Adventure · Yumthang Valley
A snow day on the valley floor in March
In March Yumthang's valley floor is often still white while Lachung below has thawed. It is the gentlest way for families to play in deep snow without the 4,700 m altitude of Zero Point. Rent boots in Lachung and keep it to two hours.
Every March, families from the plains come to North Sikkim hoping for snow. Zero Point is the sure thing, but it is around 4,700 m, which is hard on young children and older people. Yumthang, at 3,564 m, often has snow cover on the valley floor into late March or early April, and the drive is shorter.
Hire knee-high snow boots and a long coat in Lachung the evening before, for ₹100–300 each. Leave at 6 am to reach the snow while it is firm. Snow fights, a short walk along the river and photographs with the peaks behind take about two hours, and that is plenty at this height. Small stalls sell tea and Maggi.
Wear sunglasses: snow glare at altitude can burn eyes in a few hours. Put sunscreen on children's faces. If anyone gets a bad headache or becomes very sleepy, go down to Lachung. In heavy snow years the road above Lachung may be closed entirely, so check current status before you travel.
Cost: Boot and coat rental ₹100–300
Questions people ask
Good to know
Is there snow in Yumthang in March?
Often, yes. In most years snow covers the valley floor through March and sometimes into early April. It depends on the winter's snowfall and recent weather. In a heavy snow year, the road above Lachung may close; in a dry year the snow may already be patchy. Check current status before you travel.
Yumthang or Zero Point for snow with kids?
Yumthang, if it has snow. At 3,564 m it is about 1,100 m lower than Zero Point, which reduces the risk of altitude sickness for young children. Zero Point almost always has snow but is around 4,700 m, costs extra and is a harder outing for small children.
Where can I rent snow boots for Yumthang?
Rent them in Lachung, where many shops and homestays hire knee-high boots and long coats for ₹100–300 a day. You pick them up the evening before and return them after the trip. Gangtok shops also rent gear, but it is more convenient in Lachung.
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