|  Yuksam
Yuksam the first capital of Sikkim
under Chogyal Kingdom, is situated 35 kilometers away from the
Pemayangtse or Pelling. Tucked away in a plateau at an altitude
of 6100ft above sea level and surrounded by high forested hills,
Yuksam, is a land of ancient history and legends. In 1641 under
the reign of the first Chogyal of the kingdom, Yuksom was honored
as the Capital of the state.
One can find the evidences of the sanctification
program of the Chogyal King at the Norbugang throne. The legends
say that three scholar Lamas coming from three different directions
assembled at Yuksam and consecrated the Chogyal King during
the late 1600. The ruins in the Chorten show the stone seats
and the footprints of the head Lama on a stone. The name 'Yuksam'
also means the 'meeting place of three Lamas'.
 The
tranquil little village and surroundings of Yuksam offer ample
opportunity for experiencing the history of Sikkim, its fascinating
people, mountain peaks and the area's immense natural diversity.
Surrounded by picturesque mountains covered with dense forests
of rhododendron, birch, maple, oaks and magnolia houses a diverse
collection of flora and fauna.
Yuksam is a familiar name to the mountaineers
and trekkers all over the world. The motorable roads end here
and start some of exciting trek routes in the high Himalayan
region to Dzongri, Goechala and Samiti Lake.
 Accessibility:
Yuksam can be conveniently reached from Siliguri via Legship
and from Gangtok via Ravangla. The
distance from Siliguri is 145kms and from Gangtok is 90kms.
The nearest railhead NJP that connects all the important Indian
cities by regular train service is 6kms from Siliguri and the
Bagdogra Airport having
daily Jet Airways and Indian Airlines flight from New Delhi
and Calcutta is 28kms from Siliguri.
Places of Interest around Yuksam:
Khechepalri Lake: Regarded as one of the most
sacred lakes in Sikkim the Khechepalri lake is also known as
the wishing lake. This unusually tranquil lake, surrounded by
verdant forest and sacred prayer flags is situated at a distance
of 24kms from Yuksam.
Dubdi Monastery: One of the oldest monasteries
of Sikkim. It was built in the year 1701 by the Nyingmapa sect
of Tibetan Buddhism the Monastery is also known as the Hermit's
Cell. Nestled at the top of a forested hill the Monastery offers
a bird eyes view of the Yuksam valley and the mountains. It
is a 40 min trek from Yuksam through forested trails. An ideal
place for the bird watchers particularly early in  the
morning or in the evening.
Norbugang Coronation Throne:
At a 15 min walking distance from Yuksam lays the most important
historical site of Yuksam, the stone throne of Norbugang. It
is the place where Chogyal Phuntsog, the first religious king
of Sikkim was crowned. The stone throne is shaded by a 300-year-old
fir tree and still bears the memory of the ancient past. A foot
print in front of the throne is said to belong to Lhatsun Namkha
Jigme. The Chorten (stupa) near the throne contains soil and
water from all over Sikkim. The site is protected by the archeological
department of India. |
