Yuksom, Sikkim
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This tiny village with huge historical importance welcomes visitors with the breathtaking beauty of the Kanchanaganga range of mountains as the backdrop. Nestled amidst unimaginable natural beauty, Yuksom is made to order if you are a history-loving tourist looking for solitude and some hiking. It is the first capital of Sikkim and is the place where the first Chogyal (ruler) of Sikkim was coronated in 1642. The Chogyals ruled for 333 years until 1975 when Sikkim became part of India. Pay a visit to the oldest monastery in Sikkim built by the Chogyals of Yuksom. Make a dash to the beautiful waterfalls nearby and if you can dare then take part in the trekking expedition to the base of Kanchanaganga. Yuksom may be small, but its credentials are big. The best time to visit Yuksom is from March to May. Yuksom is approximately 120 kilometres away from Gangtok, the state capital. The nearest rail link is New Jalpaiguri about 145 kilometres away. Bagdogra is the nearest airport about 150 kilometres away.
Nearby Places to See
Dubdi Monastery
Located at a distance of about 20 minutes’ walk from Yuksom atop an elevated area amidst the woods, the monastery also known as Yuksom monastery, was built in 1701 by the then Chogyal of Sikkim. It is the first monastery of Sikkim, now stands renovated. Kartok monastery in the town near a lake is also worth a visit.
Located at a distance of about 20 minutes’ walk from Yuksom atop an elevated area amidst the woods, the monastery also known as Yuksom monastery, was built in 1701 by the then Chogyal of Sikkim. It is the first monastery of Sikkim, now stands renovated. Kartok monastery in the town near a lake is also worth a visit.
Kanchenjunga Falls
This lovely waterfall is located 10 kilometres away from Yuksom near a bridge at a bend on the road towards Meli village. The waterfall puts up a spectacular show during monsoon and turns into a pleasant look during winter. It is a well-known tourist place with a couple of shops around.
This lovely waterfall is located 10 kilometres away from Yuksom near a bridge at a bend on the road towards Meli village. The waterfall puts up a spectacular show during monsoon and turns into a pleasant look during winter. It is a well-known tourist place with a couple of shops around.
Phamrong Falls
This waterfall is located 7 kilometres away from Yuksom near a bridge on a bend in the road towards Gerethang. The 60-70 feet tall waterfall is a nice place to spend time with family. The waterfall is best watched from a safe distance because of the large boulders at the base.
This waterfall is located 7 kilometres away from Yuksom near a bridge on a bend in the road towards Gerethang. The 60-70 feet tall waterfall is a nice place to spend time with family. The waterfall is best watched from a safe distance because of the large boulders at the base.
Khecheopalri Lake
Located at more than 5600 feet above sea level, this scenic lake is said to be more than 3500 years old. It is in a circular area surrounded on all sides by forest-covered hills. This holy lake is situated about 25 kilometres from Yuksom. Trekking options are also available from Yuksom to this lake.
Located at more than 5600 feet above sea level, this scenic lake is said to be more than 3500 years old. It is in a circular area surrounded on all sides by forest-covered hills. This holy lake is situated about 25 kilometres from Yuksom. Trekking options are also available from Yuksom to this lake.
Kanchenjunga National Park
Yuksom is the only place from where trekking trails lead into this park. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is not accessible by road. Human habitat is restricted to some settlements of Lepcha tribes. Dzongri at 13,000 feet above sea level is the nearest village to the park and it is a 2 days trek away from Yuksom. Some of the rarest flora and fauna endemic to the Himalayan region are found in this park sprawled over a hilly area of nearly 850 square kilometres.
Yuksom is the only place from where trekking trails lead into this park. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is not accessible by road. Human habitat is restricted to some settlements of Lepcha tribes. Dzongri at 13,000 feet above sea level is the nearest village to the park and it is a 2 days trek away from Yuksom. Some of the rarest flora and fauna endemic to the Himalayan region are found in this park sprawled over a hilly area of nearly 850 square kilometres.
Norbugang Coronation Throne
This place in the centre of the city is believed to be the place where the coronation of the first Chogyal of Sikkim took place in 1642. The first king of Sikkim sat on a stone throne and this throne is still seen here and referred to as the throne of Norbugang.
This place in the centre of the city is believed to be the place where the coronation of the first Chogyal of Sikkim took place in 1642. The first king of Sikkim sat on a stone throne and this throne is still seen here and referred to as the throne of Norbugang.
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