Yuksom: Sikkim’s first capital & rich in Buddhist heritage

A long time ago, while going to Pelling from Gangtok with my friends, I heard the story of Yuksom (the first capital of Sikkim) from our jeep driver. At that time, he said that if anyone really wants to know the history and origins of Sikkim, it is not possible without Yuksom. This offbeat is not only the first capital of Sikkim but also has great historical and biodiversity significance.
Yuksom, or Yuksum, is a popular destination for domestic and foreign trekkers because it is the gateway to Mt. Khangchendzonga (also known as Kanchenjunga).
As a wanderlust and offbeat lover, I finally started my journey to Siliguri on March 7th, 2024, by the Uttarbanga Express.
After arriving at the Siliguri SNT Jeep stand from NJP railway station, I took a Jorthang-bound share cab to reach the Jorthang bus stand.
Deepakbhai (Driver) was waiting for me on the top floor of the Jorthang Taxi Stand because he had made a reservation for me in his cab.
The Limbo homestay provided me with all the necessary information about the driver and booked my room in advance, which made my solo trip very easy and hassle-free. After departing from the Jorethang taxi stand, our car passed Akkar Bridge, Nayabazar Checkpost, Legship Bazar, and Tashiding and reached Yuksom village a little bit late because the road condition was not good at some points, but the journey was fantastic.
My tiredness for the entire day disappeared immediately after seeing the natural beauty of Yuksom for the first time.
It is my sincere thanks to Mr. Roshan Rai, who owns the Rolep Tribal Homestay, for informing me about the Limboo Homestay in Yuksom.
The hospitality, cleanliness, and tasteful decoration of the eco-friendly cottages in the tranquil natural environment—these aspects of the homestay impressed me a lot. It was beyond my expectations.

I have portrayed my Yuksom trip in two blog posts.
The history of Sikkim’s birth through religious coronation is highlighted in this blog post. The second part will highlight the diverse natural beauty of this picturesque village.
I really don’t know how well I have captured a charming historical village and one of the most popular trekking routes in Sikkim, which only my blog post followers can evaluate. So, please do not forget to share your valuable feedback in the comment section.

Why is Yuksom known as the Meeting Place of Three Learned Monks?

As per the mythology of Sikkim, in the year 1642, Buddisht Monk (Lama) Lhatsun Chempo came from Tibet to a small hamlet called Yuksom via the Dzongri route and met here with two other Buddhist monks from Tibet, Sempa Chempo and Rinzing Chempo.
The primary aim of these lamas was to maintain Tibetan influence in Sikkim and spread Buddhism. Therefore, a 21-day coronation ceremony was organized at Norbugang,Yuksom under the supervision of the chief Buddhist monk, Lhatsun Chempo.

Why is Yuksom known as the Birthplace and First Capital of Sikkim?

At Norbugang’s coronation ceremony, 38-year-old Phuntsok Namgyal was enthroned as the first Chogyal (a religious king) of Sikkim. The first Chogyal was a descendant of the royal family of the Kham region of eastern Tibet and belonged to the Bhutia community.
The Namgyal dynasty ruled Sikkim for about 333 years before it became part of the Indian union in 1975 as its 22nd state.
Thus, Sikkim was founded in 1642 at Yuksom, and Yuksom was the first capital of Sikkim. Undoubtedly, it considered as the birthplace of Sikkim.
Norbugang’s coronation throne and stupa (chorten) still stand as witnesses to that historic royal event.

Nomenclature of Sikkim
The origin of the word Sikkim has a history of different ethnic groups having their own nomenclature.
According to historians, the name of the state is derived from the Limbu words SU and KHYIM respectively, where SU means New and KHYIM means A House or A Palace. So, Sikkim means New House or New Palace.

Why Yuksom is said to be rich in Buddhist Heritage?

Yuksom represents the Third Eye and a Place of Meditation

Yuksom is also an integral part of the Demazong (meaning a valley of rice) valley. This Demazong valley is also known as the land of hidden treasures, blessed by Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who is highly respected and worshiped by Sikkimese Buddhists.
Demazong Valley is connected to four religious sites, each of which is considered to represent four plexuses of the human body. The below image represents the details of Demazong.

Yuksom plays a crucial role in the Buddhist Pilgrimage Circuit

Yuksom is still an important place on Sikkim’s Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. This historical village is home to several famous Buddhist monasteries and historical monuments.
Yuksom is highly regarded for its religious and cultural significance.
Kathok Lake, recognized as one of the sacred lakes in Sikkim, and Dubdi Monastery, Sikkim’s oldest monastery, are tourist attractions in Yuksom that hold profound religious significance for the followers of Buddhism. Many Buddhist manuscripts, which are rare even today, have been preserved by this oldest monastery of Sikkim.

Other Buddhist monasteries & stupas in Yuksom, the coronation throne of Norbugang, Tashi Tenka (the ruins of an ancient royal palace), and a few old water-powered Buddhist prayer wheels still bear witness to the ancient tradition.

Where is Yuksom Located?

Altitude & Location: At a height of approximately 5,840 feet above sea level, this historic village is located in the Gyalshing district of the western part of the Indian state of Sikkim.
Yuksom is known as the gateway to Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP), A UNESCO ‘MIXED’ WORLD HERITAGE SITE located at the southern edge of the national park.

Essential Information of  Yuksom

Nearest Airport:
International: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), WB
Domestic:  Pakyong Airport (PKY), Sikkim

Nearest Main Railway Station: NJP
Nearest Town: Geyzing

There is no bank or ATM facility in Yuksom; for ATM facilities, you have to go to nearby Geyzing or Legship. Therefore, you should definitely carry enough cash if you are traveling to Yuksom.

Distance from Yuksom (Approx. Measurement)

How to Reach

By Reserved vehicle
By reserving a car, it can take around 6-7 hours to reach Yuksom directly through Jorethang from NJP, Siliguri, or Bagdogra Airport.
It is best to reach Yuksom before sunset, as the road conditions in some landslide areas on this route are not good. That’s why the journey should start early in the morning.

By Shared vehicle and Buses operated by Sikkim Govt

You will first reach Jorethang taxi stand by a shared vehicle from the taxi stand located near Siliguri SNT bus stand, and then take a shared vehicle to Yuksom.
But remember one thing: you need to reach Jorethang by 1 PM, as share cabs are not available for Yuksom after that.
If you miss the direct shared vehicle from the Jorethang taxi stand, then an alternative option is to take a shared cab from here to reach Geyzing, Legship, or Tashiding first, and then take another shared cab to reach Yuksom.
Shared vehicles are available from Gangtok’s Deorali taxi stand to Yuksom at noon.
While returning from Yuksom to Siliguri, Gangtok, or Jorethang, hotels and homestays will help you in this regard, and of course you need to book in advance as seats in shared vehicles are in demand and mainly locals travel in these types of vehicles. Shared vehicles from Yuksom to Siliguri or Gangtok usually depart between 5 and 6 AM. Also, the timings to Jorethang from Yuksom are between 8 am to 9 AM.

By Buses operated by Sikkim Govt
There are no direct buses to Yuksom from Siliguri or Gangtok.
However, some buses are available from Siliguri SNT bus stand to Jorethang, Namchi, Pelling, and Ravangla. You can also plan to reach Yuksom from all these points.

Note: State-owned buses and shared cars are more cost-effective options for budget travelers, but they are more time-consuming and not very comfortable.

The useful link below is provided for informational purposes only, not for any promotional purposes.

Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT)

Religious & Cultural attractions

Dubdi Monastery (The Oldest Monastery in Sikkim)

Also known as Yuksom Monastery or Hermit’s Cell to locals. It is a Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma or Nyingmapa sect (Red Hat Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism, founded in 1701 during the reign of Chakdar Namgyal (Third Chogyal). This oldest monastery is an important part of the pilgrimage circuit. The word Dubdi literally means Retreat or Place of Rest in the local language.
This Buddhist monastery is a two-storied stone-built monastery structure decorated in the Buddhist style, situated on a hilltop surrounded by green forests.
You cannot reach Dubdi Monastery directly by car, as you have to trek after the motorable road ends.
But for those who just want to reach the monastery by trekking, the best option is to choose the uphill road next to Yuksom Health Center, where direction boards indicate a trekking route towards the monastery. This one-hour trekking route (around 3 km) is a joyful and adventurous experience for nature lovers and trekkers.
Following this trail, you will see water-powered prayer wheels, old bridge, a few rest stops, picturesque views of Yuksom village, hear the chirping of birds, and feel the thrill of walking through dense forests. A spectacular bird’s-eye view can be seen from the monastery.

The walls of the monastery are decorated with Buddhist artwork and images of deities. There are also statues of the three Lamas who founded Sikkim. The second floor of the monastery has a rare collection of manuscripts and other religious texts. However, photography is prohibited inside the Monastery.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has declared Sikkim’s oldest monastery as Monuments of National Importance (India). The ASI currently protects the monastery as a state heritage site.

While visiting the Dubdi monastery, I saw some lamas making Tibetan butter sculptures for one of their ceremonies, which was a unique and unforgettable experience for me. During the Losar (Tibetan New Year) festival, Buddhist monks (lama) mainly make butter sculptures. Lamas typically prepare this unique art using yak butter, vanaspati, flour, and traditional colors as the main ingredients. So, butter sculpture holds a significant role in Tibetan culture.

Kathok Lake (Mother Lake of Yuksom)

This lake is also known as Kartok Lake, and it is one of the most sacred natural lakes in Sikkim. It has great religious importance to the followers of Buddhism.
Kathok Lake is located nearly in the heart of Yuksom village, which can be seen on the way to the Norbugang Coronation Throne and Goecha La trekking routes.
The lake is regarded as the Soul Lake (Lahtsho) of Lama Kartok Kunto Zangpo, and he was one of the three Buddhist lamas who participated in the coronation ceremony of the first Chogyal in 1642. It is believed that he consecrated this lake as its water was used in the coronation ceremony. Even today, the Lamas perform a Tru-Soul (purification) ceremony every year to maintain the sanctity of the lake.

A narrow road leads down to the lake from the entrance of the lake. Flying prayer flags of various colors add more color to the green surroundings of the lake. Especially in the months of March and April of the year, the rhododendron blossoms around the lake. This sacred lake is full of red and golden-colored fish. Reflections of Mt. Kabru and the sky are visible in the clear waters of the lake during sunny days.

Note: To enter this lake, you need to pay an entrance fee.

Kathok Wosel Ling Monastery (Also known as Karthok Gumpa)

Situated just above Kartak Lake, this monastery is one of the most important religious sites in Yuksom. This brightly colored Buddhist monastery is located in a peaceful setting. The various traditional motifs in white at the entrance road of the monastery are very eye-catching.

Kathok Lake and Monastery both are named after the Lama Kartok Kunto Zangpo.

Coronation Throne of Norbugang

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) currently maintains this historic cultural site, as indicated by the blue-white sign board at the entrance.
The Norbugang coronation site is a large stone throne in the shade of an ancient, tall, and large pine tree, with four seats on different levels.
The seat at the highest level is named after Chief Lama Lhatsun Chempo, who attended the coronation. The first Chogyal of Sikkim sat in the lower seat to the right side of the highest seat, and the seats on the two different levels to the left side were occupied by the other two Lamas who were part of Coronation ceremony. But currently it is surrounded by grills to prevent any harm.
A stone footprint believed to be of Lhatsun Chembo can be seen near this throne.A white-colored big chorten (stupa) stands opposite the throne and was built in 1642 during the coronation of Sikkim’s first Chogyal, locally known as Norbugang Chorten. Pilgrims believe that this chorten contains water and soil from all parts of Sikkim, and it holds immense importance in Sikkim’s Buddhist pilgrimage circuit.
The Norbugang complex includes a large prayer wheel inside a Buddhist monastery-style building.
Sikkim’s trip is incomplete without seeing the historic coronation site of Norbugang, which is the birthplace of modern Sikkim.

Statue of Thangtong Gyalpo

A large statue can be seen on the top floor of a monastery, on the left side of the entrance to the Narbagong Coronation Throne Complex. This statue is of Thangtong Gyalpo, who was an architect, saint, and visionary. Also, he was also known as Chakzampa (a maker of iron chains). Many of the 58 iron-chain suspension bridges he built in Bhutan and Tibet are still in use today. A plaque below the statue contains details about him.
But this statue and monastery were built recently. The view of the village and surrounding mountains from the statue’s premises is truly breathtaking. 

Tashi Tenka 

This viewpoint is located on a hilltop south of Yuksom, witnessing the ruins of the royal palace of the Chogyals. Only the stones of the royal palace complex remain today, but it’s a spectacular viewpoint that offers breathtaking 360-degree views.
This ancient palace complex is not only a tourist attraction but also has historical and cultural significance.

From this viewpoint, you can see Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, and Rathong Valley. To reach here, one has to follow the small uphill stairway road next to white-colored stupas near the Sr. Secondary School of Yuksom. So, you should not miss the Tashi Tenka at all.

Mani Hall

This charming mani hall is a monastery-style structure located right in the middle of the city, near Yuksum Bazaar. Inside this building, there are 18 large prayer wheels arranged in two rows, which is unique in Sikkim. These prayer wheels are heavy, so they are not very easy to rotate. It is definitely a place to visit.If you plan on visiting Yuksom, be sure to visit Hungri Monastery and Ngadhak Changchub Choling Monastery, as they are important places on the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit of Sikkim. I couldn’t visit Tashiding Monastery, which is part of Demazong, because I didn’t have enough time, but I will definitely do it in the future.

Yanu, thank you very much for taking the time to show me the tourist attractions of Yuksom. My Yuksom village trip will always hold a special place in my heart.

You can see some selected stunning photos & videos by clicking on the blog’s Instagram, Facebook and X(Twitter). Also, click the Gallery Section of this blog for only photos. I hope you will like those.

Yuksom lost much of its importance due to the subsequent relocation of the capital, but its charm remains today. In that case, a visit to Sikkim would not be complete without seeing Norbugang in Yuksom, where the Namgyal dynasty coronation took place and modern Sikkim was born.
This blog post has highlighted the reasons why Yuksom is considered one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites, along with the birth story of Sikkim.
On the other hand, my upcoming blog post will focus on the natural beauty of Yuksom and the story of how this village became an ideal eco-tourism village.
Limboo Homestay is a great place to stay in Yuksom, and this homestay will be one of the topics of my upcoming blog post.
The warm hospitality of this organic and eco-friendly homestay was the reason why my trip to Yuksom was memorable. So, please wait till I publish my upcoming blog post.

Related Blogpost(s)

• Khecheopalri Lake: A Sacred Lake & Pilgrimage Site in Sikkim
• Yuksom: A model village for ECOTOURISM, rich in biodiversity