A warm house in Lachen, Sikkim. Mountain views.
5.0· 5 stays
Things to do nearby.
Lachen is a starting point for some of North Sikkim's most remote and beautiful landscapes. The village itself is quiet, and a walk through its lanes is a good way to acclimatize to the altitude.
The main draw is the access to high-altitude destinations like Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest in the world. This requires a full-day trip and a separate permit. The journey takes you through cold desert landscapes and military checkpoints. The nearby Chopta Valley is another area of stark, high-altitude beauty. The more famous Yumthang Valley, known as the valley of flowers, is typically accessed from the nearby village of Lachung, but your entire North Sikkim trip will be planned as a circuit. All permits for this region must be arranged in advance.
Getting there.
The journey to Lachen is a significant part of the experience. The nearest reliable airport is Bagdogra (IXB) in West Bengal, approximately 250 km away. The closest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), at a similar distance.
From either Bagdogra or NJP, it is a 7 to 8-hour drive to Lachen, typically broken with an overnight halt in Gangtok, the state capital. The roads are winding and subject to weather conditions. It is essential to hire a sturdy vehicle with an experienced local driver. Gangtok is also where you will need to arrange the necessary permits for travel into North Sikkim.
Best time to visit.
The best time for clear skies and mountain views is from October to mid-December. The air is crisp, and snow is common at higher altitudes and sometimes in Lachen itself. Another good window is from March to May, when the rhododendrons and other wildflowers begin to bloom in the lower valleys of the region, though Lachen itself is above the main rhododendron belt.
The monsoon season, from June to September, is best avoided. Heavy rains can cause landslides, frequently leading to road closures and making travel unpredictable and unsafe. Many parts of North Sikkim are inaccessible during this time.


