Day 4, March 3 ,2025 : A Slow, Soulful Day in Yuksom

The day began with a symphony of nature—birds chirping, cows mooing, and the occasional bleating of sheep, all blending into the peaceful rhythm of village life. Our stay at Chungda Homestay had been nothing short of heartwarming. Mr. Chungda, a humble Sherpa, and his family welcomed us with genuine warmth, embodying the spirit of the mountains.

A Walk Through Yuksom’s Simple Charms

With no rush to be anywhere, we took a leisurely morning walk, soaking in the everyday life of the villagers. About 2 km from the homestay, we reached a helipad, where a group of young scouts played Kho Kho on a misty field—a scene so simple yet filled with energy and joy. Along the way, school children trickled out of their homes, joining their friends as they marched towards the rural primary school, a small yet vibrant part of the community.

Back at the homestay, we geared up for the day's heritage exploration, stepping back in time to Yuksom’s historic past—a place that once held the title of Sikkim’s first capital.

Monasteries, Waterfalls & Sacred Stones

Our first stop was Dubdi Monastery, the oldest monastery in Sikkim. We were incredibly lucky—though it’s usually closed, visiting monks were there for post-Losar cleaning, allowing us a rare glimpse inside. The ancient murals and the sheer sense of history within its walls made the experience all the more special.

A short two-minute drive took us to Elephant Falls, which, like our previous visit, had little water due to the season. But the drive itself—along a quiet, tree-lined road—was enough to make the detour worthwhile.

For a panoramic view of Yuksom’s valley, we paused again at the helipad ground, letting the breathtaking landscape sink in.

Next, we visited a nearby lake, where we fed fish with puffed rice, watching them ripple the still water in playful swirls. Adjacent to the lake stood Norbu Gang Coronation Stone, a sacred site where Sikkim’s first king was crowned—a place believed to be the very foundation of Buddhism in Sikkim.

Immersing in Local Flavors & Village Serenity

By lunchtime, we found ourselves at Yuksom’s village market, relishing a bowl of Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup) and some Enchiladas—a surprising but delightful fusion.

With our bellies full and our minds at peace, we returned to the homestay, spending the rest of the evening simply immersing in nature. The gentle hum of the village, the crisp mountain air, and the unhurried pace of life made this one of the most serene days of the trip.

As the day faded into dusk, I realized that sometimes, the best travel experiences come not from rushing through landmarks but from simply being present in a place—and Yuksom had gifted us just that.