Tour To Lachung

Lachung, Yumthang Valley & Zero Point Tour from Gangtok

A visit to Lachung, Yumthang Valley, and Zero Point is one of the most scenic excursions from Gangtok and is highly recommended for anyone exploring North Sikkim.

From Gangtok, drive approximately 66 km to the small town of Mangan, and then continue to Chungthang, located about 22 km before Lachung. Throughout the journey, the beautiful Teesta River flows alongside the road, accompanied by numerous waterfalls, mountain streams, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.

Take a short break at Chungthang, where you can witness the spectacular confluence of the Lachung Chu and Lachen Chu rivers, which together form the Teesta River. Nearby is the sacred Naydo Stone, believed to bear the footprints of Guru Padmasambhava. Also visit the Chungthang Monastery, surrounded by traditional stone houses and scenic mountain landscapes. The monastery houses an impressive collection of rare Buddhist paintings and religious artifacts. The surrounding area is equally beautiful, with lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views.

Approximately 11 km beyond Chungthang, on the way to Lachung (about a 30-minute drive), you will come across the spectacular Bhim Nala Waterfall, also popularly known as the Amitabh Bachchan Waterfall because scenes from the Bollywood film Aankhen were filmed here. Stop for a few minutes to admire the powerful waterfall as it cascades dramatically down the mountainside.

Lachung

The name Lachung means "Small Pass." (Its counterpart is Lachen, meaning "Big Pass," reached via a separate road branching off from Chungthang.)

Lachung is a charming mountain village situated at an altitude of approximately 8,610 feet (2,625 meters) and about 118 km from Gangtok. Although the distance may appear short, the journey usually takes around 6 hours due to the winding mountain roads. Despite occasional rough road conditions, the drive offers magnificent Himalayan scenery throughout.

Lachung is part of North Sikkim and is primarily inhabited by the Bhutia community, whose residents are known as Lachungpas. The village has a unique traditional self-governing administrative system known as the Dzumsa, which resolves social and community matters through mutual consensus.

One of the main attractions in Lachung is the beautiful Lachung Monastery (Gompa), famous for its colorful wall murals, ancient Buddhist statues, and peaceful surroundings. Every year, during the 28th and 29th days of the 10th month of the Tibetan Buddhist calendar (generally in December), the monastery hosts vibrant religious mask dances.

Another interesting place to visit is the Carpet Weaving Centre, where local women skillfully weave beautiful handmade woolen carpets using traditional techniques. The center is generally open on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Yumthang Valley

Located about 25 km from Lachung at an altitude of approximately 11,800 feet (3,600 meters), Yumthang Valley can be reached in about 1½ hours by road.

Known as the "Valley of Flowers," Yumthang is famous for its spectacular alpine meadows covered with colorful wildflowers. However, it is particularly renowned for its vast stretches of rhododendron forests, making the title "Valley of Rhododendrons" equally appropriate.

During the flowering season from March to May, the valley transforms into a vibrant carpet of blooming rhododendrons in shades of red, pink, purple, blue, and white, creating one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Eastern Himalayas.

A major attraction here is the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, spread across approximately 34 square kilometers. The sanctuary is home to more than 38 species of rhododendrons and is considered one of the finest rhododendron habitats in the Himalayas, surpassing many other rhododendron reserves in both diversity and natural beauty.

Nearby flow the Yumthang Chu and Puniya Chu rivers, where fishing is permitted with the necessary permissions if you plan an extended stay. About 7 km beyond the famous Yumthang Hot Spring stands a small Shiva Temple, another peaceful attraction in the valley.

Zero Point (Yumesamdong)

Approximately 23 km beyond Yumthang Valley lies Zero Point, also known as Yumesamdong, situated at an altitude of over 15,000 feet (4,572 meters). The drive from Yumthang takes about 1½ hours, or approximately 3 to 3½ hours from Lachung.

Zero Point marks the end of the civilian motorable road in North Sikkim, beyond which tourists are not permitted to travel due to the proximity of the Indo-China border.

Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, Zero Point offers breathtaking panoramic views where three mountain streams converge. During much of the year, visitors can see yaks grazing on the snow-covered slopes. Vegetation is extremely sparse, with only patches of grass becoming visible after the snow melts.

Zero Point remains snow-covered for most of the year, making it one of the best places in Sikkim to experience snow. Nearby are the Yumesamdong Hot Springs, located along the Sebu Chu River, while the famous Donkia La Pass, at an altitude of approximately 18,400 feet, connects the Lachung and Lachen valleys.

A few temporary stalls operated by residents sell snacks such as Maggi noodles, boiled eggs, chana masala, tea, coffee, and occasionally other refreshments. However, public toilet facilities are not available at Zero Point.

Due to the high altitude, oxygen levels are considerably lower than at lower elevations, and some visitors may experience mild breathing difficulties or altitude sickness. Therefore, the visit is not recommended for people with severe asthma, respiratory illnesses, or very young infants. Visitors are advised to stay well hydrated, avoid strenuous physical activity, and consult a physician before traveling if they have any underlying health conditions.