Lifestyle markdavis March 26, 2025 0 Comments

Top 6 Exciting Things to do in Yuksom, Sikkim

Yuksom is a quaint town with a waterfall, serene lakes and greenery all around. This town is where most people travel towards Kanchenjunga National Park. Hence, it is also called the “gateway to the Kanchenjunga”. The cultural and natural beauty of this town is on another level. Every tourist visiting Sikkim should also pay a visit to this beautiful town. And more than a tourist attraction, Yuksom holds a special place in the history of Sikkim and Sikkimese people. The word Yuskom means ‘meeting place of three lamas‘. It’s a part of Demazong (meaning a valley of rice), which was said to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. Yuksom was also the first capital of Sikkim. It was established 1642 AD by Phuntsog Namgyal who was the first Chogyal (King) of the land.

There is so much to unpack in Yuksom. From lush green landscapes, sacred lakes and trekking trails, tourists will love vacationing here. If you are planning a trip to Sikkim anytime soon, add Yuskom in your itinerary. Here are the best things to do on your Yuksom trip.

Top 6 Activities to do in Yuksom, Sikkim

1. Trek Towards Dubdi Monastery

2. Take a Walk near Kartok Lake

3. Click Photos at Kangchenjunga Waterfall

4. Feel the Serenity of Khecheopalri Lake

5. Shop from Yuksom’s Markets

6. Eat from local delicacies at a restaurant

1. Trek Towards Dubdi Monastery

Dubdi monastery, established by Chogyar Namgyal in 1701 is said to be one of the significant monasteries in Sikkim. This monastery is a significant part of Sikkim Buddhist pilgrimage. The monastery is located on a hilltop. There is a forest trail of about 3 kilometres leading to Dubdi Monastery. You can go for a little hike on this trail before reaching the monastery. The hiking can become difficult in the dark so start early in the morning and return before evening. It will take about 35 minutes to hike to reach the monastery. Once you reach the monastery, you will notice its beautiful exterior with a stupa erected on its lawn. The monastery houses paintings, records, and the statues of three lamas.

Timings: 6:00 am to 5:00 PM, Sundays Closed

Address: Dubdi Buddhist Monastery – Yuksom, West Sikkim District, Sikkim, India,

2. Take a Walk near Kartok Lake

Sikkim is known for its beautiful alpine lakes. These lakes aren’t mere tourist attractions, but sights of reverence and spirituality. Feel the tranquility of Kartok (alternatively spelt Kathok) lake as you take a walk around it. The lake is surrounded by the Himalayan chestnuts and Alnus trees whose reflections are beautifully mirrored in the lake’s water. The name of the lake was taken from Lama Kathok Kuntu Zangpo who introduced Buddhism in this region. The prayer flags flutter as the wind blows creating a vibe of peace and harmony. Do NOT wash hands, dip your feet or bathe in the water of this lake, as it is highly sacred. Roam around the nearby area and enjoy being in proximity of lush foliage.

Timings: No fixed timings, however one should visit this lake early morning

Time Required: One can spend 2 to 3 hours

3. Click Photos at Kangchenjunga Waterfall

Located 10 kms from Yuksom, you will see the cascading Kangchenjunga waterfall. Its milky white waters rushes down from a height of 30 meters (100 ft.) and goes into a pool. From the main road, trek for about 100 metres to reach the waterfall’s viewing point. The best part of this waterfall is that it’s perennial and can be visited at any time of the year. It’s a great photo point and you will see all kinds of tourists stopping by this waterfall to admire its beauty. An interesting story about the Kangchenjunga Waterfall is that it was pretty unknown by tourists until the 90s. Later, it was accidentally discovered by a local tour operator named Topjor Bhutia and has been an attraction in West Sikkim ever since.

Entry Fee: INR 20 per person & INR 100 for Rope Sliding

4. Feel the Serenity of Khecheopalri Lake

When you are exploring Yuksom, a famous sacred lake that you must visit is Khecheopalri Lake. The locals believe that whatever is prayed and asked for with an earnest heart near this lake gets fulfilled. The lake’s water remains clean throughout the year. You will not find any leaf, grass or hays floating in its waters. Even birds stay away from the lake and are not seen around this water. You will also see many prayer flags around this lake. Take your time to sit here and meditate around the lake.

5. Shop from Yuksom’s Markets

If you thought there are no places to shop in Yuksom, you’re wrong. Yuskom has street markets bustling with shops where you can get everybody essentials and souvenirs for your family and friends. Markets like Geyzing Market, Lal Bazaar and Dentam Bazaar are popular for artefacts and other knick knacks. These bazaars may not have super fancy items, but it has everything one needs for daily necessities of life.

6. Eat from local delicacies at a Restaurant

You can’t wrap up your Yuksom – Sikkim tour without eating from a local restaurant here. Try a restaurant like Traditional Inn Restaurant. This eatery has an outdoor seating area where you can relish a warm Thukpa or steamed momo, enjoying the chilly weather of Sikkim. Beyond the staple dishes, you can also enjoy traditional Sikkimese dishes as well.

Address: Yuksum Bazar, Yuksom, West Yuksom, Sikkim 737113

Timings: 8 AM to 11 PM

These were the most exciting things to do in Yuksom on a Sikkim trip. Add Yuksom to your Sikkim travel package and learn about the untouched and offbeat destination that is Yuksom.