Lachen
The road to Gurudongmar and Chopta Valley
About Lachen
Lachen is the quieter of the two North Sikkim villages, set in a narrow valley on the road towards the Tibetan plateau. Days here start extremely early, because the drive to Gurudongmar has to be finished before the wind picks up.
The altitude is significant and the terrain is exposed, so this leg of a Sikkim trip is planned with acclimatisation and a fallback in mind.
Top attractions
Gurudongmar Lake
A high sacred lake at roughly 5,400 m, weather and permit permitting.
Chopta Valley
A broad alpine valley on the way up, often the alternative when the lake road is closed.
Lachen Monastery
The village monastery above the main street.
Thangu Valley
A grazing settlement on the high road, usually a short stop.
Best time to visit
April to June
The most reliable window for reaching the lake.
October to November
Clear skies, very cold mornings.
In pictures
How to reach Lachen
- Roughly six hours by road from Gangtok, on a Protected Area Permit.
- Often combined with Lachung on a five or six day Sikkim itinerary.
Good to know. Gurudongmar Lake is above 5,000 m. Access depends on the administration, weather and individual fitness, and it is never guaranteed.
Other destinations nearby
Darjeeling
The classic Himalayan hill station - sunrise over Kanchenjunga, heritage rail and slopes of Darjeeling tea.
Explore
Gangtok
A clean, well-organised hill capital with a walkable centre and day trips to Tsomgo Lake and Rumtek.
Explore
North Sikkim
The high country - Yumthang's valley floor, Zero Point snow fields and the road to Gurudongmar.
Explore
Pelling
The best front-row seat for Kanchenjunga in Sikkim, with monasteries, ruins and waterfalls nearby.
Explore
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