Best Tourist Destinations in Lachen, Sikkim

Lachen is a great destination to enjoy the beauty of the hill station, offering panoramic views of the beautiful scenery and snow-load peaks around Sikkim. A beautiful hill station, pictorial views of the nicely sequenced alpine grasslands, picturesque monasteries, and rivers streaming from beautiful valleys are just some of Lachen's sights. Lachen has a literal meaning' big passe' and, due to the fascinating adventure activities organized here, it recently became a popular tourist destination.

1. Thangu Valley

Thangu Valley is all quiet and scenic. It is almost always covered in a blanket of snow because its high altitude is around 3,962 m. The valley includes alpine wilderness flanked by the shimmering Teesta river waters and wooden houses that offer picturesque views. As well as the Teesta River, the valley is flowing through three more rivers: Chopta, Thangu, and Lassur. There is also in the valley a small village with the same name, used by tourists heading for Sikkim Lake, the most beautiful and popular sight.

2. Chopta Valley

The Chopta Valley is the brightest gem in Lachen and lies at 4023 meters above sea level in the direction of Gurudongmar Lake. Although the Chopta Valley is a tourist hotspot, it can remain a pristine and quiet place. Even from the hullabaloo of the other tourists, the tourist seeks a peaceful getaway and can visit this peaceful valley. The site offers a majestic view of the snowy mountains and their slopes, covered by pine forests and the grazing fields of the valley around the river, make it ideal for trekkers and scouts.

3. Lachen Monastery

With its quiet backdrop and magnificent views, Lachen Monastery has been built in 1858 A.D by the Nyingma section of Tibetan Buddhism and with the aid of its 8 monks who turned a small hut made by Lama Karchen Dorje Drak. Lachen Monastery is a remarkable attraction. Lachen Monastery is located in a picturesque position, with views over the village and the statue of Guru Padmasambhava. The monastery is known also as Ngodub Choling or Launching Gompa. This sacred place has colorful flags of prayer and prayer wheels on the premises. Feel happy when entering the Monastery of Lachen It is an experience of pilgrimage.

4. Gurudongmar Lake

The crystal-clear Gurudongmar is a spectacular lake, stretched at an altitude of 5425 meters, and mirrors the elegant mountains which surround it on all sides. It has been named after Guru Padmasambhava and is one of the highly important lakes on earth; also called Guru Dongmar. In both Buddhist and Sikh religions, the lake is thought to have religious significance. The surprises of this hallowed lake are that a part of it never freezes in extreme winters.

The myth is that Guru Dongmar once touched and consecrated this lake and partially frozen it all year long. The lake also offers a wonderful view of Siniolchu and the Khanchendzongas. The lake also has to cure properties. Gurudongmar Lake's religious significance, panoramic beauty, and admirable treks make it extremely popular among tourists.