The crisp mountain air brushed against my face as I stepped out of the vehicle, signaling the beginning of my adventure in Lachung, Sikkim. Nestled in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas, Lachung is a quaint village that had long been on my travel wishlist. And now, as I stood there, surrounded by snowy mountain peaks, I knew this was going to be an experience like no other.
Beginning of our journey: The trip ahead
Our journey began from West Bengal. We opted to travel by train from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. From New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, we had hired a cab to reach Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The drive was an adventure in itself. The winding roads, flanked by steep cliffs on one side and dense forests on the other, made for a thrilling ride. The Teesta River, roaring with full power and flowing in tandem with the road, added to the scenic beauty.
On our way to Gangtok, we stopped at a small hotel nestled in the pine trees for refreshments.
Travel Tip: It is recommended that you freshen-up before starting the long ride to Gangtok by car.
You can also opt to travel by air. The nearest airport to Gangtok is in Bagdogra. The Bagdogra Airport is well connected with major cities like Delhi and Kolkata through regular flights.
At Gangtok, we checked in to our hotel and prepared for our exciting journeys in the coming days.
Read my blog to know about our comfortable stay in Gangtok, Sikkim
The Road to Lachung: An Adventure in Itself
We started our unforgettable journey to Lachung the next day. The road was winding, flanked by lush green forests and cascading waterfalls. We made several stops along the way, including the famous Butterfly Waterfall and Seven Step Waterfalls. The drive took about six hours.
Check the journey on Google Maps here
Arrival in Lachung: Welcoming Warmth Amidst the Chill
Arriving in Lachung felt like stepping into another world. We checked into a cozy homestay that offered a breathtaking view of the mountains. The village, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, was blanketed in a layer of tranquility. The wooden houses with their traditional architecture, the prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and the sound of a river flowing nearby created a scene straight out of a postcard.
The hospitality of the locals was heartwarming; they welcomed me with a cup of steaming butter tea, a local specialty that instantly warmed me up in the cool mountain air. As I sipped my tea and gazed at the majestic peaks, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and contentment.
Exploring Lachung: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
The next day, we set out to explore the village and its surroundings. Lachung is known for its apple orchards, and I couldn’t resist taking a walk through them.
Our itinerary consisted of the following places: (in no particular order)
- Yumthang Valley
- Zero Point
- Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Tsongmo Lake or Changgu Lake
- Nathula
- Baba Mandir
- Enchey Monastery
- Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
- Do Drul Chorten
- Rumtek Monastery or The Dharma Chakra Centre
- Flower Show
- Tashi View Point
- Ganesh Tok
- Hanuman Tok
- Numerous waterfalls
Read: Must-See Places in Lachung That You Can’t Miss as a First-Time Visitor (coming soon)
Saying Goodbye: A Promise to Return As my trip to Lachung was nearing its end, I felt immense gratitude and happiness that I got an opportunity to breathe in the fresh air of Lachung. This little hamlet, with its breathtaking landscapes and warm-hearted people, captivated my heart and soul, leaving me with memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s the mesmerizing landscapes, the charming village life, or the delicious local cuisine, Lachung has something special to offer every traveler. I know I’ll be back some other time, and I hope you too get to experience the magic of Lachung someday.
Plan your Itinerary
Best time to visit: March to May.
When did we visit: June -July during monsoon. There is a risk of landslides at this time but we were lucky not to find landslides but a numerous waterfalls that adorned our journey.
Entry Pass: In Sikkim, many places require a government-authorized entry pass that has to be prepared ahead of your travel. Your hotel staff or local guide should be able to help with the passes.
Other links: Sikkim wikitravel || Sikkim tourism || Sikkim tripadvisor ||
