Yumthang Valley – Guide to North Sikkim’s Valley of Flowers

The Yumthang Valley, officially recognized as the Sikkim Valley of Flowers sanctuary, is popularly known as the ‘Valley of Flowers’. This significant tourist destination is located in the Mangan district of Sikkim, India, situated at a high altitude of 3,564 meters (approximately 11,800 feet).


Yumthang is highly lauded as a paradise on earth, offering spectacular Himalayan views and ethereal beauty, making it a must-visit place for travelers. Due to its proximity to the Indo-China border, official Protected Area Permits are mandatory for entry.

The valley relies on connectivity through the nearest inhabited center, Lachung, where tourists typically find accommodation. The journey to the valley from Lachung takes approximately two hours.


Key attractions and features include the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, which is a defining feature and a paradise for botany enthusiasts, housing over twenty-four species of the state flower. Other important places to visit are the Yumthang Hot Spring, known for its believed curative and medicinal sulfur water. The valley floor is characterized by rolling meadows and pastures where the Teesta River, sometimes referred to as Yumthang Chu, flows. The ideal time for tourists seeking the famous flower bloom is between late February and mid-June.