Things To Do In Lachung

Lachung is a scenic little mountain village located at an altitude of 8610 ft above mean sea level. It has come to be one of the most tranquil and peaceful tourist destinations in Sikkim, with its mountainous landscape, waterfalls, small houses and rolls and rolls of fruit orchards. If you are planning a trip here, you have a list of things that should be on your itinerary. From going sightseeing to different valleys and the Shrub Sanctuary to tasting fruits from the orchards, visiting the Lachung Monastery to Zero point, you will find your days filled with loads of beautiful things to do in Lachung.

Lachung is such a picturesque village that one may not need venture out to see great sights. Still, some of the greatest places to go sightseeing include the Shingba Shrub Sanctuary which is a valley of Rhododendron flowers, Lachung Monastery for its wall murals and artefacts, and the Naga Falls which are one of the biggest in the region.

This small village is known for its juicy apples, apricots and peaches. While there, a trip to fruit orchards is a must. It is made very pleasurable by warm hosts and helpful guides. If you are here during the harvest season, then don’t forget to pack crates of juicy peaches and apples to take back home.

Lachung Monastery makes for one of the most tranquil spots in this mountainous village. Find yourself in the lap of peace, with Buddhist monks praying and meditating around, little bells chiming and the wind whispering the prayers of fluttering prayer flags. This place is great to sit down and meditate. You can also explore the wall murals, statues and antiques that this monastery houses.

Most valleys around Lachung boast of this flower. Rhododendrons are a species of woody plants, either evergreen or deciduous, found in colours ranging from white to yellow to purple to red. Rhododendrons greet you here wherever you go, be it the Shingba Sanctuary, the Yumthang Valley or Yume Samdong. Your trip to Lachung will be incomplete without devoting some time amidst rolling meadows of these flowers.

Yume Samdong is a marvel of nature, another stunning valley filled with Rhododendron flowers. This place is at a high altitude and remains covered with snow all year round. The place boasts of 14 hot water springs, some even sulphur springs known for their healing value. You can buy incense sticks (agarbatti) made from Rhododendrons as one of the most unique souvenirs from here.

Zero Point is the place that marks the last outpost of civilisation. A popular tourist spot, this place should be on your list to experience what a land looks like when untouched by man. It is at a height of 15,000+ feet above mean sea level and near to the valley of Yume Samdong.

The path from Yume Samdong to Yumthang is one of the most famous trekking routes in Sikkim. It is a unique experience as the trek starts at Yume Samdong and descends down to Yumthang. With snow-laden paths all year round, this is a pretty difficult trek and requires great precaution on the part of the trekkers.

The people of Sikkim eat low spiced, simple food. You must try their staple Thukpa, which is a simple noodle stew with vegetables. Potatoes are another staple here and added to almost every dish. For the spice-lovers, momos are available mostly everywhere (in authentic mild, as well as fiery spicy variety with extra chilly sauce).

For your trips down different tourist spots, maggi, tea, coffee and omelettes are readily available at most shacks. Even at the remotest, highest locations.