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West Sikkim :: Places of Interest, Hotspots & Tourist Destinations

Pelling Pemayangtse Monastery Singshore Bridge/Uttarey Khetcheodpalri Lake Waterfalls Sangachoeling Monastery

Rabdentse Ruins Yoksum Dubdy Monastery Tashiding Monastery Versey

PELLING

Situated at an altitude of 68000. it offers a good view of the entire mountain ranges and due to this location advantage, many hotels and lodges have mushroomed in and around Pelling offering various catagories of accommodation facilities.

Places in and around Pelling :

Pemayangtse Monastery : One of the oldest monastery in the state, originally established by Lhatsun Chempo, one of the reverend Lamas as a small temple in the last 17th Century. This ancient monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has been considered as one 01 the premier monasteries in the state having been entrusted with the task to perform all religious functions of the erstwhile Monarch. Situated at an altitude of 71001t., the main hall of the monastery has an area of about 1500 sq ft. 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 late Dungzin Rimpoche.

Singshore Bridge/Uttarey : The higest bridge in Sikkim(2nd highest gorge bridge in Asia) situated about 2.5km.from Pemayangtse. About 20min. drive from here one can reach Uttarey, a base camp at Adventure Tourism for Singalila range trail.

Khetcheodpalri lake : Khetcheodpalri lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of this state both by the Buddhists 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 Pemayanghse right up to the lake area. To the local people this is a "Wish fulfilling lake".

Waterfalls : Khangchendzongha Falls, Rimbi Falls, Changay Falls, Phamrong falls are the major waterfalls of Pelling.

Sangachoeling Monastery : Built in 1697 A.D. situated on a ridge over pelling. A 40mins. soft trek up the hilly slope which leads through rich forest will take one to the Monastery and Ranidunga.

Rabdentse Ruins : This was the second capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom and till the year 1814 A.D., the King of Sikkim had ruled the state from this place. Today the ruins lie hidden from the main road at walking distance from the Tourist lodge and the Pemayanghse Monastery The scenic view from the top of the ruins scanning across deep valley to the mystic heights of Khanchendzongha ranges is something to be cherished in memory.

Yoksom : This was the first capital of Sikkim. Where according to the historical records, the first Chogyal of the Kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 AD. by three learned lamas. The evidence of the Consecration Ceremony is still intact at Norbughang Chorten in the form of Stone Seats and a Footprint of the head lama on a stone. Since the history of the state began from this place, these areas are now considered "Sacred" by the people of Sikkim. The distance is 32 kms. from Pelling. From Yoksom trek to Dzongri and to the base camp of the famous Mt. Khanchendzongha-Goechala begins.

Dubdy Monastery : This was the first monastery established soon after the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal. Located on a hill top above Yoksom surrounded by verdant forest. It can be approached by trekking only, negotiating steep slope for something like 32-35 mins. It is an ideal place for lamas seeking meditational recluse.

Tashiding Monastery : Built in 18thCentury AD. by Nadak Sempa Chempo, one of the three lamas who had performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal, According to Buddhist Scriptures, Guru Padma Sambhava (Guru Rimpoche) blessed the sacred land of Sikkim in 8th century A.D. from the spot. Tashiding is also famous for the most holy chorten known-as Thong-Wa-Rong- To which literally means "Saviours by mere sight". An other important feature of Tashiding is the sacred water festival popularly known as "Bhumchu". Every year on the 15th day of first Tibetan Month the Bhumchu Ceremony is celebrated with devotes coming from far and near to get the blessings of the Holy Water. The sacred holy water is officially sealed for safety by the Govt. and the Lamas of the Monastery and is taken out once a year on the auspicious occasion. The sacred water which is taken out partly is mixed with normal water to be distributed among thousands of devotees.

Versey : It lies at an elevation of 10, 100ft, and has motorable road access up to Hilley via Sombaria, An easy 4 km. trek takes one upto the Versey Rhododendron Sanctuary. One can also trek from Soreng or Dentam in West Sikkim. The place provides a magnificent view of the mountains.

Other Tourist Places and Hotspots in Darjeeling Hills & Terai Region :

• Mangan, Singhik, Chungthang, Lachung, Yumthung, Yumesamdong, Lachen, Gurudongmer Lake, Cho-La-Mu Glacier
  
  
• Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass
  
  
• Rabong-La, Namchi, Tendong Hills, Menam Hills, Temi Tea Garden, Borong, Singchu, Thana, Sikip