Plan Your Travel To West Sikkim
Places To Visit In West Sikkim
Khecheopalri Lake
Located at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, Khecheopalri Lake is a sacred place for both Buddhists and Hindus which is a part of the famous Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. It is situated in the Khecheopalri Village in the West Sikkim district. The name of the lake, Khecheopalri, was originally known as, ‘Kha-Chot-Palri’, which refers to the heaven of Lord Padmasambhava. Popularly considered as a ‘wish fulfilling lake’, many people visit it from around the globe in the hope of getting their wishes fulfilled.
The Khecheopalri Lake has gained more popularity because of the fact that leaves are not allowed to float on the lake as they are picked up by birds instantly whenever they see a leaf floating on it. Due to this reason, many people wait near the lake to witness the magical moment in front of their eyes. The celebration of various Buddhist festivals have also attracted various devotees of Lord Buddha and they spend most of the time in the temples near the lake. The stunning Khecheopalri Lake lake is an integral part of Buddhist monasteries. Due to its rich biodiversity, it holds a lot of importance in terms of eco-tourism and pilgrimage. The sacredness and the purity of the lake are preserved till date.
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Legship
Legship is a quaint town in Sikkim, serving as the gateway to West Sikkim. In the Lepcha language, "Legship" means a fern which tastes like chilli, and the monastery has been named so because the area was formerly a dense jungle of these chilli ferns. Located on the main road connecting West Sikkim to the rest of the states, the picturesque Legship town offers many astounding views. This place is famous for its Rangit Dam built on River Ranjit.
Legship is also famous for the Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple. Legend has it that at the very same spot, Lord Shiva had appeared in front of Arjuna and blessed him success in the epic war of Mahabharata.
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Pelling
Pelling, a beautiful town in the West district of Sikkim, has become the second biggest tourist destination in Sikkim after Gangtok. Located 10 km from Geyzing and 130 km from Gangtok, the main attraction of the place is the breathtaking sight of the Khangchendzonga and the neighbouring peaks. The famous Pemayangste monastery is less than a kilometre from here and is a major tourist hotspot. Pelling also has sites for mountain biking, rock climbing, village tours, meditations, apart from serving as a base for a number of treks in the region. The scenic town of Pelling is a perfect holiday destination for all nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Pelling, a beautiful petite town sited at a height of 6800ft was initially covered with wild thick forest which served as home to many indigenous wild animals of that period including Wildman( may not be yeti though). This ridge being situated in between two old Buddhist monasteries (Pemayangtse and Sangacholing) developed into a full-fledged village named Pelling. Today, Pelling is one of the best-chosen tourist hotspots in Sikkim. More than that, Pelling is the heart where all the breathtaking tourist spots of West Sikkim can be visited.
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Pemayangtse Monastery
Pemayangtse Monastery is a highly revered Buddhist Monastery situated at Pemayangtse, in the Pelling region of Sikkim. One of the oldest monasteries of the state, it stands tall on a hilltop overlooking the historical Rabdentse ruins, the former capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim. Pemayangtse translates to 'perfect, sublime lotus' and is said to represent one of the four networks of nerves (vessels) in the human body. Dedicated to Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche who revived Buddhism in Tibet), the striking feature of this monastery are the statues of him and his consorts.
Being one of the oldest monasteries in the state, the Pemayangtse Monastery has served as part of the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit in Sikkim for centuries since its completion in 1705. The monastery attends to the Nyingma Order (oldest one of the four schools) of Tibetan Buddhism. The monks here are recognized by the red hats they wear and are chosen amongst the Bhutias of Sikkim! An elevation of 2085 meters (6840 feet) above the sea level provides an iconic and eye-pleasing site for the ancient monastery. Pemayangtse Monastery also serves as the starting point of the popular Dzongri trek route. Pretty sights of the Kangchenjunga massif that includes five eight-thousander peaks, which have been described as Five Treasures of Snow, are visible from the monastery.
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Rabdentse Ruins
On the lower hillock, South-East of Pemayangtse Monastery in Pelling, Sikkim, lies the old ruins of the Old Rabdentse Palace. Rabdentse was the second capital of Sikkim till 1814 AD . The old palace and the monastery are in complete ruins now and the Archeological survey of India is currently maintaining and undertaking work for its restoration. This archaeological site should be visited by all history-enthusiasts. The view of the entire valley below and Kanchenjunga peak from the Rabdentse Ruins are absolutely spectacular and should not be missed.
Surrounded by dense forests with a river pond, one can reminisce their souls in soothing melodies created by the chirping of birds. The picturesque view of the rocks with tiny shrubs around it makes it an ideal place for families to come and arrange picnics. Due to its long history, Rabdentse Ruins is definitely meant for people who like to dig into the past of the state and learn from it. Simultaneously, it also gives an opportunity for tourists to enjoy various festivities taking place around it, thus making it one of the places that must be visited.
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Rinchenpong
Rinchenpong is a gorgeous village in West Sikkim, 40 kms away from Gangtok. The place is a perfect place for a leisure vacation amidst lush greenery and snow clad mountains. A walk down the resplendent meadows is one of the best things to do in Sikkim. Besides relishing a cup of tea enveloped in bounteous nature, you can also enjoy a beauteous view of the mountains outside the window.
Sangachoeling Monastery
Located at the top of a ridge in the town of Pelling, Sikkim, Sangachoeling Monastery was established in the 17th century by Lama Gyalwa Lhatsun Chempo. The literal meaning of the word Sanga Choeling is ‘Idea of Guhya Mantra Teachings’ that relates to the faith of Buddhism. Also spelt as Sange Choeling Monastery, this is one of the oldest monasteries in Northeastern Sikkim. In order to reach this place, one has to walk for at least 40 minutes through the forest on a steep hill slope but the end result is absolutely worth it.
Stepping inside the Sangachoeling Monastery, you notice various ancient wall paintings, statues, unique clay structures and scriptures that date back to the 17th century. They are extremely beautiful and are well- preserved. From Sangachoeling Monastery one also gets an opportunity to witness a spectacular view of the snow clad mountains and lush greenery around it, providing a feeling of calmness. The fact that the building was restored to its former beauty after catching fire has become the major highlight of the monastery. Due to this reason, people come from nook and corner of the world visit the prestigious Sangachoeling Monastery building to have a close look at the ancient artefacts.
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Tashiding Monastery
Located 40 km from Geyzing in the west of Sikkim, Tashiding Monastery is one of the oldest and holiest Buddhist temples in Sikkim. It was built in the year 1717 and is beautifully nestled on the top of a hill between Ranjit and Rathong Rivers.
The Monastery which has a stunning view of Mount Kanchenjunga houses Manis or stone plates carved with sacred Buddhist mantras.
Yangtey
At an altitude of 6000 ft, Yangtey is a small village and an instance of paradise by monsoons, lying very close to the town of Pelling in Sikkim, famous for the amazing views of Mt. Kanchenjungha that it offers. The sceneries here are marked by magnificent peaks of the Eastern Himalayas, under an occasional cover of clouds. The ancient monasteries located at Yangtey are a great example of ancient art culture and quite a specimen to the past.
Yangtey is a petite hamlet just 9 kms from Pelling, lying nearby to many tourist attractions such as Khangchendzonga waterfalls, Khecheopalri Lake, Rimbi Waterfalls, Rabdentse Ruins, Sewaro Rock Garden, Temi Tea Garden, Geyzing, Legship and Pemyangtse. Apart from the splendid sight of the Himalayas, Yangtey also has a name for its beautiful Tashigang Resort lying amidst plush green gardens and lawns. A trip to the Khecheopalri Lake, which is known as one of the holy lakes in Sikkim will be the highlight of your holiday.
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Yuksom
Yuksom is a beautiful place located in the Western region of Sikkim and the village is well known for its natural beauty. Situated near the Kanchenjunga National Park, the village of Yuksom is in the heart of mountains covered with lush green vegetation. The village provides access to the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga. Yuksom is, hence, also an attractive tourist hotspot and the base camp for some of the most adventurous treks in Sikkim. There are several interesting tourist attractions that you can see here and the local cuisine of the place are a must try.
Yuksom village is of very high historical importance to the Sikkimese with the first Chogyal crowned here in 1642. There are a number of places of religious and historical interest in Yuksom like the Dubdi and Sangachoeling monasteries, the first to be constructed in the Sikkim. The splendid Khecheopalri Lake considered holy by the Sikkimese is another great tourist attraction of the place. The beautiful town of Yuksom is historic and charming and it 's the main trailhead for the Khangchendzonga Trek, but it doesn't 't offer very clear glimpses of the high mountains.
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