Lachung is a beautiful mountain village located in North Sikkim, India. It is famous for its scenic landscapes, cold climate, and proximity to attractions like Yumthang Valley. Many travelers visit Lachung to experience the serene Himalayan environment and explore Sikkim’s unique culture.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Lachung from major cities, including details on train, bus, car, and flight options. You will also find practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Major Cities to Lachung – Main Options

Train

Train travel is suitable for reaching nearby railway stations before continuing to Lachung by road. Since Lachung has no direct rail connectivity, trains are used to reach Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri, the nearest major stations.

• New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the closest major railway station to Lachung, located about 120 km away. It connects well with cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati, with frequent trains daily.

• From NJP, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Lachung, which takes around 5 to 6 hours depending on road conditions and weather.

• Trains to NJP are generally comfortable and affordable, with options ranging from sleeper class to AC coaches. Booking through IRCTC is recommended to secure seats in advance.

• During monsoon season, landslides may cause train delays or cancellations, so check train status before travel.

• New Jalpaiguri station has good facilities including waiting rooms, food stalls, and prepaid taxi counters for onward travel.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Lachung, especially from Siliguri and Gangtok. State transport and private buses operate on this route but expect longer travel times due to hilly roads.

• From Siliguri, Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) buses run to Gangtok and Lachung via Mangan, taking about 8 to 10 hours in total depending on traffic and weather.

• Shared jeeps and private taxis are available from Gangtok to Lachung, covering 120 km in about 5 to 6 hours on narrow mountain roads.

• Bus fares from Siliguri to Lachung range between INR 400 to 700, while jeep fares from Gangtok to Lachung are around INR 800 to 1200 per person.

• Buses are frequent during the day but can be crowded during peak tourist seasons like summer and winter holidays.

• Road conditions can be challenging during monsoon with occasional landslides, so travel early in the day to avoid delays and ensure safety.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Lachung offers flexibility and comfort, ideal for travelers who want to explore at their own pace. The route from Siliguri or Gangtok is scenic but requires careful driving on mountain roads.

• The drive from Siliguri to Lachung covers about 120 km via NH10 and NH310, taking approximately 5 to 7 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• From Gangtok, the distance is around 120 km via NH310, with narrow and winding roads requiring cautious driving, especially during rains or fog.

• Car rentals with drivers are widely available in Siliguri and Gangtok, with daily rates ranging from INR 2500 to 4000 depending on vehicle type and season.

• Self-driving is possible but recommended only for experienced drivers familiar with Himalayan roads and weather conditions.

• Toll plazas and check posts are present on the route, so keep valid ID and permits handy. Fuel stations are limited, so fill up before starting the journey.

Flight

The nearest airport to Lachung is Pakyong Airport near Gangtok, which offers limited flights but is the fastest way to reach Sikkim before continuing by road.

• Pakyong Airport is about 120 km from Lachung and connects with cities like Kolkata and Guwahati via daily flights operated by regional airlines.

• From Pakyong, you can hire a taxi or shared jeep to Lachung, which takes around 5 to 6 hours on mountain roads.

• Flight fares vary widely but generally range from INR 3000 to 7000 one way, depending on booking time and season.

• Weather conditions such as fog and strong winds can cause flight delays or cancellations, so plan with buffer days during winter and monsoon seasons.

• Bag packing should consider limited luggage allowance on small aircraft serving Pakyong Airport.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time visitors to Lachung, helping you organize your journey smoothly from arrival to final destination.

• Book your train ticket to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) well in advance via IRCTC to avoid last-minute unavailability, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Upon arrival at NJP, use prepaid taxi services or trusted shared jeep operators to reach Gangtok or directly to Lachung, ensuring you confirm fares beforehand to avoid overcharging.

• If traveling by bus, check the latest Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) schedules online or at Siliguri bus stand, as timings can change due to weather or road conditions.

• Arrange accommodation in Lachung before departure, as options are limited and fill up quickly during peak seasons; many hotels offer pickup services from Gangtok or Mangan.

• Carry valid permits required for North Sikkim travel, which can be obtained online or through travel agents in Gangtok; these are mandatory for entry to Lachung.

• Pack warm clothing and necessary medicines, as Lachung’s weather can be cold and unpredictable, especially at night and during winter months.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and snacks during road travel, as food options on the route to Lachung are limited and hygiene standards vary widely.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber where available to avoid scams; in remote areas, negotiate fares clearly before starting the journey.

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid traveling alone on isolated stretches, especially after dark, to ensure personal safety in hilly terrain.

• Book transportation and accommodation well ahead during festivals like Losar or peak tourist months (April to June, October to December) to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Carry a physical copy of your travel permits and ID proofs, as police and army check posts are common on the way to Lachung and require verification.

• Pack light but include rain gear and sturdy walking shoes, as sudden weather changes and uneven paths are common in this Himalayan region.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Lachung is during spring and autumn when the weather is clear and roads are safe. Winters are cold but attract tourists for snow, while monsoons bring heavy rains and landslides.

Travel during peak festivals can be crowded, so plan accordingly. Early morning departures help avoid traffic and fog-related delays on mountain roads.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon months (June to September) due to frequent landslides and slippery roads that can cause long delays or cancellations.

• Winter months (December to February) bring cold temperatures and occasional snowfall, which can disrupt road travel but offer beautiful landscapes for prepared travelers.

• Peak tourist seasons like April to June and October to November see higher traffic on roads and in accommodations, so book early and start journeys early in the day.

• Fog in early mornings and late evenings during winter can reduce visibility, so avoid night travel on mountain roads for safety.

Arrival at Lachung & What to Expect

When you arrive in Lachung, you will find a small, peaceful town with limited but comfortable accommodation options. The local market and eateries offer authentic Sikkimese cuisine and handicrafts.

Local transport is minimal; most visitors walk or hire local taxis to nearby attractions. Prepaid taxis and shared jeeps are available from the main bus stand or hotel areas. Mobile network coverage can be patchy, so plan accordingly.

Conclusion

Reaching Lachung requires some planning but is manageable with the right information. The most efficient way is to take a train to New Jalpaiguri, then continue by road via taxi or bus. Flights to Pakyong offer a faster but less frequent option.

Booking tickets and accommodation in advance, carrying necessary permits, and traveling during favorable weather will make your trip smooth and enjoyable. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey to Lachung and enjoy the stunning beauty of North Sikkim.