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Places to visit in West Sikkim District

Pemayangste Monastery

It is one of the oldest monasteries of the State. It was originally established by Lhatsun Chempo, one of the revered Lamas to have performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal (Monarch) of Sikkim. This ancient monastery belonging to the Nyingma Sect has been considered as one of the premier monasteries in the State. It has been entrusted with the task to perform all religious functions of the erstwhile monarch.

Pemayangste Monastery Originally, it was established as a high class monastery for “Pure Monks (Ta-Sang). Inside the monastery there is a wooden structure depicting the Maha Guru’s heavenly palace (Sang-tok-palri), which is considered a masterpiece created by Dungzin Rimpoche. The Monastery, located on a hill top at an altitude of 6300 ft. commands a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges, the surrounding hills and the countryside. A well furnished PWD Guest House is located just across the Monastery on a small hill top.

Dubdi Monastery

This was the first monastery established soon after the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal. The monastery is located on a hill top above Yuksom surrounded by verdant forest. It can be approached by trekking only, negotiating steep slope for about half an hour. It is an ideal place for lamas seeking meditation recluse.

 

 

Kirateshwar Mahadev Mandir

On the left banks of the river Rangit is a Shiva temple known as the Kirateshwar Mahadev Mandir, which has many mythological episodes of the Mahabharata attached to it. The main festival of the temple, Bala Chaturdesi is observed in December each year. Other temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Durga are also found here making it an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus. There is a Dharamshala next to the Shiva temple.

 

 

Rabdentse

This was the second capital of the erstwhile Kingdom after Yuksom and till the year 1814 A.D., the King of Sikkim ruled 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 valley to the mystic heights of Khang-chen-Dzonga range is something to be cherished and etched in memory.

 

 

Dentam

Dentam is a scenic village located 10 km from Varsey in West Sikkim District. It lies at an elevation of around 1,500 m. Dentam commands a constant view of the Kanchenjunga. The entire area is surrounded by forest of rhododendrons. Pemayangtse Monastery (10 km), Ravangla (69 km) and Hilley are nearby interesting destinations to visit. The village is an ideal spot for bird watchers and nature lovers. Trekking and mountaineering are arranged here. Accommodation is available at Pelling and Pemayangtse.

 

 

Rinchenpong

Rinchenpong tourist spot in the western part of Sikkim, has a magnificent command over the mountain views, sunrise and sunset, flora and fauna, village tourism ,historical sites and heritage of Resum Monastery, rich forests and ample area for short treks. At an altitude of about 5576ft, Rinchenpong is the latest addition to the tourist map of West Sikkim. The place is famous for the beautiful view of the Kanchenjunga range of mountains. Apart from the natural beauty of the surroundings, the place is also quite significant from historical point of view.

 

 

Pelling

Around 10 kms from Gyalshing (District Headquarter), Pelling is today emerging as the second biggest tourist destination in the state after Gangtok. Although in itself it is little more than a strip of road lined with hotels, its main USP is the breathtaking view it offers of the Khangchendzonga and surrounding ranges, as well as the easy access it provides to tourist spots in the area.

 

 

Skywalk in Pelling

Nestled at an altitude of 7,200 feet above the sea level lies the spectacular Skywalk of Pelling along with the fourth tallest statue of Chenrezig. It was inaugurated in November 2018 and since then it has flourished to become one of the famous tourist attractions. It is the India's first Skywalk and home to a 137 feet statue of Chenrezig making it a Buddhist pilgrimage site. Chenrezig also known as Avalokiteshvara is the early manifestation of Buddha's compassion. 

Skywalk opening hours: The opening time of the Pelling Skywalk is 9 am to 6 pm, the 9 hours provided gives ample amount of time for the people to get a chance of enjoying this thrilling walk.

Skywalk tickets: Though it is the India’s first Skywalk the entrance fee is very reasonable and affordable for everyone.The fee is Rs. 20 for local and Rs. 50 for non-local.

Skywalk highlights: The visit to Pelling would not be complete if you don’t dare to visit Skywalk and walk on those glass floor. The height of the Skywalk being tall makes the walk more exhilarating. If you try to look down through those transparent glass it will surely pump up your excitement levels. From this point you can see the 137 feet statue of Chenrezig and the long elevated stairs with prayer wheels on both sides, the adjacent mountains and valleys. The Skywalk is also the perfect spot to take a good picture.

Chenrezig Statue

To reach the statue you have to climb several stairs and it has prayer wheels on either sides. Upon entering you will see prayer place with statue and lamas or monks chanting prayers they also help in offering prayers. After finishing your puja you can take a look around the architecture. There is a round way path which will take you to the top floor of the structure and on the way up you will be able to see the paintings of history and stories about Chenrezig. When you reach the top there is an area provided for you to take a closer look at the statue you will be able to appreciate every tiny detail put on this magnificent statue and when you will take a look down you will be able to see the entire compound. The view is very beautiful,  you can see the artificial lake with statues all around it, the Skywalk, prayer wheels, long stairs and to complete all of it the beautiful scenery of nature all around it. The visit here will be soulful.

Yuksom

Yuksom, literally meaning the ‘meeting place of three lamas’ is of great historical importance to the Sikkimese. It was here that the first Chogyal was crowned in 1642. The throne made of stones is even today considered sacred as is the footprint of Lhatsun Chenpo, which can be seen close to the throne. 2 km uphill from Yuksum is Dubdi monastery, the oldest in Sikkim. The monastery has now been declared a National Monument and is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India Yuksum today is an attractive tourist destination offering various stay options for the visitors including village home stays, where you can stay as part of a local family and imbibe the real Sikkimese way of life. Also available is a trekkers hut plus many lodges.Yuksom is also the gateway to the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, the base for some of the most fascinating treks through high mountain region with the route to Dzongri being the most frequented.

 

Soreng

A four hour drive from Pelling in west Sikkim takes you to the picturesque village of Soreng. Surrounded by lush green hills, Soreng is located amidst scenic splendour. The area is famous for the wide variety of flowers and birds available here. A trip to Jhandi Danra is highly recommended for nature lovers.

 

 

Varsey

Near Hilley, in West Sikkim is the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. Sandwiched between the Singalila National Park in the south and Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve in the north, this small 104-sq-km sanctuary is at an altitude of 10,000 ft and supports a wide variety of bio-diversity. But the main attractions of the sanctuary are the rhododendrons which bloom in April-May coloring the Sanctuary in wild abandon. Hilley is the last motorable point before Varsey. A four-km walk through beautiful pine forests takes you to the Sanctuary. You can stay at the Gurash Kunj Lodge here.

For more inofrmation, click here.

Source : https://westsikkim.nic.in/tourist-places/

Last Modified : 8/10/2021



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