|  Yumthang
An Alpine valley in North
Sikkim known for its exquisite natural beauties Yumthang
is a popular tourism destination in Sikkim.
Situated at an elevation of 11800 ft. above see level the valley
offers a breathtaking landscape combining of alpine meadow,
rhododendron forest and snow peaks of Himalayas with Lachung
river cutting across it.
Yumthang - 'the valley of flowers'- as popularly
described by the tourists is a land of more than hundred species
of rhododendron, pirmula and magnolia, which are on full bloom
during April-May. The entire valley sees an unforgettable combination
of colours that mixes with the vast field of snow.
Laying with the close proximity to Tibet Yumthang gives a view
of a stunning array of peaks with Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa.
There are some hot springs in the valley where the warmth of
the sulphur rich hot water can be felt even in freezing temperature.
Accessibility:
Yumthang can be reached from Gangtok by a 140kms journey through
the unknown Sikkim landscape of lush green moist forest, spectacular
gorges of mighty Tista and small Lepcha villages on the remote
Himalayas. The journey on the first day will end at Lachung,
the last village in North Sikkim  at
an altitude of 8000ft. The village is a permanent Tibetan settlers
having number of small home turned hotels for the tourist. The
valley of Yumthang is visited in the next morning from Lachung
covering a distance of 24kms.
Near Yumthang - Katao
A 24 kms journey from Lachung village leads to a frozen
glacier Katao. Although the place is a restricted territory
because of its boarder with Tibet, the mesmerizing beauty of
the place lure a number of tourist to Katao. The trip to Katao
from Lachung is organized by a mutual understanding with the
Police and the tour operators. |
