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West Sikkim |
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 Pemayangtse
Monastery
The Monastery, located on a hill top at an altitude of 6840
ft. commands a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayan
ranges and the surrounding hills and country- side. This is
one of the oldest monastary of the Nyngmapa sect of Mahanaya
Buddhism, and was but by Lhatsun Chenpo during the reign of
the 3rd Chogyal, Chagdor Namgyal in the 17th century. This
monastary is about 6 kms from Gyalsing, the West district
headquaters. |
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 Rabdentse
Ruins
This was the second capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of
Sikkim after Yuksom and till the year 1814 AD, the Kings of
Sikkim had ruled the State from this place. Today, the ruins
lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from the
Pemayangtse Monastery. The scenic view from the top of the
ruins scanning across the deep valley to the mystic heights
of Khangchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished and
etched in memory. |
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 Sanga-Choling
Monastery
This monastery is situated on a ridge above Pelling and the
famous Pemayangtse Monastery. Built in 1697 AD, it is
considered to be one of the oldest monasteries in the State.
In order to reach this Monastery one has to be prepared to
spend at least 40 minutes walking up the steep hilly slope
which leads through rich forest covers. |
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 Khecheopalri
Lake
Khecheopalri Lake is considered to be one of the sacred
lakes of Sikkim both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The
lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed
that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the
lake surface. There is a motorable road from Pemayangtse
right up to the lake area. |
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 Pelling
Pelling is fast emarging asa most favorite tourist
destination in west Sikkim. Situated at an altitude of 6,800
ft., it offers a good view of the entire mountain ranges.
Pelling is just 10 kms from Gyalsing. |
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 Yuksam
This was the first capital of Sikkim, where according to the
historical records, the first Chogyal of the Kingdom of
Sikkim was consecrated in the 1641 AD by three learned
lamas. The evidence of the consecration ceremony is still
intact in Norbugang Chorten in the form of stone seats and a
foot print of the Head Lama on the stone. Since the history
of Sikkim began from this place, these areas are now
considered sacred by the people of Sikkim. Yuksam is served
by all weather road from Pemayangtse, which is at a distance
of 32 kms from Yuksam. The trek to Dzongri and to the base
camp of the famous Mt. Khangchendzonga begins here. |
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 Tashiding
Monastery
This monastery is constructed on top of a heart shaped hill
with the back drop of the sacred Mt. Khang-chen-Dzonga.
According to Buddhist scriptures, Guru Padma Sambhava (Guru
Rimpoche) blessed the sacred land of Sikkim in the 8th
century AD from the spot. The monastery, however, was built
in the 18th Century AD by Ngadak Sempa Chempo, one of the
three lamas who had performed the consecration ceremony of
the first Chogyal.
Tashiding is also famous for the most holy chorten known as
'Thong-Wa-rang-Dol' which literally means 'Saviours by mere
sight'. It is believed that the mere act of beholding it is
supposed to wash away all he sins of the devotee. Another
important feature in tashiding is the sacred water festival
popularly knwon as 'Bhumchu'. It is a religious tradition
unique to Tashiding Monastery only. Every year, on 14th and
15th day of the first Lunar Month, the Bhumchu Ceremony is
celebrated with devotees coming from far and near to get the
blessing of the holy water. |
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 Varsey
It lies at an elevation of 10,000 ft. and has a motorable
road access upto Hilley. An easy 4 kms trek from there takes
one up to the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. One can also
trek from Soreng or Dentam in West Sikkim. The place
provides a magnificent view of the mountains. Visitors can
halt at 'Guras Kunj' trekkers' hut. |
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Soreng
Soreng is a picturesque village with beautiful landscape
which is about 3 hrs. drive from pelling and 4 hrs. drive
from Melli. A trek to Jhandi Danra from Soreng is a must to
see the various species of flowers and birds. Hotels and
lodges are available for accommodation. |
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