Lachen is one of those places where the journey matters as much as the destination. Set high in North Sikkim, this small mountain village is best known as the gateway to Gurudongmar Lake and the high-altitude landscapes beyond it.
Unlike busier hill towns, Lachen still feels quiet and remote. The Government of Sikkim describes it as a small village known for its simplicity, traditional village life and its importance as the starting point for journeys towards Gurudongmar and the higher reaches of North Sikkim.
Lachen is for travellers who want to see a wilder side of Sikkim. The route gradually climbs through mountain valleys before reaching places such as Thangu Valley, Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake.
The experience is less about crowded sightseeing and more about open landscapes, changing altitude, cold mountain air and the feeling of travelling deep into the Himalayas.






The biggest reason to visit Lachen is Gurudongmar Lake, one of Sikkim’s best-known high-altitude lakes. The Government of Sikkim places it at around 17,800 feet and describes it as a sacred lake for both Buddhists and Hindus.
Lachen itself is part of the experience. It acts as an important halt before travelling further towards Thangu, Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar, where the landscape becomes increasingly stark and dramatic.


Lachen is an essential part of a North Sikkim tour for travellers heading towards Gurudongmar Lake and the high-altitude landscapes around Thangu and Chopta Valley.