Lachung – The Bewitching Hidden Gem of Sikkim

India is home to some of the most serene places on Earth that leave tourists enchanted with their beauty. While most of these places are explored by hordes of tourists throughout the year, thankfully there are still a bunch of places that remain hidden and unexplored. One such hidden picturesque gem is the Lachung village. Located in the northernmost part of Sikkim, Lachung is often referred to as a hidden paradise on Earth by people who have had the opportunity to visit this offbeat hamlet. Lachung is commonly visited by trekkers, photography enthusiasts, and adventure lovers- this quaint little village can be any nature lover’s dream come true.

Lachung typically has an alpine climate. This means that the village receives heavy snowfall during winter and remains pleasant during the summer season. Given its proximity to the Bay of Bengal, Lachung also receives heavy rainfall during monsoon. Despite receiving heavy rains and snow, Lachung remains the perfect destination to visit throughout the year. Since every season adds a different charm of its own, one can visit the village without having to worry and wait for the best time to visit Lachung.

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Best Time to Visit Lachung

The village of Lachung is surrounded by mountains on all sides, and thus every season is good to visit this picturesque village. However, if one has to pick a particular month, it is advisable to visit in one of the months between October and June, as the temperatures during this time hover between 10 degrees and 16 degrees Celsius.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the different seasons in Lachung and the unique flavour each of them add to this town.

Winter in Lachung

Winter in Lachung is characterized by very cold winds and the temperatures can go as low as -5 degrees. The winter months are generally between October and February, and the highest temperature during the winters is around 10 degrees. This town usually sees heavy snowfalls, which makes winters a magical period in the village of Lachung. Often, visitors may also encounter a thick layer of fog, which can hamper daily life. Sightseeing is a very popular activity during the winter as the mountains are covered with a blanket of snow.

Monsoon in Lachung

Monsoon starts in July and continues till September. The village experiences heavy rains during this period, which are brought by the South-West monsoons. Although sightseeing might not be as convenient during this time as it is during summer and winter, visitors can still enjoy the beautiful rains, which render the entire village green. The atmosphere is relaxing and the air is as pure during this time as it can be.

Summer in Lachung

The summer is very pleasant in Lachung as compared to the other parts of India. The season spans from March to June and the temperatures are moderate. During the summers, the temperatures can range from 10 degrees to 28 degrees. There are rhododendron flowers all around during the summer season, which lend the village a distinct beauty. The summer season is also ideal for sightseeing and visiting different parts of the village.

Important Festivals to Witness in Lachung

Lachung is a very small village in the Indian state of Sikkim. However, the people living in this village celebrate life to the fullest. There are several festivals that are celebrated in the city of Lachung around the year, and tourists often visit to be a part of the celebrations. Some of the festivals which are extremely popular among the locals are mentioned below. The dates of these festivals should also be taken into account as they can change the best time to visit Lachung for you.

5 Important Festivals in Lachung

1. Chaam

Chaam is a religious celebration featuring the dance performance of the Lamas. The festival is celebrated on the 28^th and 29^th day of the 11^th month of the year. The religious dance of the gompa, guided by Lachen Gumchen, is performed by the entire village on this auspicious day.

2. Lossong

The harvest time is marked by the festival of Lossong in Lachung. The day also characterizes the new year’s day in the Bhutia community. This day falls sometime in the month of January. Prayers are performed at the main source of water and food is offered to God. People wear new clothes, eat good food, and spend time with their families. It is an ideal time to visit the village of Lachung if you wish to understand the local culture and spend time talking to the locals.

3. Saga Dawa

This day is significant for all Buddhists across the world and the people of Lachung observe this day by visiting the monastery. The day is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Gautam Buddha, the day of his enlightenment, and the day on which he left the world. Saga Dawa is celebrated to mark the importance of three events falling on the same day and it is rightly considered the most divine of all Buddhist festivals. Usually, the festival falls in the middle of June, which happens to be the Buddhist calendar’s 15^th day of the 4^th month of the year.

4. Lhabas Dhuchen

It is believed that the Lord descended from the heavens to visit his mother, Queen Maha Maya. This day is celebrated in remembrance of the occasion. It’s held in the middle of November, which is the 23^rd day in the 9^th month of the Bhutia calendar.

5. Drukpa Tse-shi

This day falls sometime in August, specifically the 4^th day of the 6^th month of the Bhutia calendar, which is also represented by the name of the festival. On this day, Lord Gautam Buddha preached the four noble truths for the first time. The entire village of Lachung visits Thangu for the celebrations where Dzumsa council holds a public meeting.

Location and How to Reach

As Lachung has spectacular natural beauty, travelers from all over the world throng to this beautiful village to imbibe its serenity. There are snow-clad mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and spectacular streams, and to top it all off, pleasant weather all year round makes it a great destination for everyone.

If you’re planning a visit, here’s what you need to know about the different modes of transport.

Reaching Lachung by Air: Located at a distance of approximately 195 km, a distance that takes about 7 hours to cover, is the Bagdogra Airport. It is a domestic airport which has regular flights to key cities of India, including Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, etc. One can also opt for a helicopter ride from Bagdogra to Gangtok, which should take approximately 20 minutes. From there, Lachung is approximately 100 km by road. Pakyong Airport, which is one of the five highest airports in India, is located at a distance of approximately 132 km and can be reached in about 5 hours.

Reaching Lachung by Train: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the nearest railway station from Lachung. Lachung is approximately 103 km from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station by road and one can take a taxi to Lachung after deboarding the train

Reaching Lachung by Road: Several important cities are located in the vicinity of Lachung, and one can easily get buses, cabs, and shared transport from either of these cities. There are regular buses to Lachung from these cities.

Distance from nearby cities:

Lachung to Gangtok: 103 km
Lachung to Darjeeling: 169 km
Lachung to Bagdogra: 194 km
Lachung to Mangan: 51 km

Sightseeing in and Around Lachung

There are several places to visit in the village of Lachung and its nearby areas. Here are some of them-

Lachung Monastery:

The Buddhist Monastery in Lachung is known to be one of the oldest monasteries in India, was established in the year 1880, and is a great place to get to know more about this place and the endless peace it has to offer.

Yumthang Valley:

It is also known as the Valley of Flowers of Sikkim, and is situated at an elevation of 3564 m. Rivers, hot springs and flowers blooming all over is a common sight here. February to June is a good time to visit the Yumthang Valley as the flowers are in full bloom.

Thangu Valley:

There are endless alpine flowers and lush landscapes in the Thangu Valley, a region located at an elevation of 3960 m above sea level. There is absolutely no doubt about the fact that North East India has more to offer in terms of scenic beauty than any other part of the country. Since the region is not as easily accessible as other parts of the country, it is still replete with beautiful streams of water and unspoiled landscapes. The best part about Lachung is that you can visit throughout the year, and you will be able to relax your body and mind to the fullest. The people of the village are extremely simple and very generous by nature. All in all, Lachung village is a unique experience that we must not miss in our lives.