Yumthang Travel Guide
Yumthang is a valley situated in the Indian state of Sikkim and situated 150 km away from Gangtok. The attractive valley of Yumthang is surrounded by steep mountains which has an average elevation of 3,564 meters. One can get a stunning view of the ShunduTsenpa and Pauhunri peaks from here. Yumthang is also known as Valley of Flowers. The green valley is surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains.
Yumthang is known for its Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. During April – May around 24 varieties of Rhododendron blooms in the valley. Large stretches of the valley are painted in different colors by the blooming rhododendrons. A small tributary of Teesta River flows through the valley making the place more beautiful. The alpine meadow near the tree line is a seasonal grazing for the yaks here. This grazing of yaks is known as yaylag pastoralism. The sulphur hot springs here is an important place of interest. It is said that these sulphur hot springs have some miraculous power.
Skiing is a favorite sport activity of the locals and the tourists. The stunning and unique view of the mountain peaks from here is just wonderful. Lachung is the nearby town to the valley. During the months of December to March the roads to Yumthang are closed due to heavy snowfall. The clear sky with snow covered mountains with green pastures of land with the tributary of River Teesta and the beautiful Rhododendron makes this place a unique place in the state of Sikkim. To witness this wonderful beauty, tourists from all over the world come here
How to Reach Yumthang
First you have to reach Gangtok and stay there at least for a night. Hire a car from Gangtok to reach Lachung. From Lachung, you can reach Yumthang situated at a distance of 28 km. You can contact your hotel at Gangtok to arrange a cab for your trip. Gangtok can be reached using any of the ways mentioned
- Air — You can access the nearest airport in Bagdogra situated near Siliguri, that lies at a distance of 124 kms away from Gangtok. The good news is that the airport is viably connected to Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata. For the international travellers, there are flights from Delhi and Kolkata.
- Rail — New Jalpaiguri is the nearest rail head. Chennai, New Delhi and Kolkata have regular train connectivity to New Jalpaiguri. A taxi will take you from the station to Gangtok in 4 Hrs.
- Road — situated at a distance of 114 kms from Siliguri, driving is an option that has to be done via taxis or rented cars in this town
Distance of Yumthang from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Siliguri |
211 |
|
Gangtok |
140 |
|
Lachung |
27 |
Weather
Yumthang Temperature:
- Summer (Apr to May) – Temperatures are mild and range between (10°C) to (20°C)
- Monsoon – (Jun to Sep) – Regular rainfall happens. This is not a good season for tourists
- Winter – (Oct to Mar) – Temperatures are low and range between (-4°C) to (15°C)
- Best Time to Visit – April to May and Oct to Nov are the best season for tourism
What to See In Yumthang
Yumthang Valley
Yumthang is a valley situated in the Indian state of Sikkim and situated 140 km away from Gangtok. The attractive valley of Yumthang is surrounded by steep mountains which has an average elevation of 3,564 metres. One can get a stunning view of the ShunduTsenpa and Pauhunri peaks from here. Yumthang is also known by the name of Valley of Flowers. The green valley is surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains.
Yumthang is known for its Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. Variety of Rhododendron found here during April-May. Large stretches of the valley are painted in different colors by the blooming Rhododendrons. A small tributary of Teesta River flows through the valley making the place more beautiful.
Zero Point
The Zero Point at Yumthang Is also called Yumesamdong. Nature is found here at her pristine best, with lofty snow-capped peaks encompassing the area. Gangtok is visible from this park
Katao
It is a beautiful valley referred to as Switzerland of Sikkim. It is a military base in North Sikkim, situated at a mammoth height of 15000 ft above sea level. From here, one can observe the unparalleled fantastic view of the Himalayan mountain peaks colored snow white
Other Details
What to Do
- Walk around the beautiful valley and enjoy its stunning beauty
- Visit the nearby attractions, such as Hot Spring and Shiv Mandir
- Do take cameras to captivate the moments around and the picturesque beauty that will enthrall and mesmerize you.
Where to Eat
- There are small eating joints at Yumthang where you get bread with jam, noodles and boiled egg.
What to Buy
Nothing is available for you to buy from here
Get Around
You can reach the lake via car only. The surrounding weather is not suitable for having a long walk etc
Top Destinations - Sikkim
– Aritar Lake
– Gangtok
– Lachung (Yumthang)
– Lachen (Gurodongmar Lake)
– Pelling
– Zuluk
Popular Tour Plans - Sikkim
4-6 Days
1. Darjeeling-Gangtok (6N/7D)
2. Gangtok-Pelling (5N/6D)
3. Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung (6N/7D)
7-10 Days
1. Darjeeling-Pelling-Gangtok (8N/9D)
2. Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung-Pelling (8N/9D)
3. Aritar-Zuluk-Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung (8N/9D)
4. Darjeeling-Kalimpong-Pelling-Gangtok (9N/10D)
5. Darjeeling-Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung (9N/10D)
>10 Days
1. Darjeeling-Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung-Pelling (11N/12D)