About Lachen-Lachung River Confluence
Chungthang is where two of North Sikkim's great rivers meet: the Lachen Chu (running south from the Gurudongmar direction) and the Lachung Chu (running south from Yumthang) join here and flow together as the Teesta. On the drive through Chungthang, the confluence is visible from the road — two distinct shades of turquoise (the Lachen Chu slightly colder and clearer) meeting at a gravel bar and flowing south together. Every North Sikkim tour pauses here for the landmark moment of the itinerary: the point where the two valley routes diverge (one north to Lachen and Gurudongmar, the other northeast to Lachung and Yumthang). The confluence viewpoint is a 5-minute stop with good photographic framing from the road pullout.
Why go to Lachen-Lachung River Confluence
Two turquoise rivers meeting in visibly different colours
The colour difference between the Lachen and Lachung rivers at the confluence is visible to the eye — a geological signature of different watershed geology. The gravel bar at the meeting point is photogenic.
How to reach Lachen-Lachung River Confluence from Chungthang
En route on all North Sikkim itineraries from Gangtok. We Care Holidays includes the stop on the way to Lachen or Lachung.
Best time to visit Lachen-Lachung River Confluence
April–June and September–November. Best in the morning on the outward journey when the light is on the river.
Time of dayMorning (9–11am) on the outward journey.
Things we always tell our guests about Lachen-Lachung River Confluence
- The best photo angle is from the road pullout above the confluence — most drivers know the spot.
- The confluence is a 20-minute stop, not a longer experience — include it as part of the North Sikkim drive rather than a dedicated destination.
Lachen-Lachung River Confluence — your questions answered
Other places in Chungthang
- ViewpointMonastery