West Sikkim , Sikkim

Pemayangtse Monastery - Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the State, originally setablished by Lhatsun Chempo, one of the reverend Lamas to have performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal (Religious Monarch) of Sikkim. This ancient Monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has been considered as one of the premier monasteries in the State, having been entrusted with the task to perform all religious functions of the erstwhile Monarch.

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 countryside.

Rabdentse Ruins - This was the second capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom 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 Pemayangtse Monastery. It can be approached by 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 deep valley to the mystic heighths of Kangchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished and etched in memory.

Pelling - Pelling is fast growing to be urban settlement due to tourist influx. Situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft, it offers a good view of the 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 the West District Headquarter town of Gyalshing, situated at a distance of 10km from Pelling.

Yuksom - This was the Capital of Sikkim, where according to the historical records, the first Chogyal of the Kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 AD by three learned lamas. The evidence of the consecration ceremony is still intact at Norbugang Chorten in the form of stone seats and a foot-print of the Head-Lama on a stone. Since the history of the state 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 base camp of the famous Mt. Kangchendzonga begins.

Several categories of accommodations are available at Yuksom for those desiring to spend a few days there.

Khecheopalri Lake - Khecheopalri Lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of this State both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is belived 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.

For those interested in spending a night or two in the peaceful environment a trekkers hut has been provided by the Tourism Department.

Dubdi Monastery - This was the first Monastery established soon after the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal. The Monastery is located on a hill top above Yuksam surrounded by verdant forest. It can be approached by Trekking only, negotiating steep slope for something like 32 to 35 minutes. It is an ideal place for Lamas seeking meditational recluse.

Tashiding Monastery - This monastery is constructed on top of a heart-shaped hill with the back-drop of the sacred Mt. Khangchendzonga. According to buddhist scriptures, Guru Padma Sambhava (Guru Rimpoche) blessed the sacred land of Sikkim in 8th Centuary AD from this spot.

Tashiding is also famous for the most holy chorten known as "Thong-Warang-To" which literally means "saviour 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 of Tashiding is the sacred water festival popularly known as "Bhumchu".