Phodong Monastery

The meaning of Phodong is “the Royal Chapel”. In a distance of 38 Km. on the way to Lachung, Phodong is a small township. Phodong monastery which belongs to the Kargyupa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, is located at 1 Km. steep climbing road from Gangtok Lachung highway. The monastery founded in the first quarter of 18th century, and one of the six major monasteries in Sikkim.

Labrang Monastery

Labrang means the “dwelling place of Lamas” Another one km uphill from Phodong Monastery ahead of 1 Km. more by the same uphill steep road, the Labrang Monastery which belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

La – Chung

Lachung ( Altitude -2,684 m / 8,610 ft.) is a beautiful Bhutia Village, perhaps somewhere after 15th century they migrated from Tibet through Bhutan and settled here. The major inhabitants of Lachung Known as“Lachung pa” In Lachung they have their own old traditional legal system Dzumsa (the public meeting place)to settle disputes. The head person of Zumsa known as `Pipon’

Lachung was known as a tourist destination with the popularity of Yumthang Valley, and Lachung it self-having own identity for its unforgettable picturesque view of River, Valley, Rocks, waterfalls, and surrounding of Mountains at a glance in 100% natural and pollution free environment. It is also the place of night stay for the visitors of famous Yumthang valley, which is just 24 km away from Lachung. Most of the accommodations are provided in the houses are made by traditional architecture and beautifully painted with the traditional lucky signs are intimate and teaching of Buddha’s .those paintings proves skill ness and sense of color mixing of Tibetan traditional artists called “Lara” which is perfectly matched with the village background.

In hospitality, you can feel the touch of local tradition and culture. One can enjoy the local millet beer known as Tongba which is served in a unique beer mug made by one hollow piece of bamboo and for sipping beer bamboo pipe used like a straw. It is very prestigious Welcome drink in Bhutia tradition.

In winter most of the people’s are temporarily comes down to lesser altitude area with their family member’s because temperature falls down below the frizzing point and the area goes in a cover of snow.

Yum Thang: (valley of flowers)

The Paradise for nature lovers Yumthang situated in North Sikkim at an altitude of 3782 m (11,800 ft). and at a distance of 149 km from Gangtok, Lachung is the Entrance point of Yumthang Valley. Yumthang is world famous for its Singba Rhododendrons sanctuary, which is having almost 24 variety’s species of Rhododendron some of them are the only species in the world. Rhododendrons basically bloom in abundance during springtime in the month of April & May. And in winter the valley goes in covered by thick layer of ice; rivers are seen as freeze shot of the movie, suddenly stuck up with their motion. In winter it is not possible to visit this area. At the time of visit Yumthang valley, one can feel it is like traveling 2 of century’s back in time, nature is almost virgin and untouched by the artificial modern method of civilization. Also one can see free movement of Yak’s nearby the valley.

At the adjoining area of the sanctuary, there is a sulfur hot spring, in local dialect “Tsha-chu” which is locally popular for its curative properties minerals & medicinal power. It is situated in between Yumthang and Lachung on the bank of Lachung River.

La chen

Lachen is located at a higher altitude then Lachung, at an altitude of 2,728 m ( 9000 ft). and in a distance of 48 kilometers from Lachung, it links by Donkiala pass. From Gangtok distance of Lachen 132 Kms. Lachen is also a Bhutia village and inhabitants known as “Lachen pa”. In Lachen also the legal system controlled by“Dzumsa” customs also same as Lachungpas

Lachen village is an overnight stay place for acclimatization before proceeding towards the highest altitude of Thangu / Chopta Valley or Gurudongmar Lake.

La Chen monastery

At the period of a halt in Lachen one can visit Lachen monastery. This monastery was built in 1806 & also follows the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism. The Monastery is located on top of the village and a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and countryside is available from here.

Chopta valley

The altitude of Chopta valley is 14,500 ft. and distance from Lachen is 24 Kms. The entire valley looks like a multi colour carpet at blooming period in the spring season. Chopta Valley is also a beautiful scenic point.

Gurudongmar Lake

At an altitude of 17,800ft “Gurudongmar Lake” is largest Lake on high altitude in Sikkim. This sacred Lake is an important place for all devotees of Tibetan Buddhists. It is also believed that Guru Padmasambhava had touched the water of this Lake on the way to visiting Tibet. The myth is some part of the lake water never freeze even in extreme winter also. One can enjoy the spectacular view from the Point of Gurudongmar Lake, one side a plateau entered from Tibet looks like a desert on the mountain and opposite side of the lake are glaciers from sky touching snow-clad mountains touching the water of the sacred lake. The place is connected by one of the highest altitude motorable roads in Sikkim.

This site recently opened for Indian Tourists to visit with proper inner line permit (I.L.P) only. It is highly restricted area and totally under control of Indian army. Foreign tourists are not allowed to visit beyond the place “Thangu” Due to high altitude sickness, visitors are having heart weakness advised to avoid this trip.