Lachen is a beautiful mountain village located in North Sikkim, known for its stunning landscapes and serene environment. Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, serves as the main gateway for travelers heading to Lachen. This route is popular among tourists exploring the Himalayan region and those visiting the famous Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Gangtok to Lachen. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, road conditions, and practical tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Gangtok to Lachen – Main Options

Train

There is no direct train connectivity between Gangtok and Lachen due to the mountainous terrain. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal, which connects to Gangtok by road. Train travel is suitable if you are coming from other parts of India before starting your journey to Lachen.

• New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is approximately 125 km from Gangtok and serves as the main railhead for Sikkim travelers, with frequent trains from Kolkata, Delhi, and other cities.

• The journey from NJP to Gangtok takes around 4 to 5 hours by road, covering hilly terrain via NH10, with taxis and shared jeeps available at the station.

• There are no trains beyond NJP towards Gangtok or Lachen, so plan to switch to road transport after arriving by train.

• Booking train tickets via IRCTC well in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and winter holidays.

• Train travel is comfortable and economical for reaching NJP, but expect winding roads and slower travel once you switch to road transport towards Lachen.

Bus

Buses are a common and affordable way to travel from Gangtok to Lachen, though the journey can be long and winding. State transport and private operators run services connecting these destinations, suitable for budget travelers.

• Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) operates regular buses and shared jeeps from Gangtok’s main bus stand to Lachen, with departures mostly in the early morning to avoid afternoon landslides.

• The distance between Gangtok and Lachen is about 118 km, and the bus journey usually takes 5 to 7 hours depending on road conditions and weather.

• Buses are often crowded during peak tourist seasons, so arriving early at the bus stand to secure a seat is recommended.

• Roads can be narrow and steep, especially during monsoon months (June to September), causing delays and occasional landslides.

• Food options en route are limited to small dhabas and roadside stalls, so carrying snacks and water is advisable for the long journey.

Car / Self-Drive

Hiring a car or self-driving from Gangtok to Lachen is the most flexible and comfortable option. It allows you to stop for sightseeing and rest as needed, making it popular among families and groups.

• The route follows NH310 and NH10, covering around 118 km with scenic views of mountains and valleys, taking approximately 5 to 6 hours under normal conditions.

• Car rentals with drivers are widely available in Gangtok, with prices ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per day depending on vehicle type and season.

• Self-driving requires experience with hilly roads and awareness of narrow stretches, sharp turns, and occasional landslides during monsoon.

• There are toll plazas on the route, and fuel stations are limited, so refuel in Gangtok before departure to avoid inconvenience.

• Rest stops include small towns like Mangan and roadside eateries offering local cuisine, ideal for breaks during the journey.

Flight

There is no airport in Lachen or Gangtok. The nearest airport is Pakyong Airport, about 35 km from Gangtok, which connects to major cities like Kolkata and Guwahati. Flights are useful for reaching Gangtok before continuing by road to Lachen.

• Pakyong Airport has limited flights, mostly from Kolkata and Guwahati, with flight times around 1 hour; booking in advance is essential due to limited seats.

• From Pakyong Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Gangtok, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours on hilly roads.

• The road journey from Gangtok to Lachen remains the same, requiring 5 to 7 hours by car or bus.

• Weather conditions like fog and rain can cause flight delays or cancellations, especially during monsoon and winter mornings.

• Using flights saves time on the approach to Gangtok but does not reduce the road travel time to Lachen significantly.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Gangtok to Lachen. It covers essential actions to ensure a smooth and safe journey.

• Book your accommodation in Gangtok and Lachen well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to avoid last-minute hassles and high prices.

• Arrange your transport from Gangtok to Lachen a day before departure; pre-book a taxi or check bus timings at the main bus stand to secure your seat.

• Start early in the morning, ideally before 7 AM, to avoid afternoon traffic and reduce the risk of landslides or roadblocks common in the region.

• Carry sufficient water, snacks, and warm clothing as the journey passes through high-altitude areas with limited food stops and changing weather.

• Keep your permits ready; travel to Lachen requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP) which can be obtained online or at the Sikkim Tourism office in Gangtok.

• Use mobile apps like Ola or Uber cautiously as network coverage is patchy; having a local SIM card or offline maps helps in navigation and communication.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a first-aid kit and any personal medications, as medical facilities between Gangtok and Lachen are limited and travel times can be long.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during the journey to avoid waterborne illnesses common in hilly areas.

• Book your transport tickets or car rentals through verified agents or official websites to avoid scams or overcharging, especially during festivals.

• Local transport options in Lachen are limited; pre-arranged taxis or shared jeeps are best for sightseeing and moving around the village.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, rain gear, and sturdy footwear due to unpredictable weather and rough terrain on the route.

• During monsoon (June to September), check weather and road conditions daily, as landslides can cause sudden delays or route closures.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Gangtok to Lachen is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is clear and roads are safer. Winters are cold but offer snow views, while monsoon brings heavy rain and landslide risks.

Planning your trip around festivals and avoiding peak traffic days can make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Losar and Diwali when roads and accommodations are crowded and prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon months (June to September) bring heavy rainfall causing slippery roads and frequent landslides, increasing travel time and risk.

• Winter mornings can have dense fog reducing visibility; starting your journey after sunrise is safer.

• Early morning departures between 5 AM and 7 AM help avoid traffic jams and allow you to reach Lachen before dark.

Arrival at Lachen & What to Expect

Arriving at Lachen, you will find a small, peaceful village with limited but comfortable accommodation options. The main road ends here, so local travel is mostly on foot or by shared taxis.

Prepaid taxis and shared jeeps are available at the village entrance for sightseeing nearby spots like Gurudongmar Lake. Most hotels offer pickup services from the main road, so coordinate your arrival time with them.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Lachen from Gangtok is by hiring a private car or taxi. This option offers flexibility, comfort, and the chance to enjoy scenic stops along the way. Buses are a budget-friendly alternative but require patience due to long travel times and road conditions.

Planning ahead by booking permits, transport, and accommodation will ensure a smooth journey. Starting early and preparing for changing weather are key to a safe trip. With this guide, you can confidently plan your travel from Gangtok to Lachen and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of North Sikkim.