West Sikkim (altitude 2,800m) is a district of Sikkim, it Capital is Gyalshing (a.k.a Geyzing). West Sikkim is prominent point for trekkers and adventure lovers. It's the home to the varieties of fauna and flora and rhododendrons.

Contents 1 History 2 Places of Interests 2.1 Pemayantse 2.2 Rabdense Ruins 2.3 Pelling 2.4 Sangachoeling 2.5 Singshore Bridge/Uttarey 2.6 Khang-Chen-Dzonga Water Fall 2.7 Khecheopalri Lake 2.8 Yuksum 2.9 Dubdi monastery 2.10 Rangit water world 2.11 Tashiding Monastery 2.12 Kongri-Labdang 2.13 Barsey 2.14 Rinchenpong/Kaluk 2.15 Hee Burmiok 2.16 Dentam 3 References

History

Yuksom of West Sikkim once was the capital of Sikkim, it served as the capital in 1642 for almost 50 years until it was shifted to Rabtense. The district was under the occupation of the Nepalese for many decades in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. After the Gorkha War, the district was returned to Sikkim. The economy is mainly agrarian, despite most of the land being unfit for cultivation owing to the precipitous and rocky slopes. Attractions include the Khecheoperi lake which as legend has it, not a leaf is allowed to fall on the surface of the lake and the Dubdi Monastery, the first monastery of the state. The people are mainly of Nepali descent. Other ethnic groups include the Lepcha and Bhutia communities. Nepali is the most widely spoken language in the district.

Places of Interests

Pemayantse

It was built around the 17th century by Latseen Chembo (one of the three lamas who coroneted the king), Situated at a height of 6,841ft and at a distance of 110 km from Gangtok is one of the oldest monasteries in the Sikkim. It is a three storied structure filled with wall painting, sculptures and antiques. On the third floor there is athe Zandog Phalri - an amazing seven tiered painted wooden model of the abode of Guru Rimpoche, complete with rainbows, angels and whole panoply of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The model was built single handedly by late Dugzin Rimpoche in 5 years. In Febuary month the Chaam or Masked Dance is performed by the monks.

Rabdense Ruins

Rabdanste Gyalshing was the second capital of the Sikkim after Yuksom and till the Year 1814 AD, the Rabdanste Palace was located few km from Gyalshing town, from where the King of Sikkim ruled Country from the place. Today, the ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from the Memayangtse Monastery. It can be approached by the following a footpath which branches off from the main road just below the Pemayangtse monastery. The Scenic View from the top of the ruins scanning across the deep valley to the mystic heights of Khang-chen-Dzonga ranges is something to be cherished and etched in memory.

Pelling

Pelling is the fast growing to be an urban settlement due to tourist influx situated at an altitude of 6,8900 ft. It offers a good view of the entire mountain ranges, many hotels and lodges can be found around Pelling offering various categories of accommodation facilities. There is a bus service which links Pelling to the West District Headquarters town to Gyalshing situated at a distance of 10 kms from Pelling.

Sangachoeling

The second oldest monastery in Sikkim and has a magical position high on a ridge. A 45 minutes walk, west from Pelling, past the helipad and through the forest, leads to the monastery.

Singshore Bridge/Uttarey

The highest bridge in Sikkim, about 25 kms from Pemayangtse. About 20 minutes drive is Uttarey a base camp of Adventure Tourism for Singalila Range Trail. A place worth visiting.

Khang-Chen-Dzonga Water Fall

About an hour's drive from Pelling is Khang-Chen-Dzonga Water fall. Do not miss to see it.

Khecheopalri Lake

Khecheopalri lake is situated in west sikkim, (2000m) 34km northwest of Pelling. Lake is known as the "Wishing Lake", it is sacred to the Lepchas (Buddhist) and the Hindus religions. Lake is surrounded by dense forests, it is believed that the birds do not allow even as single leaf to float on the lake. Khecheopalri village and the gompa is just 3km away from the lake, from the top of the ridge can be seen excellent views of Mount Pandim (6691m). If you want to trek from Pelling to Khecheopalri, there's a shortcut leading down to the river valley, steeply up to the Pelling-Yuksom road and then up to the lake (allow 4-5hr).

Yuksum

Yuksum was the first capital of Sikkim, the first Chogyal was consecrated by the three holy lamas. About half an hour walk uphill is the Dubdi Monastery, one of the oldest in Sikkim. Yuksum and Zongri are two places in West Sikkim between which there is a trekking route in the form of bridle path. the best time to venture on a trek on this route is April to June and September to November. Tourism Department organizes treks during autumn and spring. Till Yoksum there is a motorable road. To reach Yoksum, one must first come to Gyalshing from Gangtok to Jorethang from where regular bus or Taxi services are available from Gyalshing to Yuksum. If traveling by own vechicle one may opt to reach Yuksum via Tashiding taking a bifurcation road from Legship.

Dubdi monastery

Dubdi monastery is considered to be the first monastery built in Sikkim in 1701 .It is located on a hill-top, 3 kms. trek from Yuksom.

Rangit water world

Here you can undertake a serene white water rafting programs, with the short drive to Shiva Mandir and to Tashiding Monastery.

Tashiding Monastery

In West Sikkim, if you carry on further from Pemayanste, you come to the charming little town of Tashiding. Few kilometers from the town lies the Tashiding Gompa, believed to be amongst the most sacred monasteries in Sikkim. Built in 1717 by Ngadak Sempa Chembo (one of the three lamas who coroneted the king) belonging to the Nyingmapa order.

Kongri-Labdang

Besides Tashiding Monastery there are other attractions in and other Tashiding like Sinon Monastery. Tso-Nim-Dawa (Pokhri Danra) Hungri Monastery and Pao-Hungri. The Paha Khola falls on the way to Kongri is worth visiting. The wild beehive on the side of the falls makes the visit more interesting. Its is also a point for the trekkers visiting Kasturi Orar, adjoining Khangchendzonga (Dzongri) trail. One can also access to visit Jhang Lhari Nyingpo. One of the most sacred caves of Sikkim from Labdang.

Barsey

It lies at an elevation of 10000ft and has motorable road access upto Hiley. An easy 4 kms treak from there takes one up to the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. One can also trek from Soreng of Dentam in West Sikkim. The place provides a magnificent view of the mountains. Visitors can halt at "Guras Kunj" trekkers hut.

Rinchenpong/Kaluk

Situated at an altitude of 1700 meters. The drive from Gangtok to Rinchenpong takes about four hours via Zoom and it is also accessible from Siliguri and Darjeeling via Jorthang. It is about two hours drive from Pelling and an hour drive from Chakung. A picturesque village with beautiful landscape and view of mountain range and visit Ringsum monastery makes one or two days interesting for the visitors. Once can also trek to Khandi Danra/Menlapso which is the richly forested area known to be home for various species of wild animals and birds.

Hee Burmiok

Bounded by Kalez Khola in the North, Hee Khola in the West, Rangit Khola in the East and Samdong reserve Forest in the South, Hee bermoik village in West Sikkim has a beautiful setting. Apart from many scenic spots, such as, Sirijonga Yuma Samyo Mangheem, (Limboo temple), Srijanga Cave and the Wadhan Falls, Shivalaya, Kailaspati and Alley caves, Pheng doji falls and Phur Cha-Chu (hot water spring) Legship , the area has a good deal of flora and fauna and flat lands suitable form developing golf courses. More than 65 species of birds have been located in the surroundings.

Dentam

About an hour drive from Pelling is Dentam. It is famous for the Alpine Cheese a product of Indo-Swiss collaboration.

References

• Wikipedia - Some of History section taken from Wikipedia.org under GNU License
• Other Sikkim Guide Books.