Yuksom
Yuksom at a glance
About 35 km from Pemayangtse lays the first capital of Sikkim where the first Chogyal of the kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 AD by three learned Lamas. The Norbughang Chorten nearby still has the evidence of the consecration ceremony in the form of stone seats and a footprint of the head lama on a stone.
The name `Yuksom` means the meeting place of three Lamas. Situated at an altitude of 1780 mt, the place is famous as the starting place for mountaineering expeditions and treks to higher Kanchenjunga ranges.
The famous Dubdi monastery is an hour's trek from Yuksom. For trekkers going towards the Kanchenjunga base camp or the Dzongri - Goechala region, this is the place where it all starts. About 9 km from Yuksom is the 'phamrong' waterfall. A bridge nearby provides excellent glimpse of the waterfall. Yuksom can be approached either from Tashiding or from Pelling. The road from Tashiding passes through dense forests.
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Air
The closest airport is at Bagdogra (about 165 km from Yuksom and a seven hour drive) and is connected by air with all the Metros in the country.
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Rail
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest rail head and is also about 165 kms from Yuksom. NJP is also connected with all the major cities of the country with most of trains heading for the north-eastern states making a stop at this junction.
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Road
Car services can be availed from Siliguri, Pelling & Gangtok to Yuksom. However, it is more convenient to travel in smaller vehicles which are available on seat sharing basis/hire, from near the Bus terminus, airport and railway station.
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Norbughang Coronation Throne
Norbughang Coronation Throne was erected in Yuksom in the year 1642 in the memory of crowning of the first monarch (‘Chogyal’) of Sikkim - Phuntsog Namgyal. He was the fifth generation descendant of Guru Tashi whom the three Lamas, namely Lutsum Chembo, Sempa Chembo and Rinzing Chembo had found from the region near Gangtok and recognized as the chosen one for the purpose of spreading Buddhism. Lepchas and Magarsof of the surrounding areas in Sikkim and Tibet had gathered in a huge number to witness the coronation ceremony of Phuntsog Namgyal and offered a large number of gifts to the Lamas on that occasion. After completing the coronation, the lamas decided to build a Trashi-wod-hBar-Chorten at that place to mark the event.
They collected earth and stones from every part of Sikkim and constructed a Chorten under which all the gifts received from the people were buried. Thus, Norbugang Chorten is the time capsule that stands as the witness of the historical event of consecration of the first Chogyal of Sikkim. A park named Norbugang Park in Yuksom encloses a large prayer wheel, a prayer hall, the Norbugang Chorten (stupa) and the Norbugang Coronation Throne. This coronation throne which looks like an old Olympic Medal Podium is set up below a large cryptomeria pine and a wooden head board set up alongside appears like an altar. The throne containing four seats is made of stone. The Pine Tree under which the accession took place still stands here surviving the test of time.
The Norbugang Chorten is situated just opposite the coronation throne and the holy Kathok Lake that had provided water for the consecration ceremony can be still seen here. A footprint is discovered which is supposed to be of one of the three Lamas. -
Dubdi Monastery
Dubdi Monastery, also called Yuksom Monastery at times, is the first monastery established by The Chogyal Phuntsog Namgyal in the year 1701. Considered to be the oldest monastery of Sikkim, Dubdi Monastery is the part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit of Sikkim. Closely associated with the history of the settlement of Yuksom as the capital of Sikkim, this monastery is the only survival of the four monasteries built at that time. Also known as ‘Hermit’s Cell’, Dubdi Monastery is nestled at the top of a hill situated about 3 kilometers from the center of Yuksom. The term Dubdi means ‘the retreat’ in the local language.
Perched facing west at the altitude of 7000 feet amidst the snow crowned mountain peaks of the Himalayas, this is a two storied square shaped structure built in stone. The elaborately painted interior of the monastery houses several Images of deities, saints, religious symbols and a wide collection of texts and manuscripts. A unique green image of Lutsum Chembo as well as the statues of the three legendary lamas is enshrined in the monastery. The exteriors of Dubdi monastery are ornamented with a tapering tower built in iron sheets with projecting eaves. The flat roof of the monastery is topped with a bell shaped dome called ‘Gyaltshen’. Initially, the Dubdi Monastery was inhabited by more than 30 monks but today only one monk resides here. Tourists need to acquire prior permission from him to get the access into the monastery.
Dubdi Monastery is held in much esteem for its religious significance and it’s a must visit place of Yuksom. This monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Magnificent views of majestic Kanchenjunga Ranges can be enjoyed from here -
Tashiding Monaster
Tashiding Monastery belonging to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism is stationed 19 km south east of Yuksom at the apex of a Himalayan hill standing between the Rathong Chu Valley and the Rangeet River. Considered amongst the auspicious destinations in Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit, this monastery is regarded as one of the most scared monasteries of Sikkim. The word Tashiding means ‘The Devoted Central Glory’. Tashiding Monastery was set up by Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunshok Rigzing (Rinzing Chembo) of Nyingma sect, in the year 1641. During the governance of the third Chogyal of Yuksom - Chakdor Namgyal in the year 1717, this monastery was renovated and expanded.
As per the legend, the holy Guru Padmasambhava shot an arrow into the air. The place where the arrow landed was selected as the site for meditation by him. Later, Tashiding Monastery was established at the same place. Another legend says that the Lama Trinity had perceived a miraculous bright light at this very vicinity. Tashiding Monastery and Tashiding Town are bounded by four caves in four sides. Each cave boasts of its religious and historical heritage of furnishing as a meditation venue of various Buddhist Monks. Sharchog Bephug Cave is located in east, while the cave in west is called Dechenpug Cave. The one in north is dedicated to Lhari Nyingphug and the south cave is named after Khandozangphu.
Bhumchu Ceremony is the most important annual festival celebrated at Tashiding Monastery on 14th and 15th day of the first month of Tibetan Calendar. Devotees from far and wide alight here to pay homage and enjoy the festival to the fullest. -
Kartok Lake
Kartok Lake situated quite close to the renowned Dubdi Monastery is blessed with boundless natural beauty and the baggage of mythological background. Local people of Yuksom believe that Kartok Lake bears miraculous powers and it grants your wishes if prayed with pure heart. That’s why the banks of the lake are thronged by numerous prayer flags planted by the devotees. Legend goes that the first King of Sikkim Dominion - Phuntsog Namgyal was blessed with the holy waters which turned into the Kartok Lake.
This small but beautiful lake is always clean and the surface of the water is so crystal clear that it reflects the surroundings more translucently than the mirror. It is said that the birds working under the divine order carry off all the twigs, leaves and other litter that fall in the lake water and keep the holy lake as limpid as speculum. This vicinity where the sacred Kartok Lake is positioned is extremely calm and comely. The bewitching charm of the lake will release you of all your tension and deliver you rejuvenated and refreshed. Kartok Lake is a must visit place near Yuksom. -
Phamrong Waterfalls
Located about 9 kilometers from Yuksom towards Gerethang, Phamrong Waterfall is the highest waterfalls of Sikkim. Set in the midst of lush greenery, this waterfall cascading down the magnificent Kanchenjunga Ranges presents a transcendental spectacle especially during the rainy season. The water gushing down the rocky plateau creates an amazing vista of a play between water and rocks. Phamrong Waterfalls is a must visit place near Yuksom. Tourists capture some very good views both from the top and the bottom of the waterfalls.
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