Yumthang - Valley of flowers

Yumthang Valley is a beautiful place situated in north Sikkim. It sits at an elevation of 11,800 feet above sea-level, at a distance of 150 km from the state capital Gangtok.

After having a quick breakfast, we started for Yumthang Valley which was approximately 25 km from Lachung. Our driver told us that it would take minimum 2-3 hours to reach Yumthang as the the roads very steep and we need to climb about 2500 feet. There was a a minor security check before entering the stretch to Yumthang. The Indian army has a base camp in Lachung and we saw few soldiers jogging on the way. 

The road was full of mist and the visibility was not very clear. The route was full of waterfalls and at places the roads were submerged by the flowing water. It was too scenic around to be expressed into words, the clouds were hanging low and the trees over the slopes of the mountains were soaked into them. After driving for sometime, we heard a gurgling sound which was actually a tributary of river Teesta flowing between the mountains. 

Finally, we reached Yumthang Valley. It was extremely picturesque, with the slopes covered with green trees, yaks grazing in the flower-spangled grassy plains below, and a river flowing right through the valley. The serene and tranquil air of the Valley cannot be described in words. 

 There was forest house and some shops at the entrance. A good number of people were having breakfast there. We were too longing for a tea before starting to explore the valley of flowers but the magnetic beauty of the place pulled us towards itself. I kept moving ahead enchanted by the surroundings. One could see a series mountains standing tall in a queue which were all painted green. There were so may varieties of flowers around which were countless.

The grass throughout the Valley was covered intermittently with tiny pink and yellow flowers.We strolled through this charming expanse of greenery, dotted with wonderful wildflowers, and watch the river which was flowing through the Valley.

We did not feel like walking out of the paradise, but our driver wanted us to leave early so that we can reach Gangtok by evening. We came back to the hotel and after a little of bit rest, we had lunch, and then started the drive back to Gangtok. As the journey was down the hill, the drive was shorter. We stopped at Mangan which was approximately 50 km before Gangtok for some snacks. Finally, we reached Gangtok by dusk.

As we lay in our beds after a hot shower, the beautiful flowers of Yumthang Valley and its serene slopes refuse to leave our thoughts. Hours after arriving, we still roam about in an enchanted state.

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