Drive to the picturesque Lachung in North Sikkim

Clouds over the Lachung mountains

Sikkim’s natural beauty bowled us over in Pelling and we found the people very hospitable, gentle and helpful. Lachung was one of the key highlights in my mind during my Sikkim visit in April 2016, having heard that North Sikkim is the most beautiful of the four districts of Sikkim !

The distance of 120 km from Gangtok was covered in around 6 hours, with breaks. Our research told us that the drive to Lachung is very adventurous and picturesque. You can check out this video for a fair account of the road conditions. You will experience driving over running streams and witness innumerable waterfalls along the way. I am thankful that we did not encounter any landslides or traffic pileups.

After a light breakfast in Gangtok, we commenced our journey towards Lachung.

The lovely ferns on the mountain sides as we exit Gangtok

The lovely ferns on the mountain sides as we exit Gangtok

Traveling through the picturesque mountainside, our first pit stop was at Butterfly Park, about 20 kms from Gangtok. The fall derives it’s name from the numerous butterflies that are sighted here during breeding season in May. We were pretty excited about the waterfall since it was the first of the many we were yet to encounter. We walked over a running stream on the road to reach the waterfall.

The walk up to Butterfly Park

The walk up to Butterfly Park

Moi at the Butterfly Falls

Moi at the Butterfly Falls

There was a small, neat tea joint with a Pay toilet, overlooking the valley. The lady running the shop was extremely friendly. I got chatting with her while sipping tea and realized that her 10 year old son walks 4 kms to school everyday. During vacations, he visits his grand parents, who live about 10 kms away, on foot , ALONE ! I was in awe of these folks living in the mountains, with all the hardships, happy and content.

The colorful tea and snacks joint near Butterfly Park - our first pit stop

The colorful tea and snacks joint near Butterfly Park – our first pit stop

We started on our onward journey and decided that the next stop would be Naga falls. Here’s a photo walk through of the enchanting drive to Naga Falls.

Enroute to Lachung

Onward Journey from the Butterfly Falls

The seemingly placid Teesta enroute to Lachung

The seemingly placid Teesta river enroute

A bridge over river Teesta with terrace farms on the other side

A bridge over river Teesta with terrace farms on the other side

Above the clouds

Traveling above the clouds

One of the numerous waterfalls when driving to Lachung

One of the numerous waterfalls while driving to Lachung

Another gurgling waterfall and stream in North Sikkim

Another gurgling waterfall and stream in North Sikkim

We stopped at the quaint town of Mangan (66 kms from Gangtok) for lunch. It was raining, so we even bought an umbrella here, which served us well. With a quick bite of noodles – yes they are omnipresent and quite well made, we resumed our journey and came upon Naga falls on the main road. It flows beneath a bridge (and sometimes over) that connects the two hill range.

Naga Falls

Naga Falls

Striking a pose at the Naga Falls

Striking a pose at the Naga Falls

There was a small tea place run by a young couple. They told us that this fall derives its name from a namesake village a few kms away, where the young couple lived. Interestingly, the husband left the serene hills for a better life and reached Tumkur, Karnataka for his engineering. He could not adjust to the non-mountain life and his health took a beating. He now prefers selling tea to practicing engineering, OUCH !

The next stop for us was Chungthang, a small town situated at the confluence of the two rivers Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu, giving rise to the mighty Teesta !

The magnificent Chungthang valley

Chungthang is a historical town. It is believed that Guru Nanak have also visited this place. We could spot the golden shine of the Guru Nanak Lama Gurudwara. We could also spot the Indian Army’s presence and a big hydel power station under construction.

Chungthang and its Guru Nanak Lama Gurudwara

Chungthang and its Guru Nanak Lama Gurudwara

Indian Army's forward base in Chungthang

Indian Army’s presence in Chungthang

From Chungthang, the road bifurcates – 26 kms on the left takes you to Lachen (translating to Big Pass) while 22 kms on the right takes you to Lachung (translating to Small Pass). Our onward journey took us to the right bifurcation and will baited breath we were looking forward to the much touted “Amitabh Bachchan Falls” 🙂 . The falls massive height is the reason it is nicknamed after one of the tallest Bollywood hero.

Family picture with the giant waterfall (Bhim Nala Falls aka Amitabh Bacchan Falls)

Family picture with the giant waterfall (Bhim Nala Falls aka Amitabh Bacchan Falls)

Its actual name is Bhim Nala Waterfalls. Bhima, one of the five Padavas brother in the Mahabharata, is said to be huge in built and very strong. During monsoon, this waterfall must be just that – a sight to behold. Even in the summer, the fall had plenty of water and the sound of the water crashing to the ground could be heard from afar.

After a short halt, we were now keen to reach Lachung. It was getting close to evening and we wanted to reach before it got dark. I did not realize that my favorite part of the route was yet to come ! Have a look. I just loved these rocks cut into the mountain and the deep deep gorge below

The embrace of the rocky mountainside with the steep valley on the left

The embrace of the rocky mountainside with the steep valley on the left

The treacherous road to Lachung with River Lachung meandering deep in the valley

The treacherous road to Lachung with River Lachung meandering deep in the valley

One of the really treacherous stretch of road to Lachung with River Lachung meandering in the valley

Thrilling part of the journey

Finally we were getting close to our destination

Riding into the sunset !

Riding into the sunset !

Lachung finally !

Finally reached Lachung  !

Apple tree spotted in a house as we enter Lachung

Apple tree spotted in a house as we enter Lachung

Kids are happy to reach the lovely Yarlam Resort

Kids are happy to reach the lovely Yarlam Resort

Recipe for happy travels – Travel tips

  • Due to Lachung’s proximity to China, entry to North Sikkim is only possible via a guided tour and must be booked in advance
  • Travel permit must be organized in Gangtok 1-2 days before the actual travel date
  • All travel is done on vehicle with 4-wheel-drive as the roads are bad and subject to frequent landslides. Our Innova refused to come and we had to switch to a Xylo for this leg of our trip
  • Keep some extra warm clothes handy as the temperature in Lachung cab be below zero degree Celsius at most times
  • Carry sensible walking shoes and explore the hills by foot. The air is refreshingly clean and you will come back super rejuvenated !
  • Lachung visit is normally combined with Lachen and Gurudongmar lake. We did not opt for it due to time constraint and young kids. The oxygen levels at the lake is quite low and can affect kids and old people.
  • Don’t let motion sickness due to the winding roads spoil your trip. Consult your doctor and be prepared. For me, it was a lifesaver.
  • Carry basic medicines with you in a kit. Some places in Sikkim could be very remote with access to medicine a few hours away
  • April and May are great months to catch snow at some places in Sikkim. We also encountered quite a lot of cloud cover and rain during the trip. For clear (and assured) views of the snow-capped peaks, September and October are better months.

P.S — > I had taken a 10 night Yatra package Sikkim-Darjeeling: Scenic Glory & Monasteries and customized it for my need. We had an Innova all to ourselves and the driver was good. For North Sikkim, a Xylo was provided.

admin

A daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, IT professional and now - a travel blogger. I just love traveling, exploring new places and this inspired me to share travel experiences and memories with others.

31 Responses

  1. Hey!! Nicely described!! Just got back the memories from my trip to Sikkim!!

    • admin says:

      Thanks. It was an amazing trip ! Nature has truly blessed Sikkim. Wouldn’t you agree ?
      I also loved the quaint huts with flowers in the front and the general calm in the people.

  2. Trayee says:

    Ohh.what a beautiful photography…

  3. What a gorgeous drive it must have been! And I am sure plenty of yummy food as well!

  4. Shannon says:

    Oh wow this place is absolutely stunning! I love the outdoors so right up my alley.

  5. Marge Gavan says:

    You had me at innumerable waterfalls. I love waterfalls, they are my most favorite body of water. Looking at the photos, it seems like Sikkim is the kind of place that is perfect for a road trip. I also liked that the locals are friendly, as you mentioned. You see, I am not very chatty when I travel especially when I’m alone so I like it when people talk to me. Talking with the locals make the trip all the more enriching. Looks like you and your family had a lot of fun.

  6. Shreya Saha says:

    Lachung is a very nice place. Loved the pictures. Even the Mangan village is very pretty. Thanks for the travel tips.

  7. Cat Uy says:

    lovely waterfalls and rock formations. i hope we can visit this place and be in love with its greenery features.

  8. Anshula says:

    OMG! Amitabh Bachchan Falls – that is so cute. I love that name (even if it isn’t the official one). I would love to visit Sikkim someday. You had me at waterfalls. Also, I love how you framed the photos – it brings out the picture-perfect qualities of the place.

    • admin says:

      Thanks Anshula. Yes, even I was surprised by the names :). In North Sikkim, you will literally see waterfalls at regular frequency while driving on the roads. The pictures are representative of the amazing place that is Sikkim

  9. Hetal Kamdar says:

    I have not explored Sikkim and it surely is on my bucket list. Butterfly park looks interesting and I am sure the sight would have been very pretty. The pit stops in between are absolutely interesting and starting a conversation with locals sipping on some tea is something I also do while traveling. OMG as I read your post I came across Amitabh Bachchan Falls, Uff.. magnificent it is. Enjoyed reading and looking at the beautiful pictures.

    • admin says:

      Thanks for the love Hetal. I enjoyed writing the post. Sikkim is such a blessed state with plenty of flora, fauna and water. You will love your visit when you make it

  10. Karie says:

    Sikkim is so beautiful and on my bucket list. Your journey to Lachung was a memorable one indeed with those lovely waterfalls and streams. I always wonder how the locals walk so much..esp that boy who walks 10km ..amazing! Also I had no idea there was a waterfall named after Amitabh Bachchan. Those tips are quite helpful. Thanks for sharing

  11. Wow, you guys seemed to have owned an amazing travel experience in Lachung. I haven’t heard about it, but it looks like it has so much to offer. It is a nature filled trip actually, and the river trek must be really worth it when you get close to the stream and waterfalls. The panoramic view of the mountain is truly breathtaking and it is really beyond compare. I will surely include this on my bucket list as I’m naturally a nature lover. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

  12. BEAUTIFUL! It felt as if that i was traveling with you guys! The photos are amazing! Looks like the kids really enjoyed your trip in Sikkim! Living in the city myself, this view is a sure treat!

  13. Sophie says:

    Bhim Nala Waterfalls looks absolutely stunning – great pictures too!

  14. sumit walia says:

    lovely article , Sikkim i think needs to explored in detail for there is so much to see in each part of it . I am glad that i came aross this article for it helps me to collate info for preparing for my NE trip

  15. neha says:

    Thank you for this virtual trip Swati. I have been dreaming to visit north Sikkim for quiet some time now. When I visit Lachung, I do want to combine it with the Lachen and Gurudomar Lake visit. But your mention of the low oxygen level and difficulty for kids worries me a bit. What would be your suggestion, if any, to visit it safely with kids?

    • admin says:

      Neha, I know your kid is small. Let her grow a little more so she is able to communicate better in case of breathing difficulties. I did not have issue in Lachung. Lachen should be fine too but Gurudomar could be a challenge. Best is to consult a doctor before taking a child there and of course, consider staying put for a while or coming to lower altitude immediately. Getting acclimatized is recommended and staying hydrated.

  16. sam says:

    Seems like this place has everything I’m looking for! Mountains, rivers, waterfalls, forests. It’s a great place to unwind with the family and get out of the city. Kids surely enjoy these kinds of trips.

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