How To Reach Lachen

(1) Reach Lachen By Air

Reaching Lachen through airway is the best transportation mode if saving time is your priority.

The nearest major airport to Lachen is in Bagdogra located at a distance of 200 km in West Bengal. Bagdogra Airport is well connected with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata through regular flights.

You will have to hire a taxi and reach Gangtok first. You need Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Lachen which you can obtain through your travel agent. So obtain your permit while you stay in Gangtok for a day and then the next day leave early morning for Lachen. It is around 135 km from Gangtok and it takes around 5-6 hours to reach there. The most convenient and the only way to reach Lachen is to first come to Gangtok and then from there drive down to Lachen.

However, Pakyong Airport is at a distance of 135 km from Lachen, is the first airport in Sikkim. However, since the airport has been recently inaugurated, it is not well connected with major cities of India but will soon have direct flights connecting the state with other parts of the country.

(2) Reach Lachen By Rail

Railway is an ideal mode of transportation to reach Lachen if you are budget traveller who has plenty of time to savour the moments of journey. The nearest railway station to Lachen is the New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, West Bengal. It is around 200 kms from Lachen. Public transport like bus and taxi are readily available at the railway station for travellers to reach the city of Gangtok first & after obtaining permit from your tour operator, you can start your journey to Lachen the next morning.

(3) Reach Lachen By Road

Travelling to Lachen by road is one of the most preferred ways for those coming from neighbouring cities, owing to its well-maintained thoroughfares flanked by coniferous trees and commanding eye-catching views. One can hire a private jeep, buses, and taxis from Siliguri to Gangtok. Once you reach Gangtok your travel agent will get the permit issued which is mandatory to visit Lachen. Stay a night in Gangtok and the next day drive to Lachen. The drive to Lachen is Surreal & scenic at many points that add joy to the road journey. At certain stretches, the road may not be very good but overall it is hassle-free to reach Lachen by road.