Things to do in Yuksom

Yuksom is a small town that is located in West Sikkim that offers both adventure and tranquility to the tourists. Bak in 1642 AD, Yuksom served as the center of the coronation of the first King of Sikkim as it remained the first capital of Sikkim until 1793.

This historical site has a high significance for it offers testimony of the rich past of Sikkim. It also serves as a base to a number of treks such as Dzongri and Goecha La trek. You will find the environment comfortable by the warm hospitality of the Bhutias.   

Here is the list of the 9 things that you must do on your Yuksom trip to make unforgettable memories. 

1. Participate in Goecha La Trek
2. Spend Time at Norbugang Park
3. Visit Dubdi Monastery
4. Enjoy Local Delicacies
5. Spend time at Tashi Tenka
6. Visit Kanchenjunga Falls
7. Find Peace at Mani Hall
8. Shop at Yuksom Bazar
9. Enjoy at Kartok Lake

Things to do in Yuksom

Participate in Goecha La Trek

Goecha La trek is a popular trek with adventurous trails that attracts a number of people from different parts of India. Beside witnessing the splendid view of the Kanchenjunga, you will also be able to see 14 other mountain ranges that will offer you a mesmerizing view. The trek will take you to an elevation of 15100 feet above the sea level.

This trek is a physically challenging trek and the trekkers need to be physically fit. The trek starts from Yuksom and runs through forests and valleys where you need to cover a distance of 65.7 km.       

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit this trek is between the months of April and May. During this period the climate stays pleasurable and the blooming rhododendrons enhance the scenic beauty of this trek.  

Spend Time at Norbugang Park

Norbugang park is a popular tourist destination that is renowned for having a colossal and have a Chorten that has earth from four different coordinates of Sikkim. In this place the coronation of the first chogyal of Sikkim back in the year 1642. In order to mark the importance of this event, the chorten was built, named Norbugang chorten.

As per locals, it is believed that huge amounts of treasures have been buried under the chorten. The shrine also has a rock where tourists can witness the footprints of three lamas, who traveled to this place to bless the king. The park is located at a distance of 400 meters from Yuksom which will take about 6 minutes to reach the park.        

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit this park is between the months of March and May as the weather during this period stays pleasant and you will also be able to explore the park comfortably. 

Visit Dubdi Monastery

Dubdi monastery, also known as Yuksom Monastery, is the oldest monastery of Sikkim that is situated at a hilltop location at an elevation of 2100 meters above the sea level. The word “Dubdi” means retreat, which has been kept considering the peaceful surrounding of the monastery. This monastery was established by Chogyal Namgyal and was established back in the year 1701. This monastery follows the Nyingma Sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

This two storeyed monastery has a rare collection of religious scripts and manuscripts that has been preserved for over a long period of time. In order to reach this monastery you need to trek for about 3 km. The monastery is located at a distance of 2.5 km and will take around 6 minutes from Yuksom to reach this destination.     

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit this monastery is between the months of March and May, when the skies stay clear and you will also be able to witness the panoramic views surrounding the monastery. 

Also Read: Sikkim in November

Enjoy Local Delicacies

Enjoying local delicacies is a great means of experiencing the rich culture and heritage of a place. Similarly, in Yuksom you must try some of the local cuisines to help you enjoy your stay at Yuksom. Some of these dishes are momos, thukpa, phagshapa, sel roti, sinki and gundruk, sael roti, Thenthuk, chhurpi soup and kinema. Among these dishes there are options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.   

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Yuksom to enjoy the local delicacies is between the months of March to June and between September to October. During this period of time, the weather stays pleasant and you can also enjoy the different dishes served at the restaurants and local shops.

Spend time at Tashi Tenka

Tashi Tenka in the earlier times was a royal palace complex that is situated on a ridge , located south of Yuksom. One can capture splendid views of both Rabdentse monastery and Pemayangtse monastery. This complex was earlier the residence of the Chogyals and at present stands as a testimony to the rich culture and history of Sikkim. 

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Tashi Tenka is between the months of March and May to enjoy the perfect weather.

Visit Kanchenjunga Falls

Kanchenjunga falls is one of the popular destination of Yuksom that is known for its natural beauty and is believe to have its origin from the glaciers of Mount Kanchenjunga. The height of the waterfall is 100 feet and tourists enjoy this place for relaxing. You can also travel to this spot for having a picnic with your friends and family.

There is an entry fee worth ₹20 for entering this waterfall. You can also experience activities like rope sliding for ₹100. The waterfall is situated at a distance of 10.3 km from Yuksom and will take approximately a traveling time of 30 minutes to reach the destination. 

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit this waterfall is during the months of September to June, as you will be able to enjoy the surrounding greenery and obtain a mesmerizing weather.

Also Read: Sikkim Weather In September

Find Peace at Mani Hall

Mani hall is located at the center of Yuksom and is one of a kind place to visit Yuksom. The hall is a glass walled sanctuary that consists of 18 large prayer wheels that are decorated and is partly plated with copper. Being heavy these prayer wheels take effort to turn them. You can spend time here by meditating in the hall and finding inner peace.   

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit this hall is between the months of March and May, when the temperature will be soothing and you can be comfortable while meditating.

Shop at Yuksom Bazar

Yuksom bazar is one of the busiest place of Yuksom as you will come across a number of shops across the streets that sell different handicraft items, spices and eateries. The market is sure to keep you engaged in exploring different products. There are also a number of shops for delicacies that will cater to your taste. Moreover, you can also purchase gift items from various shops. Moreover, you can also purchase yak cheese, which is a popular item in Yuksom. 

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Yuksom bazar is between the months of March and May, when the climate is pleasant and you can explore the different shops in the street.

Enjoy at Kartok Lake

Kartok lake is a sacred lake that is at a close proximity to Karthok lake. If you go near the lake, you will encounter a huge number of red and gold fishes swimming around and as per the locals, these fishes are considered to be the spirit pool of Lama Kathok Kuntu Zangpo.

There is also another belief associated with hi lake that if you make a wish in this lake with pure heart and inter, then the wish gets fulfilled. There is also a festival held every year by the lake hosted by the Lamas. You can reach this lake by walking a distance of 350 meters that will take around 10 minutes to visit from the center of Yuksom.  

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit this lake is between the months of March and May, when the weather remains pleasant and you can enjoy the surrounding views of the lake.

Also Read: Sikkim Weather in October

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Frequently Asked Question

What is Yuksom famous for?

Yuksom, a small and serene town in Sikkim, is well-known for its breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges, mountains, valleys, and attractive landscapes. It is also the beginning point for the famed Dzongri Goecha La trek and a gateway to the Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve.

What are the activities in Yuksom?

Yuksom, West Sikkim includes several activities, including religious sites, lakes, and trekking (Glacier Treks and Adventure, Dzongri Trek)

What are the things to experience in Yuksom with family?

Yuksom, Sikkim offers various family-friendly activities to do, including Tashiding Monastery, Kanchenjunga Falls, Pemayangtse Monastery and other attractions.