Lachen is a scenic high-altitude town in the Mangan district of North Sikkim, India, situated at an elevation of approximately . Its name translates to "Big Pass" in the local Tibetan dialect. Surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks and conifer forests, Lachen is most famous as the gateway to the sacred Gurudongmar Lake , one of the highest and holiest lakes in the world. The town is also recognized for its traditional self-governing system, known as Dzumsa , and was the first village in India to implement a complete ban on plastic water bottles. Recent Travel Status & Reopening (2026)
Following the devastating 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that severely damaged local infrastructure, Lachen was closed to tourists for over two years.