Lachen is one of the most picturesque remote hamlets in North Sikkim Tour. Lachen is heavily blessed by Mother Nature with snow capped mountain peak, innumerable mountain streams, rolling meadows and serene sacred lake. Indeed, during your Lachen Lachung Package Tour we will drive you to the gateway of heaven – the majestic Gurudongmar Lake. In winter it's not less that the Switzerland. That's why it is often called the Switzerland of the East.
On arrival at Bagdogra airport, a warm welcome, meet & greet by our representative and transfer to Gangtok, the capital of the Cleanest State of India - Sikkim.
On arrival, check in your hotel, beautifully designed with utmost comfort. Take rest, in the evening stroll in the heartthrob of Gangtok i.e. MG Marg. Do some good shopping, enjoy local delicacy like momo, thupka, local beer and chang. Overnight at the Hotel in Gangtok.
Getup early in the morning. Stroll through the MG Marg and enjoy the cool morning in Gangtok. If you are lucky enough, you can behold the majestic Mt. Kanchenjungha from Gangtok also. Refresh yourself, enjoy your morning tea and then jump for morning breakfast. Post lunch pack your bag and around 10am set out for Lachen Tour via via Singtam - Chungthang Rd. It is almost 5 hrs long journey. So tighten your seatbelt and enjoy the amazing view of the Sikkim throughout your journey. On the way visit some of the best sightseeing spot like:
Tashi View Point, Located in Tashi about 8 Km from Gangtok town built by Tashi Namgyal, which offers a panoramic view of Mt Kanchenjunga on a clear day. Binocular and Telescopes are mounted at the viewpoint, which can get an unobstructed view of the mountains, and forest on the opposite side.
Kabi Longstok, a historic place, located on North Sikkim Highway. This is the where a treaty between Lepcha Chief Te-Kung-Tek and the Bhutia Chief Khey-Bum-Sar was signed.
Seven Sister Waterfalls, the name is given to this waterfall as it makes its descent in seven stages. To facilitate the tourists to savour the pristine beauty and to be with nature, Tourism Department has set up a waiting shed and cafeteria.
Naga Waterfalls, the confluence of Lachen-Chu and Lachung-Chu at Chungthang.
Mostly perennial in nature, waterfalls are a plenty in this region, Bhim Nala & the Twin Waterfalls are two others one comes across en route to North Sikkim and the gorgeous Teesta follows you all the way. Lunch will be served at Namok. You are likely to reach Lachen around evening.Overnight at Hotel in Lachen.
After a tight good night sleep in a peaceful environment, wake up early and post breakfast get ready to visit the sacred Gurudongmar Lake [2 hr 38 min (65.9 km) via Gurudongmar Road]
Gurudongmar Lake - is Located at an altitude of 17,800 ft and considered as the most sacred lake believed by Buddhists and Hindus. The beautiful and awe-inspiring lake remains milky in color throughout the year. According to a legend, since the lake used to remain frozen most of the year, it was not possible to use its water for drinking purposes. When Guru Padmasambhava passed by returning from Tibet, the residents requested Guru for providing a source of water. The Guru obliged, and a portion of the lake touched by him does not freeze in extreme winter. Since the water of the lake is considered sacred, visitors carry the 'blessed' water in bottles.
Return from the lake and start for Lachung Tour. On arrival Lachung, get refreshed, take rest. Overnight at the hotel in Lachung.
Get up early to behold the mesmerizing morning of Lachung. It's amazing to stroll around the hilly path with mist around you. Feel the nature, take a deep breath, I bet it will add some extra days in your life. Inhale pure oxygen and get rejuvenate at full extent. Hear the sound of floating streams and the melting droplets over leaf. It will be an amazing morning in Lachung to behold.
After breakfast, start to explore beautiful Yumthang Valley just 25km away and at an altitude of 11,800 ft. It is almost 1.30 hrs drives through numerous mountain rivers, streams, bridges and roads with full bloom Rhododendron. The valley remains covered under thick blanket of snow in winter and in summer vibrant rhododendron, primulas welcomes you. Spend some quality time there and enjoy the valley decorated with own hand by Mother Nature.
From Yumthang Valley, you can also visit Zero Point, 23 away at an altitude of 15,000 ft above sea level. (Note: Zero point travel is extra Cost subject to Permit and Road Condition). Return and Overnight stay at the hotel in Lachung.
After lunch in Lachung, transfer to Gangtok. On the way visit spectacular Katao Valley located just 23km away from Lachung. Katao has two distinctive features according to season. In winter the valley remain cover under thick blanket of snow and in summer the valley looks stunning with vibrant Rhododendron, Primula and Poppy flowers. If due to snowfall, Yumthang valley is not accessible then guests can visit Katao Valley. Stroll around the pine forest and behold the mesmerizing beauty of North Sikkim. After spending some quality time in Katao, proceed to Gangtok. Overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtok.
As the morning sores in, and the warm rays of the sun knocks through the window to give a startup call for a new day, enjoy the breakfast, and load your bags with dry foods before starting for a full day trip to Tsomgo Lake with Baba Mandir / Nathula Pass Excursion :
Tsomgo Lake (12,400 ft) - Also known as Changu Lake is an oval shaped glacial lake which is only 40 km from Gangtok City, and almost about 1Km in length with 15 meters depth. The name Tsomgo is made of two words in Bhutia Language 'Tso' means "lake" and 'Mgo' means "head" in short 'source of the lake'. This high altitude lake is surrounded by snow capped steep mountains and remains frozen during winter time. As Summer beings to step-in the glacier begins to melt and the lake gets its origin. The lake is considered sacred by the local people and it is said that the lake reflects different colors with change in seasons.
New Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir - The Baba Mandir is build in the memoriam of Baba Harbhajan Singh or the 'Hero of Nathula' who was a soldier in the Indian Army. It is located at a distance of 12Km from Tsomgo lake, and 52Km from Gangtok city. Baba Harbhajan served as a part of border patrol force, and in the year 1968 while escorting a mule column he felt on a fast flowing stream and got carried away by powerful water current. Soldiers found his remains after 3 days and cremated with full military honor along with a shrine on his Samadhi is built as per Baba's wish which he expressed through his friend post death. The original bunker of Baba Harbhajan Singh is located further up near the Gnathang valley which is the Old Baba Mandir but due its difficult terrain tourist can't reach there so a New Mandir is build for easy access. This shrine is believed to have wish-fulfilling powers and it is believed that Baba is still guarding the international border between India and China. On Sundays, a 'langar' runs at the temple, which provides free meals to the visitors.
Nathula Pass - A major mountain pass in the Himalayas in East Sikkim district which is a corridor of passage between India and Tibet before it was closed in 1962 but reopened in 2006. Located around 56 km from Gangtok at an altitude of 14450 ft, the road to Nathula, is the highest motor able roads, passes through the Tsomgo lake and requires entry permit to visit. The view from this international border is breathtaking, and allows the tourist to get a glimpse of China on the other side along with their Chinese soldiers. On a clear day, you can even see the road winding down the Chumbi valley.
(Nathula Pass is closed on Monday / Tuesday and Permit depends on Weather condition). The evening is free to visit the pedestrian roadway M.G. Marg and overnight at Gangtok.
Post breakfast, sign off from Gangtok, and drive to NJP / Bagdogra for the return journey while cherishing your holiday forever.