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East Sikkim
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West Sikkim |
North Sikkim
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South Sikkim
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WEST SIKKIM |
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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 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.
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Khecheopalri Lake : Khecheopalri Lake is considered
to be one of the sacred lakes o
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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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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