Lachung is one of the most exquisite villages in the valleys of North Sikkim. At an altitude of 8610 ft, it is located at a distance of 120 km from Gangtok and is frequented by travellers intending to visit the Yumthang, Katao, and Yumasamdong areas of North Sikkim. With resplendent snow-capped mountains, dazzling waterfalls and sparkling streams, Lachung has been described as the "most picturesque village of Sikkim" by none other than Joseph Dalton Hooker in his definitive, The Himalayan Journal (1855). A small monastery adorning a solitary hilltop is a perfect place for meditation. The entire valley gets a completely different look in winter when wrapped by a thick layer of snow. Lachung has a small market but due to the tourist influx several small and medium hotels have come up.