Lachung Tourism

Lachung is a town and hill station in northeast Sikkim, India. It is located in the North Sikkim district near the border with Tibet.[1] Lachung is at an elevation of about 9,600 feet (2,900 m) and at the confluence of the lachen and Lachung Rivers, both tributaries of the River Teesta. The word Lachung means "small pass". The town is approximately 125 kilometres (78 mi) from the capital Gangtok.

The Indian Army has a forward base in the town. Before the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1950, Lachung was a trading post between Sikkim and Tibet, after which it was closed down. The town's economy has been boosted by tourism in recent years as the region has been opened up by the Indian government. Tourists come from all over the world to visit the town between October and May, mostly on their way to the Yumthang Valley and the Lachung Monastery. Most of Lachung's inhabitants are of Lepcha and Tibetan descent. Languages spoken here are Nepali, Lepcha and Bhutia. During winter the town is usually covered in snow. Lachung is also the base camp for Rhododendron Valley Trek which starts from Yumthang Valley and ends at Lachen Valley.

Lachung has been described as the "most picturesque village of Sikkim" by British explorer Joseph Dalton Hooker in his definitive, The Himalayan Journal (1855). Skiing is conducted in Phuni near this town.

Important Festivals in Lachung

Chaam
Chaam is a religious celebration featuring the dance performance of the Lamas. The festival is celebrated on the 28th and 29th day of the 11th month of the year. The religious dance of the gompa, guided by Lachen Gumchen, is performed by the entire village on this auspicious day.

Lossong
The harvest time is marked by the festival of Lossong in Lachung. The day also characterizes the new year’s day in the Bhutia community. This day falls sometime in the month of January. Prayers are performed at the main source of water and food is offered to God. People wear new clothes, eat good food, and spend time with their families. It is an ideal time to visit the village of Lachung if you wish to understand the local culture and spend time talking to the locals.

Saga Dawa
This day is significant for all Buddhists across the world and the people of Lachung observe this day by visiting the monastery. The day is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Gautam Buddha, the day of his enlightenment, and the day on which he left the world. Saga Dawa is celebrated to mark the importance of three events falling on the same day and it is rightly considered the most divine of all Buddhist festivals. Usually, the festival falls in the middle of June, which happens to be the Buddhist calendar’s 15th day of the 4th month of the year.

Lhabas Dhuchen
It is believed that the Lord descended from the heavens to visit his mother, Queen Maha Maya. This day is celebrated in remembrance of the occasion. It’s held in the middle of November, which is the 23rd day in the 9th month of the Bhutia calendar.

Drukpa Tse-shi
This day falls sometime in August, specifically the 4th day of the 6th month of the Bhutia calendar, which is also represented by the name of the festival. On this day, Lord Gautam Buddha preached the four noble truths for the first time. The entire village of Lachung visits Thangu for the celebrations where Dzumsa council holds a public meeting.