LACHEN & LACHUNG TOUR PACKAGE

INTRODUCTION

Gangtok is the capital of the mountainous northern Indian state of Sikkim. Established as a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the 1840s, the city became capital of an independent monarchy after British rule ended, but joined India in 1975. Today, it remains a Tibetan Buddhist center and a base for hikers organizing permits and transport for treks through Sikkim’s Himalayan mountain ranges.

Lachen is a town in Mangan District in the Indian state of Sikkim. It is located at an elevation of 2,750 metres. The name Lachen means "big pass". The town is being promoted as a tourist destination by the Sikkimese government. The town forms the base to the Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake.

Lachung is a mountain village close to the Tibetan border, in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. It's divided by the Lachung River. The village is home to the 19th-century Buddhist Lachung Monastery, surrounded by apple orchards. Nearby, the Yumthang Valley's Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary protects many species of rhododendron. The valley is also known for its waterfalls, pine forests and hot springs.

The Yumthang Valley or Sikkim Valley of Flowers sanctuary, is a nature sanctuary with river, hot springs, yaks and grazing pasture on rolling meadows surrounded by the Himalayan mountains in the North Sikkim district of Sikkim state in India.

Lachen and Lachung are two beautiful mountain villages located in the North Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim. Both are known for their stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene environments, making them popular tourist destinations.

Lachen

Location:

Lachen is situated at an altitude of about 2,750 meters (9,000 feet) and is around 120 kilometers from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. It's a gateway to the famous Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world.

Scenery and Climate:

The village is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, and flowing rivers. It experiences cold winters with snowfall, and summers are pleasant and mild.

Culture:

Lachen is home to the Lachenpas, a Tibetan Buddhist community with a distinct culture and tradition. The Lachen Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, is a significant cultural site.

Activities: Popular activities include trekking, exploring the Rhododendron Sanctuary, and visiting the Chopta Valley and Thangu Valley. The annual yak race, Thangu, held in summer, is a unique attraction.

Lachung

Location:

Lachung is located at an altitude of 2,700 meters (8,900 feet), around 118 kilometers from Gangtok. It serves as a base for visiting the stunning Yumthang Valley, also known as the "Valley of Flowers."

Scenery and Climate:

Like Lachen, Lachung is also surrounded by picturesque landscapes, with waterfalls, orchards, and snow-capped mountains. The climate is similar, with cold winters and pleasant summers.

Culture:

Lachung is inhabited by the Lachungpas, who follow a unique form of Tibetan Buddhism. The Lachung Monastery is an important spiritual center, and the village is known for its vibrant cultural festivals.

Activities: Tourists can enjoy visiting the Yumthang Valley, hot springs, and the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. The Snow Festival held in winter showcases traditional dances, music, and local handicrafts.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit both Lachen and Lachung is between March to June and September to December when the weather is pleasant and the landscapes are at their best.

Permits: Inner Line Permits (ILP) are required for tourists, including Indian nationals, as these areas are close to the international border.

Accommodation: Both villages offer basic accommodations, including guesthouses and homestays, providing a comfortable stay with local hospitality.

These villages offer an authentic Sikkimese experience with their pristine beauty, rich culture, and warm local hospitality, making them must-visit destinations in North Sikkim.

ITINEARY

TOUR DESTINATION-:

GANGTOK - LACHEN - LACHUNG - YUMTHAND VALLEY - GANGTOK

TOUR DURATION-:

2 Nights & 3 Days

ITINERARY-:

DAY 01: GANGTOK TO LACHEN

Morning meets our SYPL Executive & drive to Lachen - Chungthang is nearly 96 kilometers from Gangtok - On the way stop at Chungthang - Next drive for 29 kilometers from Chungthang to Lachen.

Reach Lachen late afternoon / early evening - The infrastructure is not good due to the remoteness and the snowfall / Rainfall - The place is worth visiting – check-in to a hotel - Welcome Tea - Evening free to stroll - Overnight stay at hotel in Lachen.

DAY 2: LACHEN TO LACHUNG

The route is Lachen - Gurudongmar Lake - Lachen - Drive 55 kilometers from Lachen stop at 15000 feet for permit to be signed - Drive the rest and visit to Gurudongmar Lake - 3 hour.

A valley at an altitude of nearly 15,800 feet through which Lachen Chu flows - This is a holy Lake and is one of the most sacred places of worship for the Buddhist - The Lake gets frozen during winter barring a stretch which remains as water even at -20°C.

The region is generally covered with snow from December to April - This is a stretch of cold desert till Tibet / China - While returning have lunch at Lachen - After lunch drive to Lachung - Overnight stay at Hotel in Lachung.

DAY 3: LACHUNG – YUMTHANG VALLEY - GANGTOK

Early morning breakfast - Visit to Yumthang i.e. 25 kilometers, 2 hour - A valley at an altitude of 11,800 feet through which Lachung Chu flows, generally covered with snow from December to April or even more is known as the valley of flowers.

Guest can spend a few hours at Yumthang - The vast valley stretches and is a cold desert till Tibet / China - The region is fully covered with snow and Rhododendron forest.

Back to hotel & proceed to Gangtok - Afternoon drive to Gangtok 130 kilometers, 5 hours - Drop at Vajra stand.

Package Include:

Meeting and assistance on arrival.

Accommodation in hotels.

Vehicle for sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary.

Driver allowance, toll tax, and parking.

Hotel and vehicle taxes.

Breakfast and dinner.

Package Exclude:

Coolie/porter charges.

Camera charges.

Donations at temples.

Extended stay or travel due to any reason.

Any meals other than those specified.

Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, liquor, etc.

Any item not mentioned in the package includes.

Guide and entrance fees during sightseeing.