A Visit To Yuksum

Yuksum, at a height of 4500 feet, in West Sikkim, is the only one of all the places that can be accessed on vehicles that offers the closest view of the Kanchenjunga. Buses ply regularly from Siliguri and Gangtok. The panorama of the sunlight being reflected in myriad hues off the snow-covered peak at dusk or dawn is breathtaking.

Yuksum is the original capital of Sikkim. The name means means the “meeting point of three lamas”, the lamas being the ones who consecrated the first Chogyal (ruler) of Sikkim n 1642 A.D. The relics of that religious rite are still conserved in Norbugang Chorten. These include some stone seats and the foortprints of the head lama. Gobdi, the oldest existing Monastery built during 1700 A.D. is also located here. The Cham or the Mask Dance, presented by the lamas, is a major ceremony of the monastery.

A small lake called Katok is situated at Yuksum. The very first ruler of Sikkim was crowned and given the title of Dharmaraja in 1641 at this place.

This town acts the base for the trekking courses organized by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling. Treks are arranged from Yuksum to Simiti lake (4200 M), one of the high altitude fresh water lakes, considred very sacred by the local people. From this lake, one can climb up to the Gochala pass, and view the majestic splendors of Mt.Kanchanjunga, Mt.Kabru and Kabru Dome. Also, starting from the Simiti Lake, one can trek through Thansing, Dzongri, up to Tsoka, where the Rhododendrom trails starts.

Another idyllic tourist spot nearby is Pelling, 32 kilometers from Yuksum. Pemayangtse Monastery and Sankha-Cho-Ling Gompha, near the Pelling helipad, are famous shrines of pilgrimage. Another major attraction is the Rabdanste Palace, ensconced in the silence of the forest, surrounded by Budhdhist flags of prayer and peace.

Khacho-Pal-ri or Khechiperi, the sacrosanct lake, is an enthralling site. The natives believe that any wish made while standing at the banks of this lake is sure to be fulfilled.

Sangey, Rimbi and Kanchenjunga falls are also located nearby. Shingshore Bridge, the second highest gorge bridge in Asia, is another tourist attraction.

A visit to this peaceful, religious mountain town is sure to rejuvenate one’s mind while the scenic beauty of the place nourishes the soul.

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