Monasteries and shrines · Norbugang
Evening kora around Kathok Lake
Join Yuksom residents for a slow clockwise walk around Kathok Lake at dusk, the lake associated with the holy water that anointed Sikkim's first king.
Photo: Richard Horvath · CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kathok Lake is a small, still pond by the main road below Norbugang, ringed with prayer flags. Its water is associated with the sacred water used at the 1642 coronation. In the evening, local residents often walk around it, turning beads and murmuring prayers.
Walk clockwise, at their pace, and keep quiet. As the light fades the flags reflect in the water and the hills around Yuksom turn blue. It is one of the simplest and most local experiences in West Sikkim.
Do not throw anything into the lake or feed fish. Afterwards, walk up the lane to Norbugang if it is still light, or back to the bazaar for tea.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
Where is Kathok Lake?
Beside the main road in Yuksom, below Norbugang, a few minutes' walk from the bazaar. The lane to the coronation throne leaves the road near the lake. It is small, ringed with prayer flags and easy to walk around in 10–15 minutes.
Why is Kathok Lake sacred?
It is associated with the holy water used to anoint Phuntsog Namgyal at his consecration as the first Chogyal in 1642. Local people still treat it as sacred, walk around it clockwise and keep it clean.
Can I photograph people at Kathok Lake?
Photograph the lake and flags freely, but ask before photographing people, especially those praying. Many older residents prefer not to be photographed. A smile and a gesture usually get a clear answer.
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