Yuksom

Yuksom is a historic town in Gyalshing District of West Sikkim, situated at about 1,780 metres in the Himalayan foothills. It served as the first capital of Sikkim in 1642 where the first Chogyal was consecrated at Norbugang. Known as the gateway to Kanchenjunga National Park and the Goechala trek, it features Dubdi Monastery, Kathok Lake and the coronation throne, surrounded by forested hills and traditional Sikkimese settlements.

Visitors can expect a small Himalayan town surrounded by forested hills and rivers, serving as a base for treks into Kanchenjunga National Park. The settlement has homestays, small shops and eateries, with stone-paved paths leading to historic sites such as the Norbugang Coronation Throne and Chorten, Dubdi Monastery on a hilltop, and Kathok Lake. The environment is quiet and rural with views of mountains, prayer flags, and opportunities for short nature walks and cultural sightseeing.

Yuksom was established as the first capital of Sikkim in 1642 when Phuntsog Namgyal was consecrated as the first Chogyal (king) at Norbugang by three Tibetan lamas. The Norbugang Coronation Throne and Chorten mark this event. Dubdi Monastery, built in 1701, is regarded as the oldest monastery in Sikkim and reflects the early spread of Buddhism in the region.

Sacred centre for Sikkimese Buddhism with Norbugang Chorten, Dubdi Monastery and Kathok Lake revered as holy sites. The town reflects Lepcha and Bhutia traditions and is culturally linked to Mount Kanchenjunga, revered as a guardian deity. It remains an important pilgrimage and cultural heritage site for the Sikkimese people.