Wellness · Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
A warm soak at the Yumthang hot spring
Cross the river at Yumthang to the sulphur hot spring, where local families and visitors soak tired feet after the cold drive. Facilities are simple, but warm water in a snowbound valley is hard to beat.
Photo: Vercity05 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsThe hot spring lies near the river on the valley floor, reached by a short walk and a footbridge from the parking area. Water from a sulphur spring is channelled into small pools and enclosures, used by local people for bathing and believed to ease aches and skin problems.
Most visitors simply sit and soak their feet; full bathing is possible in the enclosure if you are prepared for basic changing arrangements. The air is very cold, so the contrast is strong. Bring a small towel, and dry off quickly before you walk back.
Do not use soap or shampoo in the pools, and take all rubbish away. If you have heart conditions, avoid long soaks in hot water at altitude and talk to your doctor before the trip.
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Questions
Before you book
Is the Yumthang hot spring open all year?
It can be reached whenever the road to Yumthang is open, usually from March to December. Heavy snow in winter can stop vehicles below the valley.
Can I bathe in the Yumthang hot spring?
Yes, there is a simple enclosure for bathing, though facilities are basic. Most visitors only soak their feet. Do not use soap or shampoo.
Is the hot spring water safe?
Local people have used it for generations. Do not drink it, keep soaks short, and avoid it if you have heart conditions or open wounds.