Yuksom, West Sikkim is a gateway to biosphere reserve; base for thrilling trekking and spiritual destination for Sikkim people.

Yuksom in West district of Sikkim holds a historical and spiritual reverence for the people of the state. In 1642, the first Chogyal was crowned here. The throne still holds the imprints of the ancient world. Dubdi monastery, the oldest in Sikkim has been declared a National Monument, and under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India.

History

Buddhism was introduced in India as early as the 9th century from Tibet. In the struggle for power between the “Yellow Hats” and “Red Hats” in Tibet, the latter migrated to Sikkim and converted the aboriginal inhabitants to Buddhism. In the 13th century, a “Brother hood treaty” was signed that strengthened the relations between Sikkim and Tibet.

In 1641, Lama Lutsum Chembo travelled from Tibet to Denjong and was later joined by two other lamas - Sempa Chembo and Rinzing Chembo to propagate the religion. The trinity of the Lamas united perpetuated Tibetan hold on Sikkim and simultaneously advocated Buddhism. Lamas from different directions started assembling at Norbugang, which today referred as Yuksom.

Once an independent kingdom nestled between China, Nepal, Bhutan and India, people of Sikkim voted to become a part of the Indian Union in 1975. It has since remained a part of India.

Tourism in Yuksom                                

Referred as the ‘meeting place of three lamas, Youksom is a popular tourist destination in India. It offers picturesque landscapes, adventurous trekking and offers a peek view in the Sikkimese way of life. 

Most visitors tour this point of interest in anticipation of trekking into the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve Kanchenjunga National Park. It is famous for rich bio diversity, in addition to how people of Yuksom along with the help of local NGO plan treks that are both efficient and eco-friendly.

Hidden from the thoroughfare, Yuksom village is an excellent hideaway to get up close and personal with nature and the people of Sikkim. You can choose to stay in their homes, take a stroll in the village and experience their way of life.

The monastery at Dubdi in Norbugong is the oldest in Sikkim, and was one of the first to be built in Sikkim after coronation of Phuntsog Namgyal. It holds a small memorial with ancient tree and stupa. It was here that the three lamas met and established the religion and the place.

Yuksom offers a small, picturesque Lake Kathog Bla-Tsho ('Soul Lake) in the background of snow capped mountains and feral nature. The lake reflects the silver snowy peak reaching the skyline. What a serenity and calmness to the senses it thus brings.

Today, Yuksom is plagued with few small hotels and restaurants, kiosk, shops, farm holdings and a clinic, while schools and other amenities are further at its periphery.

Tour to Yuksom can be challenging especially with those rugged roads winding high up in the mountains.