Yuksom is a scenic town located at the West Sikkim district that is surrounded with natural splendour and rich history. Yukson was the first capital of Sikkim, back in the year 1642, when four Bhutia clans pledged to establish a unified kingdom. The appealing attractions around Yuksom attract a large number of tourists every year to visit this city every year from different parts of India.
There are attractive places around Yuksom that offers mesmerizing sceneries, alpine pastures, snow clad mountains and buildings showcasing the long standing beliefs and cultures. Yuksom also serves as a base for some of the most exciting treks of Sikkim, such as Dzongri trek and Goecha La trek.
Table of Contents
Here is a list of the six places, where you visit must, when travelling to Yuksom. Some of the popular destinations around Yuksom are stated below:
- Tashi Tenka Monastery
- Dubdi Monastery
- Tashiding Monastery
- Kanchenjunga National Park
- Coronation Throne of Norbugang
- Kartok Monastery
Places to visit in Yuksom
Tashi Tenka Monastery
Tashi Tenka Monastery is located on the south side of Yuksom, which has historical significance of being the former residence of the chogyals. This monastery stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Sikkim and also its royal past.
Tashi Tenka Monastery Travel Tips
The best time to visit this monastery is between the months of March and May, when the weather will remain pleasant and the skies will be clear.
Tashi Tenka Monastery Facts
Tashi Tenka Monastery was earlier a royal residence complex offering stunning scenic views, until the capital was moved to Rabdantse in the 17th century.
Highlights
You can witness a 360 degree view from this monastery, offering the visitors picturesque views. The surrounding peaceful environments helps the visitors enjoy the serene ambience.
Also read: places to visit in pelling
Dubdi Monastery
Dubdi Monastery is a beautiful monastery made of stone, which is present amidst a peaceful environment that offers peace lovers and religious enthusiasts a break from the bustling city life. The monastery nestled in the small hamlet offers scenic views of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Dubdi Monastery Travel Tips
Dubdi monastery is situated at a close distance of 2.5 km from Yuksom and will take around 6 minutes to drive to the location. It is best to visit this monastery between the months of March to May, when one can find a pleasant weather and clear skies. This monastery is also open to visitors on all days throughout the week.
Dubdi Monastery Facts
Dubdi Monastery is the oldest monastery in Sikkim that was established by Chogyal Namgyal back in the year 1701. This monastery is located at an elevation of 7000 feet above the sea level. The word Dubdi refers to retreat, in the local dialect, because of the tranquil and serene ambience surrounding the monastery, away from the chores of the bustling population.
Highlights
The Dubdi monastery is also known as Yuksom monastery, which represents the Nyingma sect of the Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is a two storeyed building that is made of stone and showcases the fine Tibetan architecture. This monastery is also referred as the Hemits cell, as it is named after its founder Lhatsun Namkha Jigme.
Tashiding Monastery
Tashiding Monastery is situated in the Tashiding hill, present in the West Sikkim. Earlier, when the monastery was built, it has faced a number of earthquakes resulting in wall cracks for which, in the year 1955, the monastery was rebuilt with the financial aid from the Sikkim State Government. The monastery is located at an elevation of 1465 meters above the sea level, which offers stunning sceneries of the surroundings to the visitors.
Tashiding Monastery Travel Tips
Tashiding Monastery is located at a distance of 23.8 km from the center of Yuksom and will take approximately 1 hour to rhea the monastery by driving.
Tashiding Monastery Facts
The monastery was built back in the year 1641 by Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunshok Rigzing. The monastery follows the oldest tradition of Tibetan Buddhism called the Nyingma Sect and is also recognized as the holiest monastery, which is believed to offer spiritual healing. The monastery also houses some valuable idols, statues and paintings including the sacred symbol of spiritual salvation, Thong-Warang-Drol stupa.
Highlights
Guru Padmasambhava has recognized this place as a holy point back in the 8th century after which the monastery was built. The monastery is also called Devoted Central Glory because of its prominent features of Tibetan architecture. The monastery also offers shelter to over 70 monks.
Also Read: places to visit in Gangtok
Kanchenjunga National Park
Kanchenjunga National Park is marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in July 2016 for becoming the first mixed heritage site of India. It is a biosphere reserve as well as a national park that is placed at an altitude of 6001 feet above the sea level. This national park has different diversity including snow capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, valleys and plains.
Kanchenjunga National Park Travel Tips
It takes around 34.3 km from Yuksom to travel to Kanchenjunga National Park. The best time to visit this park is between the months of September to mid-December and March to May. which offers a soothing climate and a allows you to witness the different parts of the national park as well as witness some of the mesmerizing views. Indian nationals are required to pay ₹2100 as entry fees, for students, it is ₹40 and for a guide, it will cost an additional amount of ₹20.
Kanchenjunga National Park Facts
The national park is estimated to cover an area of 849.5 square kilometers. There are also areas within the national park, where the elevation increases to 28050 feet above the sea level. This national park is a home to over 500 species of flowering plants, 60 species of mammals and 120 species of birds.
Highlights
Kanchenjunga National Park covers a number of different ecosystems due to the renege in elevation, which impacts the weather conditions. Some of the species found in this national park comprise of Bharal, Musk deer, Black bear, Snow Leopard and Red Panda. There are also number of lakes, rivers, caves and others that are related to mythological stories, adding spirituality to this park.
Also Read: Places to visit in Sikkim
Coronation Throne of Norbugang
The Coronation Throne of Norbugang is the destination where the first Chogyal of Sikkim has been crowned back in the year 1642. To commemorate the event’s importance, Norbugang Chorten, a structure resembling a wall, was constructed..
Coronation Throne of Norbugang Travel Tips
The Coronation Throne of Norbugang is at a close proximity of 400 meters that will take 6 minutes of walking to reach the destination. The best time to visit this destination is between the months of March to May, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.
Coronation Throne of Norbugang Facts
The coronation of the first Chogyal was done under a pine tree, which still exists today. The Chogyals has ruled this land for a time of 333 years (approx.).
Highlights
As per the locals it is believed that the people who attended the coronation ceremony had offered huge amounts of treasures to the king, which is believed to be buried inside the Norbugang Chorten. This shrine also has a large prayer wheel and a rock, where the visitors can witness the footprints of the three lamas.
Kartok Monastery
Kartok Monastery is considered to be one of the three most important monasteries in the town. The smooth red structure of the monastery flaunts its architectural presence, marked by the yellow, white and golden outlines of Tibetan design.
Kartok Monastery Travel Tips
Kartok Monastery is located at a distance of 127 km from Yuksom and will take around 4 hours and 46 minutes to reach the monastery from the center of Yuksom. The best time to visit this monastery is between the months of March to June to witness the serene environment and a pleasurable climate.
Kartok Monastery Facts
Kartok Monastery was built back in the year 1159 by Kathok Kadampa Deshek, the younger brother of Phagmo Drupa Dorje Gyalpo. The interior of this monastery is astonishing and will make you appraise the beauty of the decorations and designs.
Highlights
Kartok Monastery is a popular pilgrimage site that is named after a llama, who played a significant role in the coronation of the maiden ruler of Sikkim. There is also Kartok lake located near the monastery from where one can witness the charming beauty of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Also read: Must Visit Tourist Places in Lachung
Frequently Asked Question
What is Yuksom famous for?
Yuksom, the former capital of Sikkim, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, snow-capped mountains and one of the most oldest monastery of Sikkim, The Dubdi Monastery.
Question: Is Yuksom worth a visit?
Yes Yuksom is worth visiting because of its stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural legacy. Yuksom is also referred as the third eye of Sikkim, due to its immense religious significance in Buddhism.
Which side of Sikkim is best to visit?
Sikkim’s east, west, and north parts offer unique natural beauty, with North renowned for scenic scenery, East for tourist attractions, and West for offbeat experiences.
Can I see Kanchenjunga from Yuksom?
Yes, you can obtain a spectacular view of Kanchenjunga from Yuksom. Some of the popular treks such as Goech La and Dzongri treks offers a closer and majestic view of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Where is the coolest place in Sikkim?
Sikkim’s coolest spots include MG Marg for nightlife, restaurants, and casinos, while zero point, the oldest, is the coldest at 15700 feet and can drop below -10 degrees Celsius.
Which month is best for Sikkim?
Sikkim offers unique scenic experiences during different seasons, with ideal visits between March and May and October and mid-December, and the autumn season offers a glimpse of the Himalayan Range.
