SIKKIM WEST DISTRICT
This is district of
Sikkim is yet another traveller’s fantasy. With mind blowing views of the snowy
ranges. Thrilling treks, enigmatic historical sites, serenely holy lakes and a
ruggedly mountainous landscape you sure would keep yearning for more.
PELLING:
About
143Km from Gangtok this is a growing urban settlement in West Sikkim. Sprawled
at 6100 ft it offers one of the most amazing views of the Khangchendzonga
range.
KHANGCHENDZONGA WATER FALLS: Lying about an hour’s
drive from Pelling this magnificent falls is a beauty at.
PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY: One of the main sites
in West Skkim it is the principal monastery in the state. The seat of the
Nyingma order it was established by Lama Lhatsun Chenpo, one of the revered
lamas who performed the consecration of the first Chogyol of Sikkim. During the
Chogyal reign it had been entrusted with the task of performing all religious
rituals associated with the royalty. One of its most prized treasure is the
Sang-tok-palri’ , an elaborate and minutely detailed carving on wood by late
Dungzin Rinpoche depicting the Mahaguru’s heavenly ascent.
KHECHEOPAIRI LAKE: This mysteriously
wishes fulfilling lake is located in a serene valley surrounded by lush
pristine forest. Situated about 25 Km from Pelling this sacred lake is much
revered by the locals.
SANG-AK-CHOELING MONASTERY: Build in 1697 AD on a
ridge overlooking Pelling, the site also offers a fascinating view of the
mountain range and the landscape all around. It is considered to be one of the
oldest monasteries in the state.
SINGSHORE BRIDGE – UTTAREY: Lying about 25 Km from
Pemayangtse it is the highest bridge in Sikkim. A 20-minute drive away is
Uttarey, a base camp for adventure trail to the Singalila range.
TASHIDING MONASTERY: Was constructed in the
18th century and is famous for its array of chortens and the
innumerable line of carved stone tablets bearing the invocation “Om Mane Padme
Hum’. Its main festival the Bumchu is much visited by devotees ( see festival).
The chorten ‘Thon-Wa-Rang-Dol” meaning ‘salvation by mere sight’ is much
revered and is believed to cleanse one of all sins upon a mere sight of it.
RABDEBTSE RUINS: The ruins of the second
capital of Sikkim, it lies at a walking distance from the main road a little
further away from Pelling. Surrounded by a large enclosed area with a thriving
forest it is also an exciting spot for birdwatching.
YUKSOM: The first capital of Sikkim, it was here
that the first Chogyal was consecrated by the three holy monks in 1642 AD. The
stone throne, called the Norbughang chorten and a footprint of the head lama
upon a stone still bear testimony of that ancient ceremony. The trekking trail
to Dzongri/Goechela and to the Khangchendzonga base camp begins here. Lies
about 32 Km from Pemayangtse.
DUBDI MONASTERY: Location on a hillock
about Yuskom it was the first monastery to be established soon after the
consecration of the Chogyal.
RANGIT WATER WORLD: Another serene getaway
availing facilities for boating and rafting in the green waters of Rangit river
lying close to Legshep.
VARSEY: Perched at 10,000 ft a road leads up to
Hilley from where a leisurely 4 Km trek lead up the Varsey Rhododendron sanctuary
famed for its varied species of the flowers.
RINCHENPONG: A picturesque village, a circular trek could
help you explore the area. The Resum monastery is another landmark while a
trespass at an ancient heritage house could add more thrill. The area also
offers a magnificent view of the Khangchendzonga range and a night at an old
British bungalow could indeed be intriguing.
www.kanchanjungaexpress.com
dzongatravels@gmail.com
www.kanchanjungaexpress.com
dzongatravels@gmail.com
Comments
Post a Comment