Lachung, aka my hometown, is a village located in the mountains close to the Tibetan border, in the northeastern region of the country. The village is divided by the Lachung River. It is home to one of the oldest 19th-century Buddhist monasteries and is surrounded by apple orchards. Besides apples, the Valley is also known mostly for its wines, hot springs, and forests. 

Perched at an elevation of 8,600 ft. above sea level, Lachung finds its place on holiday itineraries of almost every traveller visiting Sikkim, especially those who are en route to Yumthang Valley or Zero Point. 

The beautiful Lachung Valley

This charming little hamlet, with its scenic wealth of stunning fruit orchards, sparkling streams, and gushing blue rivers flowing against the mesmerizing backdrop of snow-crowned Himalayas loomed over by azure blue skies, has aptly been named amongst the most picturesque villages of northeast India, attracting thousands of holiday seekers and nature aficionados from far and wide. Whether you are a vacationer, a honeymoon couple, a nature lover, a photography geek, or a crazy adrenaline-seeking adventurer, you are sure to fall in love with this beautiful village. The town is no less than a paradise for soul seekers too who are looking for a destination where they can breathe in the fresh air and take in the solitude of the mountains, away from the honking noises of city roads. 

Lachung village has a local self-governing body called the “Dzumsa,” and the villagers have retained their unique cultural identity over the years in this region. The village is stretched on either side of the Lachung River that cuts through, and the Lachung Monastery is the prominent place for all religious and cultural activities.

Inhabitants of Lachung

Lachung never belonged to any particular tribe of people. The land was only inhabited some centuries ago by the people of Bhutan (Haa) and later by the Tibetans. The forefathers of the now residing Tibetans were mostly from the Khampa tribe who are the warrior tribe of Tibet. The Khampa tribe accompanied by other handfuls of tribes from Tibet fled from their homeland when they were attacked by China. Most of the people who flocked to the cold mountains of Lachung gradually became farmers and traders around the kingdom of Sikkim. The people who live in Lachung are deemed as Lachungpas.  

The snow-capped mountains and snowfall in the winter make Lachung a favourite spot for people who come from the plains. Lachungpas of the current generation usually depend on tourism for income. Most of them have their own travel agencies, hotels, and lodges for visitors. 

Education in Lachung

Lachung didn’t have many schools some decades ago. Kids usually went to Chungthang or Gangtok to study as they are more developed in terms of infrastructure and services. Even now, there are only 30 students per school. There are many integrated child development services for children who are younger than 3 years old but teenagers and adolescents mostly leave Lachung and spend their young years in other parts of the state. 

Local Food of Lachung 

As it’s mostly cold throughout the year, the diet of the Lachunpas comprises mostly of meat (beef and yak) and wheat-based products such as thenthuk, momo, thokho, phaktuk, and thub chay kho. They drink a special tea called suja (butter tea). 

Driving to Lachung by bike is highly popular

Fun Activities in Lachung

Travellers who are up for some adventure in Lachung will definitely be treated to numerous offerings that will help them satiate their adrenaline cravings; Zero Point also known as “Yumesamdong” is a popular trekking destination that leaves every adventure junkie with some thrilling and breath-taking vistas of nature. For true adventure lovers, Mt. Katao is a place that will enthrall with its winter activities: snowboarding, skiing, and snow-tubing. Having said that, permission must be obtained from the Indian Army to visit Mt. Katao; it also totally depends on the weather conditions on the day of your visit.

Lachung sightseeing

Lachung Monastery

Spiritual Leanings

For those interested in spirituality, Lachung has something to offer as well. A few kilometers away from Lachung is Chungthang, where the rivers of Lachen meet. At this point of confluence, there is a sacred stone known as “Naydo.” In addition, the Lachung Monastery hosts a mask dance performance as a part of a cultural festival of Buddhist preachers. Legend has it that there are footprints of Guru Padmasambhava around this sacred place.

While tourism in Lachung is driven by its plethora of tourist attractions and range of adventurous offerings, the place also sees a handful of travellers interested in getting an insight into the unique cultures and traditions of the region. The town is majorly inhabited by the Lepcha and Bhutia communities who are prime followers of Buddhism and even to date, practice their religion with great reverence.

The best time to witness a matchless cultural extravaganza in Lachung is during the month of June when the town comes to life with the “Saga Dawa” festival that fills the whole village with vibrancy and effervescence. Saga Dawa is one of the most important Buddhist festivals that signifies the three most important events from Lord Buddha’s life (his birth, enlightenment, and death) and is a perfect concoction of holy ceremonies, folk art, and exotic cuisine. 

Another important festival celebrated here is Losar, their new year. On this day, the Lachungpas hoist 5 flags as a tradition to restore goodwill and harmony around their place. Families enjoy eating delicious food and homemade wines on this day. 

Masked dance 

Travel 

Lachung is well connected by road. The drive from the capital city of Gangtok (a distance of approximately 110 km) takes you through winding mountain roads offering breath-taking vistas of the valley, all of which is sure to etch a mark in your heart and memories forever. 

A travel permit is required as the region lies in close proximity to the Indo-Chinese border, which makes it a restricted zone. The travel permit can be arranged from the District Commissioner’s office in Gangtok at least two days prior to your visit. 

Rent a bike

Accommodation

As one of the prime destinations in North Sikkim, finding accommodation in Lachung does not pose a big problem; however, bookings have to be made well in advance if you’re planning to visit during peak season. There are plenty of mid-range and budget hotels, tourist lodges, guesthouses, and homestays that provide for a comfortable stay, complete with all basic amenities like clean rooms, warm bed linens, heaters, and hygienically prepared food.

Stays in Lachung

Lachung is the perfect destination for anybody

Come and visit Lachung, which I assure you won’t take long to impress you and your friends and family. Be it a single-day trip or a week-long vacation, Lachung will surely bring out the mountaineer in you.

Tour package

Scintillating North Sikkim