Sikkim is a land of multi-faceted beauty and joy. Lachung is a picturesque mountain hamlet close to the Tibetan border, at a cosy corner of the dazzling north eastern state of India, Sikkim. The Lachung river adds to the beauty of the valley. Lachung village attracts tourists for its 19th-century Buddhist Lachung Monastery amidst fresh and rejuvenating greenery of apple orchards. Another major attraction close to Lachung is the Yumthang Valley’s Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary that houses various different species of rhododendron.
Yumthang valley poses an allure for the honeymoon couples visiting Lachung as it is sprinkled with cascading waterfalls, dense greenery of pine forests and rejuvenating and healing hot springs. Lachung is one of the most striking Himalayan villages of North Sikkim that is cosily nestled in the folds of Himalayas. Lachung has epic scenic beauty showered by a sprinkling of tall dark mountains, tumbling waterfalls, fragrant and extensive fruit orchards and exquisite glacial rivers that make travellers fall in love the moment they tread on its vistas. For honeymoon couples, Lachung will offer a hundred melodies of nature and a bunch of unforgettable sweet memories to be carried and cherished in the heart of hearts for the rest of the life.
Lachung’s attractions for honeymoon couples
Lachung is perched really high at an elevation of 8,600 feet. Lachung is inevitably included in most Sikkim holiday itineraries on account of its major and fascinating tourist attractions. Lachung can be easily covered en route to the mesmeric Yumthang Valley or Zero Point, which is another must-visit tourist attraction for Sikkim travellers. Lachung is quiet, peaceful, charming little hamlet. Its beauty oozes out of its natural wealth of panoramic and refreshing fruit orchards, spellbinding little rivulets and icy blue rivers flowing — all set picture-perfectly against the mesmerizing backdrop of snow-crowned Himalayas. The clear blue skies and the soft clouds touch the snow-crested mountain tops and set a heartening contrast to the greenness of the grassy and forest covered meadows. Lachung has been identified amongst the most picturesque villages of North East India.
Lachung forms a popular destination among honeymoon couples and thousands of other holiday seekers and nature lovers all across the world. The town is heavenly for those who flitter joyfully from valleys to mountains in search of solitude and seclusion. Tranquillity dominates the valley and the fresh air of Lachung rejuvenates. It is a perfect place to search your soul and be one with nature for a few memorable days. The place will be a unique experience for you where you lead a free and flowing life under the warm sun rays and the starry skies, away from the city lights and incessant noise of traffic.
Lachung is an ideal destination for adventure lovers too. Satiate your adrenaline craving soul with the numerous adventure activity options offered in and around Lachung. ‘Zero Point’ or ‘Yumesamdong’ is a very popular trekking destination that offers the enthusiastic trekkers with some enchanting and breath-taking views of nature at its best. Mt. Katao is another destination that is a must visit and which leaves tourists and travellers thoroughly entertained and enthralled by its quota of unending fun from exciting activities such as snow-boarding, skiing and snow-tubing. Mt. Katao, however, needs permission from the authorities to visit and also the activities are subject to weather conditions.
While honeymoon couples shall be elated by the plethora of tourist attractions and range of adventurous offerings of Lachung, they shall also be equally mesmerized by the uniqueness of culture and traditions that Lachung has to exhibit. Lachung is majorly inhabited by Lepchas and Bhutias. Buddhism forms the primary religion that is practiced in this parts of India and the place has some scintillating works of art associated with their religion to beguile the honeymoon couples.
Best time to visit Lachung
The best time to witness the matchless cultural extravaganza that Lachung has to offer is ideally the month of June when the town dresses up in the festive aura of the famous Saga Dawa Festival. The festive spirits rule and fill the whole village with mirth and enthusiasm. Saga Dawa is a very important Buddhist festivals that celebrates and highlights the importance of the events of Lord Buddha’s life — his birth, enlightenment and death. People celebrate the festival with holy ceremonies, cultural performances and preparation of exotic cuisine.
How to reach Lachung
Lachung is located near the Indo-Chinese border that makes it a restricted zone. Thus, Lachung requires a travel permit that needs to be arranged from District Commissioner’s office in Gangtok, at-least two days before your visit. Usually, your tour operator will be handling the permit formalities.
By Air: The nearest airport to Lachung is the Bagdogra Airport. Helicopter service is also available from Bagdogra to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The other option is a scenic road journey from Bagdogra to Gangtok, which is approximately 130 kilometres via the National Highway No. 31A. Lachung is located 125 kilometres from Gangtok. Gangtok to Lachung is a road trip of about 5 to 6 hours of drive and also requires Inner Line Permit (ILP). You can easily hire a taxi or take a bus from Gangtok to reach Lachung.
By Rail: The nearest major railway Station to Lachung is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP). From New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, one has to drive down to Gangtok, located at a distance of approximately 130 kilometres from NJP Railway Station. Gangtok to Lachung is again 5 to 6 hours of drive via a very scenic route and requires Inner Line Permit (ILP).
By Road: Major roads reaching till Gangtok is the National Highway No. 31A. Tourists need at least 5 to 6 hours to travel to Gangtok from Siliguri covering approximately nearly 130 kilometres. From Gangtok, one needs to book vehicles for further road journey with army permit. You can then reach Lachung. Roads leading to Lachung from Gangtok might be a bit bumpy but the discomfort is happily compensated by the exquisite scenic beauty on both sides of the valley all through the journey.
