Yumthang Valley is a grazing pasture located in North Sikkim district, in the state of Sikkim at an elevation of 3,575 m and close to Tibet. The valley is bounded by the Himalayas and is located lies 150km north of the state capital, Gangtok. It is also home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, and has over 24 species of the Rhododendron, the state flower. In spring season, wild flowers such as Primulas and Rhododendrons bathe the landscape in rich colours, making it a tourist hot spot. It is popularly known as "Valley of Flowers". A tributary of the Teesta River flows past the valley. The town of Lachung is the nearest place to the valley, which provides a base to stay and explore the valley. Yumthang remains closed between December and March due to heavy snowfall.
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.
