Mangan – The Gateway to North Sikkim

Lachen – The Gateway to Gurudongmar Lake

Perched at an altitude of 8,500 ft, Lachen (meaning “Big Pass”) is a serene mountain village about 120 km from Gangtok. It’s known for its wooden houses, Buddhist monasteries, and its role as the base camp for Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley.The village is surrounded by pine forests, snow-capped peaks, and glacial streams — giving travelers a true sense of the Himalayas’ untouched beauty.

Highlights

Lachen Monastery: A peaceful 19th-century monastery belonging to the Nyingma sect, offering great views of the valley.Thangu Village (13,000 ft): A small hamlet on the way to Gurudongmar, covered in snow for most of the year.Chopta Valley (13,200 ft): Known for its undulating meadows, wildflowers, and breathtaking vistas. It’s one of the most photogenic valleys in Sikkim.

Cultural Note

Lachen is home to the Lachenpas, a unique Buddhist tribe with deep ties to the land and monastic traditions. Every winter, they celebrate the annual Thangu-Lachen Festival, showcasing traditional dances and yak races.

Gurudongmar Lake – The Frozen Sacred Lake of the Gods

At an altitude of 17,800 ft (5,430 m), Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world and one of the holiest sites in Sikkim. It lies close to the Indo-China border, surrounded by barren, snow-covered mountains that look like another planet.Named after Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who is said to have blessed the lake during his visit in the 8th century, this glacial lake remains partly unfrozen even in harsh winter — considered a divine miracle by locals.

Legends & Beliefs

According to Buddhist belief, Guru Rinpoche touched the frozen waters, making one part of the lake eternally liquid so locals could access holy water even in winter.For the Sikhs, the lake is also sacred — Guru Nanak is believed to have meditated here during his journey to Tibet.

Experience

Standing by Gurudongmar, one feels the pure stillness of the Himalayas. The air is thin, winds are icy, but the spiritual energy is indescribable. Prayer flags flutter around the lake, reflecting faith from different cultures.

Travel Note

Oxygen levels are very low — short stays (15–20 min) are recommended.Visitors must acclimatize in Lachen or Thangu before visiting.

Requires Protected Area Permit (PAP).

Lachung – The Valley of Eternal Beauty

At about 8,600 ft, Lachung (meaning “Small Pass”) is a breathtakingly beautiful mountain village that serves as the base for Yumthang Valley and Zero Point.Surrounded by apple orchards, cascading waterfalls, and snow peaks, Lachung is considered one of the most picturesque villages in India.Described by the British explorer Joseph Dalton Hooker as “the most picturesque village of Sikkim,” Lachung perfectly blends natural grandeur with traditional Sikkimese hospitality.

Highlights

Lachung Monastery: A colorful 19th-century monastery overlooking the valley.

Lachung Chu River: Flows through the heart of the village — perfect for morning walks.

Local Culture: The Lachungpas are proud of their self-governed “Zumsa” system — a traditional community governance body unique to this region.

Experience

Stay in a cozy wooden homestay, wake up to the sound of the river, and watch the first rays of the sun hit the white peaks — it’s an experience beyond words.

Yumthang Valley – The Valley of Flowers of Sikkim

Known as “Sikkim’s Valley of Flowers”, Yumthang Valley sits at 11,800 ft, about 25 km from Lachung.It’s a high-altitude paradise where the Lachung Chu River meanders through endless meadows surrounded by snow-covered peaks.Every spring (April–June), the valley bursts into color as 40+ species of rhododendrons and alpine flowers bloom — carpeting the land in pink, red, yellow, and purple.In winter, Yumthang transforms into a snow wonderland, offering surreal views of frozen rivers and snowy pine forests.

Highlights

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary: Home to 24 species of rhododendron.

Hot Springs: Near the Yumthang bridge — believed to have healing properties.

Rhododendron Festival (April–May): Celebrates local culture, food, and the blooming season.

Best Time to Visit

April–June: Flower bloom season.

October–December: Clear skies and stunning views.

December–March: Snow-covered landscape for snow lovers.

Zero Point (Yumesamdong) – The End of Civilization

Located about 25 km beyond Yumthang Valley, Zero Point (15,300 ft) is literally where the road ends — beyond this lies the Indo-China border.It’s one of the highest accessible points in Sikkim, covered in snow almost year-round. The terrain is stark and rugged, but the sense of vastness and peace is overwhelming.

Highlights

Play in real snow (even in May–June).

Breathtaking 360° Himalayan views.

Experience snowstorms and freezing winds.

Note

Oxygen levels are thin; short stays are recommended.

No hotels — only day trips from Lachung.

Visitors need a special permit beyond Yumthang.

Mt. Katao – The Hidden Gem

About 24 km from Lachung, Mount Katao offers some of the most stunning panoramic views in Sikkim. Often compared to Switzerland for its snow-covered slopes and alpine scenery, it’s a must-visit for offbeat travelers.

Activities

Snow adventures like skiing and snowboarding (in winter).

Off-road drives for thrill seekers.

Ideal for photography and drone enthusiasts.

Permit Required: Military zone access is controlled; permits can be obtained in Lachung.

Other Notable Attractions

Chopta Valley (Lachen route): For springtime flowers and frozen rivers.

Shingba Sanctuary: Wildlife and floral diversity.

Phensang Monastery: On the way to Mangan — worth a stop for peace and murals.

Chungthang: Confluence of Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu rivers; considered sacred.