Lachen is synonymous with panoramic, unparalleled views of the mighty Himalayas, alpine meadows and sporadic settlements with misty mountains and bellowing clouds touching the mountain slopes. Lachen forms a very important tourist spot in Sikkim itinerary. It is a comparatively an unexplored destination and very peaceful filled with a unique charm of its own. Take a vacation in Lachen and enjoy peace and solitude in the lap of nature away from the glittering spectacle of a busy modern-day city life. It is located in North Sikkim close to some of the happening and tourist destinations.

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1. Tso Lhamo Lake

Suggested Read: Things to do in Lachen & Best Time to Visit Lachen

Tso Lhamo Lake, also known as Cholamu Lake, is located in the North Sikkim district, close to the border with Indo-China border. This lake is known by various other names such as called Cholamoo or Cho Lhamo Lake. It lies at an altitude of about 5,330 meters above sea level and that makes it one of the highest lakes in India and also across the globe. The best part is Tso Lhamo Lake is located merely 10 km from Gurudongmar Lake and both the exotically beautiful destinations can be clubbed together in a day trip from Lachen. The Tso Lhamo Lake is surrounded by snow-capped cloud-kissing misty mountains of the Himalayan ranges. Pitted against the rocky faces, the blue water of the lake looks gorgeous and makes it one of the most beautiful destinations in Sikkim attaching tourists from all across the world. The lake has restricted access due to its proximity to the international border with China and Special permits are required to visit the lake. Tso Lhamo Lake is considered sacred by the local people, and it is believed that the lake is home to protective deities and spirits and thus holds grave religious significance. It is a paradise for photographers, nature lovers, hikers and trekking enthusiasts. The thrill of sighting endangered species such as the snow leopard, Tibetan wolf and Himalayan blue sheep along with several migratory bird species is an added enjoyment.

Also Read: How to Reach Lachen

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Sikkim & Things to do in Sikkim

2. Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake is next in line with its exotic allure of a sacred lake nestled in the folds of the Kanchenjunga ranges. This lake is one of the biggest lakes in Sikkim and holds serious religious significance for the Buddhists, Hindus and even the Sikhs. The lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava who visited the lake around the eighth century and unfroze it. This miracle continues to charm humanity as this lake never ever freezes even in peak winters when the surrounding is almost completely frozen. The lake area offers spectacular views of Mount Siniolchu and Khanchendzonga. Gurudongmar Lake is extremely popular among the vacationers in view of its lure of witnessing nature’s blessing and rare beauty of a remote fresh water lake that is a part of the Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve forming an important source of water for the local people. Trek from one lake to another, as Tso Lhamo Lake is just about 10 km away from Lake Gurudongmar. Click some breath-taking photos, view the beauty of the towering giant mountain ranges flanking all the sides of the lake, peep into the clear fresh water and decipher how deep you can see through the clear waters.

Also Read: Best Time to Visit Sikkim & How to Reach Sikkim

3. Thangu Valley

Thangu Valley is stunningly beautiful and is quite an alure for trekking freaks. Come to this heavenly charming valley situated in Northern Sikkim in the middle of the highest ranges of Himalayas and get overwhelmed by the snow-topped peaks, colourful orchids, cascading rivulets and its forest-covered gentle slopes. Apart from trekkers, Thangu Valley is also very popular among bird watchers and as a stopover for travellers heading towards Guru Dongmar Lake. Chopta Valley, another magnetic Himalayan beauty is just 5 km away from Thangu Valley. This pleasant valley is a heaven for nature sweethearts. In spite of the fact that there are numerous eminent Lachen touring places, Thangu Valley surpasses them all. Because of its high elevation, the valley is covered with snow nearly all year and is encompassed by armed force camps. The valley is perfect for those looking for a tranquil and serene trip and additionally a relief from the Indian blasting summers. Its high elevation is instrumental in keeping the temperatures quite cold around this valley all though the year. Experience the essence of the local culture and lifestyle by visiting this valley and have a memorable vacation in North Sikkim. The closest border point from Thangu Valley is just 40 to 50 km away making this valley a restricted area and allowing visitors only through legal proper permits.

4. Lachen Monastery

Lachen Gompa or Lachen Monastery is a must visit while in a trip to Lachen. The aura of this monastery oozes out of its Tibetan style of architecture and engineering. This monastery is dedicated to and built by the Nyingma Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The statue of Guru Padmasambhava along with the beauty and peace of the colourful prayer flags and prayer wheels adds to the inexplicable charm of this 1858 AD built monastery. The lively celebration of the Annual Mask Dance is held in this monastery every year. It offers spell-binding view of the snowy mountains that surround the building. The humble structure in the form of a small hut constructed by Lama Karchen Dorje Drak was transformed gradually to an impression monastery.

5. Chopta Valley

A beautiful isolated peaceful haven on earth is Lachen’s Chopta Valley located at a height of 4023 m while en route to Gurudongmar Lake. Chopta valley is increasingly becoming a touristy destination for vacationers who love to spend some quiet time away from the mad rush of the modern world. The destination also offers a magnificent view of the snowy mountain ranges of some of the highest peaks of Himalayas. The dense fragrant greenery if the pine woods and the sprawling meadows interspersed with fast flowing, gushing torrents of waterfalls and sparkling rivers winding through the valley, make it a perfect place for trekking, hiking or leisure walking for travellers and tourists. It is an ideal place for some birds and animals. During the summer months the valley gets dressed up in a flurry of brilliant hues of the thousands of blooming flowers all across the valley.

6. Lhonak Valley

Lhonak Valley is evolving fast as another major quiet nature retreat for tourists as the more popular places are undergoing fast commercialization. It is a famous trekking destination in Sikkim and is generally uninhabited apart from the original settlements of Tibetan migrants. The valley lies under the steady watch by the Indian Army as it’s the last Indian station in Sikkim towards the North. Birdwatching and flora and fauna in its natural and untampered state can be enjoy in this valley. Trek to this valley to observe its natural aura and the scenic beauty of the quiet and giant mountains. Lhonak Valley is popularly also known as Muguthang and is spread out picturesquely on the banks of River Naku Chhu. Located at a height of 14,850 feet it can be approached by trekking from the Chopta Valley. It is wonderful natural mix of lakes, glaciers, marshland and an extensive grassland.

7. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is a fairyland amidst sky-kissing giant Himalayan mountain ranges. It offers a treat to eyes in the spring and summer months with a spellbinding show of more than forty Rhododendron species blooming in a gusto. This natural heavenly piece of land is located close to Lachung in Yumthang valley in North Sikkim and it takes approximately 7 hours by road to reach this from the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok. Cab services that are available easily from Yumthang and Gangtok for this beautiful and popular destination of Sikkim tourism. Trekking from Yumthang Valley is another option for the passionate and nature lovers and daring souls. The blush of Potentillas, primulas, saxifrages, poppies, aconites, gentians numb the senses and creates a magical aura across the valley spread over an area of about 43 square kilometres. The sanctuary is surrounded by Chuba-Sagochen mountain ranges on its east. Surrounded by eye-catching Himalayan mountain ranges, the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary offers the best place to catch the beauty of the wild flowers collectively and concentratedly at one place only in the sanctuary. These flowers adorn the mountain valleys at other places too but can be enjoyed sporadically and in less dense bloom. It is the magic created by the variety and the colours of Rhododendrons that awes human minds.

8. Mystical Green Lake Trek

The Green Lake Trek is a major attraction for the trekkers who attempt Sikkim to fulfil their dreams of visiting some exquisitely beautiful locations of the North East. Among the many prominent and picturesque lakes nestled among elevated ranges, rich greenery and thick forests, Green Lake is unique as it remains relatively unexplored till date. It is located close to Lachen and is a hidden jewel with astounding views of the Kanchenjunga and other peaks. The Green Lake is a delight for explorers and mountain lovers and nature explorers. The lake showcases a modest collection of colourful rhododendrons that are a treat to sore eyes that rest only on concrete jungle usually. The trek is a bit intense and challenging at places where it crosses hilly terrains and thick vegetation, the final beauty that meets the yeas is soulful and a balm of exhaustion and exertion from.