Yumthang Valley is a grazing pasture surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains in the district of Sikkim. It lies at an elevation of 3,575 m and is located at a distance of 24 km from Lachung and approximately 150 km from Gangtok. The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary lies in between Lachung and Yumthang Valley and has over twenty four species of rhododendrons which bloom from April to May end.
It is an awe-inspiring feeling to be in Yumthang valley in the spring time when the boulevard leading to Yumthang valley is gulped up by striking hues of Rhododendron trees. The valley is trapped in the natural beauty of snow-clad peaks, the treeless Tibetan plateau stretching far off into the distance and a placid brook curving in the middle of them. A number of hot springs are scattered in the valley providing an unexpected opportunity to feel the warmth of the water even in freezing temperature. Rich in sulfur these springs are believed to have miraculous healing power. Situated further up at a distance of 16 km, at an altitude of about 16,000 feet is Yumesamdong, a valley grazed by yaks and their nomadic shepherds. This place is also dotted with sulfur hot springs.