Lachung, Yumthang Valley

Lachung, Lachen and Yumthang Valley In far North Sikkim, six hours from Gangtok and 9,000 feet above sea level near the Tibetan/Chinese border, Lachung and the Yumthang Valley dazzle visitors with dramatic pristine scenery. Lachung served as a trading post between Sikkim and Tibet before Tibet was annexed by China. Now, it's the base camp for the renowned Rhododendron Valley Trek from Yumthang Valley to Lachen Valley. Other attractions in the area are Lachung monastery, Yumesamdong (Zero Point), and the astonishing high-altitude Gurudongmar Lake (it's one of the world's highest lakes, at more than 17,000 feet above sea level).

North Sikkim is a restricted area and it's necessary to obtain a special permit to visit it. You'll need to make your travel arrangements through a registered tour company, which will also organize the permit for you. This can be done in Gangtok. Note that the Yumthang Valley is closed from December and March due to heavy snow, and foreigners are only permitted as far as the Chopta Valley (they cannot visit Gurudongmar Lake).

Sikkim Tourism

Sikkim Tourism is the smallest state in India and is located in the northeastern part of the country. Sikkim is bordered by Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet and hence there is no dearth of tourist places in Sikkim, undoubtedly. Being the gateway to the Himalayas, Sikkim is known for its beautiful scenery, green meadow, crystalline lakes and towering mountain ranges. This kingdom of mountains has a personality of its own, you will be lost in the captivating destinations in the state, and also see the coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism which has given rise to a unique and peaceful culture to the state of Sikkim. Sikkim is a land of monasteries, the beautiful structures like every inch of the state. You will find it hard to not fall in love with this land, with its clean and green roads, valleys, mountain tops and meadows. The eastern Himalayan state comes with rhododendron groves and thick woodlands, orange and apple orchards, its peaceful ambience hitting whoever visits it hard. Sikkim is the place to visit when the rest of the country is burning during the summer months, the mountainous state proves to be an amazing getaway from the heat and mundane life in the plains. You will see a horde of wildflowers during summer, these fill up the valleys and truly make your visit worthwhile.