Yumthang

Unlike the overcrowded valleys of North India, Yumthang Valley in the Northeast India remains unspoiled and full of pristine nature. Located in the North Sikkim District of Sikkim in the middle of lofty Himalayan peaks, this grazing pasture boasts of heavenly splendour and soothing ambiance. Nature lovers as well as adventure enthusiasts take huge interest in visiting the region’s tourist places with highlights like carpets of mountain flowers, green foliage, forests of pine and silver fir, gushing streams and cascading waterfalls. If springs here showcase extensive greenery, the place dons the blanket of snow during winters.

Yumthang Valley is also popular as ‘the Valley of Flowers’. As many as 24 different varieties of rhododendrons bloom here during springs, bestowing the place with many attractive colours. It is worth mentioning that heavy snowfall makes the valley inaccessible from December to March. Skiing is a popular activity at the valley which enjoys the elevation of about 11,800 ft. It is suggested to hire an expert travel guide and obtain important tourist information to enjoy the adventure. While the summers are extremely pleasant, monsoons bring heavy rainfall. One requires obtaining permission from the government authorities to visit the valley.

March to early June and late September to November

Stated below are some of the must visit places at Yumthang:

Being a remote location, the valley doesn’t have restaurants and one can enjoy light food at small dhabas. Bread and jam and Maggie noodles are easily available. Tea and coffee too can be enjoyed at these places. It is recommended to carry water bottles and dry fruits while visiting the place.

There are no shops at Yumthang Valley. Shopping enthusiasts can visit markets at Gangtok and other destinations on the way to the valley.

One must first visit the village of Lachung which is about 100 km. away from the state capital Gangtok. From there, one can hire personal or shared cabs to reach Yumthang Valley. Gangtok in turn has the nearest railhead at New Jalpaiguri (about 116 km. away) and the closest airport at Bagdogra (about 124 km. away). Sightseeing in Yumthang Valley is possible on foot and one must return to Lachung before it starts getting dark.

Another noteworthy attraction of the valley is a tributary of River Teesta that flows in the middle and enhance the place’s beauty. Breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks like Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa add to the excitement.

Lachung (about 25 km.): Designated as the ‘most picturesque village of Sikkim’, Lachung serves as the last destination on the way to Yumthang offering food, accommodation and other facilities. The village has serene and splendid surroundings and also for Lachung Buddhist Monastery. Chungthang (about 45 km.): The miraculous holy place is believed to have the footprints of Guru Padmasambhava and Guru Nanak Dev. Spellbinding hilly terrain and picturesque sights are other highlights. Lachen (about 70 km.): Popular for offering diverse form of wildlife and wonderful views of Himalayas and also as the base for many popular treks. Gangtok(about 126 km.): Sikkim’s capital city Gangtok is well-known for Buddhist monuments, Hindu temples, museums, wildlife venues and many other attractions. Gurudongmar Lake (about 128 km.): A sacred lake with pristine beauty and close to the Indo-China border. Tso Lhamo Lake (about 137 km.): India’s highest lake and one of the most popular tourist spots in the region.