Yumthang Valley is a scenic destination in North Sikkim, India, that is famous for its rich floral diversity, natural beauty, and adventure activities. It is also known as the Valley of Flowers, as it hosts hundreds of species of flowers, especially during the spring season. Yumthang Valley is a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, trekkers, and anyone looking for a memorable vacation in the Himalayas.
In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Yumthang Valley, such as how to reach, where to stay, what to do, what to eat, and when to visit.
How to Plan Your Trip to Yumthang Valley
Before you pack your bags and head to Yumthang Valley, there are some important things you need to plan ahead and take care of.
One of them is obtaining the necessary permits for visiting Yumthang Valley. Since Yumthang Valley is located near the Indo-China border, it falls under the restricted area and requires a special permit from the government. You can get this permit from the Tourism Department in Gangtok or through your travel agent.
You will need to submit some documents such as your identity proof, passport size photos, and itinerary details. The permit fee is nominal and the process is usually quick and easy.
What to Do in Yumthang Valley
Yumthang Valley is not only a place to admire the beauty of nature, but also a place to indulge in some fun and exciting activities. There are plenty of things to do in Yumthang Valley that will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Here are some of the best things to do in Yumthang Valley:
1. Explore the Valley of Flowers
The main attraction of Yumthang Valley is the valley of flowers, which is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. You can walk around the valley and admire the colorful flowers of various kinds. You can also spot some rare and endangered animals and birds, such as red pandas, blue sheep, Himalayan monal, etc. The best time to visit the valley of flowers is from April to May, when the flowers are in full bloom.
2. Visit the Hot Springs
Another attraction of Yumthang Valley is the hot springs, which are natural pools of water heated by geothermal activity. The hot springs are located near the river bank and are accessible by a wooden bridge. The water of the hot springs is believed to have medicinal properties and can cure various ailments. You can take a dip in the hot springs and relax your body and mind. The best time to visit the hot springs is from November to March, when the weather is cold and dry.
3. Visit the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
If you are a fan of rhododendrons, then you should not miss visiting the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, which is a protected area dedicated to preserving the rhododendron species. The sanctuary covers an area of about 43 sq km and hosts over 24 species of rhododendrons. You can see different colors and shapes of rhododendrons, such as red, pink, white, yellow, purple, etc. You can also see some other flora and fauna, such as junipers, primulas, orchids, yaks, etc. The best time to visit the sanctuary is from March to May, when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.
4. Visit the Zero Point
If you are looking for some adventure and thrill, then you should visit the Zero Point, which is the last motorable point on the road to Yumthang Valley. The Zero Point is located at an altitude of about 4,600 meters above sea level and offers a breathtaking view of the snow-clad mountains and glaciers. You can also see some frozen rivers and waterfalls on your way. The Zero Point is also a popular spot for snow activities, such as snowball fights, snowman making, sledding, etc. The best time to visit the Zero Point is from December to February, when there is heavy snowfall.
Also read: Yumthang Valley In Sikkim Makes You Fall In Love With Its Beauty
How to Reach Yumthang Valley
Yumthang Valley is located about 150 km from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim.
By Air: The nearest airport to Yumthang Valley is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, which is about 210 km away.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Yumthang Valley is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in West Bengal, which is about 200 km away.
By road: From Gangtok, you can take a taxi or a bus to Yumthang Valley, which will take about 6 to 7 hours. The road journey from Gangtok to Yumthang Valley is scenic and adventurous, as it passes through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Sikkim.
As Yumthang Valley is located at an elevation of about 3,500 meters above sea level, you may experience some symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath. To prevent or reduce these symptoms, you should drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and tobacco, eat light and nutritious food, and rest well.
Where to Stay in Yumthang Valley
Yumthang Valley offers a range of accommodation options for different types of travelers. You can choose from hotels, homestays, or camps depending on your comfort level, budget, and experience.
Hotels: Hotels are the most comfortable and convenient option for staying in Yumthang Valley. They provide all the basic amenities such as rooms, beds, bathrooms, heaters, blankets, etc. They also provide services such as food, laundry, room service, etc. Some hotels also have facilities such as Wi-Fi, TV, parking, etc. The prices of hotels vary depending on the season, location, and quality. You can expect to pay anywhere from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000 per night for a hotel room in Yumthang Valley.
Homestays: Homestays are a great option for staying in Yumthang Valley if you want to experience the local culture and hospitality. They are basically houses or cottages owned by local families who rent out their rooms or spaces to travelers. They provide basic amenities such as rooms, beds, bathrooms, heaters, blankets, etc. They also provide home-cooked food and local guidance. The prices of homestays vary depending on the season, location, and quality. You can expect to pay anywhere from Rs. 500 to Rs. 2,000 per night for a homestay in Yumthang Valley.
Camps: Camps are the most adventurous and exciting option for staying in Yumthang Valley if you want to experience the nature and wilderness. They are basically tents or huts set up by local operators or agencies in designated areas near the valley or the river. They provide basic amenities such as tents, bedsheets, sleeping bags, etc., but no bathrooms. They also provide bonfires, music, and games at night. You can expect to pay anywhere from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1,000 per night for a camp in Yumthang Valley.
Yumthang Valley is a dream destination for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and culture. It is a place where you can witness the beauty of flowers, mountains, rivers, and wildlife. It is a place where you can indulge in some fun and exciting activities, such as hiking, photography, sightseeing, etc. It is a place where you can taste some delicious and mouth-watering dishes, such as thukpa, momos, churpi, etc.
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Yumthang Valley with Tripoto today and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
Also read: All You Need to Know About Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
