Lachung - Land of Rhododendrons

Lachung

Situated about 120kms, 6-7 hrs drive North of Gangtok, Sikkim, at an altitude of 8610 ft, Lachung is the most famous village of North Sikkim, almost synonym of North Sikkim. Joseph Salton Hooker in his definitive, The Himalayan Journal (1855) has described Lachung as "most picturesque village of Sikkim". The snow capped mountains, the multiple rivulets and waterfalls and sparkling clean water bodies never ceases to dazzle you. Lachung is a land of infinite possibilities, Lachung is the land of valley of flowers, where Rhododendron forms the carpet of flowers, transporting you into another world.

Almost inaccessible due to Snowfall and landslides for about 06 months of the year, Lachung is full of natural surprises for those who dare to visit this North Sikkim Paradise. Lachung in itself is a small village and offers limited tourist experience; however it is the only place where you can find decent accommodation to explore the more exotic valleys in the vicinity. Apart from the market, where you can purchase items of your daily needs, Lachung have a small monastery uphill of the village, which provides you the most ideal place to meditate. A Day spent at leisure beside the Lachen Chu river will certainly rejuvenate you and bring you closer to nature.

Lachung is not open to all tourists, you need to take special permits to visit it, referred to as Inner Line Permit/ restricted area permit /Protected area permit ( PAP), which need to be applied in advance. You can visit Lachung only on package tour being organized by authorized agents from the area on a fixed itinerary, that too with a group of minimum 04 people. Lachung, North Sikkim serves an excellent base for the excursion to base to travel to Yumthang valley and its surrounding area such as Katao and Yumasamdong.

Yumthang :

Situated at an altitude of 11800 feet, about 140 kms from Gangtok, Sikkim, Yumthang is one of the most famous valleys of North Sikkim. Popularly known as “Valley of Flowers”, Yumthang is a paradise for nature lovers presenting breathtaking scenic beauty and fascinating flora and fauna. It is at the beginning of the Tibetan plateau and the tree line ends here, however the presence of wild flowers like primulas and Rhododendrons are present in abundance. The best time to visit is the spring season ( April to May end), when Rhododendron are in full bloom, filling the valley with the carpet of bright color flowers, which has earned it the name of “Valley of Flower”.

 Yumthang also offers view of a stunning array of peaks with Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa. The valley is rich with the presence of numerous hot water springs scattered all over the valley. These sulphur rich hot water springs (sulphur water springs) are considered to be medicinal and believed to have miraculous healing powers. Nevertheless a bathe in the hot water springs in the middle of cold season is always rejuvenating.

The best season for visiting the valley starts in late February and continues up to mid June, when thousands of colourful flowers are in full bloom. However, if you wish to enjoy a clear sky and brilliant view of snow-capped mountains, the September - December season would be ideal.

The most popular hot spring is the one located on the right side of Yumthang River. Another tourist attraction is he Shiv Mandir situated 06kms further from the Yumthang Valley. Accessible by trek only, you will be exhilarated to see some of the most stunning landscapes enroute. Another 16 kms , one hour drive will take you to Yumesandong. At 16000 ft, on Chinese border, its rugged vegetation free mountains, present a breathtaking scenario. November – December and February March are the best time to visit Yumesandong

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

Adjoining Lachung and Yumthang, alongside Yumthang River, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is spread over 43 sq kms . The sanctuary is famous for presence of almost 24 species of Rhododendron flowers, which comes in full bloom from April to May end, presenting a riot of colors through the valley and a surreal experience few can surpass. Yumthang River flowing through the sanctuary is also rich Brown Trout and provides excellent opportunities for angling.

Lachung, Yumthang and Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary can be visited only after obtaining due Inner Line permits/ Restricted area permits. Further the area can be visited only in groups through an organized tour, arranged by local travel agents.

Yumthang and Shingba Rhododendron sanctuary does not provide options for accommodation except for a forest rest house. Hotels are available in Lachung, which is used as the base for excursion to Lachung, Yumthang Valley and Shingba Sanctuary.

Lachung is accessible by six to seven hours drive from Gangtok.