Yumthang Valley

Yumthang Valley, often called the Valley of Flowers of Sikkim, lies at 3,564 metres in Mangan district of north Sikkim, about 150 kilometres from Gangtok. It is a sanctuary of rolling meadows ringed by Himalayan peaks, with a tributary of the Teesta running through it, a hot spring and yaks grazing in summer, when villagers bring their cattle up to the high pastures.

The valley holds the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, with more than 24 species of the state flower. From late February to mid-June rhododendrons, primulas, poppies and irises cover the ground in colour. Snow closes the valley from December to March, and skiing takes place here. The only permanent building is a forest rest house, so visitors stay at Lachung, the nearest village, and drive up the next day, a trip of about two hours. Growing tourist numbers threaten the fragile meadows.