Lachung Tour Packages

Lachung tour packages are much in demand as people love the serene virgin foothills of the Himalayas with breathtaking views of the famous Kanchenjunga Peak in the background.

The hill station of Lachung is quite close to the Tibet border and is at an elevation of 2900 m above sea level. Lachung means “small pass” in the local dialect of the Lepchas, which is based at the juncture of the Lachen and Lachung Rivers which are both tributaries of the River Teesta. Previous to the occupation of Tibet by the Chinese in 1950 this used to be a hub for trade between Tibet and the Himalayan state of Sikkim, which quickly dwindled forcing the Tibetans to settle into the state along with the local Lepchas and Nepali. The pretty town of Lachung is now famous for the colorful Rhododendron varieties that grow profusely on the slopes. A trip to Lachung will amaze you with its charm and natural loveliness.

Named the “Most picturesque town in Sikkim” by the explorer Joseph D Hooker in his travel book ‘The Himalayan Journey’, Lachung has many unique spots that the locals love to show off. The 19th Century Lachung Monastery is a lovely Gompa devoted to learning and study of ancient Buddhist scriptures set amid apple orchards. The Mask dance by the residing Lamas showcases the pulsating Sikkimese culture. Lachung is the base camp for the famous Yumthang Valley trek. The Lachung valley sports gushing waterfalls, dense pine forests, and hot springs, where the waters are warm doesn’t matter how cold the climate may be. The town is charmingly covered in snow in the winter attracting a different section of tourists who enjoy frolicking in the snow and the magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks in the far distance highlighted by the double-pronged peaks of the great Kanchenjunga. 

The region is a restricted area requiring a permit from the border security. Line permits can be arranged during your trip to Lachung. Once you have secured a proper pass, you will enter a world where civilization and commercialism have not yet touched the virgin land. Take the trek route from Lachung to Yumthang Valley and experience some exclusive scenery. 15 km before Yumthang is Yumesamdung or ‘Zero Point’ which is the outermost point after which there are no roads and no settlements. Further down the snow-covered landscape leads to the Indo-China border. Traveling along the meandering River Lachung with its gushing waters gives you some spectacular views of the profusely flowering meadows and rolling hills. As you reach Yumthang Valley the abundance of Rhododendron on the mountain slopes is a sight to behold along with the lazily grazing Yaks and the contrasting snow-clad mountains in the far distance. The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is a world-renowned nursery for around 38 varieties of Rhododendron spread over an area of 35 square km perhaps 7 to 8 km from Yumthang Valley. The relaxed traveler taking the Lachung tour package can spend a leisure day fishing in the Yumthang Chu and Puniya Chu. En route, the Valley is a well-worn hiker’s path that leads to the hot springs that are said to be therapeutic with medicinal and even healing properties. 

Another diversion along the trek to Yumthang leads you to the Mount Katao. This imposing peak can be approached and several winter snow activities can be experienced including snowboarding, skiing and snow tubing at its base. 

The Mankhim Temple is a well-visited religious and historical spot set on a hill in the Hattipailay Village and run by the local Rai community. The annual Sakewa Pooja attracts many people who are aware of the festival. The month-long festivities include the Silli dance depicting the flight of the migratory birds and take place inside the temple along with vocal recitals and other colorful pageants. They play their traditional instruments like the dhol, Jyamta, and bow-arrow and pray for a good harvest. They don’t play these instruments until their harvest festival of Udhowli. From Mankhim one can take the Mulkarkha Lake trek along still unexplored tracks among the Himalayan foothills. At the Mulkarkha Lake, the scene is magnificent with reflections of the surrounding dark green forests and snow-capped mountains contrasting superbly with the deep blue of the serene lake. 

Sikkim is best visited in the months between October and June. Summer months of April to June have a pleasant climate with temperatures ranging from 10 to 28 degrees. In contrast, winters can be very cold at -5 to 10 degrees with snowfall and fog. July to September months are to be avoided as the monsoon makes the area treacherous with frequent landslides. 

One can reach Lachung by road on private cars or the frequent buses from either Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri that are both well connected to major cities by rail. The nearest airport is Bagdogra around 125 km from Lachung.

Lachung Tours offers visitors a unique holiday experience in the lap of the Himalayas untouched by civilization. Whether you are visiting as a vacationer with family or you love nature or are a photography freak, take one of our tour packages and you’ll get much more than what you bargained for. Our honeymoon packages are bestsellers as the Lachung valley is an ideal place for a charming honeymoon.