Yumesamdong Zero Point, North Sikkim

Yumesamdong Zero Point, North Sikkim

Yumesamdong is the place people talk about in books and novels, a place where roads and civilization ends, A place so pure and virtuous that even the heavens are a no match. Yumesamdong is termed as a paradise by all of its visitors, a magical place where there is nothing and everything at the same time. Crowned at a height of 15300 ft. above sea level, the place looks ethereal and mystical like an abode of angels. Due to its high altitude and close proximity to the Chinese boarders the place is decked with high security by Indian military and requires permission to visit. The thrilling roads leading to Yumesamdong will offer its tourists once in a lifetime of experience. The beauty of rhododendrons illuminates the valley with its aroma and gives a sight to the excursionists. No visitors are allowed beyond that point.

Location-

Yumesamdong being the last stop in yumthang valley is located along the Lachung River. It is approximately 25km away from the yumthang valley. The drive from yumthang to yumesamdong is treacherous with a lot of bends and curves; it gives a proper adrenaline boost to the thrill-seekers.

How to reach-

One can easily reach yumesamdong by hired vehicles from Gangtok, Lachung or Yumthang valley, a lot of drivers will be ready to offer you a ride, but only the authorized drivers are allowed to drive on that track. There are also chopper services available to go to Yumesamdong. However, it is easy to reach the valley but the tourists still need an inner lining pass to cross the roads that leads towards the valley because of its contiguity with Chinese boarders. To get an inner lining pass, you need 2 passport size photos along with a valid identification card.

Major attractions-

Shingba rhododendron sanctuary- the shingba sanctuary is the most famous sanctuary is Sikkim as it offers more than 40 species of rhododendrons. It is located in yumthang valley, because of this sanctuary and the variety of flowers it offers, yumthang also came to be known as the valley of flowers. The beauty of this sanctuary is impeccable as visitors from all over the world come every year in abundance. The attractive terrains gives a soothing contour to the entire valley and make it picture worthy, also green luscious grasslands adds on to the overall beauty of sanctuary.

Lachung monastery- the ancient Buddhist monastery dates back to the early 1800s, surrounded amidst heavy apple orchards the monastery looks incredible. Standing among the scenic landscapes and enormous snow clad mountains, it offers a peaceful and tranquil environment. The monastery was built by nyingmapa sect of Buddhism and holds a great value for the locals who worship the statue of guru padmasambhava here.

Best time to visit-

Best time to visit yumesamdong is from March to June, in peak summer seasons the valley looks marvelous and intimidating. The color changing sky during the summers gives an unparallel view to the travelers. The hues blends together with the snow capped mountains and a pleasant aroma fills up the entire valley. The green grasslands of blossoming flowers along with the slightly chilly weather acts as a perfect combination for an ideal vacation. Yumesamdong also sees a lot of visitors in the month of October and November as the entire valley is covered with snow, and if you are lucky enough you can also witness snowfall here.

Food eateries-

Since yumesamdong valley is so isolated and distant from other places in north Sikkim, there is zero to no chance of getting any kind of food eatery here, so it is advisable to pack and carry your own snacks before going to the valley. however, You can spot a few small and cozy shops along your way to the valley which offers tea, momos, Maggie , pakodas and other packed products, so travelers can fill themselves up along the way as there is zero chance of getting any kind of food stalls up at the view point.

Travel story-

Before going to Sikkim, I knew I had to go to yumesamdong valley. I have heard so much about it that I just couldn’t miss it for the world. Actually secretly I wanted to visit Sikkim just so I could see the valley. I had heard that you need an inner lining pass to go there so I had my pass booked before-hand just to be sure that I don’t waste my time there. Because of the high altitude of the place, the level of oxygen is generally low so I had packed everything I might end up needing at the time. Since there are no shops, no clinics there it was essential to carry every important medicine and food with me. I took an authorized jeep from Yumthang valley to go to yumesamdong; the roads leading to the view point were perilous, only the authorized drivers are allowed to drive because of the unpaved roads. The journey from my hotel to the view point was thrilling and exciting. When we finally reached at the view point, I was stunned at the magnificent sight. The valley really looked like a part from heaven has dropped from the sky. The milky white snow, the elegant mountains and the never ending trail of summits. It was surreal. The aura of the place was different from any other place. It looked like as if someone has lusciously stroked all the beautiful shades of white and grey into making this place. It was transcendental and memorable.