Plan your winters in North Sikkim, and you will never regret it. You will be awestruck by the beauty of the glittering Gurudongmar lake, Yumthong Valley, and paradise on earth, the famous Zero Point. The drive from Lachen to Zero point will be one of the most dangerous drives that rush the adrenaline junk inside you, but you will be taken away by the beauty of Zero Point Sikkim.
All you need to know about Zero Point
1. Zero point Sikkim, also known as Yume Samdong, is located 15000 ft from the ocean level and lies on Indo China border.
2. It is the last outpost of civilization, and there is no road ahead.
3. The beautiful confluence of three rivers, surrounding snow-clad mountains, and marvelous scenic views make Zero Point Sikkim one of India's best places to visit.
4. The roads to Zero Point Sikkim are treacherous, but driving here is worth the panoramic views of pristine mountain beauty covered with crisp snow. The drive is an adventure that takes your breath with soaring snow-capped peaks adorned with trees in green, red, and yellow hues.
5. Zero Point Sikkim lies at a shouting distance from the Indo-China border, so permits are required to visit the destination.
Details for Permits required to Visit Zero Point Sikkim:
1. All visitors (including Indian citizens) need Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit certain protected areas.
2. In addition, foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter the state.
3. RAP is valid for 30 days, and PAP is valid for seven days.
4. While ILP/RAP is free of cost, fees for PAP are approximately 200Rs. One can apply for PAP applications offline, while RAP is applied online and offline.
5. Foreigners cannot visit several areas like Nathula, Gurudongmar lake, and Zuluk.
6. The Nationalities of Pakistan, China, Myanmar, and Nigeria will not be issued Permit without the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi.
Documents and IDs required:
For ILP/RAP – Passport, Visa, Passport size photographs
For PAP – Identity proof (Pan Card/Aadhaar Card/Voter ID), Passport size photographs
One can extend RAP for 30 days, while one cannot extend PAP.
For more details, click here.
Permits of Zero Point Sikkim can be availed from below listed places:
1. Gangtok Tourism Office
2. District Administrative Centre
3. Chungathang Sub-divisional Magistrate’s office.
Some authorized tour and travel companies provide Lachung, Yumthang, and Zero Point tours including permits. For reaching out to these agencies, click here.
Best time to Visit Zero Point Sikkim
1. The best season for packing your bags to Yumthang Valley, Lachung, and Zero Point Sikkim starts in late February and continues to mid-June.
2. That's the Time when thousands of colorful flowers are found blooming, spreading fresh vibes, and you can witness the real natural beauty of the place.
3. The October – December months would be ideal for adventures and witnessing views of the crisp snowy mountain ranges.
4. The Zero point remains closed after mid-December and January. Tourists are allowed to visit again in February, depending upon the weather conditions.
5. It is advisable to take a taxi to Zero Point early morning from Lachung since visibility is better around this time at such high altitudes.
How to reach Zero Point Sikkim
By Air - The nearest airport is in Bagdogra, West Bengal. The total distance between Bagdogra and Gangtok is around 124 km. This major airport is well connected with all the major cities in India. One can also opt for helicopter services operated by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation which offers daily services from Bagdogra to Gangtok and will only takes about 20 minutes to reach. For that helicopter services, click here.
By Train - The nearest railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri, West Bengal(117km). Travelers can take shared taxis from NJP to reach Gangtok, these taxis can charge you anything around INR 200-250.
By Road - One can find number of regular Sikkim state transport buses which ply its services between Gangtok and Siliguri. One can also hire private buses, jeeps and taxis from Siliguri and Bagdogra.
From Gangtok, you can hire taxis and cabs available. There are many travel agencies that will also include Yumthang valley, Lachen and also the permits to visit this places. Click here for the taxi services.
Places to Stay near Zero Point Sikkim
Here are a list of some homestays to give you a perfect local experiences
1. Discover lachen Homestay - This homestay is at a distance of 26.4km from Zero Point, and is very near to Yumthang hot spring.
2. Lachung Homestay - This homestay is sprawled across the banks of Lachung river and is at a distance of around 50km from Zero point sikkim. Click here to know more.
Click here to get some best deals for hotels and retreats incase you are not a Homestay person. Lachung Inn is the nearest hotel to Zero Point Sikkim with a distance of 11.7km
Food Around Zero Point Sikkim
1. The traditional Himalayan cuisines like rice and momos is something that is an everyday delicacy and you may find very prominent all across Sikkim.
2. There are some local stalls and dhabas on the way from Yumthang Market to Zero Point.
3. The parking stand of Zero Point Sikkim has several small eateries; who would wanna miss that pahad ki chai and Maggi.
More details about Zero Point Sikkim
1. Only government-registered vehicles are allowed in this part of Sikkim.
2. It would be best to carry some things when traveling to Zero Point. Since it's a mountainous region, one must keep an overcoat, gloves, snow boots, cash, and medicines for high altitude sickness with you. You can rent them from Yumthung Market on the way to Zero Point.
Don't missout these touristy spots along with Zero Point
1. Katao
Katao is one of the most visited mountain peaks covered with a white blanket of snow. The peak offers one of the panoramic views of the Himalayan range and is a paradise for all mountain lovers.
2. Yumthang Hot Spring
The people in the locality believe that the springs have healing capabilities. The high sulfur content in the water from the springs is said to instill medicinal properties which are helpful to the human body. Yumthang Hot Spring, located in the Yumthang village, is one of the most popular springs in Sikkim.
3. Yumthang Valley
It is popularly known as the 'Valley of Flowers and is home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, which has over twenty-four rhododendron species. Yumthang Chu is a river you would come across on your way in the valley. The crystal clear water and the surreal sound of its flow would soothe your mind and soul.
While on your trip to North Sikkim, you definitely cannot also missout on the gilttering Gurudongmar lake and heavenly special Seven Sisters Waterfall in Sikkim.
The Zero Point or the Yumesamdong is a must-visit place if you are an Adrenaline Junkie.
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