Traditional wear in Lachung
Bakhu (Kho)
Best worn at Yumthang Valley
The bakhu (kho) — the traditional Sikkimese Bhutia-Lepcha wrap-robe tied at the waist, worn with a silk blouse and, for women, a striped pangden apron — warm mountain dress.
Best colours
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Price range
₹1,500–12,000
Comfort level
High
Best place
Yumthang Valley
Footwear
Boots
Buy / rent nearby
Lachung / Gangtok
Best colors
The story behind it
The bakhu is worn by Sikkim's Bhutia and Lepcha communities at festivals and in the cold highlands of the north.
Styling guide
How to style this look
Accessories
Footwear
Boots — comfortable, on-theme and easy for cobbled lanes and steps.
Bag suggestion
A potli (drawstring) bag or a small embroidered clutch keeps the look authentic with your phone within reach.
Hair & makeup (optional)
Soft kajal, a bold lip and loose waves or a braided bun with a maang tikka complete the traditional look.
Best colour combinations
Where to shoot it
Best photo spots for this outfit
Spots in Lachung where Bakhu (Kho) really works.
Great matchYumthang Valley
- Best time
- Best time: Early morning, before cloud builds over the peaks; late April to mid-May for the rhododendrons in flower.
- Best angle
- Best angle: Walk down to the riverbank and take a wide photo up the valley, with the meadow in front and the snow peaks behind.
Lachung Monastery
- Best time
- Best time: Early morning, when the prayer flags catch the first sun; late afternoon for soft light over the valley below.
- Best angle
- Best angle: Stand below the courtyard steps and take a photo of the monastery front with the prayer flags and the ridge behind.
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Best time
- Best time: Mid-morning on the way back from Yumthang, when the sun reaches the slopes; late April to mid-May for the most flowers.
- Best angle
- Best angle: Stop at a safe pull-off and take a photo up the slope, framing the flowering trees against the dark forest or the snow peaks.
Shop the look
Where to buy or rent nearby
Typical price · ₹1,500–12,000
Wear it well
Practical tips for tourists
Machine-made imitations of the silk brocade
Carry boots or comfortable flats — you'll be on your feet a lot.
Comfortable enough for longer sightseeing and walking days.
Golden hour light flatters rich traditional colours — plan the shoot early or late.
The full guide
Styling Bakhu (Kho) in Lachung
Bakhu (Kho) is a traditional wear favourite in Lachung, and looks its best in maroon, gold and blue. It pairs naturally with a shoot at Yumthang Valley, worn with boots.
Comfort is high, so plan your route accordingly. You can buy or rent it around gangtok from about ₹1,500–12,000. Check the photo spots above for the best time and angle to capture the look.
Bakhu (Kho)
The bakhu (kho) — the traditional Sikkimese Bhutia-Lepcha wrap-robe tied at the waist, worn with a silk blouse and, for women, a striped pangden apron — warm mountain dress.
What follows is the practical brief for buying it and wearing it well.
🧵 What it is
The tradition behind it, in one line: The bakhu is worn by Sikkim's Bhutia and Lepcha communities at festivals and in the cold highlands of the north.
This is heritage wear, and that changes the shopping brief - quality of make matters more than the label, the season, or the discount.
What distinguishes a good one is consistency - even work, honest materials, and a finish that looks the same on the second inspection as the first.
🎨 The colours and finishes
The palette to shop within:
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Maroon
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Gold
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Blue
The advantage of this range is forgiving: dust, daylight and flash all treat it well.
Worn with Silk honju, Pangden apron and Silver jewellery, the look completes the way the tradition intends.
👟 Wearing it around Lachung
Footwear: Boots.
Rated HIGH for comfort - comfortable from the first hour to the last.
One practical note for India: shoes come off at temples and mosques through the day, so build the outfit around that rhythm rather than fighting it.
Movement matters as much as fit: sit, reach, and walk a few steps in the shop mirror before deciding, because a Lachung day involves all three.
🚫 What to avoid
- Machine-made imitations of the silk brocade
Each of these is the standard way this purchase goes wrong - none of them is hard to dodge once known.
🛍️ Where to buy it
In Lachung: Lachung / Gangtok.
Expect to pay in the region of ₹1,500–12,000.
Prices at traditional markets are commonly negotiable - quote politely, counter at a fair distance from the first number, and let the conversation find its level.
🧳 Bringing it home
Care is simple: fold along the original creases, keep it dry, and air it before the first wear. Natural fibres crease in a bag and forgive on the body, so a steamy bathroom often does the work of an iron.
Take the time to buy it properly and it will still be in use when the trip is a distant memory; rush it and the shelf gets another orphan.
✅ The one-minute checklist
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Palette: Maroon, Gold and Blue
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Footwear: Boots
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Accessories: Silk honju, Pangden apron and Silver jewellery
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Budget: ₹1,500–12,000
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Where: Lachung / Gangtok
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Avoid: Machine-made imitations of the silk brocade
Questions
Bakhu (Kho) — FAQ
Can I wear Bakhu (Kho) at Yumthang Valley?
Yes — Bakhu (Kho) suits Yumthang Valley beautifully. Comfort is high, so you can explore at an easy pace. Pair it with boots for the walk up.
Where can I buy or rent traditional wear in Lachung?
Try Gangtok in Lachung. Expect roughly ₹1,500–12,000. Many shops rent festive outfits by the day, which is ideal for a single shoot.
Which colours look best for Lachung photos?
Maroon, gold and blue photograph especially well against open sky in Lachung — they stand out without clashing with the setting.
Is Bakhu (Kho) comfortable for sightseeing?
Comfort level is high. It works for a relaxed day of sightseeing as long as your footwear is comfortable. Boots keeps it easy on the feet.