Squeezed in the extreme north of Sikkim is a small town called Lachen which has unobtrusively caught the eye of the world as one of the most peaceful places in the Himalayas. Lachen with its pristine beauty, primitive culture and scenic views have remained untouched just like the untouched Gangtok or Darjeeling. Along with snow-capped mountains and holy lakes to monasteries with chants, a lot of Popular Tourist Attractions in Lachen makes it a dream place of peace, spirituality, and natural beauty to those who visit it.
This article will put you on a tour around the treasures of Lachen as you go back and create your dream holiday.
The Allure of Lachen
The Lachen, which translates as big pass, is situated almost 9,000 feet. It is the entry point to the most interesting destinations in North Sikkim such as Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley. The Lachenpas make the bulk of the population in the village and this is a special community with strong attachment to Buddhist customs and culture of the Himalayas. The town also provides a serene and an exciting environment surrounded by grand mountains, alpine meadows and pure rivers.
1. Gurudongmar Lake- A Jewel of the Dead.
The Gurudongmar Lake is another ethereal Tourist Attraction in Lachen that has an incredible elevation of 17,800 feet. It is one of the greatest lakes in the world and has great religious values to Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs. The lake is frozen throughout the year, but when it is summer the turquoise water of the lake forms a captivating sight. Guru Padmasambhava is said to have blessed this lake and as a result, sections of the lake do not completely freeze over.
The trip to Gurudongmar is as good as the place, and the eternally beautiful mountain scenery and the fresh Himalayan air will follow the traveler on their way.
2. Lachen Monastery- a spiritual retreat.
The Lachen Monastery (also known as Lachen Gompa) is a 19 th century structure that every Sikimmian must visit in order to have a glimpse of the spiritual aspect of Sikhim. Constructed in Tibetan style and full of colorful prayer flags, murals and statues, it provides an insight into the Buddhist lifestyle. The tranquility here is surrounding with monks performing rituals and prayers.
The monastery is also known to have the best panoramic views of the valley that surrounds the monastery hence making it one of the most tranquil Popular Tourist Attractions of Lachen to meditate and explore their culture.
3. Chopta Valley: Wonderland of Nature.
The Chopta Valley is another gemstone situated close to Lachen, which is at a height of 13, 200 feet. This valley changes according to the season, it is a green valley in summer, a rhododendron-filled valley in spring, and a snow-covered valley in winter. Adventure enthusiasts usually hike here in order to get to enjoy its pristine alpine meadows, glowing rivers, and uncommon bird life.
Chopta Valley cannot be resisted by the photographers because the colors contrasted on the Himalayan background produce postcards.
4. Thangu Valley – The glimpse of life at high-altitude.
The Thangu Valley is another highly enriching experience that takes place at approximately 13,500 feet. It is mainly occupied by the Tibetan nomads and it is used as a starting point to venture to the higher altitudes. Summer visitors have the opportunity to observe alpine flower-filled meadows when the weather is bright, and the snow cover is pure in winter.
Thangu Valley is a picturesque place with rustic wooden houses, grazing yaks to provide a visitor with the taste of the true Himalayan life. This is why it becomes one of the more unorthodox but rewarding Popular Tourist Attractions in Lachen.
5. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary.
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is a flower paradise that is situated close to the Yumthang Valley, yet it can be visited through Lachen. It houses more than 40 species of rhododendrons spread on 43 square kilometers. The season of spring (April-May) will turn the region into a color palette of red, pink, purple, and white flowers.
This sanctuary is a colorful addition to the list of Popular Tourist Attractions in Lachen by those interested in nature, botanists and photographers.
6. Kanchenjunga National Park -UNESCO Inventory.
Kanchenjunga National Park is also accessible by Lachen though it is larger in size and is shared by multiple regions of Sikkim. The park is home to some of the rare wildlife in the form of snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and red pandas, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The overwhelming forests, glaciers and high mountains make it a special ecosystem that cannot be resisted by adventurous hikers and nature enthusiasts.
This park is a place worth considering in your list of places to visit in Lachen because it makes your experience in this town not only exciting but also very enriching.
7. The Village Life and the Tribal Villages.
In addition to the old-known places, there is an opportunity to communicate with the locals and this is one of the most educative Popular Tourist Attractions in Lachen. Lachenpas are people with a strong life that is highly based on traditions. The cultural experience is such that it is unmatched by the tried and tested methods of decoration of Wooden homes, old customs, and hospitality.
Tourists will be able to taste the original Sikkimese cuisine, watch folk shows and purchase handicrafts that are a representation of Himalayan art. This exposure to the local culture is as fulfilling as the natural marvels that surround the town.
Visa Lachen Travel Advice.
Optimum Time to Visit: March- June and September- November. The winters are too severe and there is a lot of snowing.
Permits: Lachen is located in a limited region of North Sikkim. Permission is required of Indian tourists, and foreigners must produce more paperwork.
Accommodation: The homestays and small lodges are most of the options available which would enable you to feel local hospitality.
Altitude Caution: A lot of attractions are elevated above 13000 feet. Always have medication to treat altitude sickness and acclimatize yourself before going on long outings.
Sustainable tourism: Be considerate of the environment, keep clean and respect the local traditions during travel.
Conclusion
Lachen is a small town located in the Himalayas but full of miracles that both amaze and make an unending impact on visitors. Popular Tourist Attractions in Lachen are in abundance with the holy Gurudongmar Lake and spiritual monasteries, to the colorful valleys and cultural experiences of every type of traveler.
To the people who want to find peace, adventure and cultural experience, Lachen is not only the place to visit, but a journey one would never forget in his or her life as he or she seeks to explore the depths of the Himalayas.