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Yuksam is a stunning location in north eastern India for the nature loving tourists where you can get every aspect of relaxation amidst the fresh air, the cool breeze and the lovely meandering mountain ranges. The picturesque hills are covered with thick broad-leaved forests of oak, birch, maple, chestnut, magnolia, rhododendron, silver fir, ash, and alder. Yuksam lies on the edge of the Khangchendzonga National Park, the largest protected area in Sikkim. Yuksam is the access to Shangri-La. The village and surroundings of Yuksam offer ample opportunity for experiencing the history of Sikkim, its fascinating people, mountain peaks and the area's immense natural diversity. Today the village of Yuksam and its surroundings retain many of the attributes that earned it the title of Ney-Pemathang centuries ago. Equally as diverse are the peoples of Yuksam, Bhutia, Lepcha, and various Nepali ethnic peoples reside in scattered villages, practicing centuries old traditions and speaking languages including Nepali, Hindi, English, Bhutia, Lepcha and Limbu. Places to visit: - Dubdi Monastery is located at the top of a hill about an hour's walk from Yuksam. Also known as the Hermit's Cell after its reclusive founder Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, it was built by the followers of the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The trail to Dubdi winds through lush forests high above the village, offering scenic overlooks and impressive mountain views. For bird watchers, an early morning or late afternoon visit is particularly rewarding. Dubdi means 'the retreat'
- Khecheopalri Lake is known as the wishing lake. This unusually tranquil lake, surrounded by verdant forest is considered as one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim both by the Buddhist and the Hindus and no water sport or other activities besides prayers are allowed around it. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. The vicinity of the lake is an ideal place to find the Lepcha Houses and their communities
- Norbugang: True to the prophecy of Tibet's founder of Buddhism, Guru Rimpoche, some nine centuries prior, three learned Lamas, Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, Kathok Rigzin Chenpo, Nga-Dak Sempa Chenpo, gathered at Yuksam in 1642 from various directions and enthroned Chogyal Phuntsog as the first religious king of Sikkim. A stone throne shaded by a 300 year old fir still stands here today. A foot print in stone in front of the throne is said to belong to Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, and a nearby chorten (stupa) contains soil and water from all over Sikkim. Thus Yuksam occupies an important place in Sikkimese history as the first capital, and Norbugang as an historic cultural site maintained by the Archeological Survey of India. Norbugang is easily reached on a 15 minute walk from Yuksam.
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