How To Reach in Lachen

How to Reach Lachen

Lachen, Sikkim, is a famous tourist destination that offers a perfect blend of adventure and scenic beauty. Nestled at 8,500 ft above sea level, this quaint mountain town is surrounded by delightful Rhododendron and conifer forests. Lachen is inhabited by the warm and welcoming Lachenpas, a Sikkimese Bhutia community, and the name itself means "Big Pass." The village offers mesmerizing views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, rugged cliffs, and magnificent glaciers, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

By Air:

The nearest airport to Lachen is the Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, approximately 200 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to reach Gangtok first. To visit Lachen, you will need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which you can obtain through your travel agent while staying in Gangtok for a day. The next day, we set off early morning from Gangtok for Lachen, covering a distance of around 107 km in 4-5 hours. Currently, the most convenient way to reach Lachen is via Gangtok. Still, the newly operational Pakyong Airport in Sikkim, around 135 km from Lachen, will significantly reduce travel time once it offers more flight options.

By Rail:

If you prefer a scenic train journey, the nearest railway station to Lachen is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, West Bengal, around 155 kilometers away. The most convenient route is to reach Gangtok first, as the way to Lachen passes through Gangtok. After arriving at the railway station, drive to Gangtok and stay there for a day to obtain the necessary Inner Line Permit through your travel agent. Depart early morning the next day for Lachen, a journey of around 107 km from Gangtok taking approximately 4-5 hours.

By Road:

Lachen is well-connected by road from various places in Sikkim. To reach Lachen, you will first need to come to Gangtok. Covering a distance of around 107 km from Gangtok, it takes about 4.5 hours to get to Lachen. Upon arriving in Gangtok, request your travel agent to arrange the mandatory Inner Line Permit for Lachen. Spend a day in Gangtok and leave early the next morning with your permit for a scenic and hassle-free drive to Lachen. While some stretches of the road may not be perfect, overall, the journey is a joyful experience due to the stunning vistas along the route.

In conclusion, Lachen beckons travelers with its charm, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you arrive by air, train, or road, visiting this picturesque town is a memorable and rewarding experience.