About Lachung Monastery
Opening Hours: 07:00 am- 07:00 pm
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, 05:00 pm- 07:00 pm
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, about 191 km away
Nearest Airport: Pakyong Airport, about 130 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Gangtok bus stand, about 121 km away
Lachung Monastery (Samten Cheoling Gompa) sits 3,000 meters above sea level on top of orchards where the Lachung and Lachen rivers meet. This two-story wooden sanctuary was built by the Nyingma school in 1880 and has amazing panoramic views of the Himalayas. The beautiful murals show the life of the Buddha and the Wheel of Life, and the statue of Guru Padmasambhava is very important to the Nyingma school. Heavy prayer wheels stand guard on the porch under carved metal dragons, it is one of the best things to do in Sikkim.
In December, monks bring the courtyard to life with Chaam, a lively masked dance that takes place on the 28th and 29th days of the tenth Tibetan month. This is an annual show of spirit and art. Most people who come here spend an hour or two listening to peaceful prayers and whispered chants from local pilgrims. It is surrounded by apple trees and is a great place to start exploring nearby attractions like Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, and the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary.
Lachung Monastery Highlights
• Immerse yourself in the divine at the Lachung Monastery, built in 1880 by the Nyingma sect.
• Visit the wooden prayer wheel porch, featuring twin metal‐dragon motifs guarding colossal prayer wheels filled with thousands of blessed scrolls.
• Admire vivid murals inside the two‑storey hall, including Buddha’s life, Wheel of Life imagery, and a central bronze statue of Guru Padmasambhava.
• Experience the annual Cham (masked) dance each December when vibrant festivities turn the monastery into a lively heaven.
• Wander through apple orchards and pine forests around the monastery, with panoramic views over the Lachen–Lachung River confluence and nearby Himalayan peaks.
• Use binoculars or a camera to capture wildlife glimpses and seasonal flowers, while the monastery’s serene elevation offers photo‑ready Himalayan vistas.
How To Reach Lachung Monastery
By car/taxi: Lachung Monastery is about 53 km from the Mangan city centre via Singtam - Chungthang Rd. It will take you around two hours to get there.
Best Time To Visit Lachung Monastery
Peak Season (March to June):
- Weather Insights: Pleasant weather, moderate temperature ranging from 10 to 28 °C
- Things to Do: Enjoy panoramic valley views from the monastery courtyard, attend Saga Dawa (June)
Moderate Season (September to November):
- Weather Insights: Crisp, clear air, daytime highs of 8 to 16 °C, nights around 2 to 5 °C
- Things to do: Peaceful monastery visits,
Low Season (July to September: Monsoon; December to February: Winter):
Monsoon:
- Weather Insights: Heavy rain, poor visibility, with temperatures ranging from 12 to 20 °C
- Things to do: Enjoy lush greenery, nature photography
Winter:
- Weather Insights: Cold weather, heavy snowfall, with temperatures ranging from -5 to 5 °C
- Things to do: Witness Cham masked dance and Losoong/Sonam Losoong festivals
Lachung Monastery Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- Wear modest clothes and respect the decorum of the monastery.
- Do not take pictures or shoot videos inside the temple without prior permission.
- Check the timings for festivals and special prayers so you don't miss out.
- Stay patient and maintain proper queue etiquette during the festival time rush.
- Do not carry plastic or non-ecofriendly items, as the monastery authorities encourage eco-conscious behaviour.
Attend the Cham (Masked) Dance
Every December (the 10th Tibetan lunar month, the 28th and 29th days), monks do the powerful Cham masked dance. They wear heavy masks of gods and animals and sway to drums and cymbals. This story-based ritual, based on tantric legend, cleanses evil spirits, gives blessings, and tells moral stories about how good always wins over evil.
Admire the Murals & Sacred Art
Inside the two-storey wooden prayer hall, detailed murals show the life of the Buddha, the Wheel of Life, and Tibetan gods. A bronze statue of Guru Padmasambhava stands in the middle. At the entrance, two metal dragons stand guard over heavy prayer wheels that pilgrims spin.
Enjoy the Panorama & Sacred Setting
The monastery is about 3,000 meters above sea level and looks out over the confluence of the Lachen and Lachung rivers, which are surrounded by apple orchards, pine forests, and snow-capped Himalayan peaks in the distance. A simple cantilever bridge from the village of Lachung takes pilgrims to the peaceful courtyard, which is great for taking pictures, meditating, and being in nature.
Tourism Board Alliances
Lachung Monastery FAQs
What are the visiting hours and entry rules?
People can visit Lachung Monastery every day from 7 AM to 7 PM, and there is no charge to get in. Walk-ins are on time, but taking pictures, especially inside, usually needs permission from the monks who live there. Expect a small, quiet sanctuary. Most visitors stay for less than 1.5 hours, which is perfect for a peaceful walk through the prayer halls and courtyard.
Are washrooms available on-site at Lachung Monastery?
No, there are no public restrooms in the monastery complex, though. Before walking the short (about 500 m) uphill path from Lachung village to the monastery, visitors can use the bathrooms at nearby guesthouses, cafes, or hotels.
Are permits required, and how do I reach Lachung Monastery?
Visitors to Lachung, which is in a protected area of North Sikkim, must have an Inner Line Permit. This can be obtained in Gangtok or through registered agents. To get to the monastery, drive from Gangtok (about 102 km, 4-6 hours) through Chungthang to Lachung. From there, walk about 500 meters uphill from the bus stop to the courtyard.
