Cradled at 11,800 ft in North Sikkim’s Lachung region, Yumthang Valley is the “Valley of Flowers of the Himalayas” – a 3-km-long alpine meadow that explodes into a riot of 24 rhododendron species from April to June, framed by the snow-draped peaks of Pauhunri (23,000 ft). Just 128 km from Gangtok, this sanctuary includes Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, natural hot springs, and the road to Zero Point (15,300 ft). From soaking in sulphur pools to photographing yaks against crimson blooms, Yumthang offers raw Himalayan beauty. A floral highland contrast to Nathula’s border drama, it is Sikkim’s nature masterpiece. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, Yumthang is pure bliss. With 2025 glass igloos and the Yumthang Flower Festival, this “Switzerland of the East” is an unmissable destination for trekkers, photographers, and flower lovers.
Key Attractions
Rhododendron Bloom – 24 species, April–June
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary – 40+ varieties
Yumthang Hot Springs – natural sulphur pools
Zero Point (Yumesamdong) – 15,300 ft snow playground
Teesta River – turquoise flow through valley
Lachung Monastery – 19th-century gompa nearby
Snow-Covered Peaks – Pauhunri & Shundu Tsenpa
Things to Do
Soak in hot springs at dawn (~₹100)
Attend Yumthang Flower Festival – rhododendron parade & dance (May 15–17, 2026)
Stay in 2025 glass igloos for star-gazing
Photography of red valley at golden hour
Yak ride in the meadow (~₹500)
Day trip to Zero Point for snow play
Try gundruk soup & thukpa at Lachung
Local Culture and History
Yumthang means “valley of flowers” in Lepcha; hot springs are sacred for healing. The 2025 igloos, promoted by Sikkim Tourism and X posts, offer heated luxury amid wilderness.
Best Time to Visit
Open Apr–Jun (flowers) & Dec–Feb (snow), with May best for peak bloom. Permit required. Closed Jul–Sep (monsoon).
How to Reach
By Air: Bagdogra (200 km) → Lachung
By Road: Gangtok → Lachung → Yumthang (128 km, 6 hrs)
Local Transport: Shared jeep (~₹1000 return), taxi (~₹7000)
Permit: Required (2 days prior via agent)
Travel Tips
Booking: Permit mandatory; igloos via lachungtourism.in
Cost: Jeep ~₹1000; hot spring ~₹100
Dress: Heavy jacket; gloves; altitude meds
Safety: AMS risk; acclimatise in Lachung
Respect Local Culture: No picking flowers
Connectivity: No signal in valley
Environment: Zero waste zone
Accessibility: Road to hot springs; Zero Point snowy
Nearby Attractions
Zero Point (25 km)
Lachung (base town)
Katao (snow point)
Gurudongmar Lake (permit route)
Chungthang (30 km)
Explore More
Discover other Sikkim wonders like Nathula Pass or Pemayangtse on our Northeast destinations page. Plan your flower valley escape with indiatourisminfo.com today!
