Promising the “true spirit of Himalayan hospitality”, Etho Metho (in the local dialect of Dzongkha the terms means rhododendron), nestled in the quiet, calming and green environs of Lachung, is one of the most friendly and comfortable resorts that you will encounter. Overlooking some of the most amazing views of the Himalayan range, the glorious snowcapped mountains and the clear blue skies for company, EthoMetho is the place where business travelers can unwind and those on family vacations can truly escape the mundaneness of their otherwise dull lives.

Situated 9,600 feet above sea level, Lachung will bowl you over with its pristine beauty – the mountain village close to the Tibetan border, in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, it is home to the 19th century Buddhist Lachung Monastery, surrounded by apple orchards. Nearby, the Yumthang Valley's Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary protects many species of rhododendron. The valley is also known for its waterfalls, pine forests and hot springs.

Rooms

One must appreciate that many of the resorts, homestays and hotels in the northeast are challenging to maintain. Many times the region’s pristine villages are not always equipped with amenities and facilities. In these trying circumstances, many of the hotels, including EthoMetho are doing the best they can to ensure patrons of a superlative experience of being guests of the hotel. The property has 21 spacious and elegant rooms for you to choose from – guests can choose from standard double rooms, deluxe queen rooms and quadruple room with mountain views – all of them equipped with electric kettles, television sets, private bathrooms with amenities, including free toiletries, slippers, clean towels, among other amenities.

While all the basics are taken care of, the friendly manager is happy to organise anything else you might require.

Dining

A humble dining service serves scrumptious meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening snacks. Complete with wooden interiors, and crystal chandeliers that add to the beauty of this area, the dining room is an inviting place for guests to experience. The buffet is laid out with care and there’s an a la carte menu separately. The meals are wholesome, nutritious and there’s the unmistakable fresh taste that’s hard to miss. The chef is happy to whip traditional Sikkimese cuisine, a must try for guests. A separate area of the dining room also houses a neatly stocked bar.

Experience

Lachung, in the local dialect of Sikkim, means “small pass”. At an altitude of around 9600 feet, it is approximately 125 kilometers from the erstwhile kingdom’s capital, Gangtok. Before the Chinese annexation of Tibet in 1950, Lachung was a trading post between Sikkim and Tibet, after which it was closed down. The town’s economy has been boosted by tourism in recent years as the region has been opened up by the Indian government. The tourist’s attractions are aplenty: Yumthang Valley, home to over 26 varieties of rhododendron is barely 45 minutes away from Luchang.  The perfect time to visit is anywhere between October and May. The valley’s very own ‘EthoMetho’ or ‘LaaliGuras’ is in bloom from mid-March until the summer end. There are some fabulous Sulphur hot springs, which according to locals, promote healing. For those fond of fishing, there’s nothing better than experiencing trout fishing in Lachung. The journey, of course, is incomplete without a trip to Lachung Monastery, which was established in 1880. Belongin to the Nyingma sect, it holds special significance amongst Sikkim monasteries.

Location

EthoMetho by RightClique, Shingring, Near New SBI Bank, Lachung, Sikkim 737120

Tariff per night

Rs 6,500 onwards, per night

Getting there

By Air: Bagdogra International Airport in West Bengal is the nearest airport to this place. The airport is about 128 km away from Lachung. From the airport, you can take taxis or private buses to reach this magnificent city.
By Rail: Lachung does not have its own rail station. The nearest railways station is at New Jalpaiguri, which is approx 127 Kms far from Lachung. From New Jalpaiguri, you can take private or public transport service to reach Lachung.
By Road: Lachung has a good connectivity with all its nearby as well as major destinations though the road. The road transportation is quite well here. Direct bus services from New Jalpaiguri, and Gangtok enable the travellers to reach Lachung.