West Sikkim

Go west for history. This is where the first Chogyal or monarch of Sikkim was coronated  in 1641. A short distance away from Yuksom, the first capital of the Namgyal dynasty are the ruins of Rabdentse the second capital of the erstwhile kingdom. The West also has the oldest and most sacred of monasteries in Sikkim.

Playing witness and guardians to time are the awe inspiring peaks of Khangchendzonga, Pandim, Kabru, Narsing that rise up from the dappled verdant silence of virgin woodlands of oak and walnut.

The mountain ranges of West Sikkim are also famous for their azure, sacred lakes. There are seven lakes in and around Pemayangtse. The Khecheopalri Lake-the most sacred lake in Sikkim considered by many as a wish-fulfilling lake. Other lakes in this region are Sungmoteng Tso, Lamchho and Kabur Lamchho.

Yuksom is fast developing into a base for tourists. The residents are engaged in providing lodging and pack animals or as guides and porters. The farm families in this region produce potatoes for sale to trekkers.

West Sikkim has about 47 bird species and hillsides of different tree species including rhododendrons. The most popular trekking route in Sikkim-the Yuksom-Dzongri trail begins from here. The trek takes you into Khangchendzonga National Park, Samiti Lake and Goechla pass. The forests are very diverse, and non-forested areas such as cliffs, high alpine meadows, and cascading streams provide ideal habitats for the avifauna. This is an ideal spot for bird watching as here can be found birds of various species.

West Sikkim- Places of interest

West Sikkim

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