Located 140 kms from the state capital of Sikkim in the north lies the valley that is known for hosting more than 24 varieties of the state flower – rhododendron, which gives it the name “Valley of Flowers”: Yes! It is Yumthang Valley that we are talking about! With a tributary of Teesta flowing right past the valley, a hot spring in close proximity and the nearest inhabited town of Lachung – literally beckons you to visit this electrifying place!

How to Reach

Alas!! There is no direct way that would take you to this dreamy place. The modes that can take you there are:

By Air

The nearest Airport is Bagdogra. So you can

Take a flight to Bagdogra –> Hire Taxi or car from Bagdogra to Gangtok –> Again hire a taxi/car from Gangtok to Yumthang.

By Train

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, West Bengal –> Hire taxi/car to Gangtok –> Again hire a taxi/car from Gangtok to Yumthang.

By Car

The distance from Gangtok to Yumthang is around 140 kms and takes 5-6 hrs to reach.

Check out Saumia’s article on Yumthang Valley.

Best Time to Visit

Anytime is a good time to visit this place, except for monsoon and severe winter (in case you don’t like the cold). But otherwise, October to June.

Lachung

A quaint hamlet that lies in the North of Sikkim at an elevation of 2,900 meters (9,600 ft) which means “small pass”, is also the only place in the state that follows a unique system of self-governance known as “Zumsa” where internal village disputes are resolved by an elected body that is headed by the Pipon. Settled on the banks of the Lachung Chu river, this village still lives by old Sikkimese traditions and manifesting their artwork in the form of covering their small, tidy beautiful homes with Lungta or curtains with Tibetan designs and patterns.

Aptly been called “small pass” Lachung indeed is the stopover place before heading ahead to Lachen and eventually Gurudongmar or beyond and is worth spending a few days here to fully assimilate the experience of living amidst misty mornings and prolific peaks!!

Lachung Monastery

Located amidst apple orchards at an elevation of 2,750 meters, this tiny colourful monastery with a two-level prayer hall houses the statue of Guru Padmasambhava who is believed to be one of the founding fathers of Tibetan Buddhism.

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

Housing an impressive number of the rhododendron species across an area of 43 sq. kms this sanctuary is located near Lachung in Yumthang Valley. Not just the species of rhododendrons, this nature park is also known to house other floral families such as aconites, primulas, saxifrages, gentians, poppies, potentillas, etc. as well as different bird species like wood snipe and hoary-throated barwing!! But the best way to explore the surreal beauty that this place exudes is while trekking across Yumthang Valley!

Best Time to Visit

To witness the eclectic mix of floral colours and patters you should visit between April to July.

Yumthang Valley

A valley with rolling gigantic, rugged tree-covered mountains on one side, overspread with colourful blooms and a river tributary that wounds its merry way through the valley, babbling and burbling as it flows over the rocks – that’s the scene of Yumthang Valley during spring,i.e., March and April. Come October, the scene shifts to Fall and during December everything gets wrapped in snow!

Yumesamdong or Zero Point

15 kms ahead of Yumthang, at an altitude of 4,724 meters above sea level lies Yumesamdong, popularly known as Zero Point – the last outpost of civilization! Beyond that point there is no road, only rugged landscape with snow cover in the winters and that area is close to the Chinese border.

Mt. Katao

A valley that is placed 28 kms from Lachung and offers majestic snow-clad peaks during winters and colourful carpet of flora like poppy, primula and rhododendrons during March to May! Mount Katao site is also known for trekking so you might indulge in trekking. However, it needs to be borne in mind, to visit the majestic peak place you need to avail permit from the army to enter this area.

Best time to visit:

In case you want to enjoy the kaleidoscope of florals, you got to visit during spring – March to June

And if you are a sports junkie and want to indulge in skiing and snowboarding then winters is the time, between December and February!

Mt. Brumkhangse

One of the peaks in Sikkim at an altitude of 5,635 meters, Mt. Brumkhangse that opened to expedition in 2005 only, lies between easy to moderate in terms of climbing grade. Known for the stunning vistas that the trek offers while traversing the tiny village of Lachung in the valley and of the nature around, this trek has become quite popular among mountaineers and trekkers.

Phuni Valley

A valley that is situated 18km from Lachung, at an elevation of 11,000 ft, offers vast open space for skiing enthusiasts. For avid adventurous skiers this is “jannat”, with snow clad mountains on the sides, and a white carpet of thick layer of snow to ski!! What else can you ask for!!

Best time to visit

Jan to March

Yumthang Hot Springs

One of the popular hot springs in Sikkim that is formed due to the seeping of ground water deeper into the crust where the magma heats the water and heat pushes the water up. On the way the water carries a lot of minerals that have therapeutic and medicinal values and hence these hot springs are said to have medicinal properties. The hot springs are enclosed in a hut where you often see locals relaxing and although a dip is refreshing, you might find it slightly awkward to soak in the healing water with the locals not too keen on sharing space!

Best Time to Visit

Anytime!

Khanda Waterfalls

Located enroute Katao from Lachung, Khanda waterfall, located 18 kms from Lachung overflows during the monsoon and remains frozen during winter months!! Imagine looking at a frozen waterfall (reminds me of the White Witch from The Chronicles of Narnia where she turns everything into ice)!!! Most of the year the area around the waterfall remains covered in snow, which gives it an equally appealing appearance!

Best Time To Visit

Anytime!

Where to Stay in Yumthang Valley

The hamlet of Lachung is far from easy accessibility of the modern towns, so some stays are below average and some are average. Below is the list of decent hotels in Lachung. You can either choose these hotels in Lachung or while booking through a tour operator ask them the name of the stay and Google it. Some stays are modest and some aren’t. It is better to have an idea of what to expect

Magellan’s The Golden Bridge, LachungEDIT

Magellan’s The Golden Bridge

Hotel Golden Fish

Le Coxy Resort

Keerong Cottages

Local Cuisine to Try

You should always sit at those places where the crowd is (I got this “Golden Gyan” from my hubby, because if it’s crowded it sure serves good food)! Give the local delicacies a shot. Unlike few places Sikkim has delectable dishes catering to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians! Quite a few dishes served in Sikkim have their origin in Nepal and Tibetan food and others are closer home.

Some of the vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are:

Vegetarian  – Kinema curry, Masauyra curry, Niguru with Churpi, Chhurpi soup, bamboo Shoot curry, Shimi ko Achar, etc

Non-Vegetarian – Thenthuk (although made with veggies and meat you can opt to eat with only veggies), Thukpa (both veg and non-veg), momos (veg and non-veg), etc.

Things to Remember While Travelling to Yumthang Valley

• Special Government permits are required to visit this part. If visiting Khanda waterfall and Mt. Katao or Katao Middle point, one need to procure additional permits from The Indian Army.

• All the places are at a high altitude, and it is advisable to drink a lot of water to have sufficient levels of oxygen in the blood.

• Avoid rushing or running as you will deplete oxygen. Walk or trek slow.

• All these places are cold throughout the year so its better to carry warmers and also basic medications (doctor prescribed) to avoid uneasiness.

• Always take a local guide to go on treks and avoid going alone. The locals know the ways and the falls better than you.

While planning Sikkim, I was under the assumption it will be similar to Meghalaya but it was nothing like that. More than half the time I remained spellbound and gaped at the brilliant sights around me. Every nameless waterfall, every road, every turn, every hanging bridge was appealing. Although part of the seven sisters’ states of the Northeast every sister is so different from each other and visiting one is no way to know what treasures troves the other hides!

If you are planning a trip to the Northeast, another place that’s equally breath-taking is Meghalaya. With Shillong as its capital and myriad places to visit, adventures to conquer, Khasi and Garo hills to explore, refer this Shillong Travel Guide to curate that perfect itinerary.