Lachung Tourist Guide –Snow Capped Mountain Village of Sikkim

Lachung Tourist Guide: Overview

Lachung is a picturesque town in Sikkim which is located at an altitude of 9600 ft above sea level in the North Sikkim district. The picturesque mountain village of Lachung, at a height of 8610 ft, embraced by snow capped mountain peaks, breathtaking waterfalls, sparkling streams and apple orchards is the perfect holiday destination. This is also a place where the two rivers Lachen and Lachung (the tributaries of River Teesta meet). Lachung literally means "a small pass" and has been a favorite of writers from around the world. Lachung is known for its monastery which is often visited by tourists from round the globe. It also serves as a gateway to the Yumthang valley.

What is Unique in Lachung and Why?

Lachung Valley of Flowers is said to be unique for its Snow-capped mountain peaks, breathtaking waterfalls, sparkling streams, Monasteries and apple orchards sprawled across the banks of the Lachung River, all these make North Sikkim a heaven on the earth. Lachung is also famous for its apples, peaches and apricots here you will find more quantity compare to other destination.   

Lachung valley of flowers

This famous valley in North Sikkim lies 140km north of Gangtok. Lachung provides the base for exploration of Yumthang, the valley of flowers. Situated at an altitude of 11800 ft ( 3564m) with a close proximity of Tibet, Yumthang is a unique place where the tree line ends. A number of hot springs are scattered in the valley providing an unexpected opportunity to feel the warmth of the water even in freezing temperature. Rich in sulphur these springs are believed to have miraculous healing power. The valley sways like a ballerina duing the spring season with magnificent flowers adorning the entire area. Rhododendrons, primulas, poppies and iris are some of the flowers abundantly found in the valley. In a good news to the adventure lovers, skiing is also conducted in the snow capped mountains of the valley during winter season.

Restaurants in Lachung

Hotel Lachung Continental: TA Rank (3.5) – Certificate of Excellence

Hotel Lachung Continental provides basic ammonites and pure veg food with better taste

Yarlam Restaurants: TA Rank (4.0) – Certificate of Excellence

Provides North Indian food with delicious taste

Hotel Norling Zimkhang: TA Rank (3.0) – Certificate of Excellence

Comfortable stay with huge variety of fast food and veg dishes

Language used in Lachung Sikkkim

Nepali is the lingua Franca of Sikkim, while Sikkimese (Bhutia) and Lepcha are spoken in certain areas. English is also spoken and understood in most of Sikkim. Other languages include Dzongkha, Groma, Gurung, Limbu, Magar, Majhi, Majhwar, Nepal Bhasa, Rai, Sherpa, Sunuwar, Tamang, Thulung, Tibetan, and Yakha.

Best Food Items in Lachung

Food is a complete experience at Lachung, hotels and Restaurants will serve you Chinese, Punjabi or South Indian food. . There are many famous local dishes in Lachung which should not be missed once you visit Sikkim, some of them are as follows:

Momos

Momos are one of the traditional food items of Nepal and China.It is also famous and loved by all local people of Pelling as well as the tourists.  It is a hot, steamed which is made by flour and stuffed with vegetables, cheese and crumble meat.

Thukpa

It is Tibetan style noodle which is mixed with soup and flavoured with crumble vegetables.

Gundruk and Sinki

Gundruk is made by drying and crumbling the leaves of the mustard oil, cauliflower and radish plant which is cooked and spiced with onions and tomatoes. This type of dish is prepared at homes as restaurant does not serve this dish.

Kinema

Kinema is a fermented soybean food which is rich in protein, having a unique taste which is taken with rice.

Phagshapa

Phagshapa is strip of fat pork which is glazed with radishes and dried chilies

Fairs and Festival in Lachung

Lossong:  This is one of the most famous festivals in Lachung which is also the New Year of the Bhutia people. It is celebrated in the month January, when pooja is performed.

Saga Dawa:  Saga Dawa or the Triple Blessed Festival is an auspicious month for the Sikkimese Buddhists with prayers held throughout the month in various monasteries. On the full moon of this 4th month of the Tibetan calendar is the main celebration It is another festival of the city which is celebrated by the Buddhism. It is the day of Gautam Buddha.

Maruni Dance of the Nepalis

Maruni dance is the oldest and most popular one of the Nepalis Traditionally it was performed in the Tihar festival by the Nepali community but with the passage of time all communities perform the Maruni on family special occasions like marriages and births.  Commemorating the victory of good over evil, the dancers in this dance are dressed in colorful costumes and magnificent ornaments. Accompanied by "Dhatu Waray" or a clown, the dancers visit the nearby houses. A nine instrument orchestra known as "Naumati Baja" also accompanies them at times.