Overview
Yuksom is located in the Geyzing area of West Sikkim and was established in 1642 when the first Chogyal, Phuntsog Namgyal, was coronated at this site. The Chogyal ruled the region for about 333 years. Even though it was the first capital of Sikkim, Yuksom, which means the ‘meeting place’ is a small village today. History goes that three Tibetan monks met here and chose the king – Phuntsog – as the first Sikkimese king. It is one of the four designated holy places that are believed to be the plexuses of the human body and have been consecrated by Guru Padmasambhava – Yuksom is the ‘third eye.’
Besides the religious significance of Yuksom, it is also the base of the famed Dzongri-Goechala Trek, a trek to Mt. Kangchenjunga.
Located at an elevation of 1,780 meters (5,480 ft), Yuksom is located in Western Sikkim. The place is a valley surrounded by the Khangchendzonga mountain range. The Kanchenjunga National Park, which is a protected area, is adjoining Yuksom. The place is surrounded by thick forest cover containing various flora fauna and is known for its beautiful Landscape. Some of the tree species that one can find here include rhododendron, birch, oak, chestnut, maple, magnolia, alder, and therefore is famously known as the ‘biodiversity hotspot’ in Sikkim.
Due to its moderate height from the sea level, Yuksom has pleasant weather conditions, especially from March till November. The winter months of December to February are the cold months.
