Yuksom (meaning "Meeting Place of Three Lamas") in West Sikkim at 1,780 m is where Sikkim's first king, Phuntsog Namgyal, was crowned in 1641 at the historic Norbugang throne. Today this heritage village is both a pilgrimage site for Buddhist history enthusiasts and the primary base camp for trekkers heading to Goechala and Kanchenjunga National Park.
Yuksom
Sikkim's First Capital — Where Three Lamas Met and a Kingdom Was Born in 1641
A Glimpse into the History of Yuksom
The Kingdom's Founding (1641)
In 1641, three Tibetan lamas — Lhatsun Chempo, Kathok Kuntu Zangpo, and Ngadak Sempa Chempo — converged at Yuksom after separate journeys from Tibet. They crowned Phuntsog Namgyal as the first Chogyal (Divine Ruler) of Sikkim at the Norbugang hilltop, founding the Kingdom that would last until 1975.
Capital Until 1670
Yuksom served as Sikkim's first capital for 29 years until 1670, when Chogyal Tensung Namgyal shifted the seat of power to Rabdentse. During its capital years, Yuksom saw the construction of Dubdi Monastery (1701) — the oldest monastery in Sikkim — just above the town on a forested hilltop.
Modern Heritage Recognition
Yuksom was declared a Heritage Village by the Government of Sikkim to protect its historical structures and traditional Lepcha and Bhutia architecture. The Norbugang throne, sacred Kathok Lake, and Dubdi Monastery are now protected heritage sites visited by historians, trekkers, and pilgrims from across the world.
Significance of Yuksom
Yuksom holds a unique triple significance: it is the political birthplace of the Kingdom of Sikkim (1641), the spiritual home of Dubdi Monastery (Sikkim's oldest, 1701), and the ecological gateway to Kanchenjunga National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient stone coronation throne of Norbugang, set under a sacred chorten, remains intact and open to visitors.
Festivals at Yuksom
Kagyed Dance (December)
Held at Dubdi Monastery in December over two days, the Kagyed mask dance is performed by monks to drive out evil spirits before the year's end. Villagers from Yuksom and surrounding hamlets gather for this traditional display unique to the Nyingma tradition of West Sikkim.
Coronation Day Commemoration (1641)
Each year, the Sikkim government and Buddhist community hold a commemorative prayer ceremony at Norbugang Chorten honouring the 1641 founding of the kingdom. Monks from Pemayangtse Monastery lead the prayers at the original stone throne site.
Did You Know?
The sacred Norbugang Chorten at Yuksom contains soil and water brought by each of the three founding lamas from their respective regions of Tibet — making it a convergence of three distinct sacred traditions in one monument. The ancient stone footprint of Lama Lhatsun Chempo, preserved beside the throne, is considered one of the holiest relics in Sikkimese Buddhism.
Travel Guide to Yuksom
How to Reach Yuksom
By Air: Pakyong Airport (PYG) — ~90 km (~3.5 hrs). Bagdogra Airport (IXB) — ~178 km (~6 hrs). Taxis connect both airports via Jorethang or Gyalshing to Yuksom.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) — ~180 km; shared jeep to Jorethang (~3 hrs) then taxi to Yuksom (~2 hrs).
By Road: From Pelling — ~42 km (~2 hrs) via Gyalshing. From Gangtok — ~140 km (~5 hrs) via Ravangla. Limited shared jeep service from Gyalshing daily.
Best Time to Visit
Oct–Nov: Post-monsoon clarity; ideal for Goechala trekking with Kanchenjunga views. Mar–May: Rhododendrons in bloom along trek routes. Jun–Sep: Monsoon — heavy rain may close some routes but greenery is spectacular. Dec–Feb: Cold; higher trails may be snow-covered; festival visits possible.
Local Attractions
Norbugang Throne: 1 km — the 1641 Sikkimese coronation site; must-visit.
Dubdi Monastery: 2 km uphill — Sikkim's oldest monastery (1701) in pine forest.
Khecheopalri Lake: ~22 km — sacred wishing lake; day trip from Yuksom.
Goechala Trek Base: Yuksom is the official staging point for the 11-day Goechala trek.
Tips for Travelers
Trekking permits: The Goechala and Kanchenjunga treks require a Kanchenjunga National Park permit obtained through a registered Sikkim tour operator — arrange this in Gangtok or Yuksom before starting.
Carry rain gear: Yuksom receives heavy rainfall from June to September. Even outside monsoon, afternoon showers are common — a lightweight waterproof jacket is essential.
Book accommodation early: Yuksom has limited hotels; during October–November trekking season, rooms at reputable guesthouses fill up weeks in advance.
Walk the heritage circuit: Norbugang throne → Kathok Lake → Dubdi Monastery can be done in a half-day on foot. Hire a local guide from the village (₹300–500) for historical context.
Yuksom Location
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