North Sikkim · Overnight hub
Lachung
The apple-orchard village that is base camp for Yumthang, Zero Point and Katao.
24 photos · Wikimedia Commons contributors. Click any photo to open the gallery.
- Altitude 8,800 ft
- From Gangtok 103 km · 5–6 hrs
- Best months March–June and October–February
- Stay Overnight hub
1. Why visit Lachung and what to expect
Lachung at 8,800 ft is the busier of the two North Sikkim valleys, with wooden mountain hotels along the Lachung Chu, the 1880 Samten Choling monastery, Bhim Nala waterfall and orchards. Everyone sleeps here before the morning run to Yumthang Valley, Zero Point or Katao.
Top sights
- Lachung Samten Choling Monastery (1880)
- Lachung Chu riverfront
- Bhim Nala (Amitabh Bachchan) Waterfall
- Naga and Khanda waterfalls
- Apple and peach orchards
2. Getting there and where you sleep
| Altitude | 8,800 ft |
|---|---|
| From Gangtok | 103 km · 5–6 hrs |
| Stay | Overnight hub |
| Checkpost / timing rule | Cross Toong checkpost before 4:00 PM. Leave for Yumthang/Zero Point 6:30–7:30 AM. |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Avoid — landslide closures |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Open; village snow in January–February |
Mountain roads in Sikkim average 20–28 km/h. Google Maps times are optimistic; use ours.
3. Permit, ID and medical checklist
4. Where to stay in Lachung
6 properties from ₹1,141 to ₹7,684 per night for two.
Divine's The Elite Zong
3-Star Hotel · Sharchok, Shakothang Road, Lachung, Sikkim 737120
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Restaurant
₹1,141 / night ≈ ₹571 per person, twin share
Rufina Lachung Deezong
3-Star Hotel · MPQW+35, Lachung, North Sikkim 737120
- Free Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Room Service
- Parking
₹1,438 / night ≈ ₹719 per person, twin share
Verdant The Lush Gateway
Boutique Mountain Hotel · Katao Road, Lachung, North Sikkim 737120
- 24x7 Hot Water
- Pure Veg Dining
- Balcony Mountain View
- Wi-Fi
₹2,241 / night ≈ ₹1,121 per person, twin share
Magellan's The Golden Bridge, Lachung
4-Star Hotel · Shakothang Road, Lachung, North Sikkim 737120
- Restaurant
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Yumthang Trip Base
₹2,421 / night ≈ ₹1,211 per person, twin share
Udaan Metho Pelri Resort, Lachung
4-Star Pure Veg Resort · Sharchok, Lachung, North Sikkim 737120
- Pure Veg Restaurant
- Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Heated Beds
₹7,242 / night ≈ ₹3,621 per person, twin share
Yashshree Lachung
4-Star Mountain Hotel · Near Upper Monastery, Lachung, North Sikkim 737120
- Bed Heating Pads
- Room Heaters
- Free Breakfast
- Waterfall View
₹7,684 / night ≈ ₹3,842 per person, twin share
Lachung FAQs
Can foreigners visit Lachung and Yumthang Valley?
Yes, with an RAP/ILP plus a PAP for a group of at least 2 foreign nationals arranged through a registered agency. Zero Point and Katao are conditional or restricted.
Are plastic water bottles allowed in Lachung?
No. Single-use plastic bottles are banned and the village council fines up to ₹5,000. Carry a refillable flask; hotels provide boiled water.
Which hotels in Lachung have heating?
Mid-range and luxury properties such as Udaan Metho Pelri, Yashshree and Magellan's Golden Bridge provide bed warmers or heating pads; budget stays rely on heavy quilts.
Keep exploring
Continue exploring North Sikkim
Day excursion · sleep in Lachung
Yumthang Valley
Sikkim's Valley of Flowers — 24 rhododendron species, a hot spring and yak pastures.
Day excursion · sleep in Lachung
Zero Point
Yumesamdong, where the civilian road ends at 15,300 ft — near-guaranteed snow in spring.
