Lachen - Sikkim
110 km from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, Lachen is a scenic Himalayan village of migrant Buddhist Bhutia yak herders called Lachenpas, in the North district of Sikkim. The world's third highest mountain, Kangchendzonga, rises alongside, lending its name to India's high altitude Kangchendzonga National Park.
The Lachenpas are Bhutia by race, following the Nyngma sect of Buddhism - a sort of Tantric Buddhism preached by Guru Padmasambhava. The people are extremely warm and hospitable towards visitors. The unique feature about this village is its local governance system – “Dzumsa” which literally means the gathering place. Unlike most villages in India, Lachen does not adhere to the Panchayat system, choosing instead to follow on with their centuries old governance system.
Once you take a walk inside the narrow confusing by lanes it’s a different world. Single storied houses made of mud and timber with brightly painted facades alongside fluttering prayer flags greet you; the morning sun accentuating the bright colors adding to the charm of the village. In the crisp morning air you walk up towards the gompa (monastery) admiring the beauty of the snow capped mountains. The Neadu Choling gompa built in the traditional two storied structure, impresses one almost immediately. The main hall bears vivid paintings of Guru Padmasambhava in his various avatars, depicting stories of his triumph over the demons.
Nature seems to have bestowed all her beauty to this valley, never seizing to amaze you with her wonders. A whistling thrush chirping merrily on the majestic hemlock, beaming silver firs shooting for the sky, multi colored rhododendrons and primulas, all culminating to overwhelm the senses.
Every step in this land is a new experience reminding one of John Muir’s words “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks”. Towering above the village is the guardian mountain of Lama Angden, protecting the people from misfortunes and the evil eye. |
