Atlas/Sikkim/Local food, a garden view. House in Yuksom, Sikkim.

Local food, a garden view. House in Yuksom, Sikkim.

Yuksom· 4.7 · 25 stays

“This homestay offers a welcoming base for trekkers and cultural explorers. Experience genuine hospitality and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for unwinding after a day of adventure. Guests enjoy comfortable rooms with hot water showers and a garden outlook. Savor delicious local food, including unique dishes like wild orchid with cheese, and potato cheese and tomato soup, prepared with care.”

10 bedroomsSleeps 2010 beds10 bathsHouseWifiHot Water

A look around

What's here

The first thing you notice is the garden, full of flowers and prayer flags against the hills. This is a family home, run by hosts Doma, Pema, and Thashi, who share their knowledge of Sikkim openly. The home itself is a large, traditionally styled building with ten simple rooms, each with its own attached bathroom and hot water shower. The rooms look out onto the garden or the mountains behind. There isn't much in the way of hotel-style amenities, the focus here is on the people and the place. The heart of the stay is the kitchen. Pema is the cook, and guests often write about the meals. You might be served wild orchid with cheese, or a potato, cheese and tomato soup. The hosts are happy to talk about the food, where it comes from, and how it’s made. It’s a place where conversations start easily. As guests have said, "Doma is an incredible host and Pema is such a great cook!" and "Thashi, the host is such an interesting and kind person." Many who stay here feel the connection, noting, "we felt like family".

What guests wrote

4.7· 25 stays

“We absolutely loved our stay. We got to stay here as part of a Monastery Trek organised with Himalayan trekker. The rooms were comfortable with hot water showers, and a lovely garden outlook. The best part of our stay was the amazing local food we enjoyed - wild orchid with cheese, and a delicious potato cheese and tomato soup (among other dishes!). We learn...”

Antonia Dunoon

“We had a great time! Thashi, the host is such an interesting and kind person. The food was great, and they were very considerate about our preferences, and we felt like family!”

בת-עמי הריס

“Doma is an incredible host and Pema is such a great cook! The room was so nice and there is a wonderful garden out front to relax in! Great for a trip to Yuksom!”

George Perry

“Doma and Pema were so welcoming and kind. They were very helpful in our stay in Yuksom, the view and room was lovely, and food was delicious.”

Anika Nagpal

“We absolutely loved our stay. We got to stay here as part of a Monastery Trek organised with YHAI”

Chiya’s World

Where you are

Yuksom.

Sikkim's first capital and the start of the Goecha La trek toward Kanchenjunga.

Best time

Mar–May and Oct–Nov

Nearest airport

Bagdogra (IXB), ~150 km

Nearby

Dubdi monastery · Khecheopalri · Tashiding

General area shown · exact address shared after booking

Around the stay

Things to do nearby.

Yuksom is the historic first capital of Sikkim and the gateway to Kanchenjunga National Park. The main draw is trekking. The classic Goecha La trek, which takes you to the base camp for Kanchenjunga, starts and ends right here. For shorter walks, the trail to Dubdi Monastery, one of the oldest in Sikkim, is a steep but rewarding hike through the forest.

A few hours' drive away is Pelling, known for its clear views of the Kanchenjunga range. Here you can visit the Pemayangtse and Sanga Choeling monasteries, important centres of Buddhism in the region. Further afield, a trip to Gangtok, the state capital, can be a base for visiting Rumtek Monastery or the high-altitude Tsomgo Lake, which often freezes over in winter. Note that a separate permit is required for Tsomgo.

Logistics

Getting there.

The most reliable way to reach Sikkim is by air to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal, or by train to New Jalpaiguri station (NJP). From either IXB or NJP, Yuksom is a long drive, typically taking 6 to 8 hours by private or shared taxi. The road winds through hills and valleys, and conditions can vary.

Sikkim has its own airport at Pakyong (PYG), which is much closer to Gangtok, but flights here are infrequent and often cancelled or diverted due to weather. It is best to plan your arrival and departure via Bagdogra.

Seasons

Best time to visit.

The best time for clear mountain views is from October to mid-December. The skies are crisp and blue after the monsoon. Spring, from March to May, is another good time to visit. The hillsides are covered in blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers.

The monsoon season runs from June to September, bringing heavy rain that can cause landslides and road closures. North Sikkim is often inaccessible during this time. Winter, from late December to February, is cold, with snowfall at higher altitudes.

Before you book

The fine print, written plainly.

Frequently asked

The questions travellers ask.

The neighbours

Three more Yuksom homes we love.