About Zero Point
Zero Point, officially called Yumsedong, is the last accessible point on the Yumthang Valley road at 4,665m — the northernmost point tourists are permitted to reach in Lachung. Beyond this is the restricted military zone leading to the China border. The landscape is completely above the tree line: bare rock, ice sheets, a frozen river and silence. The Teesta originates from glaciers visible from here. The drive from Lachung (48 km) passes through Yumthang Valley before the road climbs steeply through switchbacks to the snowfields. Most visitors see snow here even in June when the lower valley is green.
Why go to Zero Point
Above the treeline at 4,665m
At Zero Point the world becomes rock, ice and sky. The Teesta source glaciers are visible above. On clear days, the peaks on the Tibet border loom very close.
Snow almost guaranteed year-round
Even in summer (June), permanent snowfields surround Zero Point. For many visitors from the plains, this is their first experience of touching snow and standing in a snowfield.
Source glaciers of the Teesta River
The Teesta — the river that runs through the full length of Sikkim from north to south — originates from glaciers visible from Zero Point. Standing here and then following the river south on your drive back to Gangtok gives the whole landscape a vertical coherence that most visitors feel but can't articulate.
How to reach Zero Point from Lachung
Zero Point is 48 km from Lachung — 25 km beyond Yumthang Valley on the same road, which climbs steeply through switchbacks above the valley floor. Road condition deteriorates above Yumthang and can be rough in places; some sections require 4WD in poor conditions. A military checkpost operates at Zero Point — your vehicle and permits are checked on arrival. Total drive from Lachung: approximately 2 hours.
Best time to visit Zero Point
May and June and September to October. In May and June the lower Yumthang Valley is in full flower while Zero Point still has permanent snowfields — the same day covers green meadows and snowfields at different altitudes, which is part of the appeal. September and October give the clearest views of the surrounding peaks and the most stable road. Depart Lachung by 6am to reach Zero Point before 10am — afternoon cloud and occasional snow flurries arrive reliably after midday. The road is closed November to April.
Time of dayDepart Lachung very early (6–7am) to reach Zero Point by 10am before clouds arrive. The afternoon almost always brings cloud and often snow flurries.
What you need to visit Zero Point
Same permits as for the rest of North Sikkim. We Care Holidays arranges all paperwork. Zero Point is specifically listed on the permit — ensure it is included when booking your North Sikkim package.
Things we always tell our guests about Zero Point
- Altitude above 4,000m — take altitude sickness very seriously. Anyone with heart conditions, respiratory issues or a history of AMS should discuss with their doctor before attempting Zero Point.
- Carry multiple warm layers — temperature is typically -5°C to 5°C even in May.
- The road beyond Yumthang has no facilities. Bring water, food and any medicines you may need.
- Do not exert yourself — walk slowly and breathe deeply.
- Photography of the snowfields is unrestricted. Photography toward the Chinese border direction is prohibited.
Zero Point — your questions answered
More mountain passs in Sikkim & Darjeeling
Other places in Lachung
- ValleyMonasteryTrek