Yuksom is a historical town and the first capital of Sikkim, located at a height of 5800 feet in the Geyzing subdivision of the West Sikkim district. It is known for its serene ambiance, snow-capped mountains, and alluring landscapes.
Yuksom means the meeting point of three Lamas, as back in 1641, three Lamas from different directions met in this place and crowned the first Chogyal (King). There are a number of tourist attractions around Yuksom and also some trekking trails, which help in exploring the mountains. You can also choose your travel preference based on your budget.
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By Road
If you are planning to visit Yuksom via road, then you first need to reach Siliguri. Siliguri is considered the gateway of Dooars to other states of India. It is around 141 km away from Siliguri and may take 5 hours and 22 minutes (approx.) to reach Yuksom.
You may choose to travel using bus service up to Pelling, from where you need to travel about 1 hour and 45 minutes to cover the distance of 40.8 km to reach Yuksom.
Bus Service from Siliguri to Pelling
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Travel Distance | 135 KM |
| Bus Timing | 10:30 AM |
| Travel Time | 6 Hours |
| Bus Style | Ordinary |
| Bus Fare | Rs. 180 |
There are also options for rental bike service, which will help add adventure and thrill to your trip. You can at a stretch ride for around 5 hours along the NH10 covering a distance of 141 km.
By Train
The nearest railway station to reach Yuksom is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), which is situated at a distance of 150 km from Yuksom, and helps connect major cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and others across India.
After reaching NJP via train, located at a distance of 9.5 km, you can book a private cab or shareable taxi, which you can find near the Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus, situated at a distance of 3.3 km. From there you can also opt for buses, based on your preferred destinations to visit in Sikkim.
Also Read: How to reach Lachung
By Flight
The nearest airport to Yuksom is the Bagdogra Airport (IXB), which is at a distance of 155 km. It is the second busiest airport in West Bengal and thus allows flight services to different parts of India, offering ease of travel to the passengers willing to visit Yuksom.
After reaching the Bagdogra Airport, you may opt for private taxi services or travel to Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus, located at a distance of only 13.7 km via the NH27 route which will take around 30 minutes to reach. From there you may avail the service of a private taxi, shareable taxi as well as bus services. You may travel using the bus to Pelling and Gangtok to reach Yuksom.
There is also an airport located at Pakyong, situated at a distance of 122 km, which will require a travel time of 4 hours and 38 minutes. However, it is operational for a specific tenure, depending on the weather conditions.
Also Read: How to reach Ravangla
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from NJP to Yuksom?
The fare from NJP to Yuksom ranges between ₹4000 to ₹5500, depending on the choice of vehicles.
How to go to Yuksom from Gangtok?
You can opt for a private cab to travel from Gangtok to Yuksom. Yuksom is around 123 km away from Gangtok and requires a traveling time of 5 hours (approx.).
What is Yuksom famous for?
Yuksom is renowned for its scenic landscapes, alpine pastures, and snow-capped mountains. Moreover, Yuksom is also called Gorkhas small village.
Can I see Kanchenjunga from Yuksom?
Yes, you can see Kanchenjunga Mountain from Yuksom. The Yuksom Dzongri is a famous trek, from where you can witness the majestic and scenic view of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Is Uber Available in Sikkim?
No, uber is not present in Sikkim. You can opt for local taxi services to travel to different parts of Sikkim.
What is the meaning of Yuksom?
The name Yuksom means meeting place of the three learned monks. As per the locals, three monks namely, Kathog Lama, Ngadag Lama, and Latsun Chembo gathered to crown the first king of Sikkim, Phuntsog Namgyal, back in the year 1641.
