Lachung River

River Lachung is a thin rivulet in the Northern borders of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is a chief tributary river of the famous Sikkimese River Teesta. Teesta is an important river of Sikkim along with River Rangeet. The village of Lachung is perched on the craggy bank of the River Lachung. Height of Lachung from the sea level is 8200 feet (2500m). This tiny settlement is approximately 23 km from Chungthang. It is at Chungthang where River Lachung and River Lachen unite and give rise to the mighty River Teesta.

The hamlet of Lachung is a peaceful one with towering Pines and snow capped mountains on every side. It has beautiful gardens of apple trees. It is a sight to witness when it comes alive in the spring time with numerous strikingly beautiful flowers and orchids. The charming colours emanated from the flowers change the hue of the whole place. On the winters, the chasm is covered with thick snow and becomes almost inaccessible. With the snow covered glittering landscape and the giant mountains, Lachung is a picture of appalling yet magnificent scenic beauty. Lachung is a tourist destination for those who strive to go beyond the beaten path.

The inhabitants along the River Lachung are mainly Bhutias, who popularly call themselves as Lachungpas. There are also Lepchas and people of Tibetan descent. The key languages spoken by the populace are Nepali, Lepcha and Bhutia. Lachung is 25 km away from Yumthang valley. Lachung is the last village on the Northern fringes of Sikkim before Yumthang. There are a number of Indian Army cantonments in this place as it is very near to the international border of India with China. Prior to the year of 1950, Lachung was a trading spot for traders of Sikkim, Tibet and Bhutan. After the seizure of Tibet, it has been shut down. The promotion of tourism in Sikkim has made Lachung a popular destination among travellers all over the world.

Course

River Lachung has its source in a lake, deep in the mountains of the Himalaya near the Indo-China border. The ragged reaches of the mountain make this place almost inaccessible. From there, the river flows down in a south-westerly direction and joins with another unknown river at a place just above the Lachung village. The tributary river is also a slender one with little water in the winters. The river continues its course downwards through the ethereal Lachung valley till it meets River Lachen near Chungthang. After the confluence, it takes the name of River Teesta and flows further down. It becomes wider while travelling to Singhik and drops from altitude of 1550 m to 750 m. At Singhik another tributary river joins it, called the Talung Chug. After this point the river flows to Dikchu through a deep ravine and drops to a height of 550 m. Then it cambers and reaches Singtam, which is at a height of 200 m. From Rangpo, Teesta widens and meets River Rangeet at Melli Bazaar. River Lachung and River Lachen are the chief tributaries of River Teesta. Lachung village is situated 125 km from Gangtok.

The River Lachung is a perennial river. It gets its water from the melting waters of snow in the mountains of the Himalayan Range. The water in the river is maximum in summer and monsoon. The rainfall also adds to the water content. During the months of winter, the water line turns slim.

Tributaries

River Lachung has one main tributary. It unites with this tributary at a place near the Lachung village. The water of the river is crystal clear and pure. The sparkling waters are the major source of living in the surrounding villages. There are a number of waterfalls and subsidiary streams across this river.

River Lachung is one of the main tributaries of River Teesta, the other tributary being River Lachen. The two meet near a town called Chungthang.

Photo Gallery