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Places of Interest- West
Sikkim |
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Pemayangtse
Monastery
Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries
in the State. Originally established by Lhatsun
Chempo, one of the revered Lamas to have performed
the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal
( Religious Monarch) of Sikkim. This ancient monastery
belongs to the Nyingma 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 country-side. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
For those interested in spending a night or two
in the peaceful environment a trekker's hut has
been provided by the Tourism Department. The hut
is presently managed by a local person and provides
comfortable stay providing a taste of local Sikkimese
-Nepalese cuisines. There is also a pilgrim's
hut, managed by Tourism Department, which is meant
to provide accommodation to the people who come
on pilgrimage tours. |
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Yuksom
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 ofSikkim 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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