SIKKIM SIKKIM

Location: Eastern End Of Himalayas

Capital: Gangtok
Tourist Attractions: Trekking, White Water Rafting, and Rumtek Monastery
Best Time To Visit: March To May & October To December
Famous for Kanchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world at 8,586m, the
mountain kingdom of Sikkim has a tremendous variety of plant and wildlife besides a
diverse ethnic mix of peoples with rich cultural traditions. One of the smallest states of
India, it is bounded by Nepal to the west and Bhutan to the east; by the Tibet
Autonomous Region of China to the north and northeast and by West Bengal to the
south.
Gangtok - The Capital: Sikkimese life is centred on Gangtok. Its Buddhist past is the
root of its appeal for visitors, and remains evident at the impressive Institute of
Tibetology, the Enchey Monastery, Pemayengtse and the marvelous Rumtek Monastery
not far away, the last a thriving centre of Mahayana Buddhism. Sikkim's pride, the orchid,
is nurtured at the Orchid Sanctuary and other sites in and around Gangtok. Among the
festive attraction of this hilly capital is the flower show that is held over here every spring
near White Hall, the Governor's residence on the ridge above town. Trekking is another
adventure sports that attract lots of trekkers to visit the state.
History & Ethnicity: Ruled by the Namgyal (Lepcha) clan since the 15th century, Sikkim
lost much land to the British and to Nepal and Bhutan in the 18th century. With the
defeat of the Nepali army by the British in 1817, southern Sikkim was given back to the
ruler, in exchange for the hill that later became known as Darjeeling.
The original inhabitants of Sikkim are the Lepchas who stay in the central and northern
areas; Nepali immigrants inhabit lower valleys. Other ethnic groups are the Magars
renowned as warriors and the Bhotias, who came to Sikkim from the Kham area of Tibet
in the 13th century.
Culture & Tradition: The state's cultural life is related to Tibetan religious and aesthetic
traditions. The cultural climax of the year comes with the 2-day Phanglhapsol festival,
when masked dances are performed in honour of Kanchenjunga, presiding deity and the
mountain. There are also many secular folk dances. The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
has one of the largest collections of Tibetan books in the world. Many Buddhist
monasteries are repositories of artistic treasures, including wall paintings, Tankas or
Thangkas (religious paintings mounted on brocade), and bronze images.
Way Of Living: Tourism and agriculture are the two basis of the Sikkim's economy.
Sikkim is one of the world's main producers of Cardamom, and the region has also
become an exporter of Mandarin Oranges, Apples, and Potatoes. Sikkim is also rich in
mineral wealth. Its forests have great economic value in sawn Timber and wood Pulp.
Sikkim's cotton and wool weaving, carpets, rugs, blankets, and bamboo work is well
known.
Climate: The climate varies with elevation and ranges from tropical in the low valley
bottoms to Arctic-like conditions of perpetual snow and ice in the higher reaches. The
annual rainfall varies from 50-200 inches (mostly during May-October), and snow in the
upper levels often accumulates to a thickness of 30m. The best time to visit this state is
during the months of March to late May and from October to December.
Summer: Max. 20.7°C; Min. 13.1°C,
Winter: Max. 14.9°C; Min. 7.7°C
GHEZING
Location: 110-km From Gangtok, West District, and Sikkim
Altitude: 1,670m
Also Spelt As: Geyzing
Best Time To Visit: Mid- February To May End & Mid - September To December
Ghezing, 110-km west of Gangtok at 1,670m is the transport hub of western Sikkim. It's
a good place to stock up on provisions, and has a handful of basic hotels around the
main square for accommodation purpose.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Hin Shan Gompa: A small monastery, Hin Shan Gompa, home to a handful of
Bhutanese monks, is thirty minutes walk up out of town and offers excellent views of
Kanchenjunga.
Yoksum: While the district headquarters are at Geyzing, the real adventure begins from
Yuksom, which serves as the base camp for unforgettable treks into the wilds of the
mountains.
Pemayangtse Monastery: The Pemayangtse Monastery is one of premier institutions of
Sikkim housing the incredible Sangtok-Palri, a wooden carving depicting the various
realms of Buddhism.
Varsey: Visit Varsey and let your senses swoon with the heady riot of Rhododendrons
that brings the mountain slopes alive in springtime. Or take in the panoramic views of the
majestic eastern Himalayan range from Soreng and Kaluk Rinchenpong. Or if your
desire is to explore the mountains trails on a more leisurely pace, you hire a bicycle from
our office and plod through the dreamscapes at your own pace.
HOW TO GET THERE
Road: Shared jeeps leave from Gehzing for Gangtok, Siliguri and Pelling and other local
destinations from the main square. A bus to Siliguri leaves early morning daily, and other
buses to Jorethang leave at 9.30 am, 1.00pm and 3.30 PM - change there for Darjeeling
and Siliguri. There is a daily bus for Gangtok at 7.00 am and a daily service to
Khecheopalri Lake at 2.30 PM, passing through Pelling. At 2.00 PM another bus service
leaves for Yoksum via Legship and Tashiding.
NEARBY CITIES
Gangtok: 110-km
GANGTOK
Location: East District, Sikkim
Altitude: 1,870m
Significance: Capital Of Sikkim.
Best Time To Visit: Mid- February To May End & Mid - September To December
Gangtok, the "Lofty Hill" or the "Hill made flat to build the Gangtok monastery in 1716".
Gangtok is a city, which, till one sees it, one would believe exists only in picture-story
books. In the mystery-laden mists prayer flags whip in the breeze; wheels spin in the
hands of Lamas mumbling invocations to God, in the distance are the snows, on the
streets amidst brightly painted pagoda roofed houses, lined with friendly smiling people
are silver, silk and spice and jewellery to gladden an maiden's heart, from across the
seven seas are gadget and goods to delight the collector of "imported goods', while
directly overlooking the city is the hill Lukshyma, the 'Mother of Pearl' citadel of the
magic mountain, Khang-Chen-Dzod-Nga.
An air of enchantment hangs over the city, indeed the whole valley; the mysticism, the
stupas, the monasteries reach out as soon as one has crossed the border. While across
the hills and valleys comes the sounding of the long trumpets by robed lamas.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Tsuklakhang - The Royal Chapel: The Royal Chapel, Tsuklakhang, is within the
palace grounds. Popularly called Tsulakhang royal. It is the principal place of worship
and assembly and the repository of a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures.
"Dul-Dul Chorten" - "Jhang Club Chortan": Sikkim has commemorated, with Stupas,
both the Buddha and one of his followers of today. Near the Deorali Bazaar, are two
exquisite Stupas, the "Dul-dul-Chorten", was built to commemorate the victory of good
over evil; the "Jhang Club Chorten" was built to perpetuate the memory of a great
spiritualist of today. Thrul-shik rinpoche an ardent devotee of Buddha and one of his best
interpreters died in 1962, the Stupa immortalizes Rimpoche in the land of his birth.
Research Institute Of Tibetology: In the serene surrounding amidst forest of oak, ash
and birch is an organization to advance the Tibetan language and its literature on the
"Enlightened one", the only one of its kind in the world of Mahayana Buddhism. This
institute is a premier institute in the world that conducts research in the language and
culture of Tibet. It has on its faculty eminent scholars. The library and museum of the
institute are open to the public on working days from 10.00 am to 4.00 PM and are
closed on Sundays and other govt. holidays.
Government Institute Of Cottage Industries; this institute is located at about half a
kilometer uphill from the main market of Gangtok. It was established with the purpose of
promoting the manufacture and sale of local handicrafts. Thankas (also spelt as
Thangkas), hand carved wooden tables - known as Choksees and exquisitely woven
woolen carpets.
More than hundred student workers turn out cottage crafts produced here, with textures,
plush and exotic, the designs varying from sophisticated simplicity to a brilliant riot of
varmillion pitted against intense blue, are durable and popular all over the world second
to carpets in popularity is Sikkimese Tankhas, variegated appliqué work Batiks and
exquisite dolls, in wood-work are available intricately carved Sikkimese tables, hand-
painted masks, lamp-stands, shades and bamboo-craft. Esoteric masks, flashing silks,
opulent brocades and embroidered boots, clothe the Sikkimese dancers.
Tashi Viewpoint: Situated along the North Sikkim highway it is only 8-km from Gangtok.
From this point one can get a breathtaking view of Mount Khangchendzonga and Mt.
Siniolchu, one of the most graceful peaks in the world.
Ganesh Tok: It is situated on a ridge and is only 7-km from Gangtok. From this spot
one gets birds view of sprawling Gangtok town down below while across the hills Mt.
Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon. A cafeteria serves hot
tea/coffee and snacks.
Hanuman Tok: It is 11-km from Gangtok town, above Ganesh Tok with a Hindu temple
where the devotees come and offer prayers.
Deer Park: Adjacent to the new secretariat and also called the Rustomji Park named
after one of the Dewans of the Chogyal of Sikkim, the park has a big open enclosure in
which animals native to Sikkim like the red panda and the Himalayan Bear are kept. A
big statue of Lord Buddha commemorating his preaching of the noble truths in the Deer
Park at Sarnath adorns the park premises. A butter lamp perpetually burns in front of the
statue, which is surrounded with flowers of exotic variety. The park commands a
fantastic view of the hills, surrounding Gangtok.
White Hall: It was built in 1932 in memory of the first political officer of Sikkim, Claude
White. There is an Officers Club and Badminton Court in the white hall.
The Ridge: The ridge is a small stretch of plain and flat road above the town of Gangtok.
It is just about five minutes walk from the main market. The ridge has the white hall and
the chief minister's official residence on one end and the beautifully designed palace
gate on the other. The ridge is lined with plants and trees when in bloom are a riot of
colours. Flower shows, which attract tourists from all over the world, are held just below
the ridge.
The Ipecac Garden: This 6 acres garden is about 14-km downhill from Gangtok and 2-
km from Ranipul. It is named after the plant Ipecac that is grown here. Besides this plant,
it also contains a wide variety of other flora including numerous types of orchids and
medicinal plants. It is a very good picnic spot with a swimming pool nearby.
Changu Lake: With an average depth of 50 ft, this lake is situated 35 km from Gangtok
at an altitude of 12,000 ft on the Gangtok - Nathu-la highway. Recently this lake has
been opened for tourists. Its cool, placid water is in the perfect harmony with the scenic
beauty around. A small temple of Lord Shiva is constructed on the lakeside. Primulae
flowers and other alpine vegetation grow wild around the lake. The department of
Tourism conducts package tours to this lake. Cameras are not allowed to carry on this
route.
A little distance from the lake is a beautiful natural three storeyed cave, the Tseten Tashi
cave is a worth to visit.
Menmecho Lake: Menmecho Lake lies 20-km ahead of Changu Lake, cradled between
the mountains below Jelapla Pass, is the source of River Ranpochu, which meets Teesta
at Rangpo. It is rich in trout. A Dak Bungalow and a tourist lodge are available for
overnight stay.
Kechopari Lake: On bifurcation road between Gyalsing and Yoksum, is clear water
Kechopari Lake (means - wishing lake). All around are mountains with dense forests and
wild life. It is so placid, crystal clear that not a leaf can be seen floating over it, because
birds immediately lift it.
Kabi Longstok: 25-km from Gangtok, just before Phodong is Kabi Longstok. There is a
spot amidst tall trees, where the treaty of brotherhood between, the Lepcha Chieftan -
Tetong Tek and the Tibetan chief Khye Bhumsa was signed.
Yumthang Hot Springs: At an altitude of 12,000 ft, 135-km from Gangtok in north
Sikkim, a few hundred metres off the road, after crossing river Lachung over a
pedestrian bridge lays these sulphur springs. There is a hut with two pools for bathing.
Yumthang: Yumthang is a grazing pasture with a forest rest house, surrounded by
vertical mountains. The route to Yumthang from Lachung, adjoining the Singba Forest
Reserve has a very picturesque landscape and is lined with Rhododendrons, which
bloom in May.
Yaksey: Yaksey, a tourist lodge, 6-km from Lachung towards Yumthang is an ideal place
for tourists to this area. Another 23-km leads to Yumey-Samdong hot springs near river
Sebu-Chu at the foot of Donkia-La pass, which connects Lachung valley to Lachen
valley.
Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs: Around 25-km from Gyalsing, near Reshi, after
crossing Rangeet River (also spelt as Ranjit) by a pedestrian bridge, hardly ten minutes
from the highway is Phurchachu springs with medicinal properties, ideal for skim
diseases. These springs are considered holy, as one of the four holy caves is located
here. This holy cave is called the "Kadosangphu" or 'Cave of the occult fairies' and lies
on the south of the four cardinal points.
Rumtek Monastery: Visible from Gangtok, a 24-km road trip southwest of the capital,
the large Gompa of Rumtek is the main seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage - founded
during the 12th century by the first Gyalwa Karmapa, Dusun Khyenpa.
Phoodong Monastery: This monastery is located about a kilometre above the North
Sikkim Highway about 40-km away from Gangtok. Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal built the
monastery sometime in the first quarter of the 18th century.
Labrang Monastery: A kilometre further from Phodong, the Labrang monastery was
built about 100 years later. This monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan
Buddhism, the same as that of Pemayangtse monastery in West Sikkim. Its name
translates simply as the dwelling place of the Lamas (monks).
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The closest airport is at Bagdogra, which is 124-km from Gangtok (about 4 hours
drive) and connected by air with all-important Indian Metros. For all further details please
contact any one of the Sikkim tourism offices.
Rail: The nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri, which is 125-km (about 4 hours drive)
from Gangtok. NJP is well connected with all major cities of India. Gangtok, railway
bookings can be made at the booking counter of the Sikkim nationalized transport
terminus.
Road: Gangtok is connected with Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Siliguri by the national
highway 31 A. the Sikkim nationalized transport plies regular bus services between
Gangtok and Siliguri and within Sikkim. Private buses, jeeps and taxis are also available
from Siliguri and Bagdogra. Bookings can be made at the SNT terminus, Siliguri.
SHOPPING: The main markets for shopping are Old market, New Market and Lal
market. Here one finds shops of all kind, which offer good range of items to be
purchased. For tourists there are many attractive items to be bought as carved furniture,
the dresses, Lepcha weave bags, Carpets & Durries with intricate designs and colourful
decorations. One cans also buy wooden and bamboo artifacts. For a collector of
handmade decorative pieces Gangtok is a paradise. The items from Gangtok leave a
long lasting impression on the mind of the visitor. The Hindi speaking Marwaris
dominates many of the shops in the Gangtok market.
The handicraft and handloom directorate office and the showroom are on crossing of
MG Marg and New market. The Gramin Vikas Agency showroom is also located here. In
these showrooms one can buy carpets, masks, bright Choktse tables, Thanka hangings.
Click here to buy Handicrafts from Sikkim
GENERAL INFORMATION
Indian tourists require no entry permits into Sikkim, except for the restricted areas.
Foreign tourists require a special permit, which are easily available at all Indian missions
abroad who are authorized to issue a 15-day permit. The same can also be obtained
from any of the Sikkim Tourism offices. The tourism officer at the border town of Rangpo
is also authorized to issue a 2-day permit to foreign tourists to enable them to enter the
state and acquire the full 15-day permit.
NEARBY CITIES
Bagdogra: 124-km Siliguri: 110-km Kalimpong Via Tista: 75-km
Jalpaigurhi: 125-km Darjeeling: 94-km Singhik: 72-km
Tsongo: 40-km Lachung: 126-km Yumthang: 149-km
Gangtok To Pemayangtse Via Singtam Rabangla & Legship: 112-km
JORETHANG AND LEGSHIP
Location: Western District, Sikkim
Tourist Attractions: Teagardens
Best Time To Visit: Mid- February To May End & Mid - September To December
JORETHANG: The most important town in Western Sikkim, Jorethang, lies in the very
south of the state, just across the river Rangit (also spelt as Ranjeet) from Singla Bazaar
in West Bengal and a mere 30-km north of Darjeeling, all but visible across the tea
plantations.
Set on an extensive shelf, which makes it feel oddly flat despite the huge hills that rise in
every direction, it's a surprisingly pleasant and well-ordered place, with a good market
and a couple of decent budget hotels.
LEGSHIP: Legship, in the deep Rangit valley 26-km north of Naya Bazaar, is the first
town one comes to if one is traveling towards to Western Sikkim from Gangtok, just
under 100-km west. It's an important regional road junction. A police checkpoint just
beyond the main crossroads checks all permits.
HOW TO GET THERE
Road: Jorethang is well connected by bus with the rest of Sikkim, and there are direct
buses to Siliguri, but no buses cross the border due south into West Bengal, although
jeeps make the extraordinarily steep 25-km journey to Darjeeling. Buses for Gangtok
leave early in the morning am and in the afternoon for Uttarey via Pelling, and for
Ghezing in the morning and at noon, connecting with the 2.00 PM departure for
Tashiding and Yoksum. Few jeeps also leave Jorethang after 1.00 PM.
Road: Jeeps and buses connect Legship with Gangtok, Ghezing and Yoksum via
Tashiding, and also with Jorethang.
NEARBY CITIES
Darjeeling: 30-km (From Jorethang) Gangtok: 100-km (From Legship)
MANGAN
Location: North District, Sikkim
Significance: District Headquarters Of The District.
Best Time To Visit: Mid- February to May end & Mid - September to December
Meadows And Wildflowers Galore
The district headquarters are at Mangan, which has now become somewhat of a
gateway to the unexplored north. The northernmost edges of this district merge into the
Tibetan plateau, which lends its uniqueness to this sparsely populated region. The
Tibetan Wild Ass, known locally as the 'Kyang', has been spotted in this region. Like the
rest of Sikkim, this district too has its share of monasteries and legends but the most
famous spot is Yumthang.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Yumthang: Yumthang is located in a flat valley whose sides reach up to the towering
mountains. About 149-km from Gangtok, Yumthang is also referred to as the valley of
flowers, and is also referred to as the valley of flowers, and is a naturalist's paradise in
spring. Wildflowers, Primulae and Rhododendron bathe the landscape in rich colours. A
must see here are the hot springs at Yume Samdong.
Kabi Longtsok: About 17-km away from Gangtok is Kabi Longtsok where the Tibetan
chieftain, Khey-Bumsar signed a blood brotherhood with the Lepcha shaman Te-Kung-
Tek, the spot is marked by a stone amidst the shadows of a dense wooded area. The
statue of unity erected near the Thakurbari temple in Gangtok is in memory of this event.
Chungthang: About 95-km away from Gangtok en route to Yumthang lies the tiny
hamlet of Chungthang at the confluence of the two rivers, the Lachen Chhu (which later
evolves into the Teesta) and the Lachung Chhu. A notable feature is a footprint atop a
rock, which is said to be that of Guru Padmasambhava.
Lachen And Lacung: Visit these two places where the exotic view and way of life is
highly fascinating.
TREKKING: Several interesting high altitude treks are now open to group tours in this
isolated region including the popular Green-Lachen Lake trek, which takes
approximately three days (one-way) and other great views of Mount Siniolchu (6,687m)
across the Zemu Glacier.
Green Lake is the base for climbing expeditions attempting the many 6,000 - 7,000m
peaks in the region. One such route from Green Lake crosses The Zemu and Taling
Glaciers, and reaches Golcha La (4,940m) and Dzongri La before it finally descends into
Western Sikkim, but this is only for experienced mountaineers. Another extremely
challenging route to Green Lake begins at Thanggu, 28-km beyond Lachen.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The closest airport is at Bagdogra, which is 124-km from Gangtok (about 4 hours
drive) and connected by air with all-important Indian Metros. For all further details please
contact any one of the Sikkim tourism offices.
Rail: The nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri, which is 125-km (about 4 hours drive)
from Gangtok. NJP is well connected with all major cities of India. Gangtok, railway
bookings can be made at the booking counter of the Sikkim nationalized transport
terminus.
Road: Gangtok is connected with Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Siliguri by the national
highway 31 A. the Sikkim nationalized transport plies regular bus services between
Gangtok and Siliguri and within Sikkim. Private buses, jeeps and taxis are also available
from Siliguri and Bagdogra. Bookings can be made at the SNT terminus, Siliguri.
NAMCHI
Location: South District, Sikkim
Significance: District Headquarters Of The District.
Best Time To Visit: Mid- February to May end & Mid - September to December
The district headquarters of the South District are at Namchi literally translating as the
"Top of the sky". Anyone visiting West Sikkim has to traverse through the south district
before entering the west.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Serdop-Choling Monastery: A slight distance above the alley ground is the Serdup-
Choling monastery, which commands a panoramic view of the town and the mountains
beyond.
Bon Monastery At Kewzing: One of the interesting places to visit en route to Namchi is
the Bon Monastery at Kewzing, 5-km from Ravangla, which is the only one of its kind in
Sikkim.
Rangit Water World: For the young ones an ideal stopover would be the Rangit water
world the lake formed by the Rangit dam situated 26-km downhill from Ravangla, it is a
fun place with boating, fishing and swimming facilities.
Ravangala: Ravangla, reminiscent of a town from the Wild West, Ravangla is a sleepy
hamlet at about a height of 7,000 feet. The township comes alive during the pang
lhabsol festivities when the locals perform the spectacular warrior dance at the Ravang
Monastery.
Meanam Peak: Meanam Peak (10,300 ft) is a 12-km up-hill trek from Ravangla. The
route winds through a thick forest of Oak, Chestnut, Magnolia and Rhododendrons. A
natural habitat of the Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear and many species of Deer this
area is designated as a wildlife sanctuary. A short distance away is the legendary Bhaley
Dunga a kind of rocky spur, which juts out from the ridge top above Yangang village.
Tendong Hill: Tendong hill (8,530 ft) the name means upraised horn from the Lepcha
lore relating the time when a great flood submerged their land and Tendong rose up
miraculously like a horn to save them. Even today prayers are offered from the hilltop
before the onset of the monsoons to appease the deities and prevent a recurrence of the
calamity.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The closest airport is at Bagdogra, which is 124-km from Gangtok (about 4 hours
drive) and connected by air with all-important Indian Metros. For all further details please
contact any one of the Sikkim tourism offices.
Rail: The nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri, which is 125-km (about 4 hours drive)
from Gangtok. NJP is well connected with all major cities of India. Gangtok, railway
bookings can be made at the booking counter of the Sikkim nationalized transport
terminus.
Road: Gangtok is connected with Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Siliguri by the national
highway 31 A. the Sikkim nationalized transport plies regular bus services between
Gangtok and Siliguri and within Sikkim. Private buses, jeeps and taxis are also available
from Siliguri and Bagdogra. Bookings can be made at the SNT terminus, Siliguri.
PELLING
Location: Western Sikkim
Altitude: 2,085m
Tourist Attractions: Trekking & Sanga Choling Monastery
Best Time To Visit: Mid- February To May end & Mid - September To December
The laid back, scenic, but rapidly swelling hamlet of Pelling, situated 2,085m above sea
level only 2-km beyond Pemayangtse, looks north towards the glaciers and peaks of
Kanchenjunga. High above the forest- covered hills, in an amphitheater of cloud, snow
and rock, the entire route from Yoksum over Dzongri La to the Rathong Glacier can be
seen.
Walks & Treks: Pelling itself consists of little more than a road junction, Helicopter pad
and numerous hotels, creating the so-called "Bengali Boulevard", a strip of highly
unimaginative identikit concrete blocks. Luckily, from most angles the forested slopes
hide this development and Pelling offers numerous attractive walks and hotel terraces
from where one can gaze in awe at the world's third highest peak.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Sanga Choling Monastery: A 4-km trail rises from the playing fields just above Pelling
to reach the small monastery of Sanga Choling, one of the oldest gompas in Sikkim.
This Gompa is another of Lhatsun Chenpo's creations, and is highly venerated among
the Nyingmapa. Gutta by fire, it has been rebuilt and houses some of the original clay
statues.
TREKKING: For those with permit endorsements to visit Khechepalri Lake, Yoksum and
Tashiding, a scenic low-altitude trek along trails and roads starts from Pelling. Public
transport run from both Yoksum and Tashiding back to Legship from where one can
continue to Ghezing, and eventually back to Pelling.
HOW TO GET THERE
Road: Shared jeeps travel regularly until mid or late afternoon between Pelling and
Ghezing; twice daily for Gangtok, and once a day for Siliguri. There is no direct service
to Yoksum from Pelling but a daily bus leaves Ghezing and travels via Legship and
Tashiding. One bus leaves Ghezing daily for Khecheopalri Lake and passes through
Pelling, and two leave Pelling for Ghezing, and eventually back to Pelling.
YOKSUM
Location: 40-km From Pemanyangtse, West District, and Sikkim
Also Spelt As: Yoksom
Tourist Attractions: Trekking, Nyingma Dubdi Monastery, and Kathok Lake
Best Time To Visit: Mid- February To May End & Mid - September To December
The sleepy, spread-out hamlet of Yoksum, which occupies a large shelf at the entrance
to the Rathong Chu gorge, 40-km north of Pemayangtse at the end of the road, holds a
special place in Sikkimese history.
Historic Importance: This was the spot where three lamas converged to enthrone the
first religious king of Sikkim, Chogyal Phuntsog Namgyal, in 1642. Named the "Great
Religious King" he established Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim. Guru Rinpoche predicted
this meeting of three lamas coming from different directions across the Himalayas nine
centuries earlier. Lhatsun Chenpo is supposed to have buried offerings in Yoksum's
large white Norbugang Chorten built with stones and earth from different parts of Sikkim.
From here a path branches left through the village to a small grove and the simple stone
throne of the first Chogyal. In front of the throne an impressive footprint embedded in a
rock by one of the lamas no doubt impressed the king too.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Nyingma Dubdi Monastery: High above the town, prayer flags announce the site of the
Nyingma Dubdi monastery, built in 1701. From the end of the road at the hospital, a path
threads past water wheels and a small river and rises through the forest to arrive at the
dramatically situated Gompa, looking out over Yoksum.
Kathok Lake: Kathok Lake, a small scummy pond at the top end of town has nothing of
the pristine beauty of sister-lake, a small scummy pond at the top end of town has
nothing of the pristine beauty of sister lake Khecheopalri, but has views of the snow-
capped peaks in the distance.
TREKKING: While the Western District headquarters are at Geyzing, the real adventure
begins from Yuksom, which serves as the base camp for unforgettable treks into the
wilds of the mountains. These high altitude alpine treks take one through fairy tale
landscapes and lush Rhododendron forests to heights of about 12,800 feet at Dzongri.
For the more experienced trekker or mountaineer, trips can be made up to Goe Chala at
a height of 18,000 feet and at the foot of the awe-inspiring Mount Khangchendzonga.
HOW TO GET THERE
Road: Shared jeeps leave from Gehzing for Gangtok, Siliguri and Pelling and other local
destinations from the main square. A bus to Siliguri leaves early morning daily, and other
buses to Jorethang leave at 9.30 am, 1.00pm and 3.30 PM - change there for Darjeeling
and Siliguri. There is a daily bus for Gangtok at 7.00 am and a daily service to
Khecheopalri Lake at 2.30 PM, passing through Pelling. At 2.00 PM another bus service
leaves for Yoksum via Legship and Tashiding.
Note: Visitors with west Sikkim permits are welcome in Yoksum, but unless one has a
Dzongri trek permit one is not supposed to venture any further. The police are quite
vigilant, so there's not much chance of a surreptitious high mountain.