Yuksom nestles cosily in a hilly cusp, caressed by soft, downy clouds. It drizzles in a moment but clears up easily too. At the periphery of the Kanchenjunga National Park, this little hamlet is just the palace for a quiet break, the peace all encompassing. and there are many who just sit and stare. But then Yuksom dose nudge you out of languidness to get up and go about; for you can’t miss out on its ancient past. Being the first capital of Sikkim, history, architecture and Buddhist legacy are all pervasive hear, in its monasteries. Nature too seems to have been rather partial to this little settlement. Hidden among the rhododendron and Oak are fantastic trails and it is the starting point for trekkers to goecha La. Yuksom’s main role these days is as the start point of Dzongri Trail.
The Green Lake Yuksom
Quick Facts-Edit
Category : Hill Station
Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours
Pincode: 737113
STD Code: 3592
Info Website: N.A
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
HistoryEdit
Yuksom is a historical town in Geyzing subdivision of West Sikkim district in the Northeast Indian state of Sikkim. It was the first capital of Sikkim established in 1642 AD by Phuntsog Namgyal who was the first Chogyal (temporal and religious king) of Sikkim. The coronation site of the first monarch of Sikkim is known as the “Throne of Norbugang”. Yuksom is where there is the Norbugang Chorten near the Norbugang throne, the place Namgyal was crowned and several monasteries and a lake. The dynastic rule of the Chogyals lasted for 333 years. About 35 kms from Pelling the next great tourist interest, after the visiting some interesting tourists spots on the way is Yuksam. The first capital of Sikkim at the height of 5500ft, where the three great Buddhist monks from Tibet arrived here and eventfully they enthroned the first King by name Phintsog Namgyal in the year 1641, the beginning of the Namgyal dynasty that ruled Sikkim for 332 years. The names of these three Monks are Gyalwa Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, Kathok Rigzin Chenpo and Ngadak Sampa Chenpo. Lhatsun Namkha Jigme personally was responsible for making the Ngingma sect as influential sect among other sects in Sikkim. The coronation throne with a great stupa and the remaining of the palace do still exist and tourists can visit them. On the top hill about one hour walk high up from Yuksam there is the first oldest monastery in Sikkim named, Dubdi that was built by Lhatsun Namkha Jigme in the year 1670. The other worth visiting spots within Yuksam are the Kathoke lake and helipad where the views are superb. The old monuments particularly the coronation throne and Dubdi monastery have recently been restored by the Archeological survey of India.
Places to VisitAdd
How to ReachEdit
By Air : The nearest airport is situated in the town of Siliguri. Siliguri is present at a distance of around 78 kilometers from the town of Yuksam. The airport receives flights from most of the major cities in the country and also from international destinations. There are two daily flights from the capital city of Delhi and three flights from Kolkata. Frequent flights are available from Chennai and Guwahati as well. Taxis are available at the airport and they cost around Rs 7 per kilometer.
By Train : The Jalpaiguri station is the only option for those who intend to travel by air. Trains are a comfortable and affordable option. You can opt for a train to Jalpaiguri from places such as Chennai, Kolkata, New Delhi and Guwahati. Second class sleeper tickets from Guwahati to Jalpaiguri cost around Rs 200. Tier three A/C tickets from Delhi to Jalpaiguri cost around Rs 1400. Taxis can be hired from here to the town of Yuksam.
By BUS : There are no buses to or from Yuksum itself, but a daily bus connects Gerathang, 5km down the road from Yoksum.
By Taxi : You can also rent local taxis to do some sightseeing .
By Other : N.A
Top HotelsAdd
Budget – Up to Rs. 800
Wild Orchid Hotel, ; PO Yuksom West Sikkim, – 737113 ; Ph – 03595 – 241212 ; Facilities – Comping on request, parking facility.
Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
Pemathang Hotel ; PO Yuksom West Sikkim, – 737113 ; Ph – 03595-241221,9832321159 ; Facilities – H/C running water, camping / trekking on request, parking facillty.
Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
Tashigang Hotel ; Yuksom – West Sikkim, Yuksom 737113 ; Ph – 03595 241 202 ; Facilities – 24hours H/C running water, TV, telephone, doctor-on-call, in-house restaurant, aprking facillity, laundry, camping/sightseeing on request.
Top RestaurantsAdd
Must Eat FoodAdd
Must Do ActivitiesAdd
Must ShopAdd
Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add
SpaAdd
FestivalAdd
Safety / WarningEdit
N.A
HelplineEdit
- Police : 100
- Fire : 101
- Ambulance : 102
ItineraryEdit
N.A