West Sikkim
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
