Not a village, Yumthang is just a short strip of tourist-centric shack-shops and cafes, after which the valley opens out into a rare open meadow area.

In a log cottage across the river from Km21.9 is a naturally heated communal hot pool. The attraction here is not joining a half-dozen Indian gents in their underwear in the questionably clean bath.

If you're visiting North Sikkim for just two days, you probably won't have time to wiggle up the endless hairpins that take you on from Yumthang, but the rewards are a complete change in flora.

The Lachung Valley has 24 species of rhododendrons, which burst forth in riotous blossom between March and early May.

Around 15km north of Lachung, the road bumps across a large landslide that has dammed the river, creating a surreal, opal-blue lake with sandy 'beaches'. Best Time To Visit The best time to visit place is definitely during summer between April and May, because of its high altitude. As during winter, snow makes this place dangerous to reach and also unbearably cold. Same is the case for the rainy season. Getting Here One can hire a taxi from Lachung which is just about 26 km / 49 mins of drive away from the Yumthang Valley. The road reaching to this valley offers the spectacular view of the field of varieties of rhododendrons on both sides. Due to its proximity to China border, even this place requires an inner Line Permit, which can be obtained from the Tourist Information Center or through any registered tour operator.