At a place where the sun is more radiant, the moon closer, the stars brighter, and where Mother Nature rests in the womb of magnificent mountains decorated by numerous elegant waterfalls is a small village known as Lachung in North Sikkim.

Today, I will ignite you all with the heart of this village known as Yumthang Valley (also known as Valley of Flowers), which though small in size is big enough to contain all your excitement once you witness its beauty. Kingdom of a trillion species of flowers, it is home to Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, which has over 24 species of rhododendron trees (state tree). This valley is surrounded by snow-covered mountains and beautiful tributaries of River Teesta, the main river of North Bengal. The most significant parts of this valley include a hot spring, huge valley carpeted by different species of flowers, the satisfying view of the deep blue-green river at the fringe of the valley, and the picturesque view of giant mountains wrapped in floppy layers of snow.

Red-hued rhododendrons in Yumthang Valley

Wait! Let me break it down for you guys.

First, the natural hot spring is the main focus for the villagers as it is embraced by important religious beliefs that it can cure many diseases such as body pain, joint pain, etc. Every year during the month of May to October all the villagers go there to dip in the holy water. It is also recommended to drink the water for inner purification. The taste of the hot spring is salty mixed with a pungent smell of egg due to the high concentration of natural chemical substances. Most visitors camp around the hot spring and enjoy the flowering season. 

The forest guest house is the only permanent residence in the valley and is situated next to the hot spring. Locals can stay here during their visit provided the availability of accommodations as there are limited rooms.

Second, this place is widely famous among the outsiders for its untouched natural beauty during the summertime and snowfall during the winter season. The best time to visit in summer is between mid-May and August and in winter between late December and early March. Now you might find different months on other websites, but don’t get confused. I’m telling you according to my personal experience because this place is my hometown so you can completely rely on my words. 

Lachung

During the summertime, this place is covered with rainbow-shaded flowers, and the weather is so clear that you can get a full view of the valley and enjoy nature’s colorful creation. You can visit the beautiful Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, which has different colored rhododendron flowers. The view of the snow-covered mountains will leave you in amusement, and the clear river will add to your chilling adventure. If you are lucky, you will meet lots of local people who come for fishing and picking wild mushrooms for evening supper. If u come across them tag yourself along as you might get to visit some special places and even get to taste some tasty roasted fish.

Third, if you are a winter person and love to experience some chilling cold adventure then winter is the best time for you to visit this place. In winter, the whole of Lachung village, including the valley, is heavily covered with snow, and just like the Disney movie “Frozen,” there is snow everywhere and gives the illusion that the Earth is upside down with the sky beneath your feet. Lots of tourists visit during Christmas holidays to see the magic show of the snowfall. However, during this time the valley remains closed, and due to heavy snowfall the road gets blocked, but you can surely travel to some extent to enjoy some playtime in the snow with your travel partners or locals playing snowball games (make sure to save your head; the game is merciless). You can also join them in building a snowman and click some photos that will keep your memories fresh forever. If you have time, do indulge in local eating joints. Though there aren’t many of them, you will surely get to taste some homemade wine and some traditional food on special request.

                                                            Snowfall during winters in Lachung Village

And finally, an insider tip from me: make friends with local people as there are lots of other cool places that are equally adventurous and exciting to visit apart from your plans. They can show you some amazing places near your hotel and also tell you some thrilling folk stories about our village. Do not worry, the people out here are really helpful and welcoming, and the truth is they feel excited too seeing outsiders visit their place. As a child, I was one of them too, and I still get postcards from a couple from Rajasthan who visited on their honeymoon a long time back.

So, how about some adventure after a long period of lockdown? I, on behalf of my village, welcome you to my hometown Lachung for a lifetime experience and quality time. I can guarantee that you will love this place and visit again with the same enthusiasm.

What I love about travelling is that it helps you to see similarities between cultures and traditions instead of differences.

Until next time.