Yuksom

Yuksom, situated in the western region of Sikkim is a picturesque Sikkim's settlement. Approximately 35 km away from Pelling and perched at an altitude of 1780mt, it is one of the prominent historically significant towns in Sikkim. Tucked amidst the dense forest of Kanchenjunga National Park, Yuksom is blessed with an abundance of nature. With the scenic vista of Mt Kanchenjunga and rich Himalayan flora and fauna, Yuksom is the must-visit place in Sikkim for travelers searching for a place to find solace and tranquility. The first religious king of Sikkim was crowned in this village by the three monks who traveled all the way from Tibet. This historic event took place in 1641 and the coronation day was marked by building a stupa in Yuksom near the ceremonial ground.

Tourist Attractions

The valley of Yuksom is full of pictorial sights. From the village, the following sightseeing places or attractions can be explored.

Dubdi Monastery

In this village, Dubdi Monastery is one of the major attractions for visitors. Widely known as Yuksom Monastery, this religious site attracts tourists with its splendid architecture and the serene view of the surrounding. Established in the year 1701, during the rule of Chogyal Namgyal, Dubdi is one of the ancient monasteries in the entire state of Sikkim. 'Dubdi' means 'the retreat'. The phrase clearly proves itself by showing the visitor nature's wonderland decorated with fine tall trees, elegant stoned way, showcasing an astonishing view of the snow-peaked mountains, and the lush greenery.

Coronation Throne of Norbugang

The Norbugang Chorten is another promising tourist site in the village. It is a stupa built during the consecration ceremony held by three learned Lamas headed by Lhatsun Chempo, crowning the first Chogyal of Sikkim in the year 1642. This historically important religious site attracts visitors with a park called Norbugang Park, enclosing prayer hall, Norbugang Stupa, and the purported Coronation Throne set below a large cryptomeria pine. There is also a serene lake nearby named Kathok from where water for the crowning mandate was taken. Visitors will truly love the view of the entire site.

Kanchenjunga Waterfall

Merely 10 kilometers distance away from Yuksom and on the way to Pelling, there is a splendid tourist site named Kanchendzonga Waterfalls. The source of this waterfall is the Rathong-Chu glaciers at the foot of Mt. Kanchenjungha. Visitors will be astonished by seeing its cascading water and the captivating view of the surrounding. Not more than 7 km away from Yuksom, another magnificent waterfall is Phamrong Waterfalls. It is located on the way to Tashiding. Surrounded by lush greenery, the waterfall creates a magical atmosphere and a hypnotizing sound that is capable of soothing a distressed soul.

Khecheopalri Lake

There are many beautiful lakes located in Sikkim and one of them is undoubtedly the magnificent Khecheopalri Lake. Among the locals, the tranquil and peaceful Khecheopalri Lake is considered to be the holiest in the state among the locals. Approximately, 27 km distance away from Yuksom, the lake's shape resembles a left footmark and according to the legend, it is the footmark of Guru Padmasambhava. This sacred lake is also considered to be a wish-fulfilling one. If anyone prays anything from this lake with the bottom of his/her hurt, the holy lake will grant his/her wish.

Tashiding Monastery

More than 20 km away from this village, Tashiding Monastery is another major tourist attraction nearby. Among the Buddhist community, it is believed to be one of the holiest places on earth by the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The word Tashiding means "The Devoted Central Glory." Founded by Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunshok Rigzing in 1641 AD and on the hilltop between the Rathong Chu and the Rangeet River, the monastery is truly a worth visiting one due to its beautiful location and surrounding. Travelers who are visiting the place during the first month of the Tibetan Calendar can with the annual 'Bhumchu Ceremony' is held on the 14th and 15th day of this month.

Pemayangtse Monastery

One of the most visited ancient monasteries in the region is The Pemayangtse Monastery. Founded in 1705 AD and located around 36 kilometers from the village, it falls under the prime monastery of the Nyingmapa Sect of Buddhism. The monastery is surprisingly popular among the devotees and the tourists for its beautiful Sang-Drok-Pal-Ri, which is protected on the top floor of the monastery. This monastery was established for the true monks or "ta-tshang", which signifies the "monks of pure Tibetan lineage". Visitors will truly be delighted by beholding the breathtaking spectacle of this monastery.

Khangchendzonga National Park

Khangchendzonga National Park is one of the UNESCO World Heritage stretching over an area of 1784 sq. km. This national park is known for its astonishing wild life of fascinating creature species can be seen such as Red Panda, Bharal, Musk deer, Snow Leopard, Great Tibetan Sheep. It is also the home to various species of birds, for example, the Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Tibetan Snow Cock, Black-necked Crane, Grus nigricollis, Satyr Tragopan, Gray Peacock Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, and Himalayan Snow Cock and more. The park even has 17 elevated lakes alongside a view of around 19 Himalayan mountains peaks. Among them, the snow-peaked Kanchenjunga is the most prominent one to look at.

The best way to enjoy the beauty of this historic place is with the North Bengal Tourism's Sikkim Tour Packages. The tailor-made package of North Bengal Tourism allows the travelers to explore the ancient ground of Yuksom and its surrounding place at a budget-friendly price range.

Hotels in Yuksom

Being one of the favored offbeat destinations of West Sikkim visitors will easily find budget hotels and resort in Yuksom. Visitors can also choose to stay in a homestay in Yuksom to get an experience of the rustic Sikkimese lifestyle. With the hotel booking service of North Bengal Tourism, travelers can easily book a hotel in Yuksom according to their choice and budget.

How to Reach Yuksom

By Air: The nearest airport of Yuksom is located in Bagdogra. It is an overall 6hrs drive from Bagdogra Airport to the village. The distance between them is about 155 kilometers. From these airport cars can easily be hired.

By Road: Visitors can hire a taxi or rent a car from NJP and Bagdogra to cover this distance to reach Yuksom. The car rental service of North Bengal Tourism provides rental car from NJP to Yuksom and Bagdogra to Yuksom at a reasonable and pocket-friendly price. The distance between Gangtok to Yuksom is 120 kilometers and the distance between Pelling to Yuksom is 40 kilometers.

By Rail: The nearest railway of Yuksom is New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP). From NJP it is a max 6hrs journey to reach this splendid village in Sikkim. The distance between them is approximately 149 kilometers. NJP is the busiest railway station in North Bengal that makes it easy to find the ideal train.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The ardent travellers those who want to explore this scenic settlement does not need any special time. Due to its pleasant weather, Yuksom is able to welcome visitors at any months of the year. However, March to June and September to October is the most ideal months to visit the hamlet just because of the soothing weather, stunning view of nature and many outdoor activities.

April to June: During this season visitors can enjoy the pleasant weather of Yuksom and enjoy the pictorial view of blooming flowers. These are the months of summer in the region when the temperature hangs around 15 degrees Celsius and never crosses the mark of 30 degree celcius. It is also the best time for all the thrilling outdoor activities.

September to March: If visitors do not mind the chilling weather. The winter season is the best time to visit Yuksom and partake in activities like trekking. The temperature can even drop near the mark of 0 degree Celsius. However, the temperature hovers around 10 degree most of the time. Due to this sharp fall of temperature during winter, travelers are advised to bring warm woolen clothes with them.