Chumathang Valley – A Pristine Hamlet at Leh

Chumathang Valley is a pristine and tranquil location at Leh, the capital city of Ladakh. The spectacular hamlet is phenomenal for hot springs, trekking across its picturesque mountain trails, and gorgeous green meadows. Nestled within the majestic Himalayan ranges, its enigmatic and enchanting aura allures thousands of adventure enthusiasts, hikers, trekkers, and nature admirers. It has now been a haven for tourists from all over India and abroad.

Located on the banks of the River Indus, the beauty of Chumathang is unparalleled and limitless. The small huts spread across the village transform the place into a dreamland. Standing at the foot of the mountains and gazing at the lush greenery is a treat to the eyes.

Trekking Across Chumathang Valley

Trekking across the valley is quite popular among hikers and trekkers. The entire trekking journey is completed in 6 days. But the interesting part of the journey is you will not feel tired. Especially because of the soothing environment, the calmness encompassing the village, and the breathtaking natural beauty. The trek starts from Chumathang and ends at Yaya Tso. Along the trekking route, you will notice a chorten (monastery) and a gompa (an institute for learning). Both the Chorten and the Gompa are present near the village on the mountain slopes and are considered holy places of worship by the locals.

The Hot Springs at the Valley

The key attraction of the Chumathang Valley is the hot springs. The springs are quite famous in India among the tourists visiting Leh. You can see the hot fumes coming out from the Sulphur springs on the banks of the River Indus. It is really astonishing to witness hot springs amid a cold desert.

The locals believe that the springs possess immense medicinal value. But they also use the spring waters for their daily household needs. You must go for a hot bath in the spring waters for refreshing your body and health care. It is believed that the spring waters relieve the human body of headache and fatigue. A dip into the spring waters or a few mugs of hot water is perfect for the complete relaxation of the tiring muscles. It also helps you to beat the cold chilling weather and keep yourself refreshed. The locals also believe that hot water heals many skin diseases and body pains.

The Other Attractions in the Valley

You can find small street-side restaurants, food stalls, and dhabas greeting the visitors with delicious and mouth-watering local and Chinese delicacies. The aroma of the delectable food along with their lips-smacking taste is sure to satiate your hunger and taste buds. You can enjoy the food while sitting and relaxing amid exquisite views of the sprawling mountain ranges.

Visitors often get a chance to spot wildlife near Chumathang village. Marmots, blue sheep, yaks can be seen roaming about in the green meadows and the mountain slopes. The flora and fauna are a perfect delight for wildlife photographers. You can click on some amazing pictures of nature and its stunning beauty.

There are several homestays in Chumathang valley, some are near the Hot Water Springs. You can stay overnight and even enjoy the hot bath from the springs, supplied inside the homestays. You will also come across an Army medical center.

How to reach the Valley?

If you traveling by air, then the nearest airport is at Leh. From there, you can hire a cab to directly reach Chumathang valley. The distance between the valley and Leh is approximately 138 km, being accessible only by road. Majority of the tourists visiting the valley love to trek along the mountain trails. There are both short and long treks. For those who do not prefer trekking, you can stay overnight at one of the homestays. You can engage in a leisurely walk across the village and meeting the villagers. Sitting and relaxing in the valley while immersing in the breathtaking views of the landscape, is bliss.

The Best Time to visit the Valley

The best time to visit the valley is between the summer months starting from April till June. The weather is pleasant and soothing with the snow melted in most parts of the valley. The roads are comfortable for trekking and the climate is perfect for sightseeing.

If you are planning for a visit to Leh, do not miss out on visiting Chumathang Valley. It is a must-visit place among all the tourist destinations of Leh. The captivating landscape of the valley creates a charming experience, convincing you to return again to witness its natural magic.

Author

Kuntala

A travel enthusiast craving to explore the exotic destinations in the world, deciphering the mysteries and the thrill concealed in them.