Places to Visit in Lachung

Visit the Yumthang Valley also called the Sikkim Valley of Flowers, located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Here, you can marvel at the valley’s verdant meadows, clear rivers, and hot springs. Only 150 km from Gangtok, this nature sanctuary, at 3,564 metres above sea level, offers you an enchanted hideaway.

Chopta Valley, situated at an altitude of 13,200 feet in North Sikkim, is a serene Himalayan retreat renowned for its diverse landscapes, seasonal beauty, and untouched surroundings. Located on the way to the sacred Gurudongmar Lake, this hidden valley charms visitors with blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers in spring, and transforms into a snowy wonderland in winter. 

The valley also offers opportunities to spot rare wildlife like the Tibetan fox, Himalayan marmot, and Blue sheep, along with migratory birds such as the Blood Pheasant and Himalayan Monal. It serves as a base for high-altitude camps like the Muguthang Camp and the trek to Tso Lhamo Lake. A favourite among trekkers, birdwatchers, and photographers, Chopta Valley attracts travellers looking to explore Sikkim’s raw mountain charm and is often included in many Sikkim tour packages.

Yumesamdong, otherwise known as Zero Point, is one of the most frequented tourist's places in Lachung. It is located about 15 km away from Yumthang and sits at a mind-numbing altitude of 4,724 meters. Zero point marks the edge of civilization, and the road comes to a dead end here.

The vicuna China border is just beyond Zero points, though no tourists are allowed there. Despite the treacherous roads, Yumesamdong brings you exceptional rewards! Treat your eyes to the confluence of three magnificent rivers, flanked on either side by enormous, snow-clad peaks.

While yaks often graze here, the land is nearly competent devoid of vegetation. The place sits beneath thick, powdery snow, and brings extremely cold weather conditions. But there’s a great respite in the form of Hot Springs by the river Sebu Chhu!

Location: Sikkim 737120

Distance from Lachung Bus Stand: Approx. 50 km

Bhim Nala Falls, also called Bhim Nala Waterfall or Amitabh Bachchan Falls, is one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in Sikkim. Located near Karchung village in North Sikkim, about 13 km from Lachung, this majestic cascade plunges dramatically from steep rocky cliffs, surrounded by lush alpine greenery. The thunderous sound of water crashing down, the misty air, and the pristine surroundings make it a must-stop spot on the way to Yumthang Valley. 

A small viewing deck lets travellers capture panoramic shots, and there are tea stalls nearby for a warm break. It’s a peaceful and picturesque site that adds beauty to the already stunning North Sikkim route.

About 21 km away from Bhim Nala Falls, the Naga Falls sits somewhere along the Gangtok - Chungthang road and is easily one of the most spectacular places to visit in Lachung. Another one of the tallest waterfalls in Sikkim, this multi-tiered cascade is veered a little ways off the beaten tracks and offers wonderful solitude and respite from the most popular sites in Lachung.

Early morning or evening spent here, amidst the wooded hills, listening to a beautiful medley of sounds that blend in with the tumultuous roar of the falls is an experience that lingers in the heart. Surrounded by the panorama of lofty mountain peaks, Naga Falls is an unmissable place to visit during your Sikkim trip.

Location: North Sikkim District, Sikkim 737116

Distance from Lachung Bus Stand: 35 km

Chungthang is a peaceful Himalayan town in North Sikkim, located around 100 km from Gangtok at an altitude of 5,500 feet. Set at the meeting point of the Lachen and Lachung rivers, the town is surrounded by towering peaks, dense greenery, and spiritual legends that give it a unique charm.

It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava meditated here, blessing the land with sacred energy. The Holy Rock, said to bear his footprints, continues to release mineral water through a small opening. Nearby, a miraculous paddy field grows year after year despite the cold climate.

Chungthang is also home to the peaceful Gurudwara Nanak Lama and charming local eateries serving traditional Sikkimese food. A perfect stop for nature lovers and pilgrims alike, the town is often included in well-planned Sikkim tour packages for those exploring the beauty of North Sikkim.

Lachen is a peaceful Bhutia village with a population of about 1,300 people. It is located at about 2,600 m in North Sikkim and is surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, dense rhododendrons and pine forests.

The main attraction of the village is the 19th-century Nyingma Lachen Monastery. With vibrant murals, sacred relics, and daily prayer rituals, it creates an ideal environment for meditation and spiritual introspection. The village also has a unique self-governance system called Dzumsa.

A visit to the handicraft centre that displays yak-wool shawls and wooden crafts is crucial while visiting the place. Lachen is a gateway to amazing high-altitude places like Gurudongmar Lake (5,430 m), the Chopta and Thangu valleys, and the Green Lake treks.

Lachung Monastery (Samten Cheoling Gompa) is a Nyingma sanctuary that was built in 1880 and is located at the intersection of the Lachen and Lachung Rivers at 3,000 m. It is surrounded by apple orchards and pine-covered hills.

Two floors of wooden halls are beautifully decorated with murals of the life of Buddha, the Wheel of Life, and Tibetan gods and goddesses. In the middle of the halls is a statue of Guru Padmasambhava, which has immense importance to the locals. Visitors walk along the porch, which has two metal dragon designs, and spins heavy prayer wheels before going inside, which is calm and sacred.

On the 28th and 29th days of the Tibetan calendar in December, monks perform the colourful Cham masked dance, which is a religious and meditative ritual. The monastery is also a good place to start trips to Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, and Shingba Sanctuary.

Located somewhere along the Gangtok - Lachung highway, the Seven Sister Waterfalls, true to its name, is a harmonious array of seven different cascading falls. If a single raging waterfall leaves you speechless, imagine what a cluster of seven such waterfalls will do. Its mellifluous roar is audible, and plummeting silver streaks can be seen from far off.

The place springs to life fully during the monsoons, when the waters come raging down. Tumbling down from atop a lush green, wooded hill, the surrounding beauty of the waterfall enhances the beauty of it all. The place promises you an album full of wallpaper-worthy photographs too! It is truly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lachung.

Location: National Highway, North Sikkim, Gangtok, Sikkim

Distance from Lachung Bus Stand: Approx. 85 km

Mount Katao is also known as the “Switzerland of Sikkim”, as it is always adorned with snow throughout the year. The peak lies about 28 kilometres from Lachung, North Sikkim, and rises to roughly 15,000 feet, giving visitors a sweeping view of glaciers, craggy ridgelines, and bright alpine flowers that pop up in spring. When fresh snow blankets the ground, the valley falls quiet, providing a perfect backdrop for snowball fights, short treks, and peaceful moments.

Mount Katao is heaven for adventure people as it provides a mix of high-altitude thrill, unpolished solitude, and jaw-dropping scenery. This is one of the best places to visit in North Sikkim with your friends and family.

Thangu Valley is a quiet Himalayan hamlet roughly 30 kilometres north of Lachen, perched at about 13,000 feet. Its sweeping meadows, jagged peaks, and nearness to the Indo-Tibetan border make it a picture-perfect stop for people acclimatising before the trek to Gurudongmar Lake. Most of the year, the valley wears a thick blanket of snow, yet summer unveils a brilliant carpet of wild alpine flowers.

With sturdy logs, rushing glacial streams, and hardly a trace of modern clutter, the village feels like a step back into a simpler, wilder time. Anyone wandering through North Sikkim will find this little corner an unpolished jewel, a place that reveals the raw, undamaged soul of the region.

Mangan is a serene Himalayan town nestled in North Sikkim, sitting at an altitude of over 3,000 meters and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, forested slopes, and the glacial waters of the Teesta River. Often used as a base for exploring destinations like Lachen, Lachung, and Gurudongmar Lake, this quiet village charms travellers with its scenic beauty, rich culture, and peaceful ambience. Its scenic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, ancient monasteries, and local markets full of handmade crafts make it a perfect addition to Sikkim tour packages.

From attending the vibrant Mangan Music Festival in December to trekking forest trails, visiting Lepcha heritage sites, or simply relaxing in a homestay with a warm bowl of Thukpa, Mangan offers the ideal blend of local experiences and natural beauty. It’s a must-visit for those who prefer to explore the offbeat side of Sikkim.

Three Lhatsun Jigmed Pawo monks built Phensang Monastery in 1721, a part of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, with about 300 monks living there. It sits on a gentle slope between Kabi and Phodong and has panoramic views of the Himalayas and rhododendron-covered hills.

Visitors love the traditional Tibetan woodwork, bright murals, prayer hall with prayer wheels, and statues. The annual Cham mask-dance festival, which takes place on the 28th and 29th days of the 10th Tibetan month (usually December), is a high point in Tibetan culture. It's a great place for people who want to introspect, search for spirituality, or learn about other cultures.

The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is a high-elevation botanical refuge in the Yumthang Valley of North Sikkim, which lies 7 kilometers from Lachung. The sanctuary covers 43 square kilometers and features more than 40 rhododendron species that produce vibrant flowers from April to July. Situated at 3,048 meters within the Singalila Range, the sanctuary protects some rare bird species along with alpine animals, thus making it one of the best places to include in your Lachung Tour Package. 

The sanctuary provides visitors with an authentic offbeat nature encounter, which enhances the Himalayan setting around it.

Tucked deep within the mountains of North Sikkim, Green Lake is a pristine alpine lake nestled at the base of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. Known for its offbeat and challenging trail, the Green Lake Trek is a hidden gem for seasoned trekkers seeking solitude and raw Himalayan beauty. The lake sits at an altitude of around 5,000 meters and reflects snow-capped peaks like Simvo, Siniolchu, and Kanchenjunga in its clear glacial waters.

The trek begins from Lachen and takes you through rhododendron forests, remote valleys, and high-altitude meadows over 8 to 9 days. Along the way, you will spot rare Himalayan wildlife, camp under starlit skies, and connect with the cultural roots of Sikkim’s Bhutia and Lepcha communities. For anyone craving a remote, rewarding, and spiritually rich journey, Green Lake is an unforgettable experience in the world of trekking in Sikkim.

Take in the stunning views of Gurudongmar Lake, which is tucked away in Sikkim at an astounding height of 17,800 feet. This holy lake, which bears the name of Guru Padmasambhava, attracts with its pure charm. Experience the raw beauty of this undiscovered treasure as you travel through untamed landscapes dotted with rhododendrons and alpine pastures.

Kabi Lungchok is a peaceful little place about 17 km north of Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway. It is where the famous Blood Brotherhood Treaty was signed between Lepcha chief Thekong Tek and Tibetan prince Khye Bumsa in the 13th century. Under the watch of mighty Kangchenjunga lies "Stone erected by our blood", a living symbol, with old pillars and life-size statues.

Walking along mossy stone paths through a subtropical broad-leaved forest full of alders, michelia, and castanopsis. The prayer flags and waterfalls sound like music along the way. While birdwatchers can spot species like rufous-necked hornbills, crested serpent eagles, and grey-crowned prinias in thick trees.

The Sekhiuk Puja and Pang Lhabsol rituals that happen every year bring people together. It immerses visitors in Sikkim's native culture, natural peace, and spiritual unity.

Rong Lungten Lee is a meticulously preserved replica of a traditional Lepcha Kaa-den-mo-lee house. It is located in Namprikdang, about 8 km from Mangan, at the meeting point of the Kanaka and Teesta rivers. The three-room building with an upper "phodong" attic is a glimpse into the local past preserved meticulously. It displays real Lepcha artefacts, such as traditional clothing, tools, utensils, and rare antiques.

It was built without any nails and is held up by strong stilts on flat stones, a smart design to keep it safe from earthquakes and floods. Year-round open access lets people who love culture see Lepcha heritage and traditional design. The weather is pleasant, and the flowers are in bloom from March to June.

Visit during the Namsoong Festival (Dec–Jan), which celebrates the Lepcha New Year with folk dances, rituals led by shamans, and real food, a highlight of cultural tourism. Whether you are drawn by the indigenous culture, the architecture or the breathtaking setting, it won't disappoint.

Singhik is a quiet Himalayan village located just 4 km from Mangan in North Sikkim, perched at a height of around 1,560 meters. Surrounded by lush hills and snow-covered peaks, this peaceful hamlet is best known for offering stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu from its famous viewpoint.

From watching golden sunrises to spotting the Teesta and Kanaka rivers joining, Singhik makes for a refreshing stop on your way to Lachung. The village is dotted with short forest trails, ancient monasteries like Labrang, and small Lepcha settlements that reflect the region’s untouched charm.

Travellers often stay in cosy homestays, enjoy Sikkimese dishes like Phagshapa and Thukpa, and spend their time soaking in nature’s silence. If you’re looking for a peaceful, offbeat escape with scenic beauty and local experiences, Singhik fits right into your Sikkim tour packages.

Seated right between the Chola range and Mangan Ridge, Tosar Lake climbs up to at an altitude of about 4,000 meters. The lake holds religious importance for the locals and is worshipped by them. Flanked by lofty Himalayan peaks, the lake affords unmatched views of the Kanchenjunga East Face.

Tracing an ancient yak and cow trail, the Tosar Lake trek coils through the Reserve forests of Naga, Meyong and Kaley, and is lined with beautiful trees of bamboo and conifer. The trek begins from Naga village and traces a steep trail through wet temperate forests. Enjoy splendid views of the mountain ranges, and their beautifully distorted reflections in the crystal waters of the lake.

Location: North Sikkim, Sikkim

The Lachung Chu River, meandering through the breathtaking valleys of North Sikkim, is a testament to nature's splendor. Originating from the confluence of two tributaries, Lachung Chu is renowned for its crystalline waters, fed by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The river's journey is a symphony of serenity, as it cascades down rocky slopes, carving its path through dense forests and quaint villages. Along its banks, rhododendron blooms add vibrant hues to the landscape, painting a picturesque scene against the backdrop of towering mountains.