Sikkim Flora | Yumthang and Yume Samdong Valley in June

At the start of the monsoon in early June and after the crowds have gone the valley between Yumthang and Yume Samdong  in North Sikkim presents a floral spectacle which is not seen by many. Here are some photographs of the flora of the valley.

Flowers of the Yumthang-Yume Samdong Valley, North Sikkim

In June 2014, I returned to Sikkim after many years. The purpose of my visit was to make the preliminary arrangements for a  South Col trek to Green Lakes in October 2014,  but after that I spent three days in North Sikkim photographing the flora of the Lachung valley. It was mid June and the monsoon had just started. The lower valley from Lachung to Yumtang which is between 9,000 and 11,000 feet had completed flowering but the upper valley especially near the meadows of Yume Samdong were spectacular. Here are some images from this visit - I am not too sure of the names so if there are any botanists they can correct me if I am wrong!

Rhododendron campanulatum var - aeroginosum  

The scenic Yumthang valley

Rhododendron campylocarpum flowers near a stream

Himalayan Blue Poppy - Meconopsis Horridula

Meconopsis Regia?

Rhododendron campanulatum

Rhododendrons in bud

Primula Denticulata

For more photos of Sikkim flora please do visit  http://www.sujoydas.com/Sikkim-Himalaya/Sikkim-Flora