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West Sikkim - Wild and picturesque
Geyzing is the head quarter of West Sikkim district. A favorite place among trekkers for its high elevation, monasteries and the ethereal Khecheopalri Lake. Pelling, Yuksom, Jorethang, Singtam and Rangpo are the other important towns in West Sikkim. The district is also famous for the trek to Dzongri which starts from Yuksom.
Similar to many parts of Sikkim, it houses a great variety of flora and fauna while enjoying a comfortable and temperate climate. The higher topography of the district is studded with rhododendron forests.
The population mainly comprises of the Nepali speaking people and other ethnic communities like Lepcha and Bhutia. The district enjoys and uninterrupted supply of electricity due to presence of many power projects.
The West District also offers awesome rapids of the Teesta and Rangeet for white-water rafting; besides kayaking, mountain biking and rock climbing.
Places of Interest around West Sikkim
PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY
It is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the state, founded by a revered Lama known as Lhatsun Chempo. The monastery is located at an altitude of 6500 ft. perched on a hill top that provides a magnificent view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding hills.
RABDENTSE RUINS
Rabdentse was the second capital of the erstwhile Himalayan Kingdom till 1814 after the former capital of Yuksom was deserted. It was the seat of power of the monarchy in the Kingdom of Sikkim. The Rabdentse ruins lies at a walking distance from the Pemayangtse Monastery and is hidden from the main road; the place can be discovered by following a foot path below the monastery.
PELLING
Pelling is a beautiful small-town located in the West Sikkim district and one of the most traveled places in the state. Located at a distance of 115 km from Gangtok and about 135 km from Siliguri, it is also well connected to Jorethang, Kalimpong and Namchi.
SANGA-CHOLING MONASTERY
The Sanga-Choling Monastery was built in the year 1697, and is older than the Pemayangtse Monastery which was built in the year 1705. The monastery is placed on a ridge above Pelling lead by a road covered with dense forests. This monastery also belongs to the Nyingma-pa sect.
SINGSHORE BRIDGE AND UTTAREY
The Singshore Bridge is the highest bridge in Sikkim and is located at a distance of 25 km from Pemayangtse. A twenty-minute drive from Singshore Bridge brings one to Uttarey, a gateway and base for trekkers to the Singalila Range.
KHECHEOPALRI LAKE
The Khecheopalri Lake is a beautiful and serene mountain lake that lies hidden among trees, located at a distance of 25 km from Pelling. The lake is considered sacred by the people of Sikkim.
YUKSOM
Yuksom was the erstwhile capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim where the first Chogyal was declared in the year 1642 by a group of three Lamas. Yuksom is connected by a ‘pucca’ road that lies at a distant of 32 km from Pemayangtse.
DUBDI MONASTERY
This is one of the lesser known Buddhist monastery in Sikkim but one of the most important and oldest one because it was built soon after the first Chogyal of Sikkim took to the throne. It stands secluded in a hill top and can be reached after a hike through steep slopes. An ideal place to forget the world.
TASHIDING MONASTERY
The Tashiding Monastery is built atop a hill with the Kanchenjunga in the background; historical and religious experts claim that the entire land of Sikkim was blessed by Guru Padma Sambhava from here.
SORENG
Soreng is a cute little hamlet decorated by beautiful landscapes that can be reached by a three-hour drive from Pelling and four hours from Melli. Hotels and lodges are available in Soreng for accommodation.
DZONGRI
Dzongri is a world famous trekking destination. The trek starts from Yuksom; another alternative route starts from Soreng.
RAVANGLA Ravangla is a fast becoming a favorite destination among domestic and foreign tourists. It's a picturesque town in West Sikkim.