Situated in the midst of nature’s abundance and untouched by chaos is a small town called Yuksom. It is a hidden gem in Sikkim which is favored by clear skies, snow-clad mountains, and pleasant weather. This spellbinding place has spiritual significance as well, which is why it is also called the Third Eye of Sikkim. Yuksom is an ideal spot, away from all your hustles, that helps you rejuvenate and relax in the lap of nature. If you are looking for some fun and adventure, Yuksom offers that too. It’s a perfect destination regardless of whether you are up for a laid-back holiday or a thrilling one. Here is how you can enjoy your trip to Yuksom. Keep reading.
Places To Visit And Things To Do In Yuksom
Sikkim is more than just a home to Tibetan monks, it is a place where you can indulge in recreational activities and simply have a peaceful time with nature to clear your thoughts. Following are a few of the many things you can do and places you can visit in Yuksom.
Pay A Visit To Tashi Tenka Monastery
Back in the day, Tashi Tenka was an imperial royal residency complex. Today, it is a well-known monastery with a mesmerizing view of the surrounding. Towards the south, you will catch the sight of the Rabdentse Monastery and the Pemayangtse Monastery, two of the most iconic spiritual spots of Yuksom. The east presents to you with a free road cutting through the mountains to Tashiding with the backdrop of the forested hills. And last but not the least, you get the breathtaking view of the Khecheopalri lake in the west.
Spend A Day At The Khangchendzonga National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khangchendzonga National Park expands to over 1784sq km. This is one of the highest elevation national parks in India and is known to be home to untamed wildlife including rare species such as red panda, snow leopard, great Tibetan sheep, bharal, musk deer, and many many more. It is also a great place for bird watchers as one can easily spot exotic birds like the mighty black-necked crane, grus nigricollis, gray peacock pheasant, Himalayan monal pheasant, Tibetan snow cock, Himalayan snow cock, and more. In addition to the birds and animals the place houses, it is also renowned for its unique landscapes. It has nearly 18 icy masses, including Zemu Glacier. The Khangchendzonga National Park also has more than 17 elevated lakes that present you with a view of around 19 Himalayan mountain crests.
Spend Some Alone Time At Khecheopalri Lake
The bewitching Khecheopalri Lake is one of the largest lakes in Sikkim and is located at a height of 6,000 ft. The crystal clear water of the lake is considered to be holy and the lake is believed to be sacred, which is why it is heavily visited by pilgrims all year round. A fascinating fact about the lake is that no leaves float on it, contributing to the beliefs of the pilgrims. Khecheopalri is surrounded by lush green meadows and bordered by tall trees in the background making for a perfect campsite.
Go Shopping In Yuksom
Yuksom is traditionally and culturally rich which means that the attire and accessories worn by the locals depict their culture and could be something you could bring back home as a souvenir. The outfits are simply beautiful and so are the accessories. Therefore, you can spot many shops selling beautiful items in the market area where you can buy fantastic gifts for yourself and your loved ones.
Try The Delicious Cuisine Of Yuksom
The majority of the eateries in Yuksom serve delicious vegetarian food. This is due to the lack of availability of meat and poultry in this remote area. A few scrumptious traditional cuisines you should try include thenthuk which is a type of noodle soup; Khapse which is a deep-fried pastry; yak cheese momos and of course the iconic bamboo shoot curry.
This was our brief list of how you can enjoy the blissful town of Yuksom. Hence, if you have already visited this place, let us know your experience in the comments below.