sisters Waterfall
Photo: Madhumita Das / Wikimedia Commons
The Seven Sisters Waterfalls are one of the best places to visit in Sikkim and it can be easily reached on the way from Gangtok to Lachung. It is called seven sisters because of the fact that the waterfalls are in seven stages down the mountains. It is extremely exhilarating to witness the cascading waters falling against the backdrop of lush greenery and high peaks. The sound of the water tumbling over the rocks can be soothing and revitalising. You’ll wish to just stay there to feel the serenity of the place.
Location: Gangtok-Lachung Highway, 32 km from Gangtok
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Top Offbeat Places In Sikkim For Your Next Surreal Trip
4. Roam Around The Fruit Orchards
Photo: Zen Chung / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Apples, apricots, peaches, and other fruit orchids are the speciality of Lachung village. Fruit orchids are widely available and have long been a part of the village’s traditions. Visiting and savouring these delectable fruits will be one of the most memorable experiences for both adults and children. You’ll definitely miss these colourful gardens and plantations in your city life once you leave.
Best Time To Visit: August to September
5. Visit The Famous Bhim Nala
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Have you heard about the famous Amitabh Bachchan Falls? Bhim Nala is, interestingly, called the same due to its great height as it is one of the tallest falls in Sikkim. The greatness would be visible once you look at the water falling in three stages and feel the cool droplets on your face. Visiting these falls would be one of your best experiences in Lachung, so you must add it to your list.
Location: Khedum village, Chungthang-Lachung Rd., 13 km from Lachung
Timing: 8 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: The Best Adventure Sports In Sikkim To Try On Your Next Vacation
6. Witness The Cascading Waters Of Naga Falls
Photo: RISHABH GAURAV / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Naga Falls is another one of the tallest falls in Sikkim, near Bhim Nala. It has grand waterfalls and stunning panoramic views. When you witness the waters running over the rocks in different stages, it will be a wonderful experience for sure. To watch the grandeur of this waterfall, you’ll have to trek a bit to the bridge formed especially for this purpose where you can enjoy relaxing or clicking photos.
Location: 21 km from Bhim Nala
Best Time To Visit: 8 AM – 5 PM
7. Visit Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Photo:Amaga / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Discovering about twenty-four species of Rhododendrons would be one of the best experiences of your life. If you’re in Yumthang, then your next visit must be to this sanctuary. A part of the Sacred Himalayan Landscape, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is home to about forty species of Rhododendrons such as aconites, poppies, saxifrages, primulas, potentillas, gentians, etc. It is a popular trekking destination and also a place to relax in the lap of nature. The mesmerising view and blissful fragrance all around are an experience to remember.
Location: Near Yumthang Valley
Best Time To Visit: April to July
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Cascading Waterfalls In Sikkim That Are Not To Be Missed
8. Soak In The Beauty Of Gurudongmar Lake
Photo: Jaime Reimer / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
What’s amazing about the Gurudongmar Lake is that it’s one of the world’s highest lakes (17,800 ft.). It is an extremely beautiful lake which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. You will be enthralled with the sparkling water under the sun amidst lush green forests in the mountains. It is named after the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). There’s a spot considered sacred, where water never freezes no matter how cold it is. People can only stay here for about an hour due to low oxygen levels.
Location: Mangan District, 113 km from Lamchung
Best Time To Visit: March-June
Age Limit: 8-60 years
9. Excursion To Zero Point
Photo:Sujay25 / Wikimedia Commons
Zero Point, also known as Yumesamdong, is located at a height of 15,300 ft above sea level. It is covered in snow throughout the year as the temperature is very low. You need a special permit to visit here as it is close to international borders. You can discover the confluence of the three rivers and yaks grazing in surrounding places here which is an awe-striking experience. Although the roads leading to Zero Point are risky, the breathtaking sights of pure Himalayan grandeur blanketed in fresh snow make the drive worthwhile.
Distance: 25 km from Yumthang Valley & 51 km from Lachung
Best Time To Visit: April to May
Age Limit: 8-60 years
Suggested Read: Go Trekking In Sikkim For A Soulful And Exhilarating Scenic Journey
10. Trekking To Mount Katao
Photo: 123invincible / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re seeking something to do in Lachung that’s totally adventurous, then you can go trekking to Mount Katao. Situated approximately 22 kilometres from Lachung at an elevation of 15,000 feet above sea level; it’s quite an offbeat destination. It is well-known for its expansive views of snow-capped mountains encircled by lush landscapes in warm temperatures. Trekking to great heights with friends, witnessing picturesque scenes of the waterfall and soaking in the serenity — it’s all you need to get on your trip out of the hustle and bustle of city life.
Adding Lachung to your itinerary allows you to explore the wonderful place along with a touch of Sikkimese culture and make your vacation even more special. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of this wondrous place in Sikkim. Don’t forget to make use of our suggestions for top things to do in Lachung. Get ready to be mesmerised by the tranquillity of the northeast and leave the planning to TripXL!
Cover Photo:Ajay Kumar / Wikimedia Commons