Important places
in and around YoksomThe Khechopalri Lake:Just about half hour
drive from Yoksom, this sacred lake has a myth associated with it. It is said that the
three Lamas while bathing in the holy waters had cast a spell on the birds of the areas
such that whenever any object fell upon the holy waters the birds would come flying in
from nowhere and pick up the droppings in a flash. Even today this can be witnessed.
Sitting by the gompa beside the lake one can experience what divine silence is all about.
The Dubdi Gompa:It takes just about an hour’s uphill walk to
reach this historic Gompa perched on top of a hill just beyond Yoksom. At nearly 7000 ft.
this Gompa suddenly comes to life at sunrise with a host of Singalila Peaks glistening in
the background. Listen carefully to the fluttering prayer flags and hear them tell the
tales of this hidden land.
The Tashiding Gompa: Just 19 km by road from Yoksom. This beautiful
and sacred Gompa was built in 1717 A.D. during Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal’s reign. The
very fact that this monastery was named after Guru Tashi signifies its importance to the
Sikkimese people.
Trekking:Yoksom is the gateway to the Khangchendzonga sanctuary. The
Dzongri – Thangsing – Samiti – Goecha La (16,000 ft.) trek, one of the most
popular trekking destinations of the eastern Himalaya, actually originates from Yoksom.
Porters and guides can be arranged from here itself. Notably, Mt. Khangchendzonga has been
regarded by the people of Sikkim as ‘The Guardian Deity’. Trekkers huts are
available all the way up except at the Goecha La pass.
