Yuksom Tourism

Majority of the restaurants are vegetarian. One can visit the Yak restaurant which is favoured by tourists. Other restaurants and food outlets that can cater to your taste-buds are Saikripa Hotel and Restaurants in Pelling like Melting point, Gupta Restaurant etc. there are a number of cafes serving North Indian dishes and milk products in the area.

Majority of food items available in the region are vegetarian and availability of meat and poultry is rare because of the remoteness of the town. You should try and eat the Yak Cheese Momos, which are a savoured delicacy of the region although not available at all the food outlets.

If you are lucky you may be able to see some of the local dances for entertainment. Alcohol is easily available in Yuksom and you may want to try a local beer called Chaang.

There is an area in Yuksom with small shops selling local artefacts and products necessary for trekking activities. The villagers have made it a point to serve all aspects of their culture to the visitors while keeping the natural landscape intact and clean.

Markets such as Geyzing Market, Lal Bazaar and Dentam Bazaar are famous Yuksom. One can shop for artifacts and village products and items of necessity. 

Yuksom had some of the best treks in the north east of India. The Goechala trek at the height of 4990meter is popular among experienced trekkers and should be endeavoured in company of experienced guides. Another famous trek is Yuksom-Dzongri trek, leading up to the Mt. Khangchendzonga that passes through thick foliage of Oak, Fir and Birch. It is along the river of Rathong Chu.

• Kongri-Labdang Lake: One of the prettiest lakes in the region; Buddhist and Hindu communities consider this waterbody to be sacred. There is a legend, which says that birds don’t let a single leaf float on the holy lake. It is located nearly 25kms form Pelling. There is a drivable road straight to the lake and has few huts for those who wish to stay and cherish its beauty. There is a prayer wheel, a temple and a stupa near the lake, which might as well interest you.

• Kathok Wodsallin Gompa Monastery: The Kathok Wodsallin Gompa is a relatively new structure and is very famous for its statue of Guru Padmasambhava, who is also known as Guru Rinpoche. This fine sculpture is surrounded by an assortment of yogis, tantrics and lamas. With the backdrop of Mt. Khangchendzonga, the Gompa offers some of the most striking views in Yuksom.

• Tashiding Monastery:  Tashiding monastery was constructed in the 18th century by Ngadak Sempa Chempo. According to ancient scripts, Guru Padmasambhava blessed Sikkim from here in 8th century AD. The holy water of the monastery is taken out only once in a year on an auspicious occasion.

Khangchendzonga National Park is the major tourist magnet near Yuksom. Spread in an area of 850 sq km and at an altitude of 8586 meters, this national park is one of the foremost biosphere reserves in India. It was established on 26th August 1977 and it is home to animals such as Musk Deer, Snow Leopard and Himalayan Tahr. Trees like Oak, fir, Birch and Maple form the major forest cover along with a number of plants with medicinal value. The national park also houses nearly 500 species of birds including breeds like Blood Pheasant, Green Pigeon, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Sunbird etc.

Apart from this, the Phamrong Waterfall-the highest waterfall in west Sikkim is a popular attraction. The area has picnic and tourist spots and makes for a lovely scenic destination during the Monsoon. The waterfall is located between Yuksom and Gerethang.

Yuksom has a number of Tibetian-Budhist monasteries many of which have major historic significance. The population mainly comprises the Bhutia and Nepali communities. There are a number of places of interest with Buddhist references and people hold a strong connection with the culture of the region. The local Lepcha tribe also lives in peaceful co-existence with the people. Most of the folk dances of the region are performed to please the regional Gods & goddesses in hope of prosperity and goodwill. The people of the region are particularly shy, mild mannered and friendly. For the backpackers and couch surfers, people of Yuksom make for an awesome host. One of the spots beyond Sangachoeling terminating at the Rani Dhunga (Rock of Queen) is believed to be the battlefield site of the Ramayana.