Yuksom (Sikkim) FAQs In 2024

10 FAQS on Yuksom

What is Yuksom and why is it famous?

Yuksom is a historical town located in the West Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and as the gateway to the Kanchenjunga National Park. Yuksom is also significant for its historical importance as the first capital of Sikkim and the site where the first Chogyal (king) of the state was crowned in 1642.

Yuksom can be reached by road from the nearest major town, Geyzing, which is connected to other cities of Sikkim. The nearest airport is Pakyong Airport near Gangtok, or Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. The closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal. From these entry points, visitors can hire taxis or use shared jeeps to reach Yuksom.

The best time to visit Yuksom is between March to May and September to November. These periods offer pleasant weather, clearer skies, and easier access to trekking routes. Winters can be quite cold, and the monsoon season from June to August can make trekking trails slippery and prone to landslides.

Key attractions in Yuksom include the Dubdi Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, the Norbugang Coronation Throne, where the first Chogyal was crowned, the holy Khecheopalri Lake, and the Tashiding Monastery. Yuksom is also the starting point for the famous Dzongri and Goecha La treks in the Kanchenjunga range.

Yes, Yuksom is the base for several treks. The most popular treks include the Dzongri Trek, which offers magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga range, and the Goecha La Trek, which takes adventurers close to the world's third-highest mountain, Mt. Kanchenjunga. Both treks provide opportunities to experience the region's natural beauty, including rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude lakes.

Visitors to Sikkim, including Yuksom and the surrounding areas, are required to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) if they are Indian nationals. Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter Sikkim and an additional permit for trekking in the Kanchenjunga National Park or other protected areas. These permits can be obtained from Sikkim Tourism offices or through registered travel agents.

Yuksom offers a range of accommodation options, from budget homestays and lodges to more comfortable hotels and resorts. Many offer basic amenities and serve local, Indian, and continental cuisine. It is advisable to book in advance during peak tourist seasons.

Tourists can expect to enjoy a variety of local Sikkimese, Nepali, and Tibetan dishes in Yuksom. Some popular local foods include momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and local variations of rice, dal (lentil soup), and saag (leafy vegetables). Traditional millet-based alcoholic beverages like tongba or chhaang are also part of the local cuisine.

The local population of Yuksom primarily speaks Sikkimese languages such as Bhutia and Nepali. However, many people involved in tourism speak Hindi and English, so tourists should be able to communicate effectively, especially in areas frequented by travelers.

Tourists visiting Yuksom can immerse themselves in the local culture by participating in village walks, attending local festivals like Losoong or Saga Dawa, trying traditional Sikkimese clothes, and engaging with local artisans and monks. Additionally, visiting monasteries during prayer times offers a glimpse into the religious life of the region.