Yuksom: The Gateway to the Mighty Kanchenjunga

Yuksom is a world-famous town in Geyzing, a subdivision of West Sikkim district in the Northeast Indian state of Sikkim. It was the first capital of Sikkim, established in 1642 AD. It was named the capital by Phuntsog Namgyal, the first king of Sikkim. Yuksom is also the gateway to the mighty Kanchenjunga mountain range. In this article, we will disclose some travel-related information to help you have a good time in Yuksom. 

Brief History

• When the Chogyals ruled the land, Yuksom was the capital of the kingdom of Sikkim.
• The history of Yuksom begins with the coronation of Puntsog Namgyal as the first Chogyal or King of Sikkim.
• The town named Yuksom means “the meeting place of the three learned monks”.
• In 1642, three holy Lamas named- Datsun Chembo, Nga-Dag Lama and Kathog Lama came from Tibet. 

State/District/Capital

Yuksom is a town in the Geyzing subdivision. And Geyzing is the subdivision of the West Sikkim district, which is a northeast Indian state.

How to reach Yuksom?

By Air

Since it is a small town, it doesn’t have an airport. That is why we recommend you to catch a flight to Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal. It is the nearest international airport which is just 170km away from Yuksom. 

By Train

The closest railway station to Yuksom is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, located in West Bengal. Jalpaiguri railway stations connect with hundreds of trains to major cities of India like- Delhi, Guwahati, Lucknow and Kolkata, etc. 

By Road

The town has good roads that connect to the major cities of Sikkim and Westbengal. You can also find government and private bus services to Yuksom that leaves towns like Gangtok, Geyzing, Siliguri and Kolkata. Those travelling from Siliguri and Kolkata. 

When to visit Yuksom?

The climate of Yuksom is moderate. It is located at a high altitude, which is why the weather remains pleasant throughout the year. After interviewing many tourists, we can say that the ideal time to visit this wonderful town is between March to June and September to October. It is a charming place to stay in the summer seasons.

Official Language 

The town of Yuksom has several official languages such as Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Limbu, Newari, Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sherpa, Tamang and Sunwar. But the majority of people there speak Nepali. You can also converse in Hindi and English with the locals and tour guides. 

Weather

• Summer: At this time, the temperatures revolves around 10 °C.
• Monsoon: Monsoons in Yuksom falls in September. During this time, the rain makes it difficult for tourists to travel due to sudden landslides. 
• Winter: Winter in Yuksom becomes very chilled and frosty. In the winter season, the temperature drops below minus 15 °C. 

Fairs and Festivals in Yuksom

Losing Festival 

The Losing or Namsoong festival marks the start of the Sikkimese New Year. They praise the festival with extraordinary delight and intensity.  

Jordan Maghey Mela

It is the most popular social celebrations of Sikkim. Also known as Maghey Sankranti Mela. Every age group of the state enjoys it. The mela (fair) holds events such as a fantastic display of exhibiting painstaking work and fine art.

Sonam Lhochhar Festival 

Sikkim is where different people from various places stay. one of them is the Tamang group, which are considered the rich people of Sikkim. The Sonam Lhochhar is their most critical and extreme celebration. This festival is full of a socially rich network, which denotes the start of the Tibetan New Year.

Transportation/Stay to prefer 

The town is indeed tiny, but hotels densely populate it. Major Indian hotel companies like OYO also operate in this town. You can easily book a hotel beforehand or after reaching the place. For transportation, the city offers many small vehicles such as auto-rickshaws. These can be used to visit different places in Yuksom. 

Top places to visit in Yuksom

Tashiding Monastery Yuksom

Tashiding Monastery is a place for enlightenment and spirituality. The monastery binds the visitors with its attractive structure and a snowy backdrop of grand mountain peaks. Tashiding Monastery belonged to the Nyingmapa order, and it was constructed in the seventeenth century on the pinnacle of a hill among the two stunning rivers, Rangit and Rathong.

Dubdi Monastery Yuksom

Dubdi Monastery, also called Yuksom Monastery, is a Buddhist shrine of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism close to Yuksom. It was constructed in the year 1701, during the reign of Chogyal Namgyal. It’s considered one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. The literal means of the word ‘Dubdi’ is ‘the retreat’, which’s honestly visible, authenticating itself via its mesmerising hilltop region amidst the thick chestnut wooded area. 

Khangchendzonga National Park, Yuksom

Khangchendzonga National Park is a world-famous tourist spot that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers 1784 sq km of land. This high altitude national park is famous for its exotic wildlife. In this national park, you can find animal species such as Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Great Tibetan Sheep, Bharal, Musk deer, etc. 

Coronation Throne of Norbugang Yuksom

Coronation Throne of Norbugang signifies the vicinity in which the crowning of the first Chogyal king – Phuntsog Namgyal, befell. Later after the ceremony, a wall-like structure was erected and named Norbugang Chorten. It’s believed that the people who had attended the ceremony were gifted with invaluable treasures which might still be buried under the Norbugang Chorten.

Cuisines to taste in Yuksom

Like most of all the Indian states Yuksom, Sikkim also has exceptional cuisine that you can only get there. Therefore, we have listed all the local cuisines of Yuksom below:

1. Dal Bhaat – Also known as Dal Chawal in the rest of India. When you reach Yuksom, you will notice that most ordinary folk there enjoy eating this local cuisine.
2. Sael Roti – It is not the roti(Chapati) you think it is. This a special kind of bread that looks like pretzels. It is made up of fermented rice.
3. Chhurpi Soup – Chhurpi soup is quite famous in Yuksom. It is made with cheese which is made from yak’s milk. It is often served as a welcome dish to guests.
4. Bamboo Shoot Curry – It’s one of the many staple dishes of Sikkim. This dish is made from fermented bamboo, and it is enjoyed with steaming rice.
5. Kinema Curry – This is a curry dish. It is made from fermented soya beans, which is enjoyed with rice.
6. Kodo Ki Roti – It’s a Nepali bread recipe, but it is also quite famous in Sikkim. This bread is made with Kodo, which is a type of finger millet flour.
7. Dhindo – Last but not least, Dhindo is a vegetarian dish made with a mixture of cornflour, buckwheat and ground millet.

Things to do in Yuksom

• Enjoy the nature around you.
• Learn spirituality from the monks in the monastery of Yuksom.
• Focus on a healthier life when you visit Yuksom.
• Enjoy their vibrant festivals.
• Book a hotel with a great view of the valley.
• Try camping with your friends.
• Trekking is also not a bad idea in Yuksom.

Souvenirs to buy in Yuksom

• Buddha Figurines 
• Books related to Buddhism 
• Prayer Flags. 
• Canvas Wall Hangings. 
• Thangkas.
• Chosees (Traditional Folding Tables) 
• Woollen Carpets. 
• Famous Sikkim Tea. 
• Sikkimese Traditional Dresses. 
• Fruit Juice.

Liked this article? Feel free to read our detailed article on Kaziranga National Park.

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