This Remote Village in Sikkim, Lachen, Leads to India’s Highest Lake

Nestled in North Sikkim at an altitude of around 9,000 feet, Lachen is a quaint Himalayan village that feels untouched by time. With its wooden houses, monasteries, and sweeping views of snow peaks, it serves as the gateway to some of the region’s most spectacular high-altitude destinations, including Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world.

Lachen means “big pass” in the local language, and the village has long been a resting point for travellers and traders moving through the mountains. Today, it attracts visitors looking for pristine landscapes, Buddhist culture, and treks that reveal the wild beauty of Sikkim. The road from Gangtok to Lachen winds past alpine forests, gorges, and waterfalls, making the journey itself a scenic highlight.

The village is best known as the base to reach Gurudongmar Lake, located at a staggering height of over 17,000 feet near the Indo-China border. Revered by Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus, the lake is considered sacred, with legends saying its waters never completely freeze even in extreme winters. Its turquoise expanse set against barren mountains and clear blue skies is a sight that leaves every traveller spellbound.

Apart from Gurudongmar, Lachen also leads to Chopta Valley, a less-explored area blanketed with wildflowers in summer and snow in winter. For those interested in wildlife, the region is home to the elusive snow leopard, Tibetan wolves, and migratory birds that thrive in high-altitude ecosystems.