History of The City

Yuksam the first capital of Sikkim under Chogyal Kingdom, is situated 35 kilometers away from the Pemayangtse or Pelling. Tucked away in a plateau at an altitude of 6100ft above sea level and surrounded by high forested hills, Yuksam, is a land of ancient history and legends. In 1641 under the reign of the first Chogyal of the kingdom, Yuksom was honored as the Capital of the state.

One can find the evidences of the sanctification program of the Chogyal King at the Norbugang throne. The legends say that three scholar Lamas coming from three different directions assembled at Yuksam and consecrated the Chogyal King during the late 1600. The ruins in the Chorten show the stone seats and the footprints of the head Lama on a stone. The name 'Yuksam' also means the 'meeting place of three Lamas'.

The tranquil little village and surroundings of Yuksam offer ample opportunity for experiencing the history of Sikkim, its fascinating people, mountain peaks and the area's immense natural diversity. Surrounded by picturesque mountains covered with dense forests of rhododendron, birch, maple, oaks and magnolia houses a diverse collection of flora and fauna.

Yuksam is a familiar name to the mountaineers and trekkers all over the world. The motorable roads end here and start some of exciting trek routes in the high Himalayan region to Dzongri, Goechala and Samiti Lake.

Accessibility: Yuksam can be conveniently reached from Siliguri via Legship and from Gangtok via Ravangla. The distance from Siliguri is 145kms and from Gangtok is 90kms. The nearest railhead NJP that connects all the important Indian cities by regular train service is 6kms from Siliguri and the Bagdogra Airport having daily Jet Airways and Indian Airlines flight from New Delhi and Calcutta is 28kms from Siliguri.

Places of Interest around Yuksam:
Khechepalri Lake: Regarded as one of the most sacred lakes in Sikkim the Khechepalri lake is also known as the wishing lake. This unusually tranquil lake, surrounded by verdant forest and sacred prayer flags is situated at a distance of 24kms from Yuksam.

Dubdi Monastery: One of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim. It was built in the year 1701 by the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism the Monastery is also known as the Hermit's Cell. Nestled at the top of a forested hill the Monastery offers a bird eyes view of the Yuksam valley and the mountains. It is a 40 min trek from Yuksam through forested trails. An ideal place for the bird watchers particularly early in the morning or in the evening.

Norbugang Coronation Throne: At a 15 min walking distance from Yuksam lays the most important historical site of Yuksam, the stone throne of Norbugang. It is the place where Chogyal Phuntsog, the first religious king of Sikkim was crowned. The stone throne is shaded by a 300-year-old fir tree and still bears the memory of the ancient past. A foot print in front of the throne is said to belong to Lhatsun Namkha Jigme. The Chorten (stupa) near the throne contains soil and water from all over Sikkim. The site is protected by the archeological department of India.

How to Reach Yuksam (Sikkim)

Airport: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal is 140 kms away from Yuksam. There is Daily flight from Delhi and Calcutta.

Railhead: New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal is the nearest Railway station and it is 140 kms away. It is well connected with major cities of India such as Calcutta, New Delhi and Guwahati.

Road Transport: Yuksam is well linked with all the major district of Sikkim, state West Bengal, Bhutan Border and Nepal Border. Siliguri, the main base city from where one can get various transport to Sikkim is 140 kms away.

Hotels in Yuksam

www.lhw.com/LuxuryHotel
www.StarwoodHotels.com
www.FourSeasons.com