The hot springs in Sikkim are well-known for their medicinal properties. Due to their rich Sulphur content, these hot springs possess excellent therapeutic value. With proven curative effects on various aliments, the hot springs in Sikkim attract tourists from all over India and even beyond the national borders. What is a Hot Spring? Hot springs, also called as thermal springs, are more or less a natural spa. Any natural spring having a water temperature higher than the normal body temperature can be called as hot spring. Thermal springs are usually rich in mineral content due to the increased dissolving capacity of hot waters. As a result, the concentration of chemicals like Sulphur, Calcium, Lithium, and Fluorides are much higher in hot springs compared to other fresh water sources. Due to this reason, the waters from hot springs have curative property to combat against diseases caused by mineral deficiency. Hot Springs in Sikkim There are several hot springs in Sikkim where the waters attain temperature in excess of 50 °C - even in the freezing winters. The tourism sector in Sikkim has got a significant boost due to the presence of these hot springs and their magical healing properties. While a few of the hot springs enjoy the major share of limelight, the others are relatively lesser known. You may or may not believe in their miraculous healing power, but there is no denying of the fact that bathing in a pool of naturally warm waters can be a truly unique experience to savor. Here's a list of hot springs in Sikkim where you can experience this magical phenomenon. Famous Hot Springs in Sikkim 1. Yumthang Hot Spring The most popular of all the hot springs in Sikkim is the one situated at the picturesque Yumthang village in North Sikkim. It is known as Yumthang Tsachu in the native language. Yumthang hot spring is perched at an altitude of over 11,800 feet above the sea level. Lying close to the course of Lachung river, this hot water spring can be accessed after a short walk of 5 minutes from the Yumthang village. A pedestrian pathway that goes through a small bridge over the Lachung river leads you to this magical pool of hot waters. 2. Yume Samdong Hot Spring Yume Samdong or Zero Point is a popular tourist attraction in Sikkim which is situated at an elevation of over 15,000 feet near the high altitude mountain pass of Donkia-La. Located close to the Indo-China border, civilian movement is restricted beyond this point, hence the place is also known as Zero Point. Zero Point receives snow-fall during the winter months and it retains snow-cover for most parts of the year, yet the waters in Yume Samdong spring is surprisingly hot. It lies on the banks of Sebu Chu river. Located at a distance of 23 KM from Yumthang, a 1.5 hours' drive can take you to the exceptionally scenic locale. It can also be accessed from Lachung after a 2.5 hours' drive. 3. Phurchachu (Phur Tsa Chu) / Reshi Hot Spring This thermal spring is situated at Reshi around 25 KM away from Gyalshing and 34 KM from Ravangla. It is a 30 minutes drive from the small township of Legship (8 KM). One can also reach here from Jorethang, which is a 1 hour journey by jeep. Reshi or Phurchachu, also spelt as Phur Tsa chu, lies by the side of Rangit river. To access Reshi hot springs, you need to walk for around 10 minutes from the Gyalshing-Legship highway. A descend of 70 odd stairs lead you to the hot pool of waters which is known to have therapeutic properties to fight against skin diseases, bronchitis and hearing disorder. Reshi hot springs is located close to Kah-do Sang Phu caves, which is believed to be sacred by the local people and you will come across lots of pilgrims visiting this site, especially during the period between January and March. Apart from the hot water springs, the place is also known to be an excellent spot for bird-watching. 4. Borong and Ralong Hot Springs Situated near Ravangla in South Sikkim, the Borong and Ralong hot springs are located within a radius of 7 KM from each other. It takes close to an hour-long trek to arrive at Ralong Tsachu from the famed Ralong Monastery at Ravangla. Borong Tsachu has a relatively less difficult access as the first 7 KM has motorable roads. After the initial drive, it takes a further 40 minutes' downhill walk to reach at Borong. The location is exceptionally scenic. After negotiating the tiresome trek, you will be rewarded with breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. Basic trekker's huts are available for those who would like to stay there overnight. However, do make sure to carry your food/drink along, as there's no such facility in this remote area. 5. Lhabha Tarum Hot Spring Tarum thermal spring is located in the Northern part of Sikkim near Lachen. Nestled between the high altitude mountain peaks, Tarum hot spring can be reached after a treacherous trek of 7 KM from the Lhabha Valley. There is not one, but two hot water pools lying side by side. Due to the remote location, not many tourists visit this place and hence the water is very clean. The revitalizing surrounding adds to the charm and makes for a memorable experience. Lesser Known Hot Springs in Sikkim 6. Shagyong Hot Spring: It is located in North Sikkim, around 29 KM away from Lachen. Not many tourists visit this place as it requires climbing down a hilly terrain filled with thick vegetation. 7. Gangyap Hot Spring: Located at a distance of 19 KM from Ravangla in West Sikkim. It is also known as Tashiding hot springs. 8. Tholung Hot Spring: Situated near Dzongu in North Sikkim. It can be accessed after a short walk from Tholung Monastery. The site is considered sacred as Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated in a cave adjacent to this thermal spring. Regards, Deb
deb i am new to this forum so i hope this posts in the correct place i am interested in visiting the Tarum hot springs . i think these were visited by my Grandmother in 1910 but have a description from a diary entry, please can you describe in more detail the walk in and the environment and i will cross reference with the information i have already many thanks bill
In order to reach Tarum hot springs, you need to climb a height of stairs which many address as the stairway to heaven. As you will be climbing up towards the hot springs, you will be seeing the low lying clouds and lush green forests. There are two hot springs (ponds) known as the female and male pond. The pond with the cooler water is the female pond and the hotter one is the male pond. It is believed that you should first go into the female pond first the male pond. The atmosphere at Tarum hot springs is very relaxing and the surroundings and taking a dip in the hot springs sets ones mind free. Like many tourists and locals, it is recommended to stay at the hot springs for at least one night. I hope this information was helpful for you. Please do post any other queries you have.
dhruv thank you can you camp at the springs or is there a hut/lodge? i will find the diary and copy the mention of the springs and see if its the same place thanks again bill
You can either camp at the springs, or stay at a small structured house there. It consists of two rooms, kitchen and a bathroom.
