Yuksom Tourism
Yuksom is a small & Historical town located in West Sikkim that people never want to leave. The snowcapped hills in the eastern hemisphere can be found further high at an altitude of - stilt meters. This beautiful place is yet to be found by those who are in need of peace and calm while on vacation. Surrounded by Mother ‘Natures’ breathtaking beauty, Yuksom gives a calm respite from this highly active world and would be the ideal place to get an active and refreshing experience. This place is also Known as the Gateway of Mt. Khangchendzonga. Khangchendzonga, lies on a picturesque countryside which is adorned with beautiful snowcapped mountains and green fields full of blooming flora and delightful paths which attract all the adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, the most.
Yuksom played an important role in history and was the first Sikkim capital Yuksom served as the headquarters, just like the first ChogyalPhunston Namgyal's coronation site. ‘Yuksom’ is an Assamese language word which means ‘the meeting of three lamas’. These were the great three lamas who came to Sikkim in the Year 1642 to establish the Nyingmapa order and crowned Sikkim’s first King. To date, tourists can likewise experience this historical event at the Norbughang Stupa, which is revered as a place blessed by the culture of the town Yuksom.
Yuksom you might say is for those who love good history and good nature as well. Monasteries that aged long back, gentle lakes, and quiet waterfalls waiting for each of them to be explored, are present in the medical scene of the town. A walk around the picturesque quarters of the town wafts the soothing spell of the dusty old arches of the darkened cloisters, unhurried cascade pours and the tranquil Karthok Lake bathing all the tired minds and bodies. These historical buildings and natural beauty speak of why Yuksom is magical and why one would prefer being there, sinking into all the spirituality and cultural aspects of the place instead of the modern lifestyle of today.
Adventure lovers would appreciate Yuksom as well. Yuksom town is indeed one of the best places to begin trekking expeditions to Mt. Kangchendzongha. These trails are enchanting as they traverse lush forests, alpine meadows, and colorful rhododendron thickets with breathtaking glimpses of the Himalayas. Landscape lovers can also admire Khangchendzonga National Park, a protected area of UNESCO, the world heritage center that shelters many endangered animals and birds making it ideal for wildlife lovers.
A part from the fact that the region is endowed with natural beauty and has rich historical places, Yuksom is also favored for its hospitality and local customs. Visitors are treated to mouthwatering tasty food, a cool bamboo drink, and friendly activity in the streets, markets bursting with beautiful crafts and souvenirs. Art, culture, and religious life of the town show the way the common people live, who faithfully guarded their way of life for centuries.
Contrary to busy professional tourist parts, Yuksom is a discovery for any visitor who wants a pure and serene adventure in nature. One can seek adventure, peace, engagement in the culture and hear out the history, Yuksom would have it all to offer. With delightful landscape, rich culture and quiet atmosphere this fairy tale town will have a lasting impression on you and rejuvenate your spirit.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Yuksom
Yuksom is the must-visit place in Sikkim for travelers. It is blessed with breathtaking trails, age-old monasteries, placid waterfalls and calm lakes is a treat to explore. Nature lovers can look out for any wildlife in Khangchendzonga National Park which is a prized possession while adventure junkies can go on exciting treks. Walk up the hills or lie down at night and gaze at the sky for some relaxation. You surely have to try the local food and visit the colorful markets of the beautiful town of Yuksom if you want an all rounded experience. Some of the popular tourist destinations are as follows:
- Norbugang Chorten
- Kartok Lake
- Dubdi Monastery
Norbugang Chorten
Norbugang Chorten stupa, located at Geyzing in West Sikkim, also goes by the name of Coronation Throne. This can be the best place to explore in Yuksom. The crowning of the first Chogyal of Sikkim took place in 1642 within this structure, and this is one important milestone in the Sikkimese history. Also, Lama LhutsunChempo constructed the first-time capsule here. Nearby is Kuthok Lake, which is considered to be a holy destination. The trail leading to the Norbugang Chorten covers the edges of Yuksom township with cultivated lands in the background. The Khangchendzonga National Park with snow-capped Himalayan ranges is an impressive view. This is an area with abundant wildlife; several species of birds can be seen and other animals can also be encountered sometimes. The stunning views and the rich history of this area are equally attractive to nature as well as history lovers.
Kartok Lake
Kartok Lake located in the serene village of Yuksom, West Sikkim is a small yet picture-perfect lake of cultural importance. The name of the Lake is also associated with Kartok Monastery located in that region and thus has been a holy place, since the establishment of the first Chogyal in Sikkim. In present times, the rising trends in tourism are causing this eco-tourism approach to become increasingly popular with their customers who wish to experience the local culture of Sikkim. There is also a growth of adventure tourism, where the lake acts as a base for trekking activities within the Kangchendzonga National Park. Also, the lake is known for spiritual tourism as it offers quite an ambiance for meditative activities.
Dubdi Monastery
Moreover, this monastery is also referred to as the Yuksom Monastery. It is a monastery of a Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is one of the oldest and most famous Buddhist monasteries situated in the state of Sikkim been established in the year 1701 during the reign of Chogyal Namgyal. It is also known that Dubdi means ‘the house of retreat’ as it is located in the thick forests of chestnut trees. One has to cover some distance from Dubling this hill station to leave the manicured beauty of Dubling Monastery on a hillock to breathtaking sights of lofty snowcapped peaks, lush valleys and high trees. The two storied stone structure 2100 meters above sea level is decorated with beautiful frescoes, sacred books and sculptures of three lamas. And this dome made in gildening one and located in the monastery as ‘Gyaltshen’ adds more to the historical and religious significance of the monastic institution.
Best Time to Visit Yuksom
Yuksom can best be visited in the months from March to May and also in September to November.
Summer which is seen from March to May is quite enjoyable with pleasant conditions as temperatures do not exceed 10 degrees enabling one to enjoy the green hills with their numerous waterfalls.
The monsoons peak in between the months of June and September with heavy rains making it nearly impossible to carry out any form of outdoor activities due to the muddy and slippery ground surfaces.
How to Reach Yuksom?
There are three means of transport that can be used to reach Yuksom which is either by air, train, or by roads.
The nearest airport is about 12 air km west of Siliguri and around 170 km from Yuksom is located in the northwest of West Bengal state and is called Bagdogra airport.
Another mode of transport is by train; the closest railway station from Yuksom is at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) which is nearly about 150 kms away from Yuksom. When driving at night however, one has to be cautious of the dull roads.
A road trip to Yuksom is also an option. Shared or private jeeps can be used for transportation from Geyzing to Yuksom. It takes about five hours.
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