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

This route is popular among adventure seekers and nature lovers who want to explore the less crowded parts of Sikkim. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Lachen, including train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips for a safe and comfortable journey.

Getting from Major Cities to Lachen – Main Options

Train

Train travel is suitable for reaching nearby cities before heading to Lachen by road. The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which connects well with many Indian cities.

• New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the closest major railhead, about 150 km from Lachen, well connected to Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati with frequent trains.

• From NJP, you must take a road journey to Lachen, as there is no direct train to Sikkim due to its mountainous terrain and lack of rail lines.

• Train fares to NJP range from INR 500 to INR 2000 depending on class and distance, with travel times varying from 8 to 24 hours from major cities.

• Book tickets in advance via IRCTC, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and festivals, to avoid last-minute unavailability.

• New Jalpaiguri station has good waiting rooms, food stalls, and taxi services to arrange onward travel to Sikkim.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Gangtok or nearby towns before proceeding to Lachen by road. State transport and private buses operate on these routes.

• From Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri, Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) buses run daily to Gangtok, taking about 4 to 5 hours and costing INR 150 to INR 300.

• From Gangtok, shared taxis or buses to Lachen operate regularly but can be infrequent; the 120 km journey takes 5 to 6 hours on hilly roads.

• Private Volvo or deluxe buses from Siliguri to Gangtok offer more comfort but are costlier, around INR 500 to INR 800 per seat.

• During monsoon season, bus services may face delays or cancellations due to landslides, so check weather conditions before travel.

• Bus depots at Siliguri and Gangtok have basic facilities; it is advisable to arrive early to get confirmed seats, especially during holidays.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Lachen offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic views at your own pace. The roads are mountainous but well maintained on the main routes.

• The route from Siliguri or Gangtok to Lachen follows NH10 and NH310, covering approximately 150 km with travel time of 5 to 7 hours depending on road and weather conditions.

• Car rentals and self-drive options are available in Siliguri and Gangtok, with daily rates ranging from INR 2500 to INR 4500 depending on vehicle type.

• Roads include sharp turns and narrow stretches; driving requires caution, especially during monsoon or winter when landslides and snow can occur.

• Toll plazas are present on NH10; expect to pay small toll fees en route, and plan for fuel stops at towns like Mangan or Chungthang.

• Rest stops with food and toilets are limited but available in major towns; carry water and snacks for the journey.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Sikkim, but there is no airport in Lachen. The nearest airport is Pakyong Airport near Gangtok, from where you must travel by road to Lachen.

• Pakyong Airport is about 140 km from Lachen, with daily flights from Kolkata and Guwahati operated by regional airlines.

• Flight duration to Pakyong is around 1 hour, but flights can be affected by weather conditions, especially fog and rain during monsoon and winter.

• From Pakyong Airport, you can hire taxis or shared cabs to Lachen; the road journey takes about 5 to 6 hours on hilly terrain.

• Flight fares vary between INR 3000 to INR 7000 depending on booking time and season; book early to get better prices.

• Due to limited flights and small airport capacity, it is advisable to have flexible travel dates and check flight status regularly.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Lachen, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

• Book your train ticket to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) well in advance through IRCTC to secure your preferred date and class, as this is the main railhead for Sikkim travel.

• From NJP, arrange a taxi or take a bus to Gangtok; taxis offer comfort and flexibility, while buses are economical but less frequent.

• In Gangtok, obtain the necessary permits for North Sikkim travel, including Lachen, from the Tourism Office, as these are mandatory for all visitors.

• Hire a shared taxi or private car from Gangtok to Lachen; shared taxis are cheaper but may wait to fill seats, while private cars offer direct travel at higher cost.

• Carry warm clothing, water, and snacks for the road journey to Lachen, as the weather can be cold and stops are limited along the route.

• On arrival in Lachen, check into your guesthouse or hotel and confirm your onward plans for local sightseeing or trips to Gurudongmar Lake.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a valid photo ID and multiple copies, as permits and identity verification are frequently checked in Sikkim, especially in restricted areas like Lachen.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid stomach issues, and try local food from trusted eateries to experience authentic Sikkimese cuisine safely.

• Book all transport and accommodation in advance during peak seasons like summer and festivals to avoid last-minute hassles and inflated prices.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Gangtok for safer and transparent local travel; avoid unmetered taxis at stations.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, rain gear, and sturdy shoes, as weather in Lachen can change rapidly and roads may be slippery.

• During monsoon (June to September), be prepared for possible roadblocks due to landslides; check weather and road conditions daily before traveling.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Lachen is from March to June and September to November when the weather is clear and roads are safer. Winters can be very cold with snow, while monsoon brings heavy rain and landslides.

Travel during festivals like Losar or Saga Dawa offers cultural experiences but expect crowds and higher prices. Early morning departures are recommended for road journeys to avoid fog and traffic.

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

• Winter months (December to February) bring heavy snowfall; only experienced travelers with proper gear should attempt road travel.

• Peak tourist season is April to June and October to November; book transport and stays early to avoid sold-out situations.

• Start road journeys early in the morning (6 to 7 AM) to avoid afternoon fog and traffic jams on narrow mountain roads.

Arrival at Lachen & What to Expect

When you arrive in Lachen, you will find a small, peaceful village with limited public transport. Most travelers stay in guesthouses or small hotels near the main market area.

Local transport options are minimal; walking is common within the village. For sightseeing or trips to nearby attractions, you can hire local taxis or arrange tours through your accommodation. Prepaid taxis are rare, so agree on fares before starting your journey.

The village has basic amenities including small shops, eateries, and a few ATMs. Mobile network coverage can be patchy, so plan accordingly. The main entry point is the village road where shared taxis drop off passengers.

Conclusion

Traveling to Lachen requires planning due to its remote location and limited transport options. The most efficient way is to take a train to New Jalpaiguri, then travel by road via Gangtok using shared taxis or private cars. Flights to Pakyong Airport can save time but still need a long road journey.

Remember to book tickets and permits early, prepare for changing weather, and carry essential supplies for the mountainous journey. With careful planning and awareness of local conditions, you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Lachen, experiencing the unique beauty of North Sikkim confidently.