Lachung & Yumthang Valley

Welcome to North Sikkim is isolated but the valley has some beautiful views of the mountains beyond and a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is a remarkably beautiful area that offers blooming Rhododendrons, enchanting butterflies, traditional Lepcha culture, soaring alpine grandeur, and glaciers melting into rivers, but most areas require permits.

Lachung is known for Yumthang Valley or the valley of flowers & Hot water spring as this Hot water spring has curative properties due to its high Sulphur content. It is best in March. It is due to blooming rhododendron and the snow below. The Lachung package of one night is for Yumthang Valley & Hot water spring. Guests can visit Yumesamdong & Katao along with your trip to Yumthang at an extra cost. Another add on tourist spot is popularly known as the Zero Point as there is no motorable road from here. Tourists are not permitted to go beyond due to its proximity to the Chinese border. It is nearly 22 kilometers from Yumthang Valley and 48 kilometers from Lachung. Yumesamdong is at 4724 meters i.e. 15499 feet and Lachung is at an elevation of 2700 meters / 9186 feet and Yumthang Valley is at an elevation 3564 meters / 11693 feet. Katao in nearly 18 kilometers from Lachung.  Lachung Tour Package, North Sikkim Tour Package, Package to Lachung, Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, Yumesamdong & Hot water spring, Vehicle for North Sikkim, Yumthang Package, Lachung monastery visit are arranged by us.

Lachung is a small and beautiful settlement in the North District of Sikkim. North Sikkim is known for these two remote destinations Lachung & Lachen. Lachung is attractive during spring due to the Rhododendron Sanctuary; one can find this colorful state during autumn and spring. The region is covered with snow for more than six months of the year. Lachung commands a panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountains and is abundant in wildlife. Lachung is at an elevation of about 9,600 feet or 3,000 meters. Lachung is a remote village nearly 123 kilometers from Gangtok and a drive of over 05 hours. It is situated in the high altitude of Tibetan plateau in North Sikkim with towering rocky snow peaks, vibrant rhododendron valley, lush green yak pastures, perennial waterfalls, and hot springs. It is the base for exploring the alpine valley of Yumthang and Yumesamdong close to the Tibetan plateau. Yumthang is situated at 11,800 feet and is also known as the Valley of flowers.  Yumthang is a lush green valley surrounded by snow peaks on all sides and with a hot water spring close to the valley. One has to travel across the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary which has more than 50 species of Rhododendron trees. Lachung Monastery, Cottage Industry, and Waterfalls are worth visiting. The places are within walking distance and can be visited while taking a stroll through Lachung. Zero-point is also known as Yumesamdong and is quite popular among tourists, although contrary to popular belief they are not the same places. One has to travel to Yumthang first and then reach Yumesamdong valley on the Lachung River about 15 kilometers ahead of Yumthang Valley.  Guests need to walk a little to reach the Zero point. Officially one is not allowed to visit Katao. The quaint destinations are untouched Shangri-La. Major attractions of the mountain town are Shingba wildlife sanctuary on the way and at Lachung, If you love snow, you can visit North Sikkim from December to March to enjoy the ambiance. But you need to carry proper woolen garment and follow some important precautions.. Guests can enjoy some of the most beautiful views as one travels along the treacherous mountain roads. The drive from Gangtok is through the majestic mountains mostly covered in snow, the streams of cold water gushing down the hills, the beautiful waterfalls, the diverse and colorful flora, and fauna, the vast spellbinding blue sky, the enchanted and tantalizing view of the valleys. It is an experience that will sweep one off the feet. The area is restricted for Indians & foreigners, but special passes called Inner Line Permit (ILP) can be procured in advance.

Tourist / Traveler will get mesmerized by the natural beauty of the region. One can observe the pleasant people and take home experiences of this paradise. Decent hotels, homestay, and resort are spread over a small area. Vehicle and hotels in this region might not be the best due to its remoteness, the vulnerable roads, and the extreme weather. Snowfall and landslides make it quite exciting for most.  There are few suggested itineraries indicative of what could be possible. We can also tailor holidays for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications to suit your need for an unforgettable India tour. Packages to Lachung are there but mostly Lachen is coupled with Lachung and popularly called north Sikkim tour. It is generally 02 Nights or 03 Nights package i.e. 01 Night in Lachen and 01 Night in Lachung or 02 Nights in Lachung and 01 Night in Lachen. 02 Night Lachung package is also popular during extreme winter when Lachen is cut off due to snow. Landslides occur starts during mid-May (Monsoon) and are not safe to visit then and also during mid-January to January last week when snowfall matters. December to April is nice. January & February there is snowfall and roads are occasionally blocked but clear with a day or two. It is always better to avoid traveling from Mid-May as monsoon starts during the period. It’s always pleasant to travel from mid-November to April. The monsoon lasts longer and the period in between is not the right time to visit Lachen or Lachung. The drive from Gangtok is quite long and is above 05 hours through scenic road and is quite adventurous. The tough and rough road pass through the majestic mountains covered in snow, the streams of cold water gushing down, the alluring waterfalls, the diverse and colorful flora, and fauna, the vast spellbinding blue sky, the enchanted and tantalizing view of the valleys. It is an experience that will sweep one off the feet.

Places of Interest

• Yumthang Valley
• Yumesamdong Or Zero Point
• Hot Water Spring
• Katao
• Mangan
• Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
• Lachung Monastery
• Thangu Valley
• Chopta valley
• Lachen Monastery
• Gurudongmar Lake
• Lachung
• Lachung Monastery

Communication 

Airways: There are Two Nearby Airport i.e. Pakyong Airport (PYG) & Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is approximately 130 kilometers and is 04 to 05 hours drive by national highway 10. Pelling, Lachung to Gangtok is 125 kilometers and a drive of another 34 kilometers is Pakyong Airport (PYG). Earlier chopper service took 30 minutes to reach from Bagdogra Airport rung by Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation. Twice daily at 11:00 AM and at 2:00 PM.  It is a five seated chopper with limited baggage. The chopper can be chartered in Sikkim if booked well in advance. Bagdogra is the major Airport in this region. 

Railways: The nearest major Railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station nearly 130 kilometers and is 04 - 05 hours drive by National highway 10. Sikkim has no railway system but a project by railway is on and the station will be Rangpo. The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), Siliguri Junction, and Siliguri Town Station and is assessable from all the major towns/cities of Sikkim. NJP is well linked up with the rest of the country with frequent trains. Lachung to the nearest Railway station is 255 kilometers.

Roadways: The network of roads in Sikkim is good compared to its difficult terrain. Gangtok is approximately 130 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Chungthang is 95 kilometers, Lachen and Lachung is nearly 124 kilometers from Gangtok and requires a special permit. One has to stay in Gangtok one day before and one day after visiting North Sikkim. Lachen is 123 kilometers from Gangtok. Lachung is 123 kilometers from Gangtok. Chungthang is 96 kilometers from Gangtok and from Chungthang the route divides in two way Lachen & Lachung. Lachen & Lachung is can be reached after a 05 - 06 hours’ drive along a rough road journey. Smaller vehicles are risky due to low ground clearance. It is always better to travel by Scorpio, Tata Sumo or Zylo. Innova with lesser weight is OK but with more than 04 adults will be again risky.