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A Sikkimese Shangri-La
Many stories are told about the existence of Shangri-La in the
Himalaya. The search for Ney-Pemathang or Dema-Zong, is known to
have been made twice in Sikkim, most recently in the early 1960s.
Local people recall the arrival in Yuksam of Rimpoche Tarten
Tarzey Lingpa from Ladakh.
Many Yuksam residents joined the group and
trekked into the area surrounding Mount Khangchendzonga. After
spending several months in the area, the followers grew impatient
for the Rimpoche to open the "gateway" to Ney-Pemathang.
Unfortunately, while preparing to open the way, the Rimpoche and
his followers died in an avalanche, and Ney-Pemathang remained
unopened. According to legend, among the three Tartens who know of
the location of Ney-Pemathang, two have failed to open the gate.
The last Tarten is expected to be born in the 21st
century, and people still talk of the place where life is immortal
and where one grain of rice can feed the whole population of
Ney-Pemathang.
A Biodiversity "Hot-spot"
Yuksam lies on the edge of the
Khangchendzonga National Park, the largest
Protected area in Sikkim. Today the village of Yuksam and its
surroundings retain many of the attributes that earned it the
title of Ney-Pemathang centuries ago. The picturesque hills are
covered with thick broad-leaved forests of oak, birch, maple,
chestnut, magnolia, rhododendron, silver fir, ash, and alder. A
hike into the forests offer scenes of exhilarating natural beauty
and diversity that make Sikkim a "biodiversity hot-spot".
Equally as diverse are the peoples of Yuksam,
Bhutia, Lepcha, and various Nepali ethnic peoples reside in
scattered villages, practicing centuries old traditions and
speaking languages including Nepali, Hindi, English, Bhutia,
Lepcha and Limbu.
The rich forests also harbor abundant wildlife.
With the increase in movement of people and the spread of farming
settlements, wildlife sighting have become less frequent,
yet with careful observation the following animals and birds can
be seen within the Park: deer, bear, squirrels, civet cat, wild
cat, rabbits, langurs, tahr, goral, Red Panda, mongoose,
pheasants, partridges, magpies, and jungle cocks. In addition
there are a number of rare and endangered species including the
red panda and snow leopard. Tourists are requested to avoid
disturbing wildlife and its habitat. A Wildlife Interpretation
Centre is located close to the Trekkers Hut.
How to Get to Yuksams:
Foreigners visiting Yuksam must possess an Indian visa. No special
permit is required for either traveling or trekking inside Yuksam.
However, necessary travel documents need to be shown as and when
required.
AIR
CONNECTIONS: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West
Bengal is 145 kms away from Yuksam. There is Daily flight from
Delhi and Calcutta. By road it is approx. 6 hrs. drive
from Yuksam.
ROAD
CONNECTIONS: Yuksam is well linked with all the major district of Sikkim,
state West Bengal, Bhutan Border and Nepal Border. Siliguri, the main city from where
one can get various transport to Sikkim is 140 kms away and
the same would take you to
Gangtok .
RAIL
CONNECTIONS: New Jalpaiguri in West
Bengal is the nearest Railway station and it is 140 kms away.
It is well connected with major cities of India such as
Calcutta, New Delhi and Guwahati.
Where to stay and eat in Yuksam:
There are only few hotels and restaurant in town which
serves both local and Indian delicacies. They also provide
lodging facilities for the visitors.
Details
Places to visit in and around Yuksam:
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