Introduction:

Lachung is a town in Northeast Sikkim, India. The word Lachung means "small pass". The town is approximately 125 km from the capital Gangtok. The town's economy has been boosted by tourism in recent years as the region has been opened up by the Indian government. Tourist come from all over the world to visit the town Lachung has been described as the "most picturesque village of Sikkim" by British explorer Joseph Dalton Hooker in his definitive Skiing is conducted in Phuni near this town.

Photo Credit: Shayon Ghosh

Destination Facts:

State: Sikkim, District: North Sikkim .
Altitude: 2,700 m (8,900 feet)
Temperature: Summer 10 to 20°C, Winter -2 to 10°C
Language Spoken: Sikkimese, Nepali, Hindi and English.

Getting there:

Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is Gangtok .
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is situated in the town of Lachung.
Nearest Bus Stop or Road: Gangtok is nearby bus station 113km away.

Cuisines:
Multi- Cuisines

Place of Tourist Interest:

Chungthang:
Chungthang is situated in the North Sikkim District at the confluence of Lachen and Lachung Chu rivers. There is a forward base and a medical centre of the Indian army in this town.
 

Lachung Monastery:
This monastery provides views of the countryside and the entire Lachung Valley. It is mainly a Nyingma Buddhist Gompa which lies at the confluence of the Lachung River and the Lachen River, which are tributaries of the Teesta River. The monastery is also famous for an annual mask dance festival.

                                          Lachung Monastery

Mt. Katao:
It is near Lachung, is visited by many tourists, especially those interested in recreational activities like snowboarding, skiing, snow tubing and stone grinding.

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary:
It is situated on the northern Lachung Valley. The sanctuary covers an area of around 43 sq km. There are about 40 different species of rhododendron shrubs amidst the snow-covered mountains. Some of the important trees in the sanctuary are primulas, poppies, gentians, potentillas, saxifrages and aconites. There are a few endangered animals inhabiting the sanctuary like the spotted lingsang or the tiger-civet. The ideal season to visit this sanctuary is between the months of November and mid-June.

How to get round the places around:
Motor and Bicycle are the two transport facility provided for the tourist. Some places are so nearby that tourist can take a walk and reach the place.

Things to Shop:
Handlooms, Handicrafts, Hand Made Crafts in Lachung are famous things to shop.

Best time to Visit:
October to May is the best to visit.