Lachen to Thangu and Chopta Valley
Your options
Ways to make the journey
1–1.5 h
On the Gurudongmar morning, group vehicles reach Thangu around 6 am for tea, toilets and permit checks. For foreign groups, Thangu and Chopta Valley are usually the destination, visited after breakfast rather than at dawn.
1–1.5 h
With a private car, foreign travellers or anyone not going to Gurudongmar can drive up after breakfast, spend an hour or two at Thangu and Chopta where permitted, and be back in Lachen for lunch.
Worth a stop
- Lachen valley viewpoints
- Herders' shelters
Questions people ask
Good to know
How far is Thangu from Lachen
About 30 km, roughly 1–1.5 hours by road. On the Gurudongmar morning, cars leave Lachen at 4–5 am and reach Thangu around 6 am. Foreign groups and others not going to the lake can drive up after breakfast.
What is the altitude gain from Lachen to Thangu
Lachen is at about 2,750 m and Thangu at roughly 3,900 m, a gain of over 1,100 m in about an hour. Many people feel breathless at Thangu. Move slowly, drink water and watch for headache or nausea.
Is there food at Thangu
Yes. Tea stalls and small canteens sell tea, coffee, noodles, momos, eggs and biscuits, and there are basic toilets. It is the last place with food and toilets before Gurudongmar. Prices are higher than in Gangtok.
Can I stay overnight at Thangu
Basic lodges exist and are sometimes used when permitted, especially for foreign groups. Sleeping at about 3,900 m is cold and raises altitude risk, so we recommend sleeping in Lachen unless you are already well acclimatised.