West Sikkim

West Sikkim

Gyalshing

The headquarters of the West district, Gyalshing, which means the King’s Garden, is believed to have once been the royal gardens attached to the Palace at Rabdentse, Sikkim’s capital till the late 18th century. Today it is a bustling town and the main transit point to various tourist destinations of the region. Close by is Rabdentse as well as Pemayangste, Sikkim’s premier monastery. Opposite Gyalshing bazaar is the longest and believed to be the holiest, Mendang or Holy Wall, constructed by the third king, Chogyal Chador Namgyal.

Pelling

Around 10 kms from Gyalshing, 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. 
Pemayangste monastery is less than a kilometre from Pelling while a 40 minute walk on the hill opposite the monastery takes you to Sanga Choling monastery built in 1697, one of the first in the state.

Pelling’s serene environment and picturesque setting is perfect for nice nature walks and small treks.A destination for all seasons, Pelling has hotels and resorts catering to all budgets.

Pemayangste Monastery

Situated about 6 kms from Gyalshing is the Pemayangste monastery, the premier monastery of Sikkim with all Nyingmapa monasteries here subordinate to it. Built during the reign of the third Chogyal, Chador Namgyal in 1705, on the spot where Lhatsun Chenpo had earlier erected a small shrine, Pemayangste houses exquisite works of religious art, including thankas and statues. 
The annual ‘chaam’ or religious masked dance in Pemayangste is held on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar, corresponding approximately to the month of February. Built on top of a hill, the monastery offers spectacular views of the Khangchendzonga range.

Rabdentse Palace ruins

The site of the second capital of Sikkim established in the 17th century, Rabdentse now lies in ruins. It was abandoned towards the end of the 18th century after attacks by Nepal and the capital was shifted to Tumlong. A 2 km trek through a thick forest from Pemayangste monastery takes you to the old palace, where Chortens are still visible. The site also offers scenic views of the snowy ranges and the valley below. Rabdentse has been declared a monument and the ruins are now being preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India who are reconstructing and restoring the ruins.

Khecheopalri Lake

Located between Gyalshing and Yuksum and surrounded by hills, Khecheopalri Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Sikkim and is considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus. So hallowed is the lake in local imagination that it is believed that even birds protect its sanctity by carrying away any leaf or twig that drifts on to its calm and placid surface. Also known as the Wishing Lake, it is visited by a large number of people all year through. The green and clear waters of the lake along with the serene atmosphere make it a much visited destination. A trekkers hut has been built near the lake for the convenience of tourists.

Tashiding Monastery

Tashiding, the most holy of all monasteries in Sikkim was built in 1716 on the spot consecrated by Guru Rimpoche. According to legend Guru Rimpoche shot an arrow and vowed to meditate where it fell. The arrow dropped on the spot where the monastery now stands. Located on a hill top between the rivers Ratong and Rangeet it is surrounded by deep valleys. The hill itself is a sacred grove and is rich in medicinal plants. Tashiding also has the famous Chorten ‘Thongwa Rangdol’ built by Lhatsun Chenpo and considered the most holy in Sikkim. It is believed that a glimpse of this chorten is enough to cleanse one of a lifetime of sin.

Yuksom

33 kms from Pelling, 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.

Shingshore Bridge 
25 kms from Pemayangste towards Uttarey is Asia’s second highest suspension bridge. The bridge has been built over a 1000 feet deep gorge and is considered an engineering marvel.

Khangchendzonga waterfalls
Half way between Pelling and Yuksum are the Khangchendzonga waterfalls, a wild torrent of water cascading down granite rocks. It is an amazing sight and most visitors stop to marvel at this great symbiosis of sound and sight.

Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
Near Hilley, in West Sikkim is the Barsey 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 attraction of the sanctuary are the rhododendrons which bloom in April-May coloring the Sanctuary in wild abandon. 
Hilley is the last motorable point before Barsey. A four-km walk through beautiful pine forests takes you to the Sanctuary. You can stay at the Gurash Kunj Lodge here.

Legship
Often called the Gateway to West Sikkim, Legship is slowly gaining in popularity. 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.

4 kms from here, close to Reshi is the very popular Phur Cha-chu sulphur baths. This hot water spring is well known for its medicinal properties. Close by is Kah-do Sang phu or ‘the cave of the occult fairies’ considered sacred by the people.

Rangit Water World, a lake formed by the Rangit dam offers swimming, angling and river rafting facilities.