WEST SIKKIM
Pemayangtse Monastery
The Monastery, located on a hill top at an
altitude of 6840 ft. commands a magnificent
panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and the
surrounding hills and country- side. This is one
of the oldest monastary of the Nyngmapa sect of
Mahanaya Buddhism, and was but by Lhatsun Chenpo
during the reign of the 3rd Chogyal, Chagdor
Namgyal in the 17th century. This monastary is
about 6 kms from Gyalsing, the West district
headquaters.
Rabdentse Ruins
This was the second capital of the erstwhile
Kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom and till the year
1814 AD, the Kings of Sikkim had ruled the State
from this place. Today, the ruins lie hidden
from the main road at a walking distance from
the Pemayangtse Monastery. The scenic view from
the top of the ruins scanning across the deep
valley to the mystic heights of Khangchendzonga
ranges is something to be cherished and etched
in memory.
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 one of
the oldest monasteries in the State. 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.
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.
Pelling
Pelling is fast emarging asa most favorite
tourist destination in west Sikkim. Situated at
an altitude of 6,800 ft., it offers a good view
of the entire mountain ranges. Pelling is just
10 kms from Gyalsing.
Yuksam
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.
Khangchendzonga begins here.
Tashiding Monastery
This monastery is constructed on top of a heart
shaped hill with the back drop of the sacred Mt.
Khang-chen-Dzonga. According 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 he 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.
Varsey
It lies at an elevation of 10,000 ft. and has a
motorable road access upto Hilley. An easy 4 kms
trek from there takes one up to the Varsey
Rhododendron Sanctuary. One can also trek from
Soreng or Dentam in West Sikkim. The place
provides a magnificent view of the mountains.
Visitors can halt at 'Guras Kunj' trekkers' hut.
Soreng
Soreng is a picturesque village with beautiful
landscape 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 accommodation. |