Darjeeling

The Queen of Hills

Sikkim

Land of the last Himalayan Kingdom

Dooars

Closer to nature

Andaman & Nicobar

Scuba Diving

Sundarban

Home of Royal Bengal Tiger

Kolkata

The city of Joy

Nepal

Asia's alpine playground

Bhutan

The land of Happiness

Yuksum - Gate way of adventure

Yuksum, a small remote village of West district was the birthplace of Sikkim's Buddhist Civilization, situated at an height of  1780 mt and was the first Capital of  Sikkim.  Yuksom literally means “ meeting point of three lamas”, witnessed the coronation of Phuntsog Namgyal, the first Chogyal ( religious king) of Sikkim in 1641 AD by three venerated Lamas who came from North, West and South. The capital in Yuksom lasted almost  50 yrs until it shifted to Rabdantse, near Pelling. Norbugang Chorten , the throne is positioned along with the foot print of Latsun Chembo (one of the lamas who consecrated the king) . Since the history of Sikkim started from this place, these areas are now considered sacred by the people of Sikkim.

Phuntsok Namgyal the first Chogyal ruled over a vast territory that was many times the current size of Sikkim. His kingdom extended to Thang La in Tibet to the north, Tagong La near Paro in Bhutan to the east, Titalia on the borders of West Bengal and Bihar to the south and Timar Chorten on the Timar river in Nepal to the west.

Yuksum is the gate way to high altitude trekking through Kanchendzongha Wild Life Sanctuary. The trek route through Dzongry leads towards various named and unnamed peaks and  passes of Mt. Khanchendzongha Range with real test of hardcore adventure.

Places to visit in Yuksom

Dubdi Monastery

Dubdi Monastery, one of the oldest monastery was established immediately after the coronation of Phuntsog Namgyal, the first Chogyal ( Religious King) of Sikkim is located on a hill top and about an hour walking from Yuksom. Dubdi Monastery also known as the “ Hermit’s Cell” after its reclusive founder Lhatsun Namkha Jigme. It was built by the followers of the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

The monastery was built in the year 1701 AD and can be approached by trekking only. The approaching road to Dubdi Monastery passes through lush verdant forest and to negotiate steep slope offers magnificent natural overlooks and panoramic view of green mountains. Early morning and late afternoon visit to the monastery is rewarding the interested bird watchers. It is an ideal place for meditation.

Kartok Lake

It is a small lake located at the end of the town. Snow capped peaks are visible from Kartok lake only in Yuksom. The specialty of this lake is, the upper layer of the lake water becomes red during day time.

Phamrong water falls

Phamrong Water Falls, the highest waterfall in Sikkim located at a distance of 9 kms from Yuksom and between Yuksom and Gerethang. A bridge nearby to the falls offers an excellent view of the mighty discharge of water and visitors simply mesmerize watching an amazing play of water with rocks. A simple walk through footpath takes to the viewpoint to have a closer look of the falls. This place is surrounded by forested hills and offer an magnificent view of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

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