Things to Do in Yuksom

(4 hours one way), the views are superb, the trail passes through a small waterfall and a small village upm in the hills called Chung. Truly a rewarding experience.

It will take you 2 hours to trek into the wildlife sanctuary and go to a particular waterfall on the way to Dzongri. You can also bathe here but will need to be careful. It's the coldest, purest and sweetest water ever! All the high-altitude treks including Kanchandzongha start from here: you get a wonderful view of Kanchandzongha from here and get to see yaks too.

The lake is revered by Buddhists and Hindus. The word "Khecheopalri" is derived from "Khcheo" meaning 'flying yoginis/angels' and "Palri" meaning 'Palace'. Wish full-filling powers are attrributed to the lake, which is surrounded by the Khechoedpaldri Hill, which is considered sacred as well. The Maghe Purne Festival in April/May attracts thousands of pilgrims from India, Nepal and Bhutan.

Yuksom literally means the meeting place of three learned men. Lama Lutsum Chembo meet Sempa Chembo and Rinzing Chembo in Yuksom in 1641. They crowned Phunstok as the first king of Sikkim. He ascended the throne with the title of Chogyal, meaning the king who rules with righteousness, and was conferred the surname Namgyal.

Kathok Pokhri is a small lake, or rather a pond, connected to the historical coronation of Sikkim. Legend says that after coronation the new king was blessed by the three lamas with the water of the Kathok Pokhri. The lake still exists and is considered holy by the locals. The lake is lined with fluttering prayer flags.

The monastery was built in 1701, and it is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. A winding trail leads to the monastery. The trail starts with the Yuksom Primary Health centre on the left and the Limbo Homestay on the right. Fluttering prayer flags welcome visitors to the monastery complex.

This beautiful monastery gets its name from the nearby holy lake. This small monastery is newly constructed and has no connection with the historic coronation.

A small temple on the side of the road housing several giant prayer wheels.