Lachen

The quiet overnight stop below Thangu and Gurudongmar

Lachen is a Bhutia village at about 2,750 m on the Lachen river, the night stop before the dawn drive to Gurudongmar Lake. It is quieter and less built-up than Lachung. Most people spend one night here, two if they want time to adjust or visit Chopta valley.

Photo: Tushar2486 · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lachen means big pass, and the village spreads over a slope above the Lachen river, the main headwater of the Teesta. It has fewer hotels than Lachung, a monastery on the hill and wooden houses among fields of potato, barley and radish. In the tourist months it fills with jeeps every evening and empties again before dawn.

Like Lachung, it governs itself through a Dzumsa council led by a Pipon, and the council's rules are respected by hoteliers and drivers. Many Lachenpa families have herded yaks and sheep for generations, moving between the village and summer pastures around Thangu and beyond.

Most visitors arrive from Gangtok in the evening, sleep a few hours, and leave around 4 am for Gurudongmar Lake, 67 km north. They return to Lachen for a late breakfast and drive on to Lachung or back to Gangtok. If you can, add a second night here: it makes the climb to 5,430 m safer and gives you time for the village and the monastery.

Highlights

What Lachen does best

Gateway to GurudongmarThe last village before the high plateau, and the overnight stop for every Gurudongmar trip.
Lachen MonasteryNgodub Choling monastery, established in 1858, sits above the village with prayer flags and a view down the valley.
Thangu and Chopta valleyA high meadow and army settlement at about 3,900 m, with Chopta valley nearby for flowers in summer and frozen streams in winter.
A quieter villageFewer hotels and less traffic than Lachung, and a village life still tied to herding and farming.

Experiences

Four hours to plan around

spiritual · 1.5 hours Afternoon at Lachen Monastery Lachen, North Sikkim

nature · Half day Thangu and Chopta valley above Lachen Lachen, North Sikkim

village · 1–2 hours Village and farm walk in Lachen Lachen, North Sikkim

adventure · 7–8 hours return The 4 am start for Gurudongmar from Lachen Lachen, North Sikkim

Getting there

How to reach Lachen

Shared jeep

Shared group tours from Gangtok cover Lachen and Gurudongmar on a 3-night circuit or a 2-night Lachen trip, including permit, room and meals, at about ₹6,500–9,000 per person.

Reserved car

A reserved SUV from Gangtok for a Lachen and Gurudongmar trip costs about ₹16,000–22,000 per vehicle for two nights, or more when combined with Lachung.

Air

Fly to Bagdogra and spend a night in Gangtok. Lachen is a full day's drive further north.

Where to stay

Rooms we book

Lachen has simple lodges and homestays at about ₹1,500–3,000 a room with meals, and a handful of better hotels at ₹3,500–7,000. Rooms are basic compared with Lachung; heating is rare and power cuts are common. Packages usually include dinner and an early packed breakfast for the Gurudongmar trip.

Lodge · Lachen Lachen village lodges and homestays

Simple family-run lodges and homestays in Lachen, used by almost every Gurudongmar package. Basic, warm-hearted and set up for 4 am starts.

From our planners

Five things to know

Pack a small day bag the night before; you will leave around 4 am in the dark and cold.
Eat a light dinner and drink water; skip alcohol before Gurudongmar.
A second night in Lachen lowers the risk of altitude sickness at the lake.
Carry cash for extras; card payments are rarely possible.
Ask your operator whether the Lachen–Lachung road via Chungthang is open before planning a circuit.

The local story

Ngodub Choling, the monastery above Lachen

Lachen Monastery, also called Ngodub Choling, stands on a ridge above the village. It was established in 1858 and belongs to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. For the people of Lachen it is the centre of religious life, where the main festivals, prayers for the dead and seasonal ceremonies take place.

Read the whole story →

Questions travellers ask

Questions about Lachen

Why do I need to stay in Lachen?

Gurudongmar Lake can only be visited as an early-morning trip, and Lachen is the last place with rooms for tourists. Sleeping at about 2,750 m before climbing to 5,430 m also gives your body some time to adjust. Without a night in Lachen, a Gurudongmar trip is not possible.

How far is Gurudongmar Lake from Lachen?

About 67 km, through Thangu at roughly 3,900 m. The drive takes about 3–3.5 hours each way on a road that is rough in parts. Vehicles leave Lachen around 4 am to reach the lake by 7–8 am, before wind and cloud pick up.

Is Lachen better than Lachung?

They serve different purposes. Lachen is quieter and simpler, and it is the base for Gurudongmar Lake. Lachung has more and better rooms and is the base for Yumthang and Zero Point. With three nights you can do both. With only two, choose based on whether the lake or the valley matters more to you.

Can foreigners go to Lachen?

Yes. Foreign nationals with a Protected Area Permit through a registered agent can stay in Lachen, but they cannot go on to Thangu beyond the permitted limit or to Gurudongmar Lake. Ask your agent exactly how far the permit allows. Check current status before you travel.

What is the weather like in Lachen?

Days are cool, about 10–18°C in May and October, and nights are cold, near freezing in autumn and well below zero in winter. From December to March snow can block the road north to Thangu and Gurudongmar. June to September is wet, with landslides on the approach.

Is the road from Gangtok to Lachen open?

It depends on the season and repairs. The October 2023 Teesta flood and later landslides badly damaged the route around Chungthang, and the Lachen side has been closed to tourists for long spells since. Ask your operator a week ahead and again the day before. Check current status before you travel.

Can I combine Lachen and Lachung in one trip?

Yes, in a normal year: three nights covers Lachen and Gurudongmar first, then Lachung and Yumthang, linked through Chungthang. When the Chungthang link is damaged, operators may run each valley as a separate trip from Gangtok. Ask before you book.

Are there ATMs or shops in Lachen?

There is no reliable ATM. A few small shops sell snacks, biscuits, batteries and basic medicines. Withdraw cash in Gangtok or Mangan, and carry your own medicines, including anything your doctor advises for altitude. Small notes are useful for tea stalls and tips.

What should I do in Lachen with a free afternoon?

Walk up to Lachen Monastery, wander the village lanes among the fields and wooden houses, and watch the light on the valley walls. Rest is part of the plan too, as you will be up at 3:30 am. Keep the walk gentle and drink water.