Lachen is a traditional mountain village that looks very alpine like. As compared to Lachung, accommodation options are fewer and basic. There is a small monastery, by the name of Nyudrup Choeling Gompa, which is accessible by a short walk. The cosier accommodation options are all quite costly.Lachen is located on the banks of Lachen Chu, which merges with Lachung Chu at Chungthang to form the Teesta River. The main purpose of tourists staying at Lachen is to continue forward to Gurudongmar Lake at 5140 m. At 2700 m, Lachen is a good base to acclimatise and continue farther to Thangu, which lies halfway on the road to Gurudongmar Lake.
Lachen receives plenty of snowfall in the winters, and is in a blanket of white come December. There are drinking dens in Lachen where locals drink Tongba and local dishes are available. Lachen is the starting point for the trek to Green Lake. Another interesting place for a walk is Chopta Valley that is accessible from the road near Thangu.
Foreigners are not allowed to go to Gurudongmar Lake and are only allowed as far as Thangu village.
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