Lachung is a mountain town close to the Tibetan border, in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. It’s divided by the Lachung River. The word Lachung means “small pass”.The town is home to the 19th-century Buddhist Lachung Monastery, surrounded by apple orchards. Nearby, the Yumthang Valley’s Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary protects many species of rhododendron. Lachung is the epitome of scenic beauty peppered with tall dark mountains, gushing waterfalls, striking fruit orchards, and meandering glacial rivers.
The valley is also known for its waterfalls, pine forests, and hot springs. Everybody including foreigners and Indians requires a separate permit known as Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit such places, foreign nationals, however, are not allowed to visit a few protected areas with Lachung being one of them. A travel permit needs to be arranged from District Commissioner’s office in Gangtok, at least two days prior to the visit. The Indian Army has a forward base in the town. The distance between Gangtok to Lachung by road is 117 km, and the aerial distance from Gangtok to Lachung is 41 km.
Tourists can visit Lachung throughout the year as this town is surrounded by mountains and tourists can get a pleasant atmosphere. The best time for a matchless cultural extravaganza in Lachung is by far during the month of June when the town comes to life with the ‘Saga Dawa Festival’ that fills the whole town with vibrancy and effervescence. ITtt is one of the most important Buddhist festivals that signifies the three most important events from Lord Buddha’s life, his birth, enlightenment, and death Best Season to visit Lachung is October to June as the temperature is about 10°c to 16°c. Winter is chilly which sets from October till February.
Near to; Lachung is Zero Point Sikkim (Yumesamdong) situated at an elevation of 15,300 ft. in the Nothern District of Sikkim, India. This place is often called “Zero Point” because there is no motorable road after this place and visitors are not permitted to go beyond this point due to its proximity to the Chinese border. if the weather conditions permit, the 34 km distance can be covered in 1.5 hours en route tourists can have a spectacular view of Yumthang valley, wild yaks graze at high altitude areas. Lachung has been described as the “most picturesque village of Sikkim” by #British explorer Joseph Dalton Hooker in his definitive, The Himalayan journal (1855).
Skiing is conducted in Phuni near this town. Lachung is embraced by snow-capped mountain peaks, breathtaking waterfalls, sparkling streams as well as apple orchards, also peaches, and apricots. Lachung Monastery (or gompa) is one of the finest places to visit and has wonderful wall paintings and several ancient statues. Tourists should also visit the Carpet Weaving Center where they can see the local ladies weaving exquisite woolen carpets. Also worth visiting is Amitabh Bachchan Falls (real name is Bhewma Falls), it is one of the tallest waterfalls in Sikkim and lies on the road connecting Chungthang to Yumthang Valley in Lachung, North Sikkim district of Sikkim.
It has believed to have gotten the name Amitabh Bachchan Falls from the Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, who is very tall. The market of this city is filled with handicrafts such as exquisitely woven rugs and blankets that make this town ideal for shopping sprees. The residents of Lachung are mostly Bhutias who call themselves Lachungpas. Lachung does not have a railway station of its own but has good road connectivity with nearby destinations with air connectivity provided by Pakyong airport near Gangtok.
