North Sikkim: Lachen & Lachung

Overview

Seven days reaching the far north of Sikkim, well beyond the usual hill-station circuit. After two nights in Gangtok, the road climbs through Chungthang to Lachen, a hamlet cradled between tall rock faces and the starting point of the Green Lake Trek. From there, visit the sacred Gurudongmar Lake at 11,800 feet and drive on through cold desert towards the Tibet frontier. Lachung follows, with the Yumthang Valley and its hot spring, before the return drive to Gangtok past the viewpoints at Singhik and Mangan.

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. 1

   Bagdogra Arrival – Gangtok (125 km · 5–6 hrs)

   Arrive at Bagdogra Airport, New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand, meet our representative and drive to Gangtok. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim — the 22nd state of India — is one of the most beautiful hill stations, with varied options for tourists. It is known for its monasteries, orchids, high-altitude lakes and butterflies, and has something for travellers of all ages. Check into the hotel on arrival. Evening free to roam around M G Road (the Mall) or the local shopping centre. Overnight stay at Gangtok.

2. 2

   Gangtok Local Sightseeing (Half Day)

   After breakfast, proceed for half-day sightseeing visiting the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, the Research Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten (Stupa), Enchey Monastery, White Hall and the Flower Show. Return to the hotel. Evening free to roam around M G Road (the Mall) or the local shopping centre. Overnight stay at the hotel.

3. 3

   Gangtok – Lachen (135 km · 5–6 hrs)

   After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Lachen, visiting Chungthang, 96 kilometres from Gangtok, with lunch at Chungthang. Lachen is a further 35 kilometres; reach Lachen in the late afternoon or early evening. Snow-capped peaks and the Shingbha Wildlife Sanctuary surround the valley, which is ringed by gigantic and humbling snow peaks and is the starting point of the Green Lake Trek. The village is cradled between stern, tall rock faces standing like guards — a hamlet with very few people, almost as though the town were hidden from the outside world, like a Shangri-La. Check into the hotel and enjoy a welcome tea. Evening free to stroll and visit the Lepcha village. Overnight stay at the hotel in Lachen.

4. 4

   Lachen – Gurudongmar Lake – Lachung

   Early morning breakfast, then visit Gurudongmar Lake, 55 kilometres away and a 2½–3½ hour drive. A valley at an altitude of 11,800 feet through which the Lachen Chu flows, generally covered with snow from December to April or even longer, it is known as the Holy or Sacred Lake. Next, drive through the cold desert towards the Tibet / China frontier, then back to the resort for lunch. After lunch, proceed to Lachung, nearly 50 kilometres and two hours' drive away. The region is fully covered with rhododendron forest, with Chopta Valley and Thangu the other places of interest. Check into the hotel at Lachung. Evening free to visit Lachung Monastery. Overnight stay at the hotel in Lachung.

5. 5

   Lachung – Yumthang Valley (50 km · 2 hrs)

   After breakfast, drive towards Yumthang, situated at an elevation of nearly 11,800 feet. On the way you may visit the famous hot spring, known for its curative properties for skin diseases. Yumthang is a valley near the river Lachung Chu, surrounded by mountains, where the tree line ends. In spring the valley erupts in riots of colour as primulas, rhododendrons and many other alpine flowers come into full bloom alongside the snow-covered valley, except in autumn. During winter Yumthang is sombre, with snow all around and the snow-clad mountains adding to the ethereal beauty. Later visit Lachung Monastery, the cottage industry and waterfalls. Overnight stay at the hotel.

6. 6

   Lachung – Gangtok (125 km · 4–5 hrs)

   After breakfast, leave for Gangtok, stopping on the way at Singhik and Mangan. If the weather is fine and the sky is clear, you can enjoy views of the Himalayan range including Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Pandim, Mount Kabru, Mount Simvo, Mount Jopuno, Mount Khanchendzonga and Mount Siniolchu. Various locations offer a majestic view of these peaks, so photography will take some time. The drive is a smooth one thanks to the scenery: in spring the forest cover erupts in a riot of colour as rhododendrons, primulas and many other alpine flowers come into full bloom. Back to Gangtok and overnight stay at the hotel.

7. 7

   Gangtok – Departure

   After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive back to Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri Airport, New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or the bus stand for your onward journey.

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