The village of Yuksam (1780 metres) lies in the far western corner of Sikkim, nestled at the base of high, forest-covered snow-capped mountains. The final cluster of human inhabitation before one begins a trek into the mountains, Yuksam village and her surroundings offer ample opportunity for experiencing the rich history of Sikkim, its fascinating people, mountain peaks and the area's immense natural diversity.

Historical Importance: Birthplace of Sikkim
Yuksam has a historical significance in the history of Sikkim. Yuksam, which literally means 'meeting place of three monks', is the first capital of Sikkim.

The modern history of Sikkim started from Yuksam with the consecration of the first king 'Chogyal Phuntsog Namgyal' in the year 1642 AD. According to legend, Gyalwa Lhatsun Chempo, a follower of the Red Hat Sect came to Sikkim in the 17th century to establish Buddhist monarchy. After an arduous journey from Tibet, he arrived at Norbugang, where he was joined by two other lamas, Karthok Rinzing Chempo and Ngadak Sempa Chempo. In accordance to the prophecies of Guru Padmasambhava, they found Phuntsog Namgya and consecrated him as the king of Sikkim in the year 1642 AD, with the title Chogyal, meaning king who rules with righteousness. The Namgyal dynasty was to last some 330 years.

A stone throne shaded by a 300 year old fir still stands here today in Norbugang. 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.

The Altar To Khangchendzonga
The holy guide book (Neysol) describes that the whole region below Khangchendzonga as containing hidden treasure (ters), which will be revealed in the course of time by enlightened lamas. As such, Yuksam has been considered the 'Lhakhang' or altar for offerings to the Khangchendzonga deities. According to beliefs, if the land and water come to be desecrated, it will no longer be possible to perform any form of meaningful Buddhist rituals. Any large-scale human induced perturbation in the holy land of the Yuksam area would destroy the hidden treasures, and any major disruption to the river system would disturb the ruling deities of the 109 hidden lakes of the river, leading to serious calamity. Conserving and protecting these treasures from pollution and disturbances is considered to be vitally important to human welfare.

The seven holy lakes surrounding Khangchendzonga; Khecheopalri, Katok Tso, Bar Cho Marpu, Phu cho Karpu, Ka Bur La Tso, Sume Ten Tso and Dafuk Yum Tso are the seven offering bowls to the Khangchendzonga deities. Every landscape of highland, middle land and low land and every river, stream, cave and big trees are believed to be guarded by deities. During the morning ritual in every monastery, these deities are worshipped with great devotion by the Sikkimese.

A Biodiversity "Hot-spot"
Yuksam, which is also the base for trekking up to the Dzongri area, lies on the edge of the Khangchendzonga National Park, the largest protected area in Sikkim. Today the village of Yuksam and its surroundings retain many of the attributes that earned it the title of Ney-Pemathang centuries ago. The picturesque hills are covered with thick broad-leaved forests of oak, birch, maple, chestnut, magnolia, rhododendron, silver fir, ash, and alder.

A hike into the nearby forests offer scenes of exhilarating natural beauty and diversity that make Sikkim a "biodiversity hot-spot". Although the rich forests harbor abundant wildlife, the increase in movement of people and the spread of farming settlements has resulted in wildlife sightings becoming less frequent. Yet, with careful observation the following animals and birds can be seen within the Park: deer, bear, squirrels, civet cat, wild cat, rabbits, langurs, tahr, goral, Red Panda, mongoose, pheasants, partridges, magpies, and jungle cocks. In addition there are a number of rare and endangered species including the red panda and snow leopard. (see KNP for more info).

Legendary Lakes
Kathok and Khecheopalri are two important lakes of this area. Khecheopalri, known as the "Wishing Lake", is one of Sikkim's most sacred lakes. A festival held every year at Khecheopalri Lake during February/March draws people from all over Sikkim. Another is held at Yuksam during December/January in connection with Kathok Lake.

Buddhist Monasteries
Dubdi Monastery, the oldest monastery in Sikkim, 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 in 1701 by 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.

A Wealth of Unique Cultures
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.