bigtravelbuzzYuksom is a small town in the West Sikkim district of Sikkim, India. It is a popular destination for trekking and adventure enthusiasts, as it serves as the base camp for several treks in the region. Additionally, the town is also known for its historical significance as the first capital of Sikkim.
Places to Visit in Yuksom
Some of the popular places to visit in Yuksom include:
Dubdi Monastery: It is the oldest monastery in Sikkim and is located about 5 km from Yuksom.
Norbugang Park: It is a beautiful park that is located in the heart of Yuksom and is known for its historical significance.
Tashiding Monastery: It is one of the most important monasteries in Sikkim and is located about 20 km from Yuksom.
Khecheopalri Lake: It is a sacred lake that is considered very important by both Hindus and Buddhists and is located about 28 km from Yuksom.
Khangchendzonga National Park: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. It is located about 15 km from Yuksom.
Best Time To Visit Yuksom
The best time to visit Yuksom is between the months of March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C, making it an ideal time for sightseeing, trekking and exploring the beautiful natural surroundings. The monsoon season, which is from July to August, should be avoided as the region experiences heavy rainfall and landslides which can cause disruptions in travel plans. The winter season, from December to February, is also not a good time to visit as the region experiences heavy snowfall and roads can get blocked due to snow.
Things to Do in Yuksom
Yuksom is a beautiful town in the West Sikkim district of Sikkim, India. It is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. Here are some things to do in Yuksom:
Visit the Norbugang Park: This park is located near the Coronation Throne and is known for its beautiful landscaped gardens. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Explore the Dubdi Monastery: Dubdi Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim and is located in Yuksom. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in Sikkimese culture and history.
Trek to Goechala: The Goechala trek is one of the most popular treks in Sikkim. The trek takes you through beautiful valleys, dense forests, and offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
Visit the Tashi Tenka: Tashi Tenka is a beautiful palace located in Yuksom. It was built by the first king of Sikkim and is now a popular tourist attraction.
Go bird watching: Yuksom is home to a wide variety of bird species. You can go bird watching and spot some of the rare species that can be found in the region.
Go on a village tour: You can go on a village tour and experience the local way of life in Yuksom. You can interact with the locals, learn about their culture, and try some of the local cuisine.
Visit Khecheopalri Lake: This beautiful lake is located near Yuksom and is considered sacred by the locals. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Visit the Khangchendzonga National Park: The Khangchendzonga National Park is located near Yuksom and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard.
Go on a mountain biking tour: You can go on a mountain biking tour and explore the beautiful countryside around Yuksom.
Try some local cuisine: Yuksom is known for its delicious local cuisine. You can try some of the local dishes like momos, thukpa, and chhang.
How to get around in Yuksom
Yuksom is a small town, and you can easily explore it on foot. However, if you want to travel to nearby places, you can hire a taxi or a jeep. There are also shared taxis and jeeps available for hire, which are relatively cheaper. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the town and its surrounding areas. The roads can be rough and unpaved in some areas, so it’s essential to be cautious while riding.
Where to eat in Yuksom
There are a few restaurants and cafes in Yuksom that serve a variety of cuisine, including Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese. Some popular options include:
Chopstick Restaurant: This restaurant serves a variety of Tibetan and Chinese dishes, including momos and noodles.
Nutmeg Tree Restaurant: The Nutmeg Tree is known for its delicious Indian cuisine and is particularly popular for its thali, a platter of several dishes.
Khangchendzonga Restaurant: This restaurant serves both Indian and Tibetan cuisine and is a good place to try local specialties.
Snow Lion Restaurant: Snow Lion is a popular restaurant in Yuksom that serves a variety of Indian and Tibetan dishes, as well as some Chinese options.
Cafe Mandala: This cozy cafe serves delicious coffee, tea, and snacks and is a great place to relax and take a break from exploring Yuksom.
Sonam’s Kitchen: Sonam’s Kitchen is a cozy and charming restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, and Indian food.
It’s worth noting that many restaurants in Yuksom are small and family-run, so it’s a good idea to be patient and flexible with your orders. Additionally, some restaurants may have limited hours or may close during the offseason, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of time if there’s a specific place you want to visit.
Famous street stalls in Yuksom
Yuksom is a small town in Sikkim that doesn’t have a lot of street food options. However, there are a few popular stalls that you can try:
Chhurpi – Chhurpi is a local cheese that is made from yak’s milk. It is quite popular in Sikkim and you can find it at most local shops and markets in Yuksom.
Momos – Momos are a popular snack in Sikkim and you can find them at most small restaurants and stalls in Yuksom.
Thukpa – Thukpa is a popular noodle soup that is a staple in Sikkim. You can find it at most small restaurants and food stalls in Yuksom.
Local Beverages – Sikkim is known for its local beverages like Tongba (a millet-based alcoholic drink) and Chaang (a local beer made from rice). You can find them at most local shops and bars in Yuksom.
Where to stay in Yuksom
Luxury accommodation
Yuksom is a small village in West Sikkim, and while there are some nice accommodations, there aren’t any true luxury hotels. However, there are a few high-end options that offer comfortable and stylish rooms, as well as modern amenities. Some of the best luxury accommodations in Yuksom are:
Tashi Gang Resort: This resort is situated amidst dense forests and offers stunning views of the mountains. The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated with traditional Sikkimese architecture.
The Elgin Mount Pandim: This heritage hotel is a converted monastery and is known for its traditional architecture and décor. The rooms are luxurious and feature antique furniture and modern amenities.
Norbu Ghang Resort: This resort is situated in a serene location and offers breathtaking views of the mountains. The rooms are spacious and feature traditional Sikkimese décor.
Dubdi Retreat: This hotel is situated close to the Dubdi Monastery and offers stunning views of the mountains. The rooms are spacious and feature traditional Sikkimese architecture and décor.
Yuksom Residency Hotel: This hotel is situated in the heart of Yuksom and offers comfortable rooms and modern amenities. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine.
These luxury accommodations in Yuksom are perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the region while staying in comfort and style.
Where to stay in Yuksom
Budget accommodation
There are several options for budget accommodation in Yuksom, including homestays, guesthouses, and budget hotels. Here are some suggestions:
Hotel Tashigang: This budget hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms at reasonable rates. It is located in the heart of the town and offers easy access to all major attractions.
Dolma Guest House: This guest house is a great option for budget travelers who want to experience the local culture. It offers simple rooms with basic amenities and serves traditional local food.
Yak Hotel and Lodge: This budget hotel is located on the outskirts of the town and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious food.
Karma Norbu Homestay: This homestay is run by a friendly local family and offers a great opportunity to experience the local culture. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the hosts are happy to share their knowledge about the area.
Dubdi Monastery Homestay: This homestay is located near the historic Dubdi Monastery and offers simple rooms with beautiful views of the mountains. The hosts are friendly and helpful, and the homestay also offers traditional local food.
These are just a few of the budget accommodation options available in Yuksom. There are many others to choose from, so it’s worth doing some research to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Travel Tips Yuksom
Here are some travel tips for Yuksom:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Yuksom is during the months of March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.
Altitude sickness: Yuksom is located at a high altitude of about 1,700 meters above sea level. Visitors should take precautions against altitude sickness, such as acclimatizing for a few days before heading to higher altitudes, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding strenuous activities.
Permits: Visitors to Yuksom need to obtain permits to visit certain areas, such as the Kanchenjunga National Park. These permits can be obtained from the local authorities or tour operators.
Accommodation: There are a few budget and mid-range guesthouses and hotels in Yuksom. Visitors should book their accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
Local cuisine: Yuksom offers a variety of local cuisine, including traditional dishes such as momos, thukpa, and chhang. Visitors can also try local fruits such as kiwi, apple, and peach.
Trekking: Yuksom is the starting point for many treks in the region, including the popular Goecha La Trek. Visitors should plan their trekking routes and obtain necessary permits and equipment beforehand.
Respect local culture: Yuksom is home to several ethnic communities, including the Lepchas and Bhutias. Visitors should respect local culture, customs, and traditions. Dress modestly, ask for permission before taking photographs, and avoid loud music or behavior that may offend locals.