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.
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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