Hey there wanderers! Want to get lost in the valley of flowers? Then Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim is the perfect destination for you. It’s situated at an altitude of 3564 m and is popularly known as the ‘valley of flowers’ because of its unique location above the line where no trees grow.
The scenery of shrubby slopes of snow-clad mountains around the valley, long stretches of flowery meadows, and the scented environment will leave you spellbound.
What’s there to do? Hop on a Yak and take a ride through the valley! It’s an experience of a lifetime. You can also go fishing in two well-stocked rivers, Yumthang chu and Puniya chu. Don’t miss out on the impressive Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary with a 35 sq. km field that has over 38 different varieties of rhododendrons.
And if you love hiking, take a walk through the hiker’s pathway leading to the Yumthang Hot Spring. Believe it or not, the water flowing from this hot spring remains warm even in the coldest weather! It is believed to have medicinal value due to its rich sulfur content.
But wait, there’s more! About 7 km further north of the hot spring is a very famous Shiva Temple. Zero Point, which is about 23 km away from the Yumthang valley at an altitude of over 15,000 ft, is another popular destination among trekkers because of its scenic charm and unobstructed view of the snowy peaks.
How to get there? You can hire a taxi from Lachung, which is just about a 49-minute drive away. The road to the valley offers a spectacular view of fields of rhododendrons on both sides. Due to its proximity to China border, this place requires an inner Line Permit, which you can obtain from the Tourist Information Center or through any registered tour operator.
The best time to visit is between April and May because, during winter, snow makes this place dangerous to reach and also unbearably cold. So plan your visit accordingly, and don’t forget to pack your bags with woolen clothes, jackets, and warm socks!