How to Reach Lachen: North Sikkim’s Hidden Jewel

Tucked high in the Eastern Himalayas, Lachen in North Sikkim is a quiet, remote village that has recently grown in popularity thanks to its surreal landscapes, alpine lakes, and spiritual charm. Known as the gateway to the famous Gurudongmar Lake, this high-altitude hamlet offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. But due to its remote location, figuring out how to reach Lachen: North Sikkim’s Hidden Jewel can be a bit challenging—especially for first-time travelers. This guide provides Complete Travel Guide to North Sikkim’s Hidden Jewel, including route options, travel time, road conditions, essential permits, tips for adjusting to Lachen Sikkim temperature, and more. Let’s make your journey to Lachen smooth, scenic, and unforgettable.

Why Visit Lachen? North Sikkim’s Hidden Jewel

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Lachen isn’t just a stopover; it’s a destination in its own right. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks and coniferous forests, Lachen is dotted with prayer flags, ancient monasteries, and smiling locals. From here, travelers head to Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world at 17,800 feet.

Discover More How To Reach and Check Out This Sikkim Gem.

Other places to visit in Lachen Sikkim include:

Lachen Monastery
Thangu Valley
Chopta Valley
Viewpoints along the Teesta River
Seasonal trekking routes like Green Lake Trek

This village, still untouched by over-commercialization, is among the top emerging Lachen tourist spots for travelers who want raw, high-altitude Himalayan beauty.

How to Reach Lachen: North Sikkim’s Hidden Jewel – A Step-by-Step Travel Guide

1. By Air – Flying to Sikkim

Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), West Bengal

Distance from Lachen: ~200 km
Travel Time: 8 to 10 hours (road)

Bagdogra to Lachen is the most common travel route for air travelers. Bagdogra is a well-connected airport with daily flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

Once you land, you can:

Hire a private cab directly to Lachen
Travel to Gangtok first, then take a North Sikkim tour package

Tip for first-timers: Direct cabs are expensive and only recommended if traveling in a group. Most travelers break the journey at Gangtok.

2. By Train – Rail Connection to Lachen

Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP), Siliguri

NJP to Lachen distance: ~195 km
Travel Time: 9–10 hours (by road)

NJP is the main railhead in the region, connected to cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, and Bangalore. It’s a popular entry point for travelers heading to both Sikkim and Darjeeling.

From NJP, follow these steps:

Travel from NJP to Gangtok (120 km, 4–5 hours)
Stay overnight in Gangtok
Take a jeep or taxi to Lachen the next morning

There are no direct buses or trains to Lachen North Sikkim, but shared cabs and pre-arranged taxis operate regularly via tour operators.

3. By Road – Drive or Ride to Lachen

If you’re an adventure lover or traveling from a nearby hill station, road travel offers breathtaking views and memorable pit stops.

Gangtok to Lachen Distance

Distance: 120 km
Travel Time: 6 to 8 hours
Route: Gangtok → Mangan → Chungthang → Lachen

This is the most preferred and scenic route. Roads are winding, narrow, and pass through waterfalls, forests, and dramatic cliffs. Most tourist places in Lachen are covered as part of North Sikkim tour packages starting from Gangtok.

Bagdogra to Lachen (Via Gangtok)

Step 1: Bagdogra → Gangtok (~125 km, 4–5 hrs)
Step 2: Gangtok → Lachen (~120 km, 6–8 hrs)

This two-leg journey is ideal for travelers arriving by flight. You can arrange a full tour package from Bagdogra including stays, meals, and permits.

NJP to Lachen (Via Gangtok)

Step 1: NJP → Gangtok (~120 km)
Step 2: Gangtok → Lachen (~120 km)

Like Bagdogra, NJP also connects seamlessly to Gangtok. The Lachen to NJP distance on your return will be approximately 195–200 km, depending on the exact route.

Lachung to Lachen

Distance: ~50 km
Travel Time: 2–3 hours

If you’re covering both Lachung and Lachen tourist spots, your travel operator will arrange transfers. Both villages are part of a typical 3N/4D North Sikkim circuit.

Darjeeling to Lachen

Distance: ~170–180 km
Travel Time: 9–11 hours

There are no direct routes, so you’ll need to travel via:

Darjeeling → Teesta → Melli → Gangtok → Lachen

It’s advisable to split this journey over two days, staying overnight in Gangtok.

Permit Requirements for Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake

Because Lachen lies near the Indo-China border, permits are mandatory for all travelers.

For Indian Citizens:

Valid government photo ID (Voter ID)
Two passport-sized photos
Issued by local tour operators or Sikkim Tourism Office in Gangtok

For Foreign Nationals:

Protected Area Permit (PAP) required
Must travel in groups of two or more with a registered guide
Gurudongmar Lake is off-limits to foreigners due to proximity to the border

Tip: Always confirm your permit status the night before departure. Keep a printed copy while traveling.

Weather and Lachen Sikkim Temperature

Lachen Sikkim temperature varies greatly due to its high altitude (~9,000 ft). Here’s what to expect by season:

Summer (April to June): 5°C to 15°C, ideal for sightseeing
Monsoon (July to Sept): Heavy rains, landslides possible—travel not advised
Autumn (Oct to Nov): Clear skies, temp between 2°C to 12°C
Winter (Dec to Feb): -5°C to 5°C, frequent snowfall, Gurudongmar often inaccessible

Packing Tip: Always carry layered clothing, thermal wear, windproof jackets, gloves, and sturdy shoes regardless of the season.

Transportation Options in Lachen

Private Taxi: Best for comfort, ideal for families or groups
Shared Jeep: Budget option, available in Gangtok, fills quickly
Tour Packages: Most reliable for permit management, stays, food, and guides

Tips for First-Time Travelers

Altitude Sickness: Gurudongmar is nearly 18,000 ft. Acclimatize in Gangtok and Lachen. Carry medicines like Diamox and consult your doctor beforehand.
Cash: No ATMs in Lachen. Withdraw cash in Gangtok.
Connectivity: Mobile signals are limited. BSNL or Jio may work at times.
Food: Expect simple meals—rice, dal, vegetables, momos, thukpa.
Shopping: Not a shopping destination. Buy souvenirs in Gangtok.

Final Thoughts

Reaching Lachen in North Sikkim might be a journey full of twists and turns—both literally and figuratively—but the reward is well worth it. The breathtaking Lachen tourist spots, from sacred lakes like Gurudongmar to peaceful monasteries and untouched valleys, promise an experience you won’t forget.

Whether you’re traveling from NJP to Lachen, flying into Bagdogra, or exploring from Darjeeling to Lachen, this Himalayan gem invites you into a world of snow, silence, and soul-stirring beauty.

Plan wisely, travel safely, and embrace the journey—Lachen awaits.

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