Culture · Dubdi Monastery
Dubdi, Norbugang and Kathok in one morning
Link the three sites of Sikkim's founding on foot: climb to Dubdi at dawn, walk down to Norbugang's coronation throne and finish beside Kathok Lake, with a Yuksom guide.
Photo: Paramanu Sarkar · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Start early with the climb to Dubdi, an hour through forest. Spend 30 minutes at the monastery dated to 1701 and linked with Lhatsun Chempo, the senior lama of the founding.
Walk back down to Yuksom and across to Norbugang, where the four-seat stone throne of the 1642 coronation stands under its tree beside the Norbugang Chorten. Your guide will explain the ranking of the seats and the footprint stone in front.
Finish at Kathok Lake, associated with the holy water that anointed the first Chogyal. By late morning you have walked through the first chapter of Sikkim's history, ready for lunch and an afternoon drive to Tashiding.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
Can I see Dubdi, Norbugang and Kathok Lake in one morning?
Yes. Allow about 4 hours: 2.5 hours for the Dubdi climb and visit, and 1–1.5 hours for Norbugang and Kathok Lake on foot. Start by 7–8 am to finish before lunch and leave the afternoon for Tashiding.
Is a guide necessary for Yuksom's heritage sites?
Not for finding them, but a guide explains the history and the meaning of what you see, which otherwise has few signs. Indicatively ₹1,000–2,000 for a half day. We arrange guides who also lead treks and know the village well.
What should I carry for the Yuksom heritage walk?
Water, a light jacket, sun protection, small cash for donations and tea, and shoes with grip. Outside October to March carry a rain jacket, and from May to September add insect repellent and leech socks.
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