Yuksom Trek

Overview of Yuksom Trek

The Yuksom Trek is a moderate to challenging trek that takes you through lush forests, rivers, and high-altitude meadows while offering spectacular views of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. The trek begins from Yuksom, a historic village that served as the first capital of Sikkim, and takes you to Dzongri, a high-altitude meadow with panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.

Best Time to Visit

• Pre-monsoon (March to May): The weather is cool, and you can experience clear skies with stunning views of the peaks.
• Post-monsoon (September to November): The skies are generally clear, and the weather is pleasant, making it an ideal time for trekking.

Trek Duration

• The Yuksom Trek typically takes 6 to 7 days, depending on the pace of the trek and the itinerary.
• You will trek for about 5-6 hours a day, covering around 8-12 km per day.

Starting Point

• Yuksom: Located about 40 km from Gangtok, Yuksom is the starting point of the trek. You can reach Yuksom by hiring a taxi or private vehicle from Gangtok, which takes about 2-3 hours.

Itinerary for Yuksom Trek

1.   Day 1: Arrival in Yuksom

o   Arrive in Yuksom and settle in at your accommodation.

o   You can explore the village, which is known for its ancient monasteries and scenic beauty.

2.   Day 2: Yuksom to Sachen (9-10 km, 5-6 hours)

o   The trek begins with a gradual climb through beautiful forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron.

o   You’ll cross bridges over rivers and enjoy the lush greenery around.

o   Arrive at Sachen, a campsite at around 7,000 feet.

3.   Day 3: Sachen to Tshoka (8 km, 4-5 hours)

o   The trail continues through dense forests, crossing streams and encountering a variety of flora and fauna.

o   Tshoka is a beautiful settlement at 9,500 feet, surrounded by majestic views of Kanchenjunga.

4.   Day 4: Tshoka to Dzongri (10 km, 5-6 hours)

o   The ascent becomes steeper as you approach Dzongri, a high-altitude meadow.

o   The trail offers views of Mt. Pandim and Kanchenjunga.

o   Once you reach Dzongri, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Himalayan range.

5.   Day 5: Dzongri to Dzongri Top and Back to Tshoka

o   Early morning, you’ll hike to Dzongri Top to witness the sunrise over the towering Himalayan peaks.

o   After spending some time at the top, you’ll return to Tshoka for an overnight stay.

6.   Day 6: Tshoka to Yuksom

o   On the final day, you’ll descend back to Yuksom, retracing your steps through forests and streams.

o   Once you reach Yuksom, you can rest and reflect on your journey.

Difficulty Level

• The Yuksom Trek is considered moderate to difficult, with some steep sections and high-altitude regions.
• It is suitable for beginner to intermediate trekkers who are in good physical condition and have basic trekking experience.

Altitude

• The trek reaches altitudes of around 12,000-14,000 feet, so you need to be prepared for altitude-related challenges such as mild headaches and shortness of breath.

Packing List

• Clothing: Layered clothing for cold weather, waterproof jacket, trekking pants, thermal wear, gloves, hat, and sunglasses.
• Footwear: Comfortable trekking shoes with good grip, sandals for campsites.
• Sleeping Gear: Sleeping bag (lightweight and rated for cold weather) and a sleeping mat (if camping).
• Essential Gear: Trekking poles, water bottles, sunscreen, torch/flashlight, first-aid kit, camera, and a power bank.
• Food: While most treks provide meals, you may carry energy snacks like nuts, bars, or dry fruits for energy.

Things to Do Around Yuksom

• Khecheopalri Lake: A sacred lake located near Yuksom, believed to fulfill wishes.
• Yuksom Monastery: Explore the Dubdi Monastery and the historic Norbugang Coronation Throne, where the first king of Sikkim was crowned.
• Trekking Around Yuksom: Apart from the main Yuksom Trek, you can also explore surrounding trails or visit nearby villages.

How to Reach Yuksom

• By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), about 124 km from Yuksom. From there, you can hire a taxi to Yuksom.
• By Train: The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is about 120 km from Yuksom.
• By Road: You can take a taxi or a shared vehicle from Gangtok or any nearby town to Yuksom.

Accommodation

• There are several guesthouses, lodges, and homestays in Yuksom where you can stay before and after your trek.
• During the trek, most campsites will provide basic tents, and you may also stay in trekkers’ huts or guesthouses in places like Tshoka.

Precautions and Tips

• Acclimatization: Ensure you take adequate rest on the trek to acclimatize to the altitude to avoid altitude sickness.
• Hydration: Keep hydrated during the trek, especially at high altitudes.
• Guides and Permits: It’s recommended to go with a guide for safety and to understand the local environment. You’ll need permits, which can be obtained from the Sikkim Forest Department in Yuksom.