Yuksom tourism and travel guide
Overview
Yuksom is located in the Geyzing area of West Sikkim and was established in 1642 when the first Chogyal, Phuntsog Namgyal, was coronated at this site. The Chogyal ruled the region for about 333 years. Even though it was the first capital of Sikkim, Yuksom, which means the ‘meeting place’ is a small village today. History goes that three Tibetan monks met here and chose the king – Phuntsog – as the first Sikkimese king. It is one of the four designated holy places that are believed to be the plexuses of the human body and have been consecrated by Guru Padmasambhava – Yuksom is the ‘third eye.’
Besides the religious significance of Yuksom, it is also the base of the famed Dzongri-Goechala Trek, a trek to Mt. Kangchenjunga.
Located at an elevation of 1,780 meters (5,480 ft), Yuksom is located in Western Sikkim. The place is a valley surrounded by the Khangchendzonga mountain range. The Kanchenjunga National Park, which is a protected area, is adjoining Yuksom. The place is surrounded by thick forest cover containing various flora fauna and is known for its beautiful Landscape. Some of the tree species that one can find here include rhododendron, birch, oak, chestnut, maple, magnolia, alder, and therefore is famously known as the ‘biodiversity hotspot’ in Sikkim.
Due to its moderate height from the sea level, Yuksom has pleasant weather conditions, especially from March till November. The winter months of December to February are the cold months.
This heritage village in Sikkim has around 364 households and about 2000 people (Census 2011). The locals here belong to the Nepalese and Bhutia communities. It is believed that when Phuntsog became the king, he converted ensured that all the local Lepchas convert to Buddhism. As a result, most people here belong to the Buddhist sect. The main languages spoken here include Nepali, Limbu, Bhutia, Lepcha, Hindi, and English. Most of the villagers here are engaged in agriculture.
You can enjoy local food in Yuksom, including Thukpa, Tibetan bread, Tongba, Bamboo drink, Beer, Yak Cheese momos, Beef rice, and Cheese and Tomato toast. You also get to shop for local handicrafts like Tibetan Thankas, carpets, dragon sets, rugs, gold and silver jewelry, wall hangings, wooden handicrafts, bamboo artifacts, shawls, blankets, knitted dresses, cardamom, and tea.
Due to its rich biodiversity, the Biodiversity Festival is organized annually here by the Forest Department. It is the first of its kind festival in Sikkim. The purpose of the Festival is to help locals understand the essence of their natural heritage.
While the natural beauty of the place cannot be ignored, Yuksom holds the key to many religious and cultural hotspots that are must-visit places for tourists. Khecheopalri Lake is one such place. The word means flying angels palace. Considered holy by the locals, the Maghe Purne Festival in April attracts many tourists here every year.
The Throne of Norbugang is one such place. Tourists get to see the stone throne with four seats placed at different levels. The seats have the pictures and names of various monks and kings who occupied the seats. The pine tree under which the coronation had happened still exists.
There are many monasteries in and around Yuksom. The Dubdi Monastery is the oldest. You need to arrive to cross a winding trail to arrive at the monastery. The Kartok Monastery is located opposite Kartok Lake. Yuksom Temple is home to a gigantic prayer wheel, while the Shrine of the Yangthang Rinpoche bears a huge statue of Yangthang, believed to be the incarnation of Lama Lutsum Chembo, locally.
Nature lovers must visit the Kathok Pokhri, which is a small-sized lake with an ancient past. It is worshipped by locals, lined with prayer flags as it is believed to be pious.
Yuksom is a must-visit for people who love adventure activities as it is the hub of trekking in this part of the world. The Dzong Trek is famous for a trek to the Kanchenjunga. The Dubdi and Hongri Monastery treks are also equally popular. If you love flora and fauna, the Kanchandzonga National Park trek is for you. On the way, you pass a waterfall, and as you reach the National Park, you can view the Kanchenjunga and yaks grazing on its slopes.
