Lachen is a beautiful mountain village located in North Sikkim, India. It is famous for its stunning landscapes, serene environment, and as a gateway to the Gurudongmar Lake. Many travelers visit Lachen to experience the unique culture and natural beauty of the Himalayas.

This route is commonly traveled by adventure seekers and nature lovers who want to explore Sikkim’s remote areas. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Lachen, including train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips and step-by-step plans.

Getting from Gangtok to Lachen – Main Options

Train

There is no direct train service to Lachen due to its remote Himalayan location. The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal, which acts as the main railhead for Sikkim travel. From NJP, you will need to use road transport to reach Lachen.

• New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is about 150 km from Gangtok and 220 km from Lachen, serving as the main entry point by train for travelers heading to Sikkim.

• Frequent trains connect NJP with major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati, with travel times ranging from 8 to 15 hours depending on the origin.

• From NJP, you must take a shared taxi or bus to Gangtok, which takes 4 to 5 hours via NH10 and NH310, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹600.

• Train travel is best combined with road transport, as no direct rail lines reach Lachen due to mountainous terrain and lack of railway infrastructure.

• Booking tickets through IRCTC in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and festivals.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Lachen, especially for budget travelers. State-run and private buses operate between Gangtok and Lachen, but services are limited and weather-dependent.

• From Gangtok, Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) runs buses to Lachen, departing mainly early morning to avoid afternoon landslides and fog.

• The bus journey covers approximately 120 km and takes 6 to 8 hours due to winding mountain roads and frequent stops.

• Bus fares range between ₹150 and ₹300, making it the most affordable option, but buses can be crowded and less comfortable.

• During monsoon (June to September), bus services may be delayed or canceled due to landslides, so check local updates before travel.

• There are limited food stalls and rest stops on the route, so carry snacks and water for the journey.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Lachen offers flexibility and comfort, making it a preferred choice for families and groups. The route is scenic but challenging, requiring careful driving on narrow mountain roads.

• The drive from Gangtok to Lachen is about 120 km via NH310 and NH310A, taking 5 to 7 hours depending on road conditions and traffic.

• Car rentals with drivers are widely available in Gangtok, costing ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per day, including fuel and tolls.

• Self-drive is possible but not recommended for inexperienced drivers due to steep climbs, hairpin bends, and occasional landslides.

• There are toll plazas on the route, and fuel stations are sparse, so fill up in Gangtok before departure.

• Rest stops include small villages like Chungthang and Thangu, where you can find local eateries and toilets.

Flight

The nearest airport to Lachen is Pakyong Airport near Gangtok, which connects to major cities like Kolkata and Guwahati. Flights reduce travel time to Sikkim but require road travel afterward to reach Lachen.

• Pakyong Airport is approximately 124 km from Lachen, with a 4 to 5-hour drive on mountain roads.

• Flights to Pakyong are limited and can be affected by weather conditions like fog and rain, so booking flexible tickets is advisable.

• From Pakyong Airport, you can hire taxis or shared cabs to Gangtok and then proceed to Lachen by road.

• Flight fares vary widely, generally ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 one-way depending on the season and advance booking.

• Arriving by flight saves time compared to train and bus but requires careful coordination with road transport to avoid long waits.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Lachen to help them navigate the journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train ticket to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) early via IRCTC, as this is the main railhead for Sikkim travel and tickets fill up quickly during peak seasons.

• From NJP, take a shared taxi or SNT bus to Gangtok; arriving by afternoon helps you rest before the next day’s journey to Lachen.

• Reserve a car with a local driver in Gangtok for the trip to Lachen, or check the SNT bus schedule for early morning departures, as roads are safer then.

• Pack warm clothes and snacks for the road trip, as temperatures drop sharply in higher altitudes and food options are limited en route.

• Carry your permits for North Sikkim, which are mandatory and can be arranged through travel agents or the Sikkim Tourism office in Gangtok.

• On arrival in Lachen, confirm your return transport in advance, especially during off-season when services are less frequent.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water during the journey to prevent stomach issues common in hilly regions.

• Book transport tickets and permits well in advance during peak tourist months (April to June and October to November) to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber where available in Gangtok to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Pack light but include warm layers, rain gear, and sturdy footwear as weather can change quickly in the mountains.

• Be cautious of altitude sickness; ascend slowly and stay hydrated, especially when traveling from Gangtok (1,650 m) to Lachen (2,750 m).

• Carry cash in small denominations, as many remote areas and local vendors do not accept cards or digital payments.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Lachen is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is clear and roads are safe. Monsoon season brings heavy rain and landslides, making travel risky.

Winter months can be very cold with snowfall, which may block roads but also offer a beautiful snowy landscape for adventurous travelers.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (June to September) due to frequent landslides and road closures in North Sikkim.

• Festival periods like Losar and Diwali see increased local traffic and accommodation demand, so plan bookings early.

• Early morning departures from Gangtok are best to avoid afternoon fog and traffic jams on narrow mountain roads.

• Winter travel (December to February) requires warm clothing and checking weather updates for possible snow-related delays.

Arrival at Lachen & What to Expect

When you arrive in Lachen, you will find a small, peaceful village with limited but cozy accommodation options. The main entry point is the village center near the bus stand and parking area.

Local transport is minimal; most visitors explore on foot or hire local taxis for nearby sightseeing. Prepaid taxis or shared cabs are rare, so negotiate fares in advance if hiring a private vehicle.

Popular areas to stay include guesthouses and homestays near the main market road, offering easy access to food stalls and local shops. Carry cash, as ATMs are not available in Lachen.

Expect basic amenities and a quiet atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after the long journey and preparing for excursions to places like Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Lachen is by combining train travel to New Jalpaiguri with a comfortable car ride from Gangtok. This option balances convenience, safety, and scenic views, making your journey enjoyable.

Planning ahead by booking train tickets, arranging permits, and choosing the right season will ensure a smooth trip. With proper preparation, you can confidently explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Lachen without stress.