Introduction

Yuksom is an attractive town in the West Sikkim district in the Sikkim state of northern India, which has remained in the lap of the picturesque Himalayas. Scenic beauty and historical significance of the place have provided the privilege to address it as the 'Gateway to Kanchenjunga', here the most beautiful treks to the third highest mountain in the world commence. It was established in the year 1642, and it is one of the oldest towns in Sikkim and apart from that; it was the state's capital town.

Geographical location

Yuksom is at the height of around 1, 780 meters above sea level. It is at the foothills of extremely picturesque hills and endowed with many varieties of vegetation and wildlife; therefore, it is considered to be the most suitable place for trekking and wildlife enthusiasts. It is around 150 km from the state capital of the Indian state Sikkim, the city of Gangtok and the destination can be reached only by road through picturesque, if sometimes intimidating mountain scenery.

Tourist Attractions both In and Around Yuksom

1. Kathok Wodsallin Gompa: It is the oldest monastery in Yuksom and furnished with wall paintings, and saturated with several Benedictine bibles. It is thus a remote destination to visit and reflect or even pray for that.

2. Dubdi Monastery: Apt to its location on the cliff it is sometimes called the ‘Eremos’, the Hermit's Cell. It was established in the year 1701, and that makes it one of the oldest monasteries known in Sikkim. It also offers opportunity to view mountainous terrain and valleys among others.

3. Norbugang Park: It is this historic park which houses Coronation Throne of Norbugang that was used during the coronation of the first Chogyal of Sikkim. It is culturally significant which is located to be in the middle of the forest.

4. Tashiding Monastery: There is another monastery nearby Yuksom and the central touristic attraction in the region is the Bumchu festival. The monastery as a work of construction also looks very colorful due to colorful paints on wooden buildings and painted thangkas; one of the interiors in the monastery houses a golden stupa.

5. Kanchenjunga National Park: It is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and can be accessed by Yuksom and is renowned for the high-altitude trails like the Goecha La trek. It also comprises varied vegetation and animal species like the snow leopard to not forget in the park.

6. 3 Sister waterfalls and Bahubali waterfall: There are 3 sister waterfalls which are nearby the Yuksom by walk. This waterfalls is only 30 minutes distance from the Yuksom town, but why this waterfalls is called 3 sister waterfalls? Because the Creation of this falls is finished in 3 steps with different shapes. The first step is equal to 100 meters height, the second step is 250 meters height and the third step creating in the 400 meters height, In this way the three sisters waterfalls are different.

Cultural Significance

Therefore, it is full of history, and Sikkim people hold great significance to Yuksom because of its history to the founding of Namgyal dynasty. It is majorly an indigenous Buddhist-influenced town especially the Bhutia, Lepchas, Nepalis etc; its belief, practices, food and festivals are dedicated to this influence.

Why Visit Yuksom?

Yuksom is not only the place to visit but Yuksom is about the feeling that that destination provides. That is to say it is ideal for anyone who feels that he or she needs some break with the hustle and bustle of the city life and wants to be in the midst of nature. Yet another place that entices any tourist to Sikkim is the Yuksom, because of the welcoming nature by the people, the spiritually charged view of ancient monasteries and natural untouched landscape. and other most important thing why the yukksom is famous, Yuksom is the central basecamp for goechala trek and other dzongri trek, Kasturi trek, singalaila trek. 

Conclusion 

Any normal person would describe Yuksom as an aladdin's cave for natural beauty, history and ethnical artifacts and quirkiness since the destination is blessed with all these values to the fullest. Whether you are an adventure trekker and have the passion to pass through the mountain roads of the Himalayas or a historian who wants to reverse the clock and live the past, or a pilgrim who wants to find his calling in life, Yuksom is the place for all. In its simplicity with historical cultural geography, it provides the natural surroundings for whoever wants the unknown.