A Scoop of North East!

Marwar was so absorbing that it left no time to pen down oh-so-romantic Lachung. I know missing out on pristine North East against Marwar is criminal. Well, out of that Marwar couch, I am back with a fanciful utopian head trip to Lachung. Tiring it was, but I can’t keep my mind and penning-urge off it. Back to work station, I try stuffing my BLOG with what I had engulfed in Lachung. Read between all that awe-inspiring lines the shreds of Lachung beatification.

Delhi to Lachung to Gangtok… the endless

The nighest airport lies at Bagdogra and further zipping and shuttling to Gangtok is done cars or taxi. Train journey takes 24-30 hrs from New Delhi (NDLS) to Jalpaiguri (NJP). Alas, I had to miss on that being hard-pressed for time. It took almost 3 hrs in flight to land on Bagdogra Airport. Expecting first glimpse of Lachung before 6 hours is prohibited, by rule. The exact destination takes 7-8 hrs of tiring journey, past gompas, colourful monasteries and arid air, in short strikingly expressive landscapes. Lachung lies at 9,600 fts above the sea level and 120 km from Gangtok.

The Booking, stay et al.

My friend had booked the Sonam Palgey Hotel at Lachung for me. It was through some indiahotelreview site. The hotel was located in the neck of mighty, majestic, scenic (go on adding more) Himalayas and so close that I could dig my hands in ice. Thanks to IndiaHotelReview for the itinerary they had sent me on mail. I was able to traverse the hinterland of Sikkim and more. Warnings and advice came along with the bookings; I was informed about the basic type hotels and rooms and to forget those luxurious cocoons. For God sake, the baths were clean and water was icy cold (stink Vs cleanliness; I was overtaken by cleanliness and asked god to grow furs on me!). At one of the Dhabas, unbelievably, I spotted Dal and Roti (new shape) and gorged on seamlessly.

Lachung—The Last Post on Indo-Chinese Border

Experience the sublime and sheer splendour of this magical village and last post on Indo-China border. The beautiful village of Lachung is a visual delight with two rivers, Lachen and Lachung Chu—the tributaries of Teesta, inundating the beauty quotient of Lachung. Spring bathes the valley in rainbow like hues of flowers—unseen, beautiful and unheard elsewhere. Come winters, and the valley dressed white with snow. Be it any season, never miss out Rhodondendrons and Orchids flushed inclines and gorges. I still have the dry Orchids in my travel diary as a memento from Lachung. During my evening stroll near the hotel, I deciphered the meaning of Lachung, which means ‘Small Mountain’ in their language, from a hotel guy. Lachung people speak Nepali, Bhutia and Lepcha.

Next morning, I began it from Hanuman Mandir and made it to Lachung Monastery/Gompa, Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary (24 km) and Jadong, all in one and half days.

It was pouring tips and advises.

It took me long many tips and advises to sustain a safe and beautiful journey as a visitant to Lachung. Sunglasses must be on where ever you go as I did it. Two sweaters, scarf, gloves and all woollen garments were given a try by me. It was nail-biting cold, the waves making it worst during winters.

Best Scoop

My romance with Lachung started even before I could lay my eyes on it. The whole stretch from Gangtok to Lachung enroute Kanchendzonga at Mangan, Seven Sister Fall and many smaller falls is breath-stopping. My heart almost skipped the beat on seeing Lachung as it was so immensely beautiful. Well, it is difficult to choose best of all but Lachung Monastery is the most colourful celebration of inhabitants here. The Monastery is the axis of all religious activities and celebrations in the state. Besides the prayer wheels and original murals, the best is the view of Mt Katao/Katua for which you need to have army permission to visit.

Lachung is Lovely.