Yumthang Valley of Flowers

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Yumthang Valley, also known as the Sikkim Valley of Flowers Sanctuary, is a nature sanctuary in Yumthang town, Mangan district, Sikkim, India. Set high in the Himalayas at about 3,564 meters above sea level, it features a river, hot springs, grazing yaks, and wide rolling meadows. The valley is home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, with many rhododendron species—the state flower. The spring bloom runs from late February to mid June, when flowers cover the valley in bright colors.

A tributary of the Teesta River flows nearby, and Lachung is the nearest inhabited village. Yumthang closes from December to March due to heavy snowfall. There is a hot spring and a forest rest house in the valley. In spring, rhododendrons, primroses, poppies, irises and other flowers bloom; in summer, locals bring cattle to graze on the high pastures (yaylag pastoralism).

Tourism brings benefits but also a risk of environmental damage. Skiing is also done in the valley. Most visitors travel from Gangtok to Lachung by road, stay there, and visit Yumthang; a direct trip to Yumthang is difficult because roads are often foggy and it gets dark early. The trip from Lachung to Yumthang takes about two hours, and Lachung is about 125 km from Gangtok.