EXPLORE YUNGTHAM
Yungtham ---- this place of North Sikkim is also known as the valley of flowers. Yungtham is a nature made heaven with shore less beauty of Himalaya. It is an unique combination of snow white high hills, glaciers, overflowing falls and hot springs.
It is 141 km away from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim and is 3645 meters high. Chinese border is 12 km from here. In the way from Gangtok to Yungtham you can see the view of river “Tista” and hills covered by forests on its banks. You can also see Katao in this route. After crossing Mongon (67 km away from Gangtok) and Singhik, you have to pass Tung bridge. The military zone starts after the bridge where you have to show RAP (Restricted Area Permit). You can also see Military Camp at Chunthang and ‘Modern Tourist Village’ Lachung more ahead. Your final destination Yungtham is 18 km awayform Lachung. Narrow falls are seen in every turning of roads.
Simkhamu and Singra Glaciers :-
This snow covered glacier starts at Yaksay which is 18 km from Lachung. In the month of April – May the cars also run on the snow. Nothing except white ice can be seen in the eyes of passer by at that time. This snowy road ends after 6 km at Yangtham.Tsa – Chu Hot Spring :-
Valley of Flower :-
Lachung Chu or the river is flowing near the Tsa – Chu. After moving few steps ahead on its bank you can discover the valley of flowers or the valley of Alpine flowers, whatever you can think. In the month of April – May the tourists gather here to view the colorful explosion of Primula, Rododendron, Alpine, Cherry, Oak, Maple, Magnelia etc. on the floor of green grasses. 33 types of Rododendron are seen hare. Various kinds of orchids also add their colors in this valley. High trees like Juniper, Pine, etc. cover this place like an umbrella. Butterflies, Moths, Bees also come to paint this valley. Blue sky and white snow lines of Himalaya are also an attraction.
Army Temple :-
Army Temple of Ld. Shivji is 12 km from Yangtham.
Zodang or the Valley of Essence :-
This 16500 foot high valley is full of scent of auromatic sticks. There rae lot of auromatic trees which spread its essence long away. It is 21 km away from Army Temple.
Yumesemdong :-Yumesemdong is well known fror its hot springs among the ices. It is 15300 foot high where the weather is very cool. There are 14 hot springs here. You can see frequent snowfalls.
KATAO
Katao is more known as the competitor of Yungtham. After crossing Lachung river this place is 24 km to the East. It is on Donkila hills which is 12666 foot high and surrounded by Sargila, Katao, Great Alpine, Domong and Jema hills. Nature of Katao is a combination of cool ices, Popy-Primula-Rododdendron flowers and yaks hare and there. You can play with the ball of snow and do skiing here. There is a military check post where tourists are prohibited. Special permits allow oyu to go 12 km more.
IDEAL SEASON : May – June and first weeks of October – December.
SPECIAL FOOD : The flour of berley and ‘chhampa’ and meat recipe ‘Safale’. Tea with butter and salt and milk product of yak milk are also very special.
TOUR PACKAGE : 3 days and 2 nights from Gangtok.
HOTELS : Hotels are not very frequent from Yangtham. You have to stay at Lachung at Pine View Resort, Le Coxy Resort, Yumthang Valley Inn, Strawberry Inn, Katao View Resort, Yakshiay Resort and many other hotels. You can also carry your ration from Gangtok either.
TRANSPORT: Small buses, Gips, Medium size cars are available from Gangtok.
Now, whenever you get ready for a short trip call your travel agent or reach Gangtok and make arrangements for a trip yourself or contact a local travel agent after reaching Gangtok.
