Lachung Valley of Flowers & Snow Point Circuit
Tour Overview
Nestled at an altitude of 8,610 feet along the banks of the roaring Lachung Chu river, Lachung (meaning 'Small Pass') is one of North Sikkim's most scenic alpine villages. Flanked by towering snow-capped crags, cascading waterfalls, and apple orchards, it provides the quintessential mountain retreat for travelers heading toward the world-famous Yumthang Valley.
Known popularly as the Sikkim Valley of Flowers, Yumthang bursts into vibrant carpets of over 24 species of wild Rhododendrons between March and May, turning into an untouched snow wonderland in winter. Beyond Yumthang lies Zero Point (Yumesamdong) at 15,300 feet, where the motorable road ends near the international border, offering eternal snow, and Mount Katao, the premier snow-sports and adventure ridge in North Sikkim. Verma Holidays manages your entire travel arrangement, from specialized mountain permits to heavy 4WD vehicles and authentic homestays.
Key Sightseeing Attractions
Discover the prominent high-altitude spots included in our Lachung circuit:
1. Yumthang Valley (11,800 ft)
A paradise of alpine meadows and grazing yaks along the river bed. Home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary and rejuvenating sulfur thermal hot springs with therapeutic minerals.
2. Zero Point (Yumesamdong - 15,300 ft)
The edge of civilian exploration where roads end near the Indo-China border. Perennially covered in thick snow, it offers breathtaking views of jagged peaks and glaciers.
3. Mount Katao (15,000 ft)
A premier adventure spot situated ~28 km from Lachung. Known for steep snow slopes, pine-fringed alpine ridges, and snow-tubing activities during peak winter and spring seasons.
4. Lachung Monastery & Waterfalls
Visit the 1880-built Lachung Gompa surrounded by apple orchards, and witness the roaring force of Twin Falls and Bhim Nala Waterfall along the route.
Expedition Schedule & Itinerary Flow
Click on each section to check schedule timings, road passes, and transfer milestones:
Gangtok to Lachung Scenic Transfer (Via Singhik, Chungthang & Waterfalls)
Excursion to Yumthang Valley, Zero Point (15,300 ft) & Mount Katao
What's Included & Excluded
Package Inclusions
- Private heavy hill vehicle (Scorpio / Bolero / Innova) with hill chauffeur
- Official Protected Area Permits (PAP) & check-post clearances
- Hotel / resort stay in Lachung with hot water & heating provisions
- Complete meal plan: Buffet breakfast, hot lunch, and dinner
- Sightseeing to Lachung Village & Yumthang Valley of Flowers
- All parking charges, driver bhatta, and state fuel levies
Package Exclusions
- Direct driver add-on fee for Zero Point & Mt. Katao (paid locally)
- Snow boot, gloves, and overcoat rental fees at Yumthang market
- Personal packaged beverages, soft drinks, or hard liquor
- Emergency medical expenses, medicines, or bottled oxygen cans
- Extra costs arising from road blockages, snow slides, or strikes
- Anything not explicitly detailed under inclusions
Important Travel Tips for Lachung & Zero Point
- Zero Point & Katao Add-On: Trips to Zero Point and Mt. Katao depend on live weather and Indian Army road clearance. Drivers charge an extra supplement (approx. ₹3,000–₹4,500 per vehicle) for these extensions beyond Yumthang.
- Permits & Documentation: Lachung is a restricted military border area. 2 passport photos and original Voter ID / Passport (along with photocopies) are mandatory for permit issuance.
- Warm Gear Rental: Rent gumboots, heavy windproof snow jackets, and gloves from the colorful roadside stalls at Yumthang or Lachung before ascending to Zero Point.
- Plastic Ban Compliance: North Sikkim strictly prohibits packaged mineral water bottles. Bring steel or insulated thermos flasks; hotels provide filtered hot water freely.