Yangsum Mayal Paradise Homestay

YANGSUM

Yangsum is a small village of west Sikkim nestled at an altitude of about 4500 ft. the word Yangsum is derived from a Limboo word that literary means “Yang – Money” and “Sum – Three”. Yangsum is emerging as a new tourist destination, that still unknown to many. The untouched beauty and the natural surroundings of Yangsum village have gained the title of an offbit destination for nature lovers. Yangsum offers panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga to the far horizon. Around the month of March to April, Yangsum gets covered with numerous Rhododendrons those are in full bloom. From Yangsum to the downward a route has met up at ‘Maneydara’ Heritage house. The ambiance of this Heritage house is very peaceful and calm. From Yangsum one can enjoy the natural ambiance and the greenery those spread throughout the region. There is a view point nearby Yangsum within a walking distance of about 10 minutes that offers clear view of Geyzing Pass on one side, Pemayangtse Monastery lays on a hill top, the valleys of Bermiok on another side and to the far bottom one Legship is clearly visible. The local inhabitants of Yangsum are mainly Limboo, Lepcha, Rai and Tamang. The locals at Yangsum sell pure homemade honey. The aroma and the taste of the honey are worth remembering. Tourists can opt to buy some of these honeys at a reasonable price, though quality is worth buying. The main source of livelihood of the locals of Yangsum are farming, the locals here produce Cardamom, Oranges, Peas, Ginger, Dolekhorsani (a special type of chilly, which grows on the hilly terrains). On a single day tour one can take a long walk through the village of Yangsum. There is an age old Buddhists Shrine or Tomb at Yangsum, surrounding which there lays several small stones which are carved with old texts of Buddhists manuscripts. Yangsum has lesser number of accommodations in comparison to other destinations of West Sikkim, here one will find very few homestays available for tourists. The locals of Yangsum welcome each tourist wholeheartedly. There is a “Green House” nearby Yangsum where productions of tomatoes are carried out by the locals. Apart from the red, pink and white colored rhododendrons at Yangsum, Orchids also grows here in huge numbers along with Cheery trees which are also seen at Yangsum. From Yangsum a route has connected with Legship at a distance of about 16 kms. Being an organic village, almost every house at Yangsum produces organic vegetables from their own farmlands.

Things to Do:
At Yangsum tourists can take part in village farming which is practiced here consistently. For landscape photographers and bird watchers Yangsum is an ideal place as it is the common habitat of several Himalayan birds those inhabit the region. Some of these are Bar Throated Minla, Blue Fronted Redstart, Green Backed Tit, Rufous Sibia, Streaksed Laughing Thrush, Fire Tailed Sunbird, Long Tailed Minivet, Black Bulbul, Large Niltava, Flycatchers, Barn Sallow, Ashy- Throated Warbler, Stripe Throated Yuhina, Blue Whistling Thrush, Himalayan Buzzard, Mallard, Great Crested Grede, Himalayan Buzzard, Hawk Cuckoo, Fire Throated Flycatcher, Great Barbet, Rusty Fronted Barwing, Grey Bushchat, Crested Serpent Eagle, Green Magpie and many more. From Yangsum one can visit the nearby destinations like Pelling, Rinchenpong, Kaluk, Okhrey, Bermiok, and Chayatal. 

Getting There:
Yangsum lies at a distance of about 130 km from the nearest rail head New Jalpaiguri railway station. The route is via Melli – Jorethang – Rinchenpong market. From Rinchenpong market at a distance of about 2 km is Yangsum, full reserve cars are available that costs around 3500 to 4000 (approx.). From Siliguri S.N.T. Bus stand few shared cars are available those reaches upto Rinchenpong. Other route is from Siliguri S.N.T. Bus stand upto Jorethang, from here reserve cars are available upto Yangsum. For a hassle free journey one can reserve a full car from the respective homestay itself and reach Yangsum. 

Best Time to Visit:
Due to its lesser altitude, Yangsum can be visited throughout the year. But it is advised to avoid the rainy season. Winter is the best season for landscape photography and bird watching. Summers are very soothing. Rhododendrons are seen in full bloom in the month of March – April at Yangsum.