.png){kind=small}
.png.webp)
Yumthang Valley & Zero Point
Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim is popularly known as the valley of flowers of Sikkim. It is on the most picturesque places to visit in Sikkim. At an altitude of 11,800 ft (3,600 meters), nature has gifted the valley undulating meadows, mountain streams, hot spring & numerous varieties of flowers. Yumthang Valley is approx 140 km from Gangtok, the Sikkim capital. Due to it’s altitude the weather remains cold all the time. Specially in winter the valley remains covered with thick snow. In January Yumthang Valley temperature ranges from -15oC to -5 oC. The valley blooms with various orchids & rhododendrons in March & April.
Book a tour
Yumthang Valley of flowers | Temperature Weather
Zero Point & Katao | Yumthang Temperature Weather | How to reach | Permit
Yumthang Valley – North Sikkim
Yumthang the flower valley is famous for various types of flowers specially the orchids, rhododendrons, poppies & primulas. Singba Rhodoendron Sanctuary is the prime attraction of Yumthang. The valley blooms with flowers in summer. It starts flowering from Mar & continues till May. If you want to have that experience, April will be the best time to visit the Valley. The sanctuary is surrounded by Chuba-Sangochen mountain range in the east & Chomzomei Tso in the west. It is spread over 43 square km & the Yumthang Chhu flows through the sanctuary. There are approx 40 different species of Rhodoendrons. Along with that Primulas, Potentillas, Pippies & Saxifrages give it an unoque look during spring. Read more…
Important facts about Yumthang Valley
- Yumthang Valley comes under restricted area & under control of Indian Army. So you need a permit to visit the same. It can be obtained from Gangtok.
- There is no accommodation available Yumthang. The nearest habitat with accommodation is in Lachung which 27 km away from Yumthang.
- A minimum of 01 night stay is Lachung mandatory, may extend to 2 nights.
- Altitude is 11,800 ft. There might be altitude sickness or breathing problem. So please carry necessary medicine. Persons already having breathing problem are not advisable to go.
- Only complete packages are available for Yumthang including transfer, sightseeing, accommodation & food. It cannot be customized. Mostly veg meals are provided.
- Road condition is very bad as it runs on stony-moraine. So choice of vehicle is limited. Max, Scorpio & Xylo are available. Small car cannot move to North Sikkim.
- Carry worm cloths irrespective of weather. Winter will be chilling cold & require heavy woolen.
- Please carry sufficient cash for personal as there is no ATM/POS in Yumthang.
- Other places to visit is Yumasamdong (Zero Point) & Katao. (Note: Foreigners cannot go to these places)
- Single foreigner is not allowed to visit North Sikkim.
- Best time to visit Yumthang Valley – October & November for best view; Jannuary & February for snow; March & April for flowers.
Zero Point North Sikkim on the way
Zero Point (Yumesamdong)
Yumesamdong or Zero Point is another important tourist destination in North Sikkim. It is situated approx 22 km north from Yumthang Valley. At an altitude of 15,400 ft the place remains covered with snow for most of the time. A one hour drive to Yuesamdong is an experience itself. The view of snow capped mountains & undulating valleys will amaze you. Yumesamdong is a valley with green grazing field near the Chinese border. There is no road further. There are a no of hot springs in Zero Point. All are rich in sulphur, having medicinal values with healing power. Being on a high altitude Yumesamdong remains coverrd with snow for most of the time. So it is advisable to carry heavy woolen cloths with you. There is also a trek route from yumesamdong to Yumthang Valley. The route is very popular the trekkers. Yumesamdong is very near to international border, hence comes under protected area. Foreign nationals are not allowed to go to Zero Point.
Katao
Katao is approx 26 km from Lachung & 144 km from Gangtokat an altitude of 15000 ft. You need to stay at Lachung while visiting Katao. The area is close to international border & remains covered with snow throughout the year.
Yumthang Valley – Best time to visit | Temperature Weather
Winter (mid December to February)
These are the coolest months. The temperature may fall as low as -20oC. During winter there will be heavy snowfall as the in January & February temperature ranges from -15oC to -5oC. This is a the best tome time to visit Yumthang valley for those want to experience extreme cold & heavy snowfall. But Snowfall will increase the risk of road blocks.
How to reach Yumthang Valley from Gangtok
Tour to Yumthang Valley starts from Gangtok. Gangtok to Yumthang Valley is 130 km (8-9 hrs). You cannot reach the valley in a single day. The nearest accommodation available is in Lachung, 105 km (6 hrs) from Gangtok. You need to start early in the morning (at 7 or 8 am) from Lachung. Lachung to Yumthang Valley is 27 km, approx 1.30 hours journey.
Gangtok to Lachung – 105 km
Lachung to Yumthang Valley – 27 km
Yumthang to Zero Point – 22 km
Lachung to Katao – 26 km
Permit
Yumthang Valley comes restricted area in North Sikkim. You need to obtain a per to visit the valley. Permit can be obtained from Gangtok .
For permit you need to produce photocopy of your ID proof (Voter ID/ Passport) & Passport size recent colour photographs (2 no).
Route MAP to Yumthang Valley, Zero Point & Katao
Related article –How to reach Gangtok
Yumthang Valley Tour Packages
Yumthang Gurudongmar Tour | 3 nights- 4 days | Rs.10,000/- |
Alpine North Sikkim Tour | 7 nights- 8 days | Rs.18,500/- |
Sikkim Tour Package | 9 nights- 10 days | Rs.27,000/- |
Suggested Itinerary
2 nights 3 days
Day 01 : Gangtok to Lachung (124 km./ 6 hrs / Alt-8600ft.)
Yumthang Valley
Welcome to Lachung Yumthang Tour. In the morning drive to Lachung. En-route you will visit Kabi Lungchok, Namok, Mangan, Singhik view point, Seven Sisters Water Falls, Naga Water Falls, Chungthang & numerous other water false & mountain streams.
Day 02 : Excursion to Yumthang (27 km./ Alt.- 11,800ft.)
Full day excursion to Yumthang Valley. The valley is covered with snow during January to March & with rhododendrons during April & May. En-route visit Sulphur Hot Spring having medicinal values. Lunch at hotel in Lachung.
Optional (on extra cost): Excursion to Yumesamdong (Zero Point)
Day 03: Lachung to Gangtok (6 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Gangtok. En-route enjoy the natural beauty of North Sikkim. 2 nights 3 days North Sikkim Tour ends here with amazing trip memories.
Optional (on extra cost): Excursion to Katao
1 night 2 days
Day 01 : Gangtok to Lachung (124 km./ 5 hrs / Alt-8600ft.)
North Sikkim on the way
Welcome to Lachung Yumthang Tour. In the morning drive to Lachung. En-route you will visit Kabi Lungchok, Namok, Mangan, Singhik view point, Seven Sisters Water Falls, Naga Water Falls, Chungthang & numerous other water false & mountain streams.
Day 02 : Excursion to Yumthang Valley (24 km./ Alt.- 11,800ft.) & to Gangtok.
Half day excursion to Yumthang. The valley is covered with snow during January to March & with rhododendrons during April & May. En-route visit Sulphur Hot Spring having medicinal values. Lunch at hotel in Lachung. After lunch drive to Gangtok. En-route enjoy the natural beauty of North Sikkim. End of Lachung Yumthang Valley Tour.
Book a tour
Comments
