Situated at a high altitude of 3564m/12000 ft in North Sikkim, Yumthang Valley is an earthly paradise for those who need a break from their hectic city lives. The place is located 140 km north of Gangtok and is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and pristine landscapes.
Popularly known as the “Valley of Flowers Sikkim” in the local language, Yumthang Valley is a unique and exotic destination with hot springs, yaks, lush green meadows and rivers. The incredible blend of flora and fauna here makes it popular among several tourists. It is why thousands of tourists travel to Yumthang Valley to witness its picturesque beauty, stunning mountains, magical surroundings and serene rivers.
But what most people do not know is when to visit Yumthang, things to do in Yumthang, how to reach, where to stay, and more. If you are also one of those people, continue reading this blog to know all!
What are the best things to do in Yumthang Valley?
Since snow-capped mountains surround Yumthang Valley, it remains cold all year round. The best thing about the valley is that one can experience all seasons- Summer, monsoon, autumn, winter and spring here.
Whether looking for refreshing gateways or escaping amid nature, you will find numerous things to do in Yumthang Valley. The valley is so stunning that wherever you look, it becomes a place to see. Jokes apart, here are some special places near valley of flowers Sikkim that definitely deserve a special mention:
Lachen
Lachen is a sister town of Lachung situated at an elevation of 2,750 metres in North Sikkim. This place should surely be on your Yumthang Valley tour because, in addition to witnessing the stunning views everywhere, you will also get to see the Himalayan wonders and the Lachen Chu River here.
Zero Point
Although Zero Point is not exactly situated in Yumthang, it is only 23 Km away from the valley. Located at an altitude of 15,000 ft, it is a place where the road ends. Also called Yumesamdong, Zero Point is the last motorable point that you can visit.
Here, you can witness the amazing view of three rivers meeting and snow-covered mountains. Many tourists drive to this point to have a bowl of Maggi while witnessing snow. In a nutshell, Zero Point in Yumthang Valley is one of the must-visit places near valley of flowers Yumthang that you should not miss.
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is one of the most popular places in the Yumthang Valley of flowers Sikkim. This incredible tourist destination is best to visit in late February to mid-June (especially May) as it boasts over 24 species of rhododendron flowers (the state flower) during this time.
These flowers have a faint sweet smell, and they paint the place in colours of red, purple and pink, making them something worth looking at!
Yumthang Chu
Another famous tourist attraction in Yumthang Valley is Yumthang Chu. It is a river with crystal clear water and surreal sounds you will witness on your way to the valley. The river can relax your mind and soul so much that you will not feel like leaving it and going elsewhere. Whether you want to relax for a while or capture some amazing photographs, visiting Yumthang Chu must be the top thing to do in Yumthang Valley Sikkim.
Also Read: Khangchendzonga National Park: An Ultimate Escape Into The Lap of Mother Nature
Kindly note that since Yumthang Valley Sikkim is very close to the Indo-Chinese border, you may need a permit to visit the place. Therefore, do not forget to arrange the same with your agent.
Conclusion
Sikkim is a beautiful holiday destination, and the Yumthang Valley is perfect proof of that. With so many interesting things to do and beautiful places to visit, we are sure you do not want to miss out on this magical experience from your travel bucket list.
So, pick a date and book a Sikkim Yumthang tour package today! Do not forget to contact Sikkim Darjeeling Taxi for a hassle-free and impeccable travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1- What is the best time to visit Yumthang Valley?
Ans. Although the valley looks stunning in almost all seasons, the best time to visit the valley is in the spring, i.e., late February to mid-June (Yumthang Valley flowering season). During this time, Yumthang is blooming with flowers and it's all colours and shades around.
The autumn season is also a good time to visit to capture clear skies and snow-capped mountains. However, you would not be able to witness the flowers in the region bloom during this time. Due to landslides, damaged roads and heavy snowfall, monsoon is not considered the right time to visit the place.
Q2- How to reach Yumthang Valley?
Ans. Unfortunately, there is no direct route to reach Yumthang Valley. The most convenient way to get there is by travelling through Lachung, which is just 25 Km away from the valley. You can hire a taxi from Gangtok to Lachung, which is the best place for an overnight stay.
Q3- Which is the best place to stay in Yumthang Valley?
Ans. Yumthang is a tourist day spot where you cannot put up for the night because of extreme cold weather throughout the year and government restrictions. Forest Resort House is the only place in the valley to stay for the night.
However, doing so requires a permit, and the resort house is usually overcrowded. Therefore, resorts and hotels in Lachung, such as Yarlam Resort, Summit Alpine, Fortuna Resort, etc, are the only viable options for accommodation.
Q4- What food will I get in Yumthang Valley?
Ans. Since the valley is situated at an altitude of 3,564 metres, do not expect the place to offer a great variety of food. Momos and rice are a part of the traditional Himalayan cuisines you will find everywhere, as they are very prominent all across Sikkim. Some other food options in and around Yumthang Valley Sikkim are dal, fish and rice.
