Yumthang Valley in Gangtok

Primulas and Rhododendrons bathe the landscape in vibrant colors during the spring season giving tourists one more reason to visit the valley. The Yumthang Valley is also popularly known as the ‘valley of flowers’. Rhododendron is also the state flower. The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary has over twenty-four varieties of rhododendron itself. The tranquility of the valley is hard to describe in words. The valley is also home to the spotted Lingsang and Tiger.

Six kilometers north is a Shiva Mandir. Trek or drive to this place is also a major choice of the tourists. The nearest inhabited center is the town of Lachung. The Lachung Monastery is also a great sight-seeing spot from a cultural and religious perspective. A tributary of the river Teesta flows right through the valley and the town of Lachung. A hot spring located on the right of the river is also a famous tourist attraction. While driving towards the valley, one gets to relish the picturesque breathtaking view of mountains and waterfalls. A lush green forest filled with pine and silver fir trees cover the green slopes. Lying further north at a distance of about 16 kilometers is Yumesamdong. Vegetation-free Rocky Mountains present scenic view and add plus in the beauty.

There is no accommodation facility available in the valley itself. Tourists stay in the city of Lachung which is about an hour away from Yumthang. There are several hotels and resorts in Lachung providing a comfortable and pleasant stay to the tourists. There is not a lot of shopping options though. Local ethnic items may be found in the small markets. The major languages spoken are Nepali and Bhutia. Saga Dawa and Lossong are the popular festivals celebrated in Lachung.

The best time to take a trip to the Yumthang Valley is from late February to June. This is the time when the flowers blossom and the entire valley get covered in colors. To enjoy a clear sky and the snowcapped Himalayan peaks, the time between September and December is considered the best. The valley remains closed from December to February due to heavy snowfall and passage blockage.