6 Beautiful Tourist Spots In West Sikkim (India)

The West Sikkim district is a land of natural wonders and spiritual bliss. It is a part of the state that can be explored entirely on its own.

There are several tourist stops and attractions that you can explore in West Sikkim. Each place has its own charm and history to share!

You will get a unique experience of their beauty and culture while exploring.

In this article, you will get to know about the following tourist spots in West Sikkim,

Geyzing
Pelling
Yuksom
Rabdentse Ruins
Biksthang
Sangachoeling Monastery

Let’s see each of these places in detail.

1. Geyzing

Geyzing, also known as Gyalshing, is the capital and the district headquarters of West Sikkim. The name Gyalshing means “the King’s garden” and refers to the royal garden that was once connected to the Rabdentse palace.

This town is situated at an elevation of about 6,500 feet above sea level and is surrounded by lofty Himalayan ranges. It is well-connected to Darjeeling and Kalimpong via Jorethang, a town in West Bengal. The Ranjeet River flows through the western part of Geyzing, adding to its scenic beauty.

Geyzing has several tourist attractions. You can visit Yangtey, a hamlet that offers an awe-striking panoramic view of the mountains and valleys. You can also explore the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, which is home to various species of colorful rhododendrons as well as wildlife such as red pandas, black bears, and leopard cats.

If you are an adventure lover, you can enjoy trekking in Geyzing. The Dafeybhir Pass Trek is a challenging trail that rewards you with spectacular views of the snow-covered peaks.

Visit this place during the spring and summer months to experience the best weather. At this time, you will also find nature in its full bloom. Go around and traverse as much as you can.

2. Pelling

Pelling is a hill station in the Gyalshing district of West Sikkim, located at an altitude of 7,200 feet. It is about 10 km from Gyalshing city and 131 km from Gangtok. The town has a diverse population, with Bhutias being the dominant ethnic group.

This place offers a clear view of Kanchenjunga and other peaks of the Himalayas. It is covered with dense forests and has a rich biodiversity. Pelling also has numerous monasteries which imparts much more tranquility to this hill station.

While you are here, drop by the Pelling Helipad and spend some time in the open air. Later, visit the Pemayangtse Gompa which is around 5 kilometers from Upper Pelling. It is one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim. The holy shrine is enveloped with spirituality and peace. There is also Darap village to spend some laid-back time at. Many more sites are there to give you a warm welcome.

Pelling also has many activities for thrill-seekers. You can go for trekking and jungle walking in the nearby areas. You can also try bird watching, hot stone baths, fishing, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

Shopping is another fun thing to do in Pelling. You can buy traditional Buddhist handicrafts, such as Tibetan prayer flags, singing bowls, thangkas, etc. You can also find hand-woven woolen carpets, Lepcha weave shawls, and other local products.

You can visit Pelling throughout the year, but avoid the monsoon months as they may cause landslides and roadblocks.

3. Yuksom

Known for its marvelous natural beauty, Yuksom is a historical village in West Sikkim. It was the first capital of Sikkim, established by the first Chogyal (king), Phuntsog Namgyal, in 1642 AD.

It is located at an average elevation of 5,840 feet and lies in a basin-like valley surrounded by mountains. It is close to the Kanchenjunga National Park and provides access to the Mount Kanchenjunga base camp.

There are several intriguing and gorgeous tourist spots to visit in Yuksom. You can travel to the Tashiding Monastery which is one of the most revered Buddhist monasteries in the town. Then there is the Khecheopalri Lake, which is considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus. The lake is also called the ‘wish fulfillment lake’ as it is believed that whatever you wish for will come true if you pray here. Many more Gompas and natural sites are there for you to explore in this village.

Speaking of activities, Yuksom is a paradise for trekkers as it has many scenic trails that lead to various destinations. You can also visit Basudha Farm, where you can learn about organic farming and enjoy fresh produce.

Yuksom also has a unique cuisine that you should try. Try some of their yak cheese momos as well as Thongba. Numerous other places are there that serve Himalayan Cuisine.

You can make a trip to Yuksom at any time of the year. However, March till June is the ideal time to see the luxurious nature in its full spirit.

4. Rabdentse Ruins

The Rabdentse Ruins are the remnants of the second capital of Sikkim, which was founded by Chogyal II in the 17th century. The palace and the monastery complex were destroyed during the Nepalese invasion in the 18th century and now lie in ruins. The site is an important archaeological and historical attraction in Pelling, located on the lower hillocks near the Pemayangtse Monastery.

The site is part of the Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit, which includes the first monastery at Yuksom, the Dubdi Monastery, the Norbugang Chorten, the Tashiding Monastery, the Pemayangtse Monastery, the Sanga Choeling Monastery, and the Khecheopalri Lake. These sites are of great significance for the Buddhist culture and history.

The entrance to the palace is marked by Taphap Chorten, a stone pillar. You can also see Namphogang, which are standing stones that were used as the royal court of justice. There is also Dab Lhagang, where prayers used to be offered to the deities. There are many other features that are well preserved and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The ruins also offer a breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga and its surrounding peaks. The site is also surrounded by dense forest and water bodies, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere. You can hear the birds singing and smell the earthy fragrance gives the essence of a certain period of time.

The best time to visit the Rabdentse Ruins is between March and May when the weather is blissful and you can enjoy the beauty of this place.

5. Biksthang

Situated between Jorethang and Legship, the hamlet of Biksthang is a scenic place amidst verdant nature. The village is also known as Mangalbaray or Chuchen. Biksthang is famous for its beautiful landscapes and serene environment.

The heritage farmhouse of Biksthang is situated at a high altitude and provides a magnificent view of the Himalayas. Rugged mountains and thick forests surround it. The village is also home to many exotic birds that attract bird watchers.

Biksthang is a perfect destination to relax and rejuvenate. You can soak in the freshness and energize your soul before returning to your daily life. You can also visit some nearby attractions, such as the Rahu Ney Caves and Lhentse Monastery, where you can try horse riding.

You can also enjoy some adventure activities, such as river rafting and boating at the dam nearby. After that, you can stroll around the village and learn about the simple lives of the locals. It is interesting to see how they live in harmony with nature.

You can visit Biksthang anytime you like, but October to February is the ideal time when you can witness clear views of the mountains and a blissful environment.

6. Sangachoeling Monastery

Sangachoeling Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, built in the 17th century by Lama Lhatsun Chempo. The name Sangachoeling means “the place of secret mantra teaching”.

The monastery is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. Inside, you will find various wall paintings of ancient times, clay sculptures, statues, and scriptures. These treasures give a glimpse of the bygone era.

The monastery is also famous for being a place of sacred spells. The Tibetan architectural style is evident throughout. There is also a holy crematorium, called Dhutoe Silwar Tshar, which is about 300 years old.

The annual Cham dance festival, which takes place here during the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar, is worth witnessing.

The monastery gives a peaceful and spiritual aura that calms your mind and heart. The best time to visit Sangachoeling Monastery is from March to June when the weather is pleasant.

These are some famous tourist spots and attractions to visit in West Sikkim.

So plan your holidays and venture the wanders with your loved ones or even solo. Travel to as many destinations as possible and discover the hidden surprises they offer.

Make sure that you savor their local food as well as take some time to rest. Take in all the goodness and make the journey worthwhile.

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