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If you are looking for a surreally beautiful mountainous village and a haven of rest and peace, Yuksom a quaint town in West Sikkim should be your destination. It is ideal for a laid-back vacation, and it is absolutely unexplored and enchanting. Yuksom is the gateway to Mountain Kangchendzongha and is the home to some spellbinding trails worth exploring. The much-appreciated tourist attractions and touring places showcase old cloisters, quiet cascades and placid lakes. Savour some sips of local tea and listen to the fabled tales of Yuksom being the crowning seat of its first chogyal (lord). This land is a stark contrast to its most commercial counterparts and its historical significance surpasses its usual reputation. The term Yuksom originally means ‘the meeting place of three lamas,’ and refers to the three holy lamas who consecrated the first Chogyal (king) of Sikkim here in the 17th century.
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Tashi Tenka was the historical imperial royal residence complex located at an edge toward the south of town. It has mesmerising views all around and overlooks the Rabdentse Monastery somewhat higher to one side of the Pemayangtse Monastery towards its south. One can have enthralling views of the layers of Rathong Valley nestled cosily in the middle of the high mountain peaks, on its northern side. The east gives the tourists a soothing view of the roads leading to the Tashiding with the splendid scenic beauty of the forest covered slopes, and then the western side presents an alluring view of Khecheopalri.
Also Read: Places to visit in Yuksom & Things to do in Yuksom
The weather during the months from March to May remains very pleasant and can charm its guests and travellers offering a perfect time to visit Tashi Tenka.
Also Read: Places to visit in Sikkim & Things to do in Sikkim
To reach Tashi Tenka, you shall have to trek a trail right up to the ridge. Reach Yuksom by taking a shared Jeep / Taxi / SSRTC Buses from Geyzing (39 km / 1 hour 48 min) or from Pelling (40 km/ 1 hour 39 min). Private vehicles/taxis are also available if you want to cover the distance at your own pace, stopping by on the way to gaze at the ethereal views of enchanting Yuksom. Public transport is available but might not be very reliable.
Suggested Read: Best Time to visit Yuksom & How to reach Yuksom
Dubdi Monastery is also often referred to as Yuksom Monastery. It is a Buddhist monastery that owes its allegiance to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery is quite old, established in the year 1701, during the rule of Chogyar Namgyal. Dubdi Monastery is an integral part of the Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit that showcases the prominent religious establishments and famous tourist spots of Sikkim such as Norbugang Chorten, Pemayangtse Monastery, the Rabdentse ruins, the Sanga Choeling Monastery, the Khecheopalri Lake and the Tashiding Monastery. The word ‘Dubdi’ means ‘the retreat’ and the monastery does ultimate justice to its name which can be seen and felt once you step into its premises. The setting shall cast a hypnotic spell with its surreal thick cover of chestnut backwoods. Dubdi Monastery is said to be the oldest monastery in Sikkim and is located on the hilltop at a distance of about an hour of walk through serene, picturesque surroundings. It is merely at a distance of 3 km from Yuksom and is termed as the Hermit’s Cell. The name has evolved from the legend of its ascetic founder Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, who is said to have met two other lamas from Tibet at Norbugang near Yuksom and consecrated Phuntsog Namgyal as the first Chogyal or King of Sikkim at Norbugang Yuksom in the year 1642. This intricately painted Monastery stands as a two-storied stone structure that rises to a height of 2,100 meters.
The best time to visit Dubdi Monastery would be the months from March till May as it sports the finest weather at this point in time. It is open for visitors all days of the week from morning 7 am till evening 4 pm.
Suggested Read: Best Time to Visit Sikkim & How to Reach Sikkim
This beautiful monastery is just a walk of 3 km from Yuksom. It is beautifully situated on a hilltop. You can conveniently reach Yuksom by taking a shared Jeep / Taxi / SSRTC Buses from Geyzing (39 km / 1 hour 48 min) or from Pelling (40 km/ 1 hour 39 min). Private vehicles/taxis are also available if you want to cover the distance at your own pace, stopping by on the roads to enjoy the serenity and taking in the ethereal views of enchanting Yuksom. Public transport is available but might not be very reliable.
The beauty of Yuksom lies in its stunning landscapes that are surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush green forests and gushing waterfalls. The village of Yuksom forms the gateway to the famous Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that extends over an area of 1784 sq km. known for its rich biodiversity and the majestic Mount Khangchendzonga, the third highest peak in the world. This is an exotic national park with a natural elevation and houses a fascinating variety of untamed life, for example, Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Great Tibetan Sheep, Bharal and Musk deer. A wide array of bird species such as the Black-necked Crane, Grus nigricollis, Satyr Tragopan, Gray Peacock Pheasant, Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Tibetan Snow Cock, Blood Pheasant and Himalayan Snow Cock delight to visitors of Khangchendzonga National Park. It has 18 frozen masses, including Zemu Glacier, which is huge in size. The national park also has more than 17 elevated lakes and one can enjoy 19 Himalayan mountain peaks, including the famous Mount Khangchendzonga.
The best time to visit Khangchendzonga National Park is between the months of March and May and then again from September to mid-December because it has an ideal weather during this time. Wildlife spotting would be at its peak, and you will enjoy the rare opportunities to catch some endangered species close at hand with your eyes or your camera.
Khangchendzonga National Park can be reached via road. The National Highway 31A, a 92 km route from Sevok in Darjeeling to Gangtok, is the closest highway to Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim. Yuksom is the closest town towards its west.
Tashiding Monastery is a place to unwind, be at one with nature, realize your spiritual abilities and admire the beauty of raw nature and tranquil atmosphere all around. This monastery is alluring to visitors because of its exquisite architectural finesses and a magnificent backdrop of the snow-covered Himalayas. This monastery is described as the ‘Heart of Sikkim or Denzong’ because of its religious significance. This monastery is beautifully located on top of the hill positioned strategically between the Rathong chu and the Rangeet River. It is located about 40 km from Gyalshing and 19 km from Yuksom. This place is known for the brilliant celebration of the annual festival of Bumchu that happens sometime during the months of February and March. This festival is enormously important for the people of Sikkim as it is believed to conduct forecasts for Sikkim for the following year. The travellers will have an intensely elevated experience and open minds of all for a deeper insight into Buddhism and all of its religious customs, beliefs and rituals. It also serves as a residence of a considerable number of Buddhist monks and priests.
Also Read: Monasteries in Sikkim
The best time to visit the Tashiding Monastery is during the months from March to June. The weather during these months is the best making it perfect to visit the various other attractions located close by. If you want to watch the extravaganza of the special Bumchu Festival, then the best time to visit this Sikkimese tourist attraction would be during the first month of the Tibetan calendar or let’s say February and March.
The cheapest way to get from Yuksom to Tashiding Monastery is by hiring a taxi service that will cost only about ₹300, and the quickest way will take just about 30 mins. Tashiding Monastery is just 19 kilometres from Yuksom.
Coronation Throne of Norbugang connotes where a coronation or crowning of the main Chogyal lord – Phuntsog Namgyal – happened in the year 1642. At the end of the coronation formalities a wall was erected which came to be named as Norbugang chorten and this structure marks the original site. Legend goes that the attendees were offered a huge amount of wealth that remains buried underneath the Norbugang Chorten. The seats of the three Lamas and the king, a shrine with a huge prayer wheel, a mystic pine tree beside the chorten along with the serene Kathok Lake that was the source of the water used for coronation was taken are some characteristic and important landmarks that keep the travellers in perpetual awe. The footprints of one of the three lamas, embedded in a rock opposite the king’s throne is another awe-inspiring feature of this tourist spot. The garden surrounding this historical site offers a rare collection of indigenous greenery. Visitors wander around the place soaking in the silence and infinite peace.
The weather remains pleasant during the months of March till May and is considered as the best time to visit the Coronation Throne of Norbugang.
Coronation Throne of Norbugang is approximately a 20-minute walk from the main Yuksom Market. Yuksom can be accessed by taking a shared Jeep/Taxi/ SSRTC Buses from Geyzing (40 km/1 hour 48 min) or from Pelling (40 km/1 hour 40 min). Private taxis ply in plenty in case one desires to explore the beauty of the nearby destinations on their own and have a customised itinerary of their own.
Soak your soul and mind in the enigma of a historical destination to experience a fusion of art and culture in the Kartok Monastery. The scenic beauty and the enthralling intricate architecture leave a lasting impression in our minds. Kartok Monastery is situated opposite to the Kartok Lake, and this monastery is one of the three most popular monasteries at Yuksom. The structure has a majestic entrance and intricate interiors. It has a unique charm that lures tourists and travellers from far and near and makes this destination one of the top tourist attractions of Sikkim. The view of the snow-capped mountains surrounding the monastery brings in added charm to the place. The Kartok Monastery, Norbugang Chorten, Coronation Throne along with the Kathok Wodsalin Gompa collectively showcase the rich heritage of the region.
Take a little time to visit this monastery throughout the year. Anytime is the perfect time to visit the monastery. If you would ask the best time, then that would be March to June.
Yuksom is strategically located close to the major tourist attractions of Sikkim such as Pelling and Geyzing and has extremely good connectivity with all the nearby attractions. Road transport such as taxi and bus are the best means of transportation to reach Kartok Monastery.
Yuksom is one of the small but exquisitely beautiful small states of Sikkim and is famous for its breath-taking views of snow-capped Himalayan ranges and mountains, valleys and picturesque landscapes.
Yuksom has an unspoilt beauty and serenity in its natural surroundings. The overwhelming cultural heritage, and tranquil ambiance make it a popular destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts and for tourists and travellers to hanker for peace and closeness to nature in the lap of the Himalayas.
Tashiding Monastery is said to be the holiest monastery in Sikkim and around. Legend says that just the glimpse of Thongwa Rangdol Shrine (chorten), washes away all of your sins. Visiting is equal to getting cleansed or purified. A holy dip into a holy river can add to the purification process. The walk till the monastery is lined with white coloured prayer flags.
The term ‘Tashiding’ means ‘The Devoted Central Glory’ The monastery was founded in 1641 by Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunshok Rigzing of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
History says ‘Tashiding’ refers to ‘The Devoted Central Glory’ and it was founded in 1641 by Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunshok Rigzing of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Ngadak was one of the three wise men who carried out the consecration ceremony at the crowning event of the first Monarch or Chogyal of Sikkim at Yuksom.
Tashiding Monastery belongs to the seventeenth century and rises to a height of 6,500 ft. It is dedicated to the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism and is located about 40 km from Geyzing and 19 km towards the south east of Yuksom.
Dubdi Monastery is known by the name of Yuksom Monastery by the locals. It is said to be the oldest monastery in Sikkim and was established in 1701 by Chogyal Namgyal, the contemporary King of Sikkim. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries of the State of Sikkim. It was originally established by Lhatsun Chempo, one of the revered Lamas, who was a part of the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal or Monarch of Sikkim.
Rumtek Monastery belonging to Karma Kagyu located near Gangtok, Sikkim, India in one of the most sprawling, magnificent and beautiful monasteries of Sikkim.
Yuksom is the sacred place where the first Chogyal of Sikkim, temporal and religious King, was crowned in 1641 by three lamas who were famous for their wisdom. From Yuksom one can enjoy charming views of the majestic Kanchenjunga.
The stunning Kanchenjunga Waterfalls is located at a distance of 10 km from Yuksom and 24 km from Pelling. It is located in the beautiful hill town of Pelling, Sikkim.
Kanchenjunga peak cannot be reached directly. You need to travel till Yuksom and then undertake a fairly rigorous trek of around 6 days to reach Lamuney which is one of the trekking spots of Kanchenjunga Mountains. From this place, one can enjoy the spectacular views of the third highest mountain peak of the world, Kanchenjunga.
The nearest railhead to Khangchendzonga National Park is in New Jalpaiguri, the Siliguri Junction. This is approximately 120 kms from Gangtok and is well connected with other major cities of the country like Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati.
The small mountain Himalayan village of Tinchuley is located closest to Kanchenjunga and offers unparalleled view of the mighty Kanchenjungha mountains.
Khangchendzonga National Park is home to a diverse range of Indian flora and fauna that is rare and endangered. The wide range of bird species, wild trees, orchids and rhododendrons and one-third of the country’s flowering plant species are to be found here. It is also famous for being the home to the widest and most extensive area of krummholz or stunted forest of the Himalayan region.
Myths around Kangchenjunga are found galore. Local people are well aware of all associated myths. These myths say that spirits reside at Kangchenjunga’s peak. To show reverence to these resident spirits, a promise was made to the Chogyal or the monarch of the former kingdom of Sikkim that the summit shall never be violated. Thus, climbers and expedition teams stop a short distance away from the summit in respect.
This monastery is considered the holiest by the Sikkimese and is believed to be the most sacred monastery in the state and is known to wash away your sins once you offer your prayers here. The word ‘Tashiding Monastery’ actually means ‘elevated glorious white rock’. It refers to a miraculous elevation on the monastery site.
