Yuksom

Yuksom is marked near the River Rangeet in western Sikkim.

Yuksom was the first capital of Sikkim. It was consecrated in 1642 after three venerated Lamas who came from the north, west, and south to Yuksom and consecrated Phuntsog Namgyal as the first Chogyal (religious king) of Sikkim. There is a place called the Coronation Throne in Yuksom where the first King was named. Phuntsok Namgyal ruled over a vast territory that was many times the current size of Sikkim. His kingdom extended to Thang La in Tibet to the north, Tagong La near Paro in Bhutan to the east, Titalia on the borders of West Bengal and Bihar to the south and Timar Chorten on the Timar river in Nepal to the west.

In 1670 by his son, Tensung Namgyal, shifted the capital from Yuksom to Rabdentse. Only the ruins of the current towns are visible, north of Pelling in West Sikkim.

Yuksom is also the place most trekkers start for the Tshoka-Dzongri-Goecha La trek. A hotel and homestay arrangements are available. The latter is arranged through the Kungchenzonga Convservation Committee (KCC) as a benefit to local families and to let outsiders witness real life in the village.