In 1642 three lamas consecrated Phuntsog Namgyal as the first Chogyal of Sikkim at Yuksom, and the stone seat at Norbugang is remembered as the site of the coronation.
Source: Yuksom
Village in Sikkim
Yuksom
Sikkim's first capital and the trailhead for Goecha La
Yuksom is a village at about 1,780 m in West Sikkim where the first Chogyal was crowned in 1642. It holds the Norbugang coronation site, Kathok lake and Dubdi, Sikkim's oldest monastery. It is also the trailhead for Dzongri and Goecha La. No permit is needed for Indians in the village; treks need park permits.
Photo: Kothanda Srinivasan · CC BY 2.0 · CommonsYuksom sits on a broad, gentle shelf in the forest, the road ending here at the foot of the Kangchenjunga range. Houses, small lodges and fields spread across the slope, with prayer flags at every turn. It is quiet, green and cooler than Pelling, and for many trekkers it is the last village before a week in the mountains.
In 1642 three lamas gathered here and consecrated Phuntsog Namgyal as the first Chogyal of Sikkim, beginning a dynasty that ruled until 1975. The name Yuksom is usually explained as the meeting place of the three lamas. The coronation site at Norbugang, with a stone throne, a chorten and a large cypress tree, lies a short walk above the bazaar, next to the small Kathok lake.
On the hill above the village, Dubdi monastery, founded in 1701, is counted as the oldest monastery in Sikkim. Beyond it, the trail climbs into Khangchendzonga National Park, a World Heritage Site, towards Dzongri and the Goecha La. Spend two nights to see the village; much longer if you are trekking.
Say it like a local · LepchaYuksom
meeting place of the three lamas, the usual explanation of the village name
What to do in Yuksom
Norbugang coronation site
A stone throne, a chorten and an old cypress tree mark the place where the first Chogyal was consecrated in 1642. It is a short, gentle walk from the bazaar and a peaceful place at dawn.
Kathok lake
A small lake beside Norbugang, said to have been used for water in the coronation ceremony. Prayer flags ring the shore, and it reflects the forest on still mornings.
Dubdi monastery
About an hour's walk uphill through forest, Dubdi was founded in 1701 and is counted as Sikkim's oldest monastery. A small stone building with a quiet courtyard and wide views over the valley.
Trailhead for Goecha La
Yuksom is the start of the trek to Dzongri and Goecha La in Khangchendzonga National Park, one of the most popular high-altitude treks in the Himalaya, usually taking 8–11 days.
Village homestays
Small lodges and family homestays in Yuksom give simple, warm stays with home-cooked meals and time to watch the village go about its day.
Field notes
What most guides miss about Yuksom
Dubdi monastery, on the ridge above Yuksom, was established in 1701 and is regarded as the first monastery built in Sikkim.
Source: Dubdi Monastery
Khangchendzonga National Park was inscribed in 2016 as India's first mixed World Heritage Site, recognised for both its natural landscape and its sacred meaning to the people of Sikkim.
Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Experiences
Three days worth having in Yuksom
Photo: Kailas98 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Yuksom · 1–1.5 hours
Norbugang and Kathok lake at dawn
Walk from the bazaar to Norbugang, where the first Chogyal was consecrated in 1642, and the small Kathok lake beside it…
Free
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Yuksom · 2–3 hours return
Hike to Dubdi, Sikkim's oldest monastery
Climb through forest for about an hour to Dubdi, founded in 1701 and counted as Sikkim's oldest monastery. A small ston…
Free; donations welcome
Photo: Atulbhats · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Yuksom · 8–11 days
The Goecha La trek from Yuksom
Trek from Yuksom through Khangchendzonga National Park, via Sachen, Tshoka and Dzongri, to the viewpoints below the Goe…
₹15,000–30,000 with agency; park fees extra
Real prices
What things cost in Yuksom
ItemIndicative 2026
Shared jeep seat, Gyalshing–Yuksom₹150–250
Private taxi, Pelling–Yuksom₹2,000–3,000 one way
Homestay with dinner and breakfast₹1,500–2,800 per person
Goecha La trek with agency, 8–11 days₹15,000–30,000 per person
Khangchendzonga National Park entry fee₹200–500 for Indians, more for foreigners
Local guide for Dubdi walk₹500–1,000
Local prices change with season and fuel costs. Check current status before you travel.
Getting there
How to reach Yuksom
Road
Yuksom is about 35 km from Pelling, 1.5–2 hours via the Rimbi and Kanchenjunga falls road. From Gangtok, it is about 140 km, 6–7 hours. Landslides are common in the monsoon; check current status before you travel.
Shared jeep
Shared jeeps run from Gyalshing to Yuksom through the day and from Gangtok and Jorethang in the morning. Seats are cheap but departures can be slow to fill.
Air
Bagdogra Airport is about 150 km away, 6–7 hours by road. Most travellers break the journey in Pelling.
Where to stay
Sleeping in Yuksom
Saver: family homestays and simple lodges around the bazaar charge about ₹1,500–2,800 per person with meals, and trekkers' lodges are cheaper still. Comfort: a few small resorts and lodges with gardens and Kangchenjunga views sit on the edges of the village; ask your agency for current picks. There is no luxury hotel in Yuksom; signature trips usually stay in Pelling and visit for the day.
Trips that stop here
See Yuksom on a trip
Photo: IamBumba · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
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Questions
Yuksom, answered
How do I reach Yuksom?
Yuksom is about 35 km from Pelling, 1.5–2 hours by road, and about 140 km from Gangtok. Shared jeeps run from Gyalshing and Jorethang; a private taxi from Pelling costs about ₹2,000–3,000.
Do I need a permit for Yuksom?
Indian nationals need no permit for Yuksom village. Foreigners need the Sikkim Restricted Area Permit. Treks into Khangchendzonga National Park, including Dzongri and Goecha La, need park and trekking permits arranged by a registered agency. Check current status before you travel.
What is the best time to visit Yuksom?
March to May and October to December. The dry months are best for the walk to Dubdi and for treks. June to September brings heavy rain and leeches.
How many days should I spend in Yuksom?
Two nights cover Norbugang, Kathok lake and Dubdi at a relaxed pace. Trekkers need 8–11 days for Goecha La, plus a night before and after in Yuksom.
Is Yuksom good for families?
Yes, for a quiet stay. The village is small and walkable, and Norbugang and Kathok lake are easy outings. The Dubdi climb suits older children who walk well.
Is there mobile network in Yuksom?
There is some mobile coverage in the village, but it is patchy. Expect no signal on treks beyond Sachen.
Are there ATMs in Yuksom?
ATMs in Yuksom are limited or unreliable. Withdraw cash in Gyalshing, Pelling or Gangtok before you arrive.
What is Yuksom famous for?
It was Sikkim's first capital, where the first Chogyal was consecrated in 1642. It is also known for Dubdi monastery and as the trailhead for the Goecha La and Dzongri treks.
How much does the Goecha La trek cost?
With a registered agency, expect about ₹15,000–30,000 per person for 8–11 days, including guide, food, tents and porters or yaks. Park fees, equipment rental and travel to Yuksom are usually extra.