West Sikkim · Overnight hub
Yuksom
Sikkim's first capital (1642) and the trailhead for the Goecha La and Dzongri treks.
27 photos · Wikimedia Commons contributors. Click any photo to open the gallery.
- Altitude 5,800 ft
- From Gangtok 125 km · 5.5 hrs
- Best months March–May and October–November
- Stay Overnight hub
1. Why visit Yuksom and what to expect
Yuksom is where the first Chogyal was crowned at Norbugang in 1642, home to Dubdi, the oldest monastery in Sikkim, and the gateway to Khangchendzonga National Park. Trekkers base here for Dzongri and Goecha La with certified guides and forest permits; everyone else enjoys a slow heritage village 40 km from Pelling.
Top sights
- Norbugang coronation throne (1642)
- Dubdi Monastery (1701)
- Kathok Wodsal Lake
- Tashiding Monastery
- Phamrong Waterfall
- Goecha La and Dzongri trek trailhead
- Khangchendzonga National Park (UNESCO)
2. Getting there and where you sleep
| Altitude | 5,800 ft |
|---|---|
| From Gangtok | 125 km · 5.5 hrs |
| Stay | Overnight hub |
| Checkpost / timing rule | No permit for the village. Khangchendzonga National Park permit and registered trek operator for Dzongri/Goecha La. |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Possible, watch landslides |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Open and peaceful |
Mountain roads in Sikkim average 20–28 km/h. Google Maps times are optimistic; use ours.
3. Permit, ID and medical checklist
4. Where to stay in Yuksom
5 properties from ₹1,600 to ₹3,064 per night for two.
Yuksam Pala's Homestay
Heritage Homestay · Near Primary Health Centre, Hospital Road, Yuksom, Sikkim 737113
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Traditional Bhutia Hospitality
- Parking
₹1,600 / night ≈ ₹800 per person, twin share
Hotel Tashigang, Yuksom
3-Star Trekker Hotel · Yuksom Bazaar, West Sikkim 737113
- Bonfire
- Book Library
- Goechala Trek Base Support
- Wi-Fi
₹1,800 / night ≈ ₹900 per person, twin share
Hotel Red Palace, Yuksom
3-Star Hotel · Kothi, Yuksom, West Sikkim 737113
- Free Breakfast
- Kanchenjunga View Terrace
- Restaurant
- Parking
₹1,964 / night ≈ ₹982 per person, twin share
Ejam Residency Yuksam
Boutique Mountain Hotel · Main Road, Yuksom, West Sikkim 737113
- Mountain View Balconies
- Organic Restaurant
- Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
₹2,200 / night ≈ ₹1,100 per person, twin share
Lovism Homestay, Yuksom
Cultural Homestay · Khamdang, Yuksom, West Sikkim 737113
- Authentic Limboo Cuisine
- Trekking Guidance
- Pet Friendly
₹3,064 / night ≈ ₹1,532 per person, twin share
Yuksom FAQs
Do I need a permit to trek from Yuksom?
Yes. The Goecha La and Dzongri treks need a Khangchendzonga National Park permit, a registered trek operator and a guide. Foreign trekkers must reach Yuksom a day early with a valid RAP.
When is the best time for the Goecha La trek?
Mid-March to May for rhododendrons and October to early December for clear views. Avoid July–September because of leeches and landslides.
Keep exploring
Continue exploring West Sikkim
Overnight hub · homestays only
Khecheopalri Lake
The sacred wish-fulfilling lake where birds keep the water free of leaves.
Overnight hub
Rinchenpong
A heritage ridge where Tagore stayed — Reesum Monastery, Poison Lake and golden sunsets.