Yumthang Valley

This famous valley in North Sikkim lies 140km north of Gangtok. Lachung provides the base for the exploration of Yumthang, the Valley of Flowers. Situated at an altitude of 11800 ft ( 3564m) near Tibet, Yumthang is a unique place where the tree line ends.

Rhododendron and primula bloom covering the whole area in a surreal shade. It also offers a view of a stunning array of peaks with Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa. Several hot springs are scattered in the valley providing an unexpected opportunity to feel the warmth of the water even in freezing temperatures. Rich in sulphur these springs are believed to have miraculous healing power.

The best season for visiting Yumthang Valley starts in late February and continues up to mid-June when thousands of colourful flowers are in full bloom. However, to enjoy a clear sky and brilliant view of snow-capped mountains, the September - December season would be ideal.

Basic Info

Elevation - 12000 ft
Latitude - N 27° 52'
Longitude - E 88° 41'

Accommodation

There is no accommodation available in 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. Facilities are clean and decent, but cannot be compared to other more upmarket destinations. This is primarily due to the inaccessibility of the destination. Your accommodation and food will be arranged as part of a package tour to Yumthang. There is a government restriction on the movement of tourists in North Sikkim as the area borders Chinese Tibet. Hence you cannot book a hotel and make travel plans on your own. A hotel is booked only as part of a package tour.

Getting There

The road to Yumthang from Gangtok follows the Teesta River, crossing a spectacular gorge over the Rang Rang suspension bridge. The last major town is Chungthang about from where Lachung is an hour's drive where tourists stay overnight.

The picturesque road between Lachung and Yumthang is lined with rhododendrons on both sides that bloom during April and May giving the valley its name of the valley of flowers.
Due to its proximity to the Chinese border, the region was inaccessible to common tourists, both Indian and foreign. Even now Yumthang is reached mostly as part of a tour group. Individual and independent travel can be organised on demand.

HUMRO TOURS arranges travel packages for visits to the region. These packages typically include all transport, accommodation, sightseeing and food. The package tours are for one or two nights from Gangtok to Gangtok basis.

Each vehicle carries a maximum of 7 - 8 tourists. All our tours are exclusive so you don't have to share the vehicle with others.