Yumthang Valley Sikkim

About Yumthang Valley Sikkim

Yumthang Valley Sikkim is located in the North-East part of Sikkim. One should have a permit to visit the North-East part of Sikkim. The total road distance from Gangtok to Yumthang Valley is 140KM. One can travel in shared cabs provided by the travel agency which is really economical.

It is the home to a million flowers, spectacular mountains and serene river and is often called the “Valley of Flowers”. This place is a must-visit place for every traveler for breathtaking and magical surroundings.

Rules for Vehicle Permits To Visit Yumthang Valley Sikkim:

This valley shares a border with several other countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and China. The areas close to the border with China are particularly sensitive. The government requires for tourists who wish to travel to such areas to obtain special permits before visiting these places.

The permit system is really only applicable for travel to North Sikkim (i.e. Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley and Zero Point) and East Sikkim
(i.e. Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathu La pass and Zuluk).                                                                                                                            

The office receives applications between 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Instructions for motorbiking to pap regime in Sikkim

A person interested to undertake motorbike to protected areas in the State of Sikkim shall apply to the Home Department in the prescribed application form with the following attested documents in 2 sets:

  1. Passport size photographs of the applicants including Co-Rider/Tour Guide.
  2. Identity proof of documents of the applicants and Co-Rider/Tour Guide.
  3. Driving Licence.
  4. Pollution Control paper of Motor Bike from the concerned Authority.
  5. Insurance Documents of Motor Bike.
  6. For hired/borrowed Motor Bike an affidavit of authorization from the owner/ the authorization certified by the RTO of concerned State.
  7. Foreign Nationals has to be in a group of 2 or more and should apply through a recognized Local Travel agency and are to be accompanied by a local travel agency and are to be accompanied by a local tour guide with the required documents.
  8. The application form with the supporting documents is to be submitted one day in advance to the home department.

Note: The documents for biking permit shall not be accepted after 2 PM every day.

Permit for 4-wheelers:

The permit process for self-driven cars is similar to that applicable to motorcyclists. While motorcycles are allowed to travel to all parts of Sikkim (North, West, East, and South) there are certain restrictions for 4-wheelers. So, this is something you should check specifically if you intend to drive through Sikkim.

Through Travel- Agency:

One should give all the documents required to the agent along with Rs 200/- to complete the process to get the permit. One no needs to worry as the agent himself gets the permit for your visit to the valley.

Best Time to visit Yumthang Valley Sikkim:

Late February to Mid June – If one wants to witness the blooming beauties.

September to December – If one wishes to capture a clear sky and snow-capped mountains.

Contact Number

For More details and tour booking and for hotel bookings please contact – 8500898000, 9393939150 or visit our site www.tripnetra.com

Best Places to visit in Yumthang Valley Sikkim:

1. Seven Sister Waterfall

Seven Sister Waterfall

Seven-Sister -Waterfall is around a 40-minute drive to travel from Gangtok. It is 32Km away from Gangtok. As the name recommends, the 7 different waterfalls. The burbling water of the fall dives out of the lush green vegetation plastering the rugged cliffs, falls over the limestones making a thunderous sound. The picturesque beauty of the fall makes the tourists stopping for relaxation and refreshment. It is the tourist hotspot who is keen on photography.

Seven Sister Waterfall Timings:

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Time To Be Spent:

1-2 Hours.

Seven Sister Waterfall Entry Fee:

Free Entry.

 2. Lachen Town

Lachen Town in Yumthang Lake

About Lachen Town

Lachen town is located at a height of 2750meters in North Sikkim. This is one of the places to be visited on the visit to Yumthang Valley.  The town has wooden houses, alpine pastures, and mesmerizing scenic beauty. Perched on a hilltop, this spot serves as a vantage point to witness a panoramic view of the village Lachen Chu and the alpine covers.

Lachen serves as a trailhead for some of the most thrilling treks. Apart from trekking, one can indulge in bird watching as this region is blessed with avifauna.

One can also visit the points when visited this town is

  1. Thangu Valley
  2. Chopta Valley
  3. Lachen Monastery
  4. Gurudongmar Lake
  5. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

1. Thangu Valley In Sikkim:

About Thangu Valley

Thangu Valley in Yumthang valley Sikkim

Thangu Valley is all about the peacefulness and scenic. The valley is covered in the blanket of snow as it is located at a high altitude of around 3962Km. The valley comprises of alpine meadows and wooden houses which offers a picturesque sight to witness the River Teesta. Apart from Teesta River, 3 more rivers Chopta, Tangu and Lassur also flows through this valley. The trees give way to small bushes and beyond Thangu the vegetation is relatively less as you get into Tibetan plateau.

Thangu Valley is located 30 Km north of Lachen and can get taxis to reach this valley.

Things to do In Thangu Valley:

                Short Trekking.

Time to be Spent:

                1-2 Hours.

Thangu Valley Entry Fee:

                Free Entry.         

2. Chopta Valley

Chopta Valley in Lachen

Chopta Valley Overview:

The Chopta Valley is the largest green vegetation of lower altitude will soon give way to Alpine terrain with canonical trees. The valley is frozen during the winter and provides an opportunity to walk over the frozen river.

The Chopta Valley is at an altitude of 14000 Ft., latitude of 27.9 North. The climate will be 10 degrees throughout the year. During winter and in the nights the temperature will be below freezing point.

Chopta Valley Entry Fee:

                No entry fee.

Time to be spent:

                1-2 Hours.

3. Lachen Monastery

Lachen Monastery in Lachen

About Lachen Monastery

Lachen Monastery is 1Km from Lachen. The best way to reach here is to walk to it. It was built in 1858 AD with 8 monks. It is home to Lachen Monastic School. Lachen Monastery is also known as Ngodub Choling or the Launching Gonpa. This Gonpa was first a small hut built by Lama Karchen Dorje Drak, who was a student of Jamyang Choki Rinzing who in turn was a disciple of Terdag Lingpa of Tibet.

The lama stayed in this Gonpa for 3 years and ordered a clay statue of 1000 handed Chenrezig for the Gonpa before returning to Tibet. Later Gelong Gonpu stays here the old hut was dismantled and replaced with a new mud structure in the Earth Dog Year. Later, a Lama called Ngawang Kunzang Rinchen used to visit this place on a visit to Tibet. During one of his visits, he was requested to take care of the Gonpa as there was no senior Lama at that time.

It is said that one day when the 3rd Lachen Gomchen Rinpoche was meditating at Deuthang hermitage he told his student Lama Samdup that he would find something floating down the river flowing nearby; the next day he should bring it to the Hermitage. Early morning he went down the river and started searching the river about midday he saw a stone shaped like a vase floating down the river and he brought it to his mater. The master said that it is a Ter (religious artifact) and directed him to keep it in the Gonpa.

Presently this Gonpa has 35 monks and follows the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery performs all the major ceremonies with annual mask dance. Today the monastery functions under the guidance of Eminent Lachen Gomchhen Rinpoche.

Lachen Monastery Timings

                7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Time to be spent:

                1-2 Hours.

Lachen Monastery Entry Fee:

                Free Entry.

4. Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake

About Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake is 190Km North of Sikkim and 67 Km from Lachen. To reach the Lake one has to reach Lachen first, stay overnight in Lachen and start very early in the morning from Lachen to the Lake. As the temperature is very low at the Lake one must take enough protection for cold.

There is no vegetation and there is less oxygen in the air. The lake remains frozen during winter.

The best time to visit this place is April – Mid July, as one can see the lake flowing.  The snow-fed milky water of the lake is one of the major sources of Tista, the most important river in Sikkim and North Bengal.

Gurudongmar is one of the highest lakes in the world and the highest lake in India located at an altitude of 17000 feet.

Gurudongmar Lake Entry Fee:

                Free Entry.

Time to be spent:

                2-3 Hours.

 Best time to visit:

                April to July.

5. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in Yumthang Valley Sikkim

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is located in Yumthang valley in North Sikkim. The sanctuary covers an area of around 43 square km, which comprises of several species of Rhododendrons. The place is very rich in natural vegetation cover and comprises of various species of plants and trees. The chief attraction of the place is Rhododendron shrubs and trees that are found in abundance. There are around 40 different species of Rhododendrons that lends the park a colorful look during the spring season. In addition to this, there are various other trees like Potentillas, Saxifrages, Primulas, Aconites, Poppies, Gentians and many more.

Best time to visit:

                April to July.

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary Timings:

                6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Time to be spent:

                2-3 Hours.

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary Entry Fee:

                Free Entry.

3. Yumthang Chu

Yumthang Chu

About Yumthang Chu

Yumthang Chu is a river one can come across on the way to the Valley. The glacial water and the burbling sound of its flow would soothe one’s mind and soul that wouldn’t feel like leaving the place. One with a keen interest in photography is a very good place.

Time to be spent:

                1-2 hours.

Yumthang Entry Fee:

                Free Entry.

4. Zero Point In Sikkim

Zero Point at Yumthang Valley Sikkim

About Zero Point

Zero Point is situated at an altitude of 15,300 ft which is above the sea level. Zero Point is also known as Yumesamdong. As there is no motorable road after this place and the visitors are not permitted to go further beyond that point due to its proximity to the Chinese border. The place is blessed with fascinating Landscapes, blooming flowers, and breath-taking of its beauty which mesmerizes the travelers. Sikkim is also famous for its hot water springs.                                                                              

As the altitude of Zero Point is high, Asthmatics and infants are recommended to visit this place.

Time to spend

                2-3 Hours.

Food in Yumthang Valley:

This place doesn’t offer a great variety of food. But, the traditional Himalayan cuisines like rice and momos are available. Some of the limited food options that the place in Yumthang have dal, fish, and rice.

How to Reach Yumthang Valley:

There is no direct source to reach this Valley. One should visit Gangtok and have to get permission to visit this valley and should reach the valley via Local Cabs.

Yumthang Valley Address:

                North Sikkim District, Gangtok, Sikkim 737120, India.