North Sikkim · Day excursion · sleep in Lachen
Chopta Valley
Alpine meadows and frozen streams between Thangu and Gurudongmar.
18 photos · Wikimedia Commons contributors. Click any photo to open the gallery.
- Altitude 13,200 ft
- From Gangtok 143 km · two days via Lachen
- Best months April–June and October–November
- Stay Day excursion · sleep in Lachen
1. Why visit Chopta Valley and what to expect
Chopta Valley is a wide alpine valley 35 km above Lachen near Thangu, visited on the morning drive to or from Gurudongmar Lake. Rhododendron groves bloom in May, streams freeze in winter, and it is the furthest point foreign nationals may reach on this road.
Top sights
- Chopta alpine meadow
- Thangu Chu river walk
- Muguthang trek trailhead
- Rhododendron groves (May)
- Snow pastures
2. Getting there and where you sleep
| Altitude | 13,200 ft |
|---|---|
| From Gangtok | 143 km · two days via Lachen |
| Stay | Day excursion · sleep in Lachen — Lachen guide |
| Checkpost / timing rule | Visited on the Lachen–Gurudongmar morning route; return to Lachen for lunch. |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Avoid — landslide closures |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cold and snowy |
Mountain roads in Sikkim average 20–28 km/h. Google Maps times are optimistic; use ours.
3. Permit, ID and medical checklist
4. Where to stay (base: Lachen)
9 properties from ₹1,683 to ₹5,358 per night for two.
Thangu Alpine Homestay (Near Chopta Valley)
High-Altitude Homestay · Thangu Village (13,500 ft), Near Chopta Valley, North Sikkim 737120
- Hot Tea & Maggie Stop
- Thermal Quilts
- Acclimatization Stay
₹1,800 / night ≈ ₹900 per person, twin share
Rufina Blue Pine Lachen (Chopta & Thangu Base)
3-Star Hotel · Lachen, North Sikkim 737120
- Free Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Free Parking
- Thangu/Chopta Excursion Base
₹3,047 / night ≈ ₹1,524 per person, twin share
Summit Gangchen Hotel, Lachen
4-Star Hotel · Lachen Rd, Lachen, Sikkim 737120
- Bed Warmers
- Free Breakfast
- Wi-Fi
- Excursion Desk
₹3,525 / night ≈ ₹1,763 per person, twin share
Lachen, North Sikkim
Hotel Lamtey Valley, Lachen
Budget Hotel · Gurudongmar Road, Lachen, North Sikkim 737120
- Pure Veg Kitchen
- Spacious Rooms
- Gurudongmar Route Access
₹1,683 / night ≈ ₹842 per person, twin share
Lachen, North Sikkim
Rufina Blue Pine Lachen
3-Star Hotel · Main Road, Lachen, North Sikkim 737120
- Free Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Free Parking
- Valley View
₹3,047 / night ≈ ₹1,524 per person, twin share
Lachen, North Sikkim
Summit Gangchen Hotel, Lachen
4-Star Hotel · Lachen Rd, Lachen, North Sikkim 737120
- Free Breakfast
- Bed Warmers
- Wood-Paneled Rooms
- Free Wi-Fi
₹3,525 / night ≈ ₹1,763 per person, twin share
Lachen, North Sikkim
Magellan's The Grand Lachen
3-Star Hotel · Gurudongmar Road, Lachen, North Sikkim 737120
- Free Breakfast
- Pure Veg Options
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
₹3,706 / night ≈ ₹1,853 per person, twin share
Lachen, North Sikkim
Hotel Khangzik, Lachen
Boutique Mountain Hotel · Near Axis Bank, Lachen, North Sikkim 737120
- Full Power Backup Generator
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Homely Food
₹4,401 / night ≈ ₹2,201 per person, twin share
Lachen, North Sikkim
Delight Royal Lachen
3-Star Premium Hotel · Gumpha Road, Lachen, North Sikkim 737120
- Free Breakfast
- Geyser
- Veg & Non-Veg Dining
- Balcony Views
₹5,358 / night ≈ ₹2,679 per person, twin share
Chopta Valley FAQs
Can foreigners visit Chopta Valley?
Yes, up to Thangu and Chopta Valley with an RAP plus a group PAP of 2 or more through a registered operator. They cannot continue to Gurudongmar.
Is Chopta Valley a separate trip from Gurudongmar?
No. It is on the same road and is normally visited on the way back from the lake while descending to Lachen.
Keep exploring
Continue exploring North Sikkim
Day excursion · sleep in Lachen
Gurudongmar Lake
One of the highest sacred lakes on earth at 17,800 ft — a 4 AM start, 45 minutes at the top.
