Yuksom

The Ancient capital of Sikkim

With a deep underlying history of more than 300 years, Yuksom holds a vital place in Sikkim's Kingdom. The first capital and the centre of the Buddhist pilgrims, Yuksom became the seat of power in 1642 when three of the most learned monks from Tibet assembled in this small village to propagate and establish the Buddhist religion.

Yuksom, or 'the meeting place of three Monks', is where Mahayana Buddhism was introduced and became Sikkim's state religion. They crowned the first Chogyal of Sikkim at a place called Norbugang. The next three centuries were marked by strife due to the Nepalis' aggression, then Bhutias and later the British. But despite continuous antagonism and interference, Sikkim did manage to retain a reasonable autonomy until it ceded to India. The long journey of the Chogyals kingdom lasted for 333 years till its amalgamation with India in 1975.

Accommodation

Although there are no high-end modern hotels, few newly built hotels in Yuksom offer essential comfort. Tashigang Hotel, located in friendly natural surroundings, is the oldest Hotel in Yuksom. The Red Palace and Yuksom Residency are the other new hotels with a nice ambience. There are some small lodges in the market for backpackers and trekkers. Gupta's food joint is widespread and the only restaurant in the market.

Activities in Yuksom

Hiking in Yuksom - Yuksom is the base for exploring the Kanchenjunga National Park. A famous trek through prime forests of Rhododendron, Oaks and Magnolia – to Goechala at Mt Kanchenjunga's base originates from here. Apart from the popular Dzongri-Goechala Trek, several short-day treks make this village an important hiking destination.

Village experience - Under the foot of beautiful snow peak Mt Pandim, Yuksom, at an altitude of 1800 meters, holds a small village and a market with few shops and lodges. The stunning countryside is marked by thick forests and agricultural fields. The myths, legends, and folklores still dominate the local villagers' lives in Yuksom, consisting of Nepalese and Lapcha communities. The unpolluted and tranquil lifestyle of the villagers can be an exciting observation for the travellers.

Attractions in Yuksom

Norbugang Chorten
The famous Norbugang Chorten (Throne of the first Chogyal of Sikkim in 1642) referred to the historic event in 1642 when the great Lama Lhatsun Chembo from Tibet met the Lamas Sempa Chembo and Rinzing Chembo in Norbugang near Yuksom.
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Dubdi Monastery
West Sikkim's monasteries are among the oldest, especially the small but beautiful Dubdi Monastery near Yuksom. A 30 min gentle uphill walk through woods takes you to this lonely hermitage far from any human settlements.
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Tashiding Monastery
A day's trek or a couple of hours drive away is the famous Tashiding Monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is built on a hilltop between the Rathong and the Rangeet rivers in West Sikkim.
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Falls and lake
Following the rugged mountain road, one can reach places like the Rimbi Falls near the tourist town of Pelling. Not far from here is the famous Khecheopalri lake that is considered holy by the local Buddhists and Hindus.
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Hotels and Stays

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Connectivity

Yuksom lies at a distance of 35kms from Pelling, the most crucial tourist hub in West Sikkim. The motorable road connecting Yuksom with Gezing – the headquarter of West Sikkim and Legship ends near a helipad in Yuksom. From here, the trek to the highly sensitive Kanchenjunga National Park begins.