Yumthang is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora and fauna and breathtaking scenic beauty. In addition to a vast green meadow, lush green forest abounding in Pine and silver fir trees throngs the place. While driving towards the valley, one can see cascading waterfalls and streams. Yumthang Valley is extremely picturesque, with green slopes covered with trees, yaks grazing in the flower-spangled grassy plains below, and a river flowing right through the valley. Tourism in Yumthang One of the major tourist attractions of this place includes Chungthang, the Sikkim countryside. Apart from that, visitors can explore nearby places like Lachung and Kanchendzonga National Park alongside the valley. Yumthang Valley offers view of a stunning array of peaks with Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa. A large number of hot springs are also scattered in the valley which are the popular tourist attractions. Rich in sulphur these springs are believed to have miraculous healing power. A forest rest house is the only permanent residence in the valley. During the spring months, the area blooms with rhododendrons, primulas, poppies, iris and other flora. During the summer months, villagers take their cattle to these heights to graze. Yumthang Valley is mostly visited by people who are interested in trekking. Skiing is conducted in the valley. Yumthang Valley packages provide tourists various itineraries which combine sightseeing, activities and hotel stays. In view of increasing number of tourists, there is a possibility of environmental degradation in near future. Best Time to Visit Yumthang Valley The best season for visiting the valley is in the late February that continues up to mid June. During this time the tourists can enjoy the sight of thousands of colourful flowers. However, to enjoy a clear sky and spectacular view of the snow-capped mountains, the September - December season would be ideal. Accommodation at Yumthang There is no accommodation available at the valley. Visitors stay at Lachung from where the valley is about an hour’s drive. Over the last few years several hotels and resorts have come up in Lachung. How to Reach Yumthang Gangtok is nearly 15 km from this place by road. Tourists travel from Gangtok to Lachung by booking a full vehicle or shared one and stay over night. Direct journey to Yumthang is not feasible as roads remain foggy and it becomes dark very early around 5.30 pm. It takes around 2 hrs from Lachung to reach Yumthang Valley. The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is 124 km from the valley and is connected to the three major cities of Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati. Rail service is also available from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri. |