Adventure · Yumesamdong (Zero Point)
A snow morning at Zero Point
The classic add-on to Yumthang: drive to the end of the civilian road, play in the snow for half an hour, drink a hot tea and come back down. Rent boots and coats in Lachung, start by 6 am, and watch everyone for signs of altitude sickness.
Most visitors come to Zero Point for one thing: snow. From roughly November to May the valley head is white, and even in October there are patches. The drive from Lachung goes through Yumthang, so you see the rhododendron valley on the way up and stop again on the way down.
At the top, vehicles park near a cluster of seasonal stalls. Walk a short way from the road for clean snow, but stay on the flatter ground and away from streams that may be running under the snow. Half an hour of snow play is plenty. At about 4,700 m, even throwing snowballs can leave you breathless.
The price is per vehicle, ₹3,000–4,500, and set by local rules. In a shared tour, the driver collects it from everyone who wants to go; if some passengers do not want to, they may have to wait at Yumthang. Agree this the evening before. If the road is closed by snow, ask whether the add-on will be refunded.
Cost: ₹3,000–4,500 per vehicle
Questions people ask
Good to know
How much is Zero Point extra from Lachung?
About ₹3,000–4,500 per vehicle in 2025–26, on top of the normal Lachung tour price. In a shared vehicle this is split between passengers who go. The rate is set locally and changes, so confirm with your agent before leaving Gangtok, and agree whether it is refunded if snow closes the road.
Is there always snow at Zero Point?
Usually from November to May, often deep from December to April. In October snow can be patchy, and in a warm year late May may be thin. Heavy snowfall can also close the road entirely. Check current status before you travel and ask your driver the evening before.
How long can we stay at Zero Point?
Plan 30–60 minutes. Drivers want to get back down before the weather changes, and the altitude of roughly 4,700 m makes longer stays uncomfortable for most visitors. If anyone develops a bad headache, nausea or confusion, leave immediately.
Also in Yumesamdong (Zero Point)
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Viewpoints · 1.5 hours each wayAbove the treeline from YumthangYumesamdong (Zero Point) · Part of the Zero Point add-on
Food · 30 minutesMaggi and butter tea at the topYumesamdong (Zero Point) · ₹60–150
Viewpoints · 45 minutesGlacial streams and the valley headYumesamdong (Zero Point) · Part of the Zero Point add-on