West Sikkim Overview
The western part of Sikkim is full of mountain rugged terrains and mountain ranges. So if you are someone who would love to trek and explore the fantastical natural splendors than West Sikkim would just be that ideal destination you should opt for.
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The History
West Sikkim is the site of the ancient capital of Yuksom State. West Sikkim It served as the capital of Sikkim from 1642 for almost 50 years until it was moved to Rabdentse.
The district was under Nepalese occupation for 30 years in the 18th and 19th centuries. After the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816), the district was returned to Sikkim.
Places to visit in West Sikkim
West Sikkim has a lot of places to visit. This part of Sikkim also offers multiple opportunities for trekking. We have kept all these things in mind and have created the Sikkim tour package. So that you don't miss out on the fun.
Legship shiva mandir
It is at an altitude of 6,500 ft above sea level. Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple, identified to be a Hindu pilgrimage site which is located at Legship, West Sikkim, along the banks of River Rangeet, which has many episodes of the Mahabharata attached to it. The temple is also known as Kirateshwar Mahadev Thaan by the Kirati people or simply known as Shiv Mandir. According to Hindu beliefs, pleased with Arjuna's hard penance and devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before him in the very spot where the temple lies as hunter Kirateshwar or Lord of the Kiratas and blessed him with success in the Mahabharat War.Long time ago as the people found miraculously existed a stone manifesting Shiva Ling. The said Shiv Ling is the main effigy of worship. Belief of many that a mere visit with true devotion to this temple fulfills one's wishing particularly a wish for son or daughter and also wishes for peace harmony and good health.
Tashiding monastery
Tashiding is a small town on a hilltop at west district of sikkim. The legends of the village say that the name Tashiding means "The Devoted Central Glory. Tashiding Monastery is a Buddhist monastery of Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism which is the most sacred and holiest monasteries in Sikkim. It is described as the "Heart of Sikkim/Denzong", citing to its importance of religious sacredness. It is located on top of the hill rising between the Rathong chu and the Rangeet River. The annual festival of Bumchu, meaning ~Holy water~ takes place on the 14th and 15th of the 1st month of Tibetan lunar calendar, often around the months of February and March. The festival is believed to predict the upcoming forecasts and events for Sikkim in the coming year. Undoubtedly, one of the most important and holiest festivals for all the Buddhists in Sikkim and around, it also provides for a perfect platform for all those Non-Buddhists who seek a deeper insight into Buddhism and its religious customs, beliefs and rituals.
Ralang hotspring
Ralong Hot Springs, very popularly known as ‘Ralang Cha-Chu’, is situated near Ravangla in South Sikkim. These pools of sulphurous water endowed with scenic charm, are natural steaming saunas that have the therapeutic power to cure many skin diseases. Apart from this, Ralong Hot Springs also carries religious significance, being located near to one of the holy caves of Sikkim. This place is also a trekker’s bliss, guided by various thrilling trails and mind-blowing views of carpeted hills all around. There are trekker’s shacks built near to it, for those who are looking for an overnight stay. The tourists here can also indulge into bird watching and chasing many colored butterflies.
Borang Hotspring
Cha-chu or hot sulphur springs at Borong is a traditional winter spas where visitors spend a week or more soaking in these springs that have medicinal properties. Borong Cha-chu is a 7 km drive from Ralang and a further 45-minute downhill walk. These hot springs are located along the banks of the river Rangeet and can be visited from December to February. For overnight stays temporary huts are available at nominal rates but all bedding and cooking utensils have to be carried along. During the hot spring season, small shops selling basic vegetables & provisions are setup and the local villagers sell dairy products.
Rinchenpong
Rinchenpong is famous for its natural beauty and the sights of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Rinchenpong is physically close to the Kanchenjunga range from where one can have an excellent view of the Kanchenjunga peaks and the surrounding mountains such as the Mt Narsing etc. You can view the mountain range from the entire range of Rinchenpong . ther are many thing to visit in Rinchenpong such as there are two monastery in Rinchenpong. The Gurung monastery or the Rishum Monastery which is a 18th century monastery located near Rinchenpong at an altitude of about 6250 ft. Rishum is also a hilltop offering excellent view all around. The other monastery of Rinchenpong is located on higher ground. You can reach here on foot through a forested trail close to the main rinchenpong market. There is an exotic and beautiful statue of Lord Buddha inside the Monastery. The statue is commonly known as the Atibuddha statue. The Monastery is the 3rd oldest in Sikkim being built in 1730 and poison lake can be visited.
Kaluk
kaluk is a small hamlet in the region of west district and from here majestic view of mt. kanchendzonga can be seen clearly and closely. It is one of the windiest places in the state Sikkim. The people of here mainly depend upon the tourism, agriculture and horticulture for their livelihood.
Okhrey
It is a small villages situated in west district and a inhabitant of Sherpa’s community. It stands at an altitude of 7500 mtr above sea level and surrounded by Barsey Rhododendron sanctuary and Singalila National Park. Okhrey is one of the popular destination for bird watching and a base for some popular trekking trail.
Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
It is situated in the barvey village and the sanctuary was formed in the year 2004 as it occupies 104 km2 in the singalila range in west Sikkim. The faunal value of Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary includes Leopard cat , Himalayan Yellow Throated Marten , Himalayan Palm Civet, Himalayan Langur, Crimson Horned Pheasant, Monal Pheasant, Kaleej and many diverse species of birds. The climate is wet and cold favoring the spread of the dominant genus Rhododendron. July is the wettest month, with the average annual precipitation being in excess of 250 cm. The reaches above 2500m receive regular snowfall in winter. Clear skies can be experienced only from November to May
Kechupalri lake
It is originally known as Kha-Chot-Palri (meaning the heaven of Padmasambhava), is a lake located near Khecheopalri village, 147 kilometres (91 mi) west of Gangtok in the West Sikkim district. the lake is sacred for Buddhists and is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake. The local name for the lake is ShoDzoSho, which means "Oh Lady, Sit Here". The popularly known name of the lake, considering its location is Khecheopalri Lake, ensconced in the midst of the Khechoedpaldri hill, which is also considered a sacred hill. The lake is an integral part of the much-revered valley of "Demazong" meaning valley of rice.This landscape is also known as a land of hidden treasures blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. The Khecheopalri Lake is also part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit. An interesting feature of the lake is that leaves are not allowed to float on the lake, which is ensured by the birds which industriously pick them up as soon as they drop into the lake surface.
The Khecheopalri Lake and the Khangchendzonga National Park are conserved from the biodiversity perspective with ecotourism and pilgrimage as essential offshoots. As a result, their recreational and sacredness values are enhanced. Khecheopalri is made up of two words, Kheecheo and palri. 'Khecheo' means "flying yoginis" or "Taras" (female manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion) and 'palri' means "palace.
Many legends are narrated such as: Guru Padmasambahava preached to sixty-four yoginis here; it is the residing place of the Goddess Tara Jetsun Dolma and the Khecheopalri Lake is her footprint; the lake represents the Goddess Chho Pema; footprints of Macha Zemu Rinpoche are on a stone near the chorten (stupa) near the lake; Hindu god Shiva meditated in Dupukney Cave that is situated above the lake and hence worshipped on "Nag Panchami" day at the lake; a Lepcha girl named Nenjo Asha Lham was blessed by the lake goddess and was gifted with a precious gem which was lost, and it is the belief of the local people that the gem is hidden in the lake; the lake water has curative properties and hencepermitted to be used only for performing rites and rituals; and with all these legends, the lake is called a "wish fulfilling lake".
Rabdentse ruins
Rabdentse is the 16th former capital of Sikkim and the condition of this is in ruins. It is located very close to the Pemayangtse Monastery and the impeccable view of Kanchenjunga range is incredible. It was destroyed in 18th century. It has many stories of power and glory. You will be mused with the fact that there are still patches of blood on the walls due to have the tradition of fighting for throne. The capital city was destroyed by the invading Gurkha army and only the ruins of the palace and the chortens are seen here now. However, the ruins of this city are seen close to Pelling and in West Sikkim district in the Northeastern Indian state of present-day Sikkim; Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim which is close to the ruins. From the vantage point of this former capital, superb views of the Khanchendzonga ranges can be witnessed. This monument has been declared as of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. It was first established in 1670 by the 2nd Chogyal Tensung Namgyal son of the 1st Chogyal Phuntsog Namgyal by shifting from the first capital of Yuksom that was consecrated in 1642.
The Rabdentse ruins are part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit starting with the first monastery at Yuksom known as the Dubdi Monastery, followed by Norbugang Chorten, Tashiding Monastery, the Pemayangtse Monastery, the Sanga Choeling Monastery, and the Khecheopalri Lake.
Pelling
It located at an altitude of approximately 6800 ft, and 125 km away from Gangtok. Pelling is the most visited spot after Gangtok as it offers an extensive scenic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga ranges and natural beauty. It is the perfect gateway for the nature admirers with the fantastic pleasing environment, pleasant trek routes and countless waterfalls. Pelling is the most visited tourist spot as it has historical significance, precious cultural and conventional values. Highlights: Monasteries and rock garden, Singhshore Bridge &Rimbi waterfall, Kanchenjunga fall &kaluk.
Yuksom
Yuksom was the first capital of the Sikkim kingdom established by Namgyal dynasty in 1642 AD. One of the ancient cities of the Sikkim witnessed the history of state and beginning of monarch. Yuksom is considered a sacred place as it has religious values. It has a very pleasing peaceful ecosphere which calm and refreshes mind and body. Abundant greenery, pristine hills, ancient villages and relaxed destination is just all that required to spend quality holiday hours for every tourist. It is also the best options for a trekking adventure. Highlights: Oldest Tashiding and Dubdi monastery, newly built KathokWodsalin Gompa also famous for Guru Padmasambhava, Goechala trek. The Best Month to Visit: March to June and September to November.
Norbugang Park
Created at Yuksom 24 km from Pelling town which has a prayer hall, prayer wheels, the Chorten aka stupa and purported coronation throne. It considered to be the birthplace of Sikkim as it holds great religious importance for Buddhist, visited by many pilgrims and devotees. They believed that three lamas met here and expanded Buddhism. Norbugang Stupa a huge prayer wheel and Kathok lake are some of the additional attractions of this spot. Highlights: Huge prayer wheels and stupa, Footprints of three lamas met and coronation throne. The Best Month to Visit: March to May.
Pemayangtse Monastery
It established by LhatsunChempo in 1705, Pemayangtse means 'perfect sublime lotus' and represent four nerves in the human body. Contemplated as one of the essential Lamas who executed hallow ceremony of the first Chogyal of the Sikkim. The monastery located at an altitude of 6300 ft on the peak of the hill offering an eye-catching extensive view of the fantastic surroundings and one of the oldest monasteries of the state. The monks of this monastery usually chosen from Bhutias of Sikkim. A part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit begins with the first monastery at Yuksom known as theDubdi Monastery and followed by Norbugang Chorten, Tashiding Monastery, the Rabdentse ruins, the Sanga Choeling Monastery and the Khecheopalri Lake.
- Okhrey
- Sribadam
- Peeling
- Tashiding
- Lachen
- Lachung
- Tsomgu
- Nathang
- Gangtok
- Darjeeling
