WEST SIKKIM
The west district has always been the adventure hub of Sikkim and people have been rightly heading in from across globe in search of some unique adventure. If you still live by the proverb Wild and Free, maybe West is the direction that you must be heading towards. The Himalayan kingdom is the home to majestic mountains and if white water rafting has been on your list of to do, the frothing waters of Teesta and Rangit may be the best to start with. The greens here are a beautiful blend of Rhododendron forest and the headquarters of the West is Geyzing. Uttarey and Yuksom are the two adventure epicenters where, most of the adventure treks start and the trek heads into the high altitude alpines, magical landscapes and the view of the Majestic Kanchendzonga is what you get along with unique adventure at this unexplored part of Sikkim.
Places to Visit
Pemayangtse Monastery
The Monastery is a masterpiece located at an altitude of 1920 m and provides a panoramic view of the Himalayan Ranges and its surrounding Hills. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the region and was originally established by Lhatsun Chempo, one of the honorable Lamas to have performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal of Sikkim. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma Sect and has been part of the Royal ceremonies of the erstwhile Monarchs.
Pelling
Situated at an altitude of around 1860m, it’s the fast growing urban settlement that offers a splendid view of the Kanchendzonga range. Its ideal location has allowed tourists to come here and stay in many of its beautiful hotels and homestays. The settlement here is really scarce but the scenery that you wake up to while here is pretty amazing and a view to wake up each morning of your life.
Rabdentse Ruins
This is the second capital of the erstwhile kingdom after the first capital of Yuksom. It was until 1814 AD that the Kings of Sikkim ruled here and now the place is just ruins that take you back to how it must have been when the place stood in its full glory. Reaching here is about a walking distance from the main road and it’s quite close to the Pemayangtse Monastery too.
Sanga Choling Monastery
It’s a great site that must be visited as due to its cultural essence and the high level of architectural magnificence that it projects. Built in 1697 AD it is truly spiritual and is also located in one of the best peaceful landscape this region can offer. It is one of the oldest monasteries that you can truly enjoy.
Khecheoperi Lake
It’s a gem of a lake situated around 25km from Pelling. Considered to be one of the sacred Lakes for religious followers of both Buddhist and Hinduism, the lake remains beautifully between the rich cover of a green forest. The birds here pick up every single leaf that falls on its waters and maybe sometimes, the unspoken does more to nature than the human race will ever do. There are also huts that you can stay in.
Kanchendzonga Waterfalls
When you are ready to travel from Pelling and take the most beautiful road trip the region can ever offer, you shall have to stop by the twin waterfalls that you will be graced with. The Yuksom is another beautiful destination and stopping by to such a beautiful and breathtaking beauty and grandeur shall be the best stop that you have taken in your lifetime.
Yuksom
The first capital of the Sikkim kingdom is of great historical significance and the first after the Chogyals took over the kingdom of Sikkim and consecrated in 1642 AD by the three great Learned Lams. The evidence of consecration ceremony remains intact at Norbugang Chorten and there still lays stone seats and footprints of the Head Lama on the stone.
Dubdi Monastery
Historically it is said that Dubdi is the first Moanstery established soon after the consecration ceremony of the Chogyals. The location of the monastery is on the hilltop above Yuksom and is surrounded by verdant untouched forest. It has to be reached through trekking only and the trek till the monastery could take about half an hour or so. It is a meditation hub and best for some reclusive peace of mind.
Phamrong Waterfalls
Located between Yuksom and Gerethang, this waterfall is another gem of a location that you must certainly visit. It is the highest waterfall of the West and presents a magnificent scenario especially during Monsoon. A gentle gradient footpath takes you towards the viewpoint that provides the mightiest view of the discharging water.
SHIV MANDIR, LEGSHIP
It’s another gem of a location in the region which can be visited and is also known as the Kireteshwar Mahadev temple. The overall aura of the place is amazing and a thrilling foot suspension bridge takes the devotees to the attractive location which is one of the religious pilgrimages, greatly worshipped.
CHAKUNG
If you are someone who has come here with family or in your group, this beautiful hotspot can be the best place to visit. The place offers to be a great picnic spot, cafeteria and has a beautiful trail through the forest Durpiney Dara viewpoint which overlooks Darjeeling and Jorethang. The place is really eco friendly and while here it’s heard to keep track of time.
LIMBOO CULTURAL CENTRE, THARPU
Inaugurated on a guest 23rd 2003, the centre displays the richness of the ethnic tribe of Limboo. If history and cultures your thing, come here and study the tribe in depth. Every year various tribes display their richness of culture and heritage and the hall has a museum and a library to checkout while here.
JURELI DARA VIEWPOINT
As scenic as it may see, Jureli Dara is a recently developed tourist hub which is really a great place to just sit back and appreciate the panoramic view of the Daramdin valley and adjoining mountain ranges. Accommodation is available and staying here should replenish your mind, body as well as soul.
VARSEY
It lies at an elevation of around 3048 m and also has a road access from Hilley. An easy four km trek from there takes you towards the Varsey rhododendrons sanctuary which is in full bloom from around March to April. Trekking here is also possible from Dentam, Soreng and Uttarey. There is a trekkers hut called ‘Guras Kunj’ or can stay at Hilley or Okhrey.
RINCHENPONG - KALUK
Situated at an altitude of around 1700m, the drive from Gangtok till Rinchenpong should take about 4 hours via zoom. You can also come here from Siliguri and Darjeeling. It is a beautiful hamlet. There’s so much you can do here and visiting the Resum Monastery or trekking to Jhandi Dara, a rich forest area are things you must try doing. There is also an old British Guest house that you can try staying at while here.
HEE - BERMOIK
The journey to Hee Bermoik takes about 4 hrs and half hour drive from the capital of Gangtok. One can also reach here from Pelling, which should take about 1 and half hour. The main attractions here would be mountain biking, nature trip, Sirijonga Yuma Mangheem, Sirijonga Holy Cave at Martam etc. The adventure lovers can also enjoy the trek from here to Varsey.
SIRIJONGA FOOKU and Wangdan (Cave)
The place needs to be reached after a trek of about 2kms trek from the Sirijonga Yuma Mangheem. You will also come across a waterfall after you have reached the cave where the Teongshi, is said to have taken refuge. The place is highly inhabited by the ethnic community of Limboo and is a perfect trek to take, in this varied part of the region. It is really wonderful to visit such an offbeat destinations which provides great surprises and natural masterpiece.
DENTAM
About two and half hour drive from Jorethang should reach you here in the attractive village of Dentam. One can explore the variety that this place has to offer and has rich historical significance to be understood. There is also the Durga temple where people where your wishes are said to be fulfilled upon prayers. Every Sunday you will find a HAAT that brings varied villagers together and they sell varied organic vegetables and eateries.
