Culture · Yuksom, Sikkim
Norbugang and Kathok lake at dawn
Walk from the bazaar to Norbugang, where the first Chogyal was consecrated in 1642, and the small Kathok lake beside it. At dawn, the stone throne, chorten and old cypress stand in quiet light, with prayer flags moving in the breeze.
Photo: Kailas98 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · CommonsNorbugang lies a short walk above the Yuksom bazaar, signposted from the main road. A stone throne stands under a large cypress tree, with a chorten and a small temple nearby. Tradition holds that the throne was the seat used during the consecration of Phuntsog Namgyal in 1642, and that the stone footprint beside it belongs to one of the lamas.
A few minutes' walk away, Kathok lake is a small pond ringed with prayer flags. It is said that water from the lake was used in the consecration ceremony. Today it is a quiet place where local families stop to pray and walk.
The best time to visit is early morning, before day visitors from Pelling arrive. Walk slowly, keep the chortens on your right and avoid sitting on the throne or shrines. In the evening, the light is soft and the village quiet, and the site is equally pleasant.
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Questions
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What is the Norbugang coronation throne?
A stone seat at Yuksom where tradition says the first Chogyal of Sikkim was consecrated in 1642. It stands under an old cypress tree, with a chorten and a small temple nearby.
Is there an entry fee for Norbugang?
Usually no. It is a public site within the village, open in daylight hours. Respect the shrines and do not sit on the throne.
How far is Kathok lake from Norbugang?
A few minutes' walk. Most visitors see both on the same short walk from the Yuksom bazaar.