West Sikkim
Places To See In West Sikkim
1. Monastery At Pemayangtse (Perfect Sublime Lotus)
This monastery is situated 120 Kms west of Pemayangtse.This is the second oldest monastery of Sikkim. The monastery was constructed in 1705A.D. The original building was designed on the Tibetan monastery pattern. But now the main building has completely been rebuilt in concrete and also painted in Sikkimese style. There is an exceptional collection of religious art works including an exquisite wooden sculpture on the top floor depicting the heavenly palace of Guru Rimpoche. The monks' quarters build in stone and wood is sited at the side of the monastery. This is the headquarters of the Nyingmapa sector.The monks have been recruited here from the leading families of Sikkim according to Nyingmapa tradition.
According to the tradition, only unmarried Bhutia monks with no physical blemish can live at this monastery. They are mostly drawn from the elite Bhutias. Since its inception the monastery has been closely associated with the royal family. Only the head lama of this monastery was permitted to enthrone the erstwhile Chogyals.
2. Sanga-Choling Monastery
This monastery is situated on a ridge above Pelling and the famous Pemayangtse Monastery. Built in 1697 AD, it is considered to be the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. In order to reach this Monastery one has to be prepared to spend at least 40 minutes walking up the steep hilly slope which leads through rich forest covers.
3. Tashiding Monastery
This monastery is constructed on top of a heart shaped hill with the back drop of the sacred Mt. Khang-chen-Dzonga. Acoording to Buddhist scriptures, Guru Padma Sambhava (Guru Rimpoche) blessed the sacred land of Sikkim in the 8th century AD from the spot. The monastery, however, was built in the 18th Century AD by Ngadak Sempa Chempo, one of the three lamas who had performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal.Tashiding is also famous for the most holy chorten known as 'Thong-Wa-rang-Dol' which literally means 'Saviours by mere sight'.
It is believed that the mere act of beholding it is supposed to wash away all the sins of the devotee. Another important feature in tashiding is the sacred water festival popularly knwon as 'Bhumchu'. It is a religious tradition unique to Tashiding Monastery only. Every year, on 14th and 15th day of the first Lunar Month, the Bhumchu Ceremony is celebrated with devotees coming from far and near to get the blessing of the holy water.
4. Rabdentse Ruins
This was the second capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksum and till the year 1814 AD., the king of Sikkim had ruled the state from this place. Today, the ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from the tourist lodge and the Pemayangtse monastery. It can be approached by following a footpath which branches off the main road. The scenic view from the top of the ruin scanning across deep valley to the mystic heights of Khanchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished and etched in memory.
5. Pelling
Pelling is fast growing to be an urban settlement due to tourist influx. Situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft, it offers a good view of entire mountain ranges and due to this locational advantages, many hotels and lodges have mushroomed in and around Pelling offering various categories of accommodation facilities. There is a bus service which links Pelling to west district headquarter town of Gyalshing , situated at a distance of 10 kms. from Pelling.
6. Khecheopalri Lake
Khecheopalri Lake is considered to be one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim both by the Buddhist 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 Pemayangtse right up to the lake area.
7. Yuksum
This was the first capital of Sikkim, where according to the historical records, the first Chogyal of the Kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in the 1641 AD by three learned lamas. The evidence of the consecration ceremony is still intact in Norbugang Chorten in the form of stone seats and a foot print of the head Lama on the stone. Since the history of Sikkim began from this place, these areas are now considered sacred by the people of Sikkim. Yuksam is served by all weather road from Pemayangtse, which is at a distance of 32 kms from Yuksam. The trek to Dzongri and to the base camp of the famous Mt. Khangchen-Dzonga begins here.
8. Soreng
Soreng is a picturesque village with beautiful landsacpe which is about 3 hrs. drive from pelling and 4 hrs. drive from Melli. A trek to Jhandi Danra from Soreng is a must to see the various species of flowers and birds. Hotels and lodges are available for accomodation.
