Landmarks in Lachen
- 01
Chopta Valley
A high, quiet valley reached by a rough track beyond Thangu, known for spring flowers and open space. A gentler alternative to the lake.
- Time needed
- Half a day with Thangu; about 2 hours from Lachen each way
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- April to mid-June for flowers; October to November for clearer air
- Tickets
- Covered by your North Sikkim protected area permit arranged through an operator. Sources say foreign visitors are generally limited to areas such as Chopta, but rules vary, so confirm.
- 02
Gurudongmar Lake
One of the highest lakes in India, a sacred glacial lake a few kilometres south of the Tibetan border, reached from Lachen on a very early start. Spectacular, cold and demanding.
- Time needed
- Full day: roughly 4 hours each way from Lachen, plus 30 to 45 minutes at the lake
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- Late spring and October to November, early in the morning before the wind rises; the lake is frozen from about November to mid-May
- Tickets
- Indian citizens need a protected area permit arranged through a registered operator, and permits are checked at army posts on the way. Foreign nationals are not allowed. Entry is restricted to the morning, so confirm the current cut-off time with your operator.
- 03
Thangu Valley
A treeless high valley north of Lachen where the road, army posts and yaks mark the edge of the Tibetan plateau. The stop on the way to Gurudongmar and Chopta.
- Time needed
- Half an hour as a stop; 1.5 hours each way from Lachen, or a half day with Chopta Valley
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- April to June and October to November, in the morning
- Tickets
- No separate ticket, but it falls within the protected area, so your North Sikkim permit and ID are checked at army posts. Photography near military posts may be restricted; follow instructions.
Experiences in Lachen
- 04
Green Lake Trek (Kangchenjunga North Base Camp)
A long, restricted expedition-style trek from Lachen up the Zemu valley to Green Lake, at roughly 4,900 to 5,000 m below the east face of Kangchenjunga, open only with special government permits.
- Time needed
- About 10 to 12 days from Gangtok, with roughly 8 days on foot
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- Late spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November), subject to permits
- Tickets
- A trekking permit is issued only after Defence and Home Ministry clearance: Indians apply via the Sikkim Home Department, foreigners via the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi. A Khangchendzonga National Park pass is also needed, and a registered operator and guide are required. North Sikkim reopened in early 2026, but there is no published confirmation that Green Lake permits are being issued to Indians or foreigners; confirm with Sikkim Tourism or a registered operator.
Read the Green Lake Trek (Kangchenjunga North Base Camp) guide →
- 05
The Lachen to Thangu drive
About 1.5 hours of climbing from forest to bare high country, a landscape change that is the real show of the trip north of Lachen.
- Time needed
- About 1.5 hours each way, plus stops
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning, in spring or autumn
- Tickets
- No ticket, but your North Sikkim permit and ID are checked at army posts. Self-drive is generally not allowed; go with a registered operator.
Temples in Lachen
- 06
Lachen Monastery
The Nyingma monastery above Lachen village, completed in 1858 and known as Ngodrub Choling. A short, quiet visit with views over the valley.
- Time needed
- 45-60 minutes
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon, outside the middle of the day
- Tickets
- No ticket is known. Dress modestly, remove shoes before entering halls, ask before photographing inside, and do not touch objects. Opening times vary, so ask locally.
Neighbourhoods in Lachen
- 07
Lachen village and the Dzumsa
A small Bhutia village of timber and stone houses governed by the Dzumsa, a traditional self-governing council. A slow evening walk before the early start.
- Time needed
- 1-2 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Late afternoon or early evening; clear days in spring and autumn
- Tickets
- No ticket. It is a living community: ask before photographing residents, homes or farms, and do not enter private property uninvited.
Close enough to combine