Yumthung Valley - Breathtakingly Beautiful

Yumthung Valley, North Sikkim  - Love At First Sight

I don't know how many of you believe in "love at first sight?" theory. But I feel it happens and happens for good reason. The tiny state of Sikkim throws many lures to travelers and one of them is ‘Yumthung Valley’,basically a recent addition to the tourist map of Sikkim.Away from the maddening crowd,hidden in the slope of north Sikkim's highland,a summer grazing pasture at an elevation of 11,800 feet provides little heavens of respite for harassed travelers.Hence it suits well for my fond ambition of spending vacation in verdant solitude.

We started our journey from Gangtok to Lachung (the nearest village where accommodation is available) by booking a full vehicle. As one drives up the hill of north Sikkim,cool greenery,picturesque hamlets, overflowing waterfalls immediately soothes one’s senses.We came across extremely captivating seven sister’s waterfall cascading through seven steps and ultimately crashing on the rocks with huge roar.
             Next we halted for lunch at a road side small village, glittering in the backdrop of golden yellow terraced rice farms, like a picture postcard. They served us hot delicious lunch with rice, potatoes,cabbages and super testy chicken curry.I could be over impressive,but having a lunch at this lovely setting, made it more tastier.

Seven Sister Waterfalls ,on the way to Yumthung Valley

A roadside Village ,way to Yumthung Valley,North Sikkim

We reached to Lachung after six hours of long hectic jeep journey through the rumbled hilly lane and climate was chilling cold.But worth it all.Lachung,(at an elevation of 9600 ft),close to Tibet border,at an confluence of Lachen and Lachung river is an sleepy hamlet with simple fun loving villagers,may be the most idyllic riverside hilly village I ever visited,with no four five star marking resorts,posh restaurants,psychedelic cafes or bustling summer flea market.And that is the plus factor of its charm.Whatever expectation I had with Lachung,unhindered panoramic view of the rugged Himalayan hills exceeded everything.The feeling of oneness with the nature started brewing in my mind.It was an awesome beginning.

Way to Yumthung Valley

Snow Clad Mountain View, near Yumthung Valley

The valley is 29KM away from Lachung village.Next day morning we headed to the valley after having piping hot "puri sabji" breakfast through a zigzag road. Wind started taking pace and temperature was low enough,but I don't have even time to feel that,I was paralyzed by the road side scenery. Mountain clouds,blooming flowers,colorful forest,sparkling streams guided us to the small piece of paradise.

TheAlpine Medow,Yumthung Valley

A huge golden meadow- Sikkim's mountain and glaciers come  flowing down to valley's slope,crisscrossed by the shimmering water of mountain streams,studded with wild flowers,surrounded by the forest of fir.Yak's were grazing sluggishly on the slopes of high mountain.There were certain lure in the murmuring sound of the mountain streams,I sat upon the valley's flower bed for a long time,lost in the world,absorbed by the brilliance of nature.Soon the clouds from the hills came calling us and almost covered half the valley,the forests became hazy.We walked along the river,crossed a bridge surrounded by the holy flag prayers and played with the freezing clod water,took some more snaps,so unwilling to leave this solitary summer highland.
               As we retraced back to Lachung,I realized the place is for the true lover of the nature who admire nature and carry a everlasting piece of memory within themselves,not for those who leave a piece of themselves in the form of plastic,cans,bottles.

The river flowing through the Yumthung Valley

Tips To Travel To Yumthung Valley,North Sikkim:

 Lachung -Yumthang- Yumesamdong Valley Tour package highlight :

•  A bird's eye view of the Teesta Valley at Singhik.
• An evening on banks of river at Lachung
• Experiencing sub-zero temperature and 360 degree snow clad mountains at  Yumesamdong ,Zero-point (15000+ feet).For more details of Yumesamdong check my post http://travelingisbliss.blogspot.in/2013/06/zero-pointyumthung-valley.html
• In the winter Yumthung Valley gets carpeted by thick layer of snow.Skiing,which has recently been introduced at Phuni (close to the Sangri pass in the valley)—which, at 11,500ft, is the highest and most extreme skiing you’ll find in the country.During the spring months,the area blooms with rhododendrons, primulas, poppies, iris and many more and hence it is known as Valley Of Flowers.Hotel Le Coxy is good place for comfortable stay.

• Situated  at an altitude of 9,600 ft. and at a distance of about 117 Kms from Gangtok.This entire distance is generally covered in about 06 - 07 hours and road condition is very bad at some points.Better not to travel with kids below 10 years. For visiting Yumthung Valley,you have to book either 1N,2Day or 2N 3days package from Gangtok. I personally feel 2N3days is best for covering Gangtok-Lachung- Yumthung Valley -Gangtok. Lots of package options from Gangtok are available and do a proper inquiry about lodging,food,sightseeing before finalizing for any package.