Yuksom in West Sikkim is usually misty during monsoon, with slippery paths, but we were lucky to find the sun shining brightly over the valley. We stayed at Ejam Residency, a warm and welcoming homestay near Kathok Lake. Unlike the old wooden cottages, this three-story chalet had a beautiful lawn, colorful flowers, and a clear view of Mt. Kabru on sunny days.
The homestay life itself was an experience. From the vegetable garden with pumpkins, chillies, and squash to traditional tasks like harvesting and churning butter, it felt like being part of local life. We also got to try tongba, a local millet drink served hot in a bamboo vessel. The friendly hosts, including Aita Maya Limbu, showed us the beauty of Limbu culture.
We explored Yuksom on foot, perfect for short hikes that mix nature and history. Our first stop was Dubdi Monastery, Sikkim’s oldest, founded around 1701. The peaceful monastery, with its intricate murals and sacred idol, offered a spiritual start to the day. We also visited Norbugang, the coronation site of the first Chogyal, surrounded by forest, stone thrones, and a chorten holding soil and water from across Sikkim.
A short walk took us to Elephant Falls (Kholatar), where we enjoyed the scenic waterfall and local snacks. Yuksom’s small market and quiet streets showed how the town has preserved its old charm despite a few modern changes.
Yuksom is not just for trekkers—though the Dzongri–Goechala trek is famous—but even short walks, birdwatching, and monastery visits give a deep sense of history and nature. Yuksom is a rare place where centuries of history and local culture still thrive alongside the Himalayas.
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