Sikkim has some amazing tourist places to explore, but with each passing year, the popular tourist destinations are getting crowded. What if we want to travel somewhere that is peaceful, quiet, and close to nature? The answer is Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim. This beautiful valley has a delightful charm to it. Due to the presence of a wide variety of flower species found here, the valley is often called the “valley of flowers”.
Yumthang Valley is encompassed by Himalayan mountain ranges, the valley sits at an altitude of 3654 m or 11,693 ft. This beautiful Sikkim attraction has everything that would calm a troubled and tense mind. It has incredible greenery, a colorful rhododendron sanctuary, a hot spring, and many more places. In this blog, you will learn about the best time to visit, how to reach, where to stay, and things to do in Yumthang Valley.
Yumthang Valley Tour: Best time to visit, How to Reach & More
Best Time to Visit Yumthang Valley
The beautiful mountain peaks, gorgeous valleys, hot springs, and a scenic river adorn the scenery of Yumthang Valley. To experience the exquisite beauty of this valley, the best time is from February and June. These months fall in the Spring and Summer seasons in Sikkim. The pleasing weather conditions make it convenient to travel and explore across this beautiful valley. Did you know that in the months of February and March, there is also the Losar Festival? During this time not only can you experience the festival but also watch over 20 species of Rhododendron flowers. Looking at the weather, the temperature in this region can range between 14°C to 20°C. There could be surprise rain showers which may further push the temperature down. Do carry a jacket with you while visiting Yumthang Valley as it can get chilly, especially at night.
How to Reach Yumthang Valley?
Yumthang Valley is located approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) from the state capital Gangtok. Please remember that Yumthang Valley is near the Indo-China international border and is an army-controlled area. Therefore, you need to take a Protected Area Permit (PAP) from the Gangtok Tourism office to explore Yumthang Valley. You can also ask your Sikkim tour operators to arrange it for you. Here is how you can reach Yumthang Valley by air, train, or road:
1. By Flight:
The nearest airport to Yumnthang Valley is located in the Pakyong district. But, it only provides limited flights. Cover the aerial distance between your city and Sikkim by first reaching Bagdogra Airport. From Bagdogra Airport, hop in a taxi/bus to reach Gangtok, Sikkim. You will be covering a distance of 121 kilometers via NH 10. In Gangtok, take the Protected Area Permit. You can also request your travel agent to arrange it for you before leaving for Yumthang. Take another cab from Gangtok to Lachung and find accommodation here. Once you arrive in Lachung, leave for Yumthang Valley during the daytime via cab. The total time to travel from Gangtok to Yumthang can take anywhere between 5 to 6 hours approximately.
2. By Train:
The nearest railway station from Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri, located 118 km away. From NJP station, hop on a bus or a taxi to reach a distance of 118 km. By doing so, you will reach Gangtok in about 4 to 4.5 hours. Take your permit in Gangtok and proceed to Lachung village. Upon arrival in Lachung, take another cab to reach Yumthang Valley.
3. By Road:
Whether you reach Sikkim by flight or train, the journey to Yumthang Valley will be by road. Here is how you should travel:
First, reach Bagdogra Airport/NJP Railway station.
Second, hop in a taxi or a bus to get to Gangtok.
Third, pick your visitor’s permit in Gangtok for Yumthang Valley and take another cab to Lachung.
Fourth, from Lachung another taxi ride will take you to Yumthang Valley. Watch the beautiful views of snow-draped mountains and valleys on your road journey.
If you are planning a long Sikkim vacation, look for Sikkim tour packages that cover Gangtok, Mangan, and Lachung, before you start exploring Yumthang valley.
Where to Stay in Yumthang Valley?
There are no tourist accommodations in Yumthang Valley itself, and the closest village to find accommodation is Lachung. To help you out, here is are the best and budget-friendly hotels in Lachung for a one to two-night stay:
1. Wonder Hill Inn
Wonder Hill Inn is a three-star property and is highly rated for its exceptional hospitality, comfortable accommodations, and quick service. You can enjoy the beautiful view of the mountains from its balcony. Common facilities at this property include free parking, free WiFi, an ensuite bathroom, and an on-site restaurant. This property is also pet-friendly and offers 24×7 assistance.
Cost: ₹1,208 to ₹1,680 per night
Address: Near Hanuman Mandir, beside P D Lodge, Lachung, Sikkim
2. Yashshree Lachung
Yashshree is one of the best places to stay in Lachung. Their hospitality, amenities, and swift services satisfy the customers. The rooms of this hotel are spacious and keep you warm and snuggled. From here you can enjoy the mountain views and river while enjoying delicious meals. It is one of the few properties in the area that offers a swimming pool, room service, and free breakfast. The nearest attraction, Lachung Monastery is located on walking distance of this property.
Cost: ₹2,183 to ₹2,250 per night
Address: Near Upper Monastery, Lachung, Sikkim 737120
3. Apple Valley Cottages Lachung
Apple Valley Cottages features a beautiful garden and small cottages with two to three bedrooms that are clean and well-maintained. Surrounded by lush greenery and crisp and fresh air, you will definitely enjoy a pleasant stay here. From its windows, you can enjoy a good mountain view. The staff is amicable and always ready to assist visitors. The amenities here include free WiFi, buffet dinner, room service, free breakfast, laundry, etc. This property also features a bar where you can relish a drink in the evening. This property only accepts debit cards and cash.
Cost: ₹1,321 to ₹1,670 per night
Address: Faka Yumthang, Road, Lachung, Sikkim 737120
Things to Do on a Yumthang Valley Trip
1. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is located in Yumthang Valley and is covered by the majestic Himalayan mountains. Just like its name, this sanctuary houses numerous varieties of Rhododendron flowers. This tourist destination in Sikkim appears at its best during the Spring season. One can see a wide stretch of flowers sprouting in an area of 43 square kilometers. And it is not just flowers and trees, you can discover birds like wood snipe and hoary-throated barwing adding to the diversity of this place. Take a stroll in the lush greenery of this park and spot flowers like Primroses, Poppies, Cinquefoils, and Saxifrages. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary offers many opportunities to click Instagrammable photos. So, make sure to click your best shots.
2. Explore Zero Point (Yume Samdong)
Zero Point is approximately 22 kilometers away from Yumthang Valley and is the last civilian point in Sikkim. Post that, the India-China border begins which makes Zero Point a protected area. Zero Point sits at a massive height of 15,300 ft and is enveloped by snowy mountains. Therefore, it’s essential to pack warm clothes like jackets, gloves, and caps with you. You have to take a road trip from Yumthong Valley to reach Zero Point (Yume Samdong). The views of majestic mountains and valleys will delight you. In the morning, you can watch a herd of yaks graze on the greener pastures.
3. Yumthang Hot Spring
For a warm bathing session in the relaxing waters of Hot springs, visit the Yumthang Hot Spring. Soaking in hot springs is an incredible way to enjoy Nature’s very own spa. The locals refer to this hot spring as Yumthang Tsachu which has high mineral content. The warm waters (50°C) provide a healing effect on the body and relaxes muscle stress. One pool, containing the hot spring waters, is reserved for women and the other one is for men. You can walk to the huts by taking the pedestrian pathway that crosses the Lachung River on a small bridge. Soak yourself in the peaceful environment of Yumthang Hot Spring far from the rush and commotion of daily life. Relax your mind and don’t forget to click photos of the beautiful scenery surrounding you.
4. Lachung Monastery
All tourists who go to explore Yumthang Valley have a stopover in Lachung. One attraction that you should visit here while enjoying your stay is the Lachung Monastery (Samten Choling). This monastery offers a peaceful retreat in the middle of lush surroundings and spectacular natural beauty. This monastery follows the Nyingmapa Sect of Buddhism. The monastery walls are decorated with paintings and murals depicting the life of Buddha. Lachung Monastery celebrates all the religious festivals in Buddhism, including the annual cham dance that takes place in the winter season.
5. Try Ice Skiing (in winter)
Thanks to the Sikkim Mountaineering Association which introduced ice skiing as a winter sport in Yumthang Valley. The best time for skiing in Yuthang Valley is in winter when the valley is covered with thick sheets of snow. This region is suitable for both experts and beginner-level skiers.
This brings us to the end of the Yumthang Valley guide. We hope you have a joyful and serene time exploring the Yumthang Valley.
A peaceful vacation in the lap of Mother Nature is sometimes all you need to feel re-energized and rejuvenated. If you have been dreaming of a similar experience, be sure to add Yumthang Valley to your Sikkim tour package itinerary. And get ready to be enchanted by the pristine views and ethereal beauty of this valley.