Place to visit:-Yamthang valley -(sikkim) India

Yumthang, Lachung & Zero Point Tour from Gangtok

If you are visiting Sikkim and don't think that you will make it again in a long time to come, then do pursue a visit to Lachung, Yumthang Valley and Zero Point. Why? Because you may not again see such stunning views of snow mountains and rivers anywhere else.
You have to plan your visit to Lachung to Yumthang valley and Zero Point from Gangtok. You have to stay at night at Lachung before you can return to Gangtok next day.
From Gangtok,y`ou have to drive at least 66 km to reach the small town Mangan, and then Chungthang which is only 22kms before, Lachung and is the nearest town. Along the way the river Teesta will be by your side and you can see a number of waterfalls and mountain springs.

Lachung

its means the 'Small Pass' (so there must be a 'Big Pass' as well? Yes, it's another place called Lachen. From Chunthang a road bifurcates and leads towards Lachen). Lachung is a small mountain village at an altitude of 8,610ft and located about 118kms from Gangtok. Although the distance looks easy, it takes about 6 hours by car to reach Lachung from Gangtok, and the road

although very scenic, is often not in good condition. Lachung is part of North Sikkim.

Although most come and stay at Lachung to visit Yumthang valley and Zero Point the next day before returning to Gangtok, you should not miss out on the opportunities which Lachung itself offers. Start early in the morning from Gangtok so that you can reach Lachung by 12noon and have enough time to explore the nearby area.

The residents of Lachung who are mostly Bhutias call themselves Lachungpas. They have their own self governing body known as 'Dzumsa' to settle all social and other disputes through consensus.

One of the nice places to visit here is the Lachung Monsatery. It has wonderful wall murals and also several ancient statues. The monastery holds religious dance on 28th and 29th day of 10th Buddhist month (December).

You should also visit the Carpet Weaving Center where you can see the local ladies weaving exquisite woolen carpets. The center is open on weekdays between 8am to 4pm.

On your way to Lachung, you had crossed the town of Chungthang which is about 22kms away. You should take a break here and watch the lovely confluence of the rivers Lachung and Lachen chhus which then join the river Teesta.

Nearby there is a sacred stone (Naydo) having footprints of guru Padmasambhava. Visit the Chungthang Monastery surrounded by stone houses and large edifices. The monastery has rich collection of rare Buddhist paintings. Other things to see here are the many waterfalls coming down the rock faces, lush forested landscapes and scenic views all around.

You should stay overnight at Lachung, and start early next morning.

Yumthang valley

This place is about 25kms from Lachung located at an altitude of 11,800ft and takes about 1.5 hours of drive. The name Yumthang Valley means 'Valley of Flowers'. So you know what to expect.

But the name would have been more appropriate if it said 'Valley of Rhododendrons'. Because here as the tree line ends and the vast stretch of flowering valley exposes a dense bed of rhododendron flowers for miles and in many different colors like purple, blue, red, pink etc.

The rhododendrons bloom between March to May. Visit the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary which spans across 34 square kilometers area here near Lachung and has over 38 different varieties of rhododendrons. The sanctuary beats out its competitors like Dzongro, Barsey, Zema in Lachen because of its sheer variety and spread of colors. You can see some great species such as arboretum, grande, nivale, the state flower etc. State Forest Department holds International Rhodendron Festival here annually between March to May during the peak flowering season.

Other than the wonderful views of vast valley of flowers, Yumthang also offers lovely views of the mountain peaks such as Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa forming the backdrop of the river Teesta.

Before entering the Yumthang Valley, a pedestrian pathway goes over a small bridge and reaches Yumthang Hot Spring.

You will need to walk for few thousand yards to reach the hot spring. In such a cold climate, this surprisingly natural warm water comes as a pleasant surprise. The water is rich with sulfur and said to have good healing and medicinal value. The spring water here is directed to a hut and couple of pools inside so that one can take a healing bath here.

Nearby there are couple of rivers - Yumthang chu and Puniya chu where you can do fishing if you have time. But for that you need to plan a longer stay at Lachung. About 7kms further north of the hot spring, there is a Shiva Temple.

Further up and about 23kms from Yumthang at an altitude of over 15,000 ft is the place

Zero Point(also known as Yume Samdong).

It takes another 1.5 hours from Yumthang by vehicle (about 3 to 3.5 hours from Lachung).

This is where the civilian road ends and you can't drive any further and hence the name Zero Point. A short distance away from here is the border with China and tourists are not allowed to go any further beyond the Zero Point.

At Zero Point you will find a few temporary stalls where locals sell snacks Magi noodles, eggs, chana masala etc. You can get tea/coffee (and surprisingly even alcohol). There are no toilet facilities here though.

due to the high altitude of Zero Point, oxygen in the air is low and there can be breathing problems for few. So you should avoid visiting the place with an asthmatic or an infant.

Suggested Tour Plan from Gangtok
Only Lachung / Yumthang Valley
• Day1: Reach Lachung from Gangtok, overnight stay at Lachung.
• Day2: Star early, visit Zero Point, Yumthang Valley, return to hotel, have lunch and proceed to Gangtok.

Combined tour of Lachen & Lachung
• Day1: Reach Lachen from Gangtok, overnight stay at Lachen.
• Day2: Start early (4am), visit Gurudongmar lake & Chopta Valley, return to hotel, have lunch and proceed to Lachung. Overnight stay at :Lchung.
• Day3: Star early, visit Zero Point, Yumthang Valley, return to hotel, have lunch and proceed to Gangtok.

Indicative Cost of Lachung tour
An average package charge for two (including transport in a vehicle like Innova/Scorpio, sightseeing, food and lodging) is about Rs. 20,000/- for a tour only to Lachung/Yumthang. It may vary depending on season. If you want to take only vehicle and like to arrange your own accommodation, a similar vehicle with overnight charge would be around Rs. 10,000/- during high season (Zero Point will be extra). Non Luxury MUVs like Tata Sumo would be cheaper by Rs. 500/- or so.
Where to stay
There are several hotels in Lachung. You won't find any accommodation in Yumthang or beyond. It's quite difficult to contact hotels in Lachung and Lachen over phone and make reservations. It's better to go through one of the many Sikkim Tourism registered tour operators who can make the bookings and also arrange for necessary permits.
• The best of the lot is Yarlum Resort in Lachung which is a luxury class hotel having 38 rooms and suites. Facilities include room heaters, 24 hours hot water, in-room LCD TV, tea/coffee maker etc, Library & DVD lounge, snooker/pool room, in-house multi-cuisine restaurant, in-house bakery, internet access through VSAT etc. Phone: 03592 281663; Mobile : 94343 30033 / 35; Email: [email protected]
• Snow Lion Mountain Resort is a budget hotel with nice amenities and overlooks the Lachung village with great views of the mountains. There are balconies in each floor. Bathrooms have geysers with 24 hours hot water. Room heaters come at extra cost. However there can be power cuts. Rooms are all wood paneled with wooden floor. The dining room too is partially wood paneled with low traditional seating and having a fire place. The over all service is nice although a bit laid back at times. Food options are limited. You need to order your meals in advance. Phone: 03592 204116; Mobile : 94341 44194. You can book through worldmarcopolo.com.
• Le Coxy Hotel in Lachung is a no-frills simple one with home-like atmosphere and modern amenities. It's a small hotel with 13 rooms and an in-house restaurant. Phone: 03592 201153; Mobile : 94343 18498

Best time to visit Lachung/Yumthang
April to May is a great time to go as the rhododendrons are in full bloom during this time, and Yumthang valley lives up to its name - the valley of flowers. Another good time is during Losar festival (held between February to March). This is when the locals in their full traditional costumes eat, drink and perform many cultural shows. Beginning of December is also a great time as you can see the monks performing mask dance at Lachung monastery.

Permits
As the China border is nearby, the whole area is under army control. Visitors require protected area permits (PAP) to visit Lachung/ Yumthang/ Zero Point. It can be made at Gangtok Tourism Office, District Administrative Center at Mangan, or at Chungthang Sub-Divisional Magistrate's Office. However it's best to leave it to the tour operator.

What to carry
If you are heading for snow in Zero Point, then rent an overcoat, a pair of gloves and snow boots from Yumthang market. Also carry enough warm woolens in all seasons as it can be biting cold at the higher reaches. Carry all your medication particularly for any high altitude sickness. There are no ATMs here, so carry enough cash.