Norbugang is the small hill above Yuksom where three lamas consecrated Phuntsog Namgyal as Sikkim's first Chogyal in 1642. A four-seat stone throne survives under a large tree, beside the Norbugang Chorten, a temple and a big prayer wheel. It is a 15–20 minute walk from the bazaar; allow 45 minutes.
Best months
Oct–May
Nights we suggest
Visit from Yuksom (stay 1 night there)
From Gangtok
≈ 150 km · 6.5–7.5 h (1.2 km from Yuksom bazaar)
Altitude
About 1,800 m
Known for
1642 coronation throne, Norbugang Chorten, footprint stone
Norbugang is a quiet, tree-shaded park about 1.2 km from Yuksom bazaar, reached by a lane that leaves the main road near Kathok Lake. It holds the most important civic monument in Sikkim: the stone throne on which Phuntsog Namgyal was consecrated as the first Chogyal, or religious king, in 1642, marking the start of the Namgyal dynasty that ruled until 1975.
The throne is a rectangular stone platform with four seats in stepped order and a raised back. By tradition the highest seat was for Lhatsun Chempo, the senior of the three lamas, the seat to his right for the king, and the two lower seats for the other lamas, Sempa Chempo and Rigzin Chempo. In front of it, a stone under a low railing and metal cover carries what devotees believe is Lhatsun Chempo's footprint.
Beside the throne stands the Norbugang Chorten, which Wikipedia says was erected after the coronation; it is said to contain earth and water from across Sikkim. A small temple and a large prayer wheel complete the site. Kathok Lake, below on the main road, is associated with the holy water used to anoint the king.
Highlights
What to see and do
The coronation throne
A stone platform with four stepped seats and a raised back, under a large tree. It is simple and small, which makes it more moving: this is where the kingdom of Sikkim was formally founded in 1642. Do not sit on or climb it.
Lhatsun Chempo's footprint
In front of the throne, a stone with a low railing and a metal cover bears what devotees believe is the footprint of Lhatsun Chempo, the senior lama. Lift the cover gently if allowed, and close it again.
Norbugang Chorten
A whitewashed chorten erected after the coronation, said to contain earth and water from across Sikkim. Walk around it clockwise, as local visitors do, and look at the prayer flags strung from the trees around it.
Temple and prayer wheel
A small temple and a large prayer wheel stand in the park. Turning the big wheel clockwise is a common act of merit. The temple may be locked; ask the caretaker if you would like to see inside.
Kathok Lake below
On the way up, stop at Kathok Lake, associated with the holy water used to anoint the first Chogyal. The flags reflected in the still water make a good photograph in the soft evening light.
The story of Norbugang
Four seats under a tree
In 1642, according to Sikkim's histories summarised in Wikipedia, three lamas who had come from Tibet by the north, west and south gathered at Yuksom to consecrate a king who would protect Buddhism in the land. They chose Phuntsog Namgyal, then 38, a descendant of the eastern Tibetan prince Khye Bumsa. The ceremony took place at Norbugang, on a pedestal of stones on a pine-covered hill, and he was anointed with water from a sacred urn. The throne they used survives. Its four seats step down in rank: Lhatsun Chempo's highest, the new Chogyal's beside it, and two for the other lamas. Guides at Yuksom point out the footprint stone in front, believed by the devout to be Lhatsun Chempo's. The Norbugang Chorten nearby was built to mark the event, and tradition holds that it was filled with soil and water from different parts of Sikkim, a symbol of a land gathered under one ruler. Stand here and you are at the first page of the kingdom's history.
From Yuksom bazaar, walk towards Kathok Lake and take the lane about 600 m up to the park, roughly 15–20 minutes in all. The lane is quiet and gentle.
Private car
Cars can drive close to the park. It is part of every Pelling–Yuksom day tour, indicatively ₹3,500–5,000 per car from Pelling, along with Khecheopalri Lake and the Kanchenjunga Falls.
From Bagdogra / NJP
Reach Yuksom via Melli, Jorethang, Legship and Tashiding, about 170 km and 6.5–7.5 hours, or break the journey in Pelling. Check NH10 status before you travel.
Permits in West Sikkim
Indian travellers need no permit for Pelling, Yuksom, Khecheopalri, Tashiding or Uttarey. The Dzongri and Goecha La trek needs a Khangchendzonga National Park permit and fees, arranged at Yuksom through a registered trekking agency with a licensed guide. Foreign nationals need the Restricted Area Permit to enter Sikkim, applied for online via the e-FRRO portal after arriving in India, and a Protected Area Permit in a group of two or more for the Dzongri–Goecha La trek. Sikkim charges a ₹50 per tourist fee at check-in. Check current status before you travel.
Stay in Yuksom, a 15–20 minute walk away. Yuksum Residency and Hotel Tashigang are the main value hotels, and family homestays around the village offer simple rooms with meals. For premium hotels, stay in Pelling, two hours away, and visit Norbugang on a day trip.
Norbugang is the site above Yuksom where Phuntsog Namgyal was consecrated as the first Chogyal of Sikkim in 1642. It holds the four-seat stone coronation throne, the Norbugang Chorten, a footprint stone, a small temple and a large prayer wheel.
How far is Norbugang from Yuksom?
About 1.2 km from Yuksom bazaar: walk towards Kathok Lake and take the 600 m lane up, 15–20 minutes in all. Cars can drive close to the site. It is part of every Yuksom day tour from Pelling.
Is there an entry fee at Norbugang?
It has generally been free or charged a small maintenance fee. Check current status before you travel. Donations at the temple are voluntary. Keep small notes for any fee and for tea in the bazaar afterwards.
What is the Norbugang Chorten?
A chorten (stupa) built after the 1642 coronation at Norbugang. Tradition holds that it contains earth and water from across Sikkim, a symbol of the land united under the new Chogyal. Walk around it clockwise.
Can I sit on the Norbugang throne?
No. The throne is a sacred and historic monument, and sitting on or climbing it is disrespectful. Photograph it from in front or the sides. Local visitors bow or offer a khada scarf; you may simply stand quietly.
How long should I spend at Norbugang?
Allow 30–45 minutes for the throne, chorten, temple and prayer wheel. With Kathok Lake and a guide's telling of the founding story, plan about 1.5 hours. Late afternoon is the most pleasant time.
Is Norbugang worth visiting?
Yes, if you care about why Sikkim exists as a place. It is small and simple, but it is where the kingdom began in 1642. Combined with Kathok Lake, Dubdi and Tashiding, it makes Yuksom one of the most meaningful stops in West Sikkim.
What is the footprint at Norbugang?
In front of the throne, a stone under a low railing and metal cover carries what devotees believe is the footprint of Lhatsun Chempo, the senior of the three lamas. Lift the cover gently if allowed and close it again.
When was Sikkim's first king crowned?
Phuntsog Namgyal was consecrated as the first Chogyal at Norbugang, Yuksom, in 1642. The Namgyal dynasty he founded ruled Sikkim until 1975, when the monarchy ended and Sikkim became a state of India.
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