Green roll of hills and steeper mountains, excellent views of Kanchenjunga range, ancient Buddhist monasteries, Sikkim’s first and second capital, cascading waterfalls, innumerable bridges, quaint villages, rich bird life, and endless options of small and big treks – that is the Travel plan to West Sikkim for a willing traveler.
West Sikkim has different ecological zones, ranging from temperate to alpine because of varying altitude. Thus a visitor gets to see a wide variety of vegetation, flowers, birds in the small region of West Sikkim.
Top Attractions in West Sikkim
West Sikkim is essentially for those travelers who prefer solitude and the abundance of nature. It is less for the sightseeing tour in taxi and more for the itchy feet and exploring minds. let us explore the places in West Sikkim.
Pelling, West Sikkim
The town of Pelling is around 125 km from the capital city of Gangtok and around 133 km from the Siliguri, West Bengal.
Pelling is the important town of West Sikkim and now a major tourist spot of Sikkim. Pelling is nestled at an altitude of 2,150 m (7,200 feet). Closer and wider views of Kanchenjunga range, oldest pretty monasteries, and the day trip to nearby waterfalls and Khecheopalri Lake are its biggest attraction.
Best Places to visit in Pelling
Pemayangtse Monastery
Pemayangtse means ‘Perfect Sublime Lotus’. This is one of the oldest and the most important monasteries of Sikkim. It was build by Lhatsun Chenpo in 17th century. This monastery belongs to the Nyingma order and all other Nyingma order monasteries in Sikkim are subordinate to it.
The Monastery is located on a hill top at an altitude of 6300 ft. One gets a magnificent panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga range and the countryside.
The festival of Losar (the Tibetan New Year) is celebrated in the month of February/March every year with great fanfare in the Pemayangtse monastery. Lamas of the monastery perform the Cham dance on this occasion.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Rabdentse Ruins
Rabdentse was the second capital of Sikkim, after Yuksom. Today, it is just ruins but the walk and the scenic views are great from here.
If you take a short cut through deep in woods, you will reach Rabdentse quickly. The ruins of Rabdentse Palace are just about one km walk away from the Pemayangtse Monastery through the dense forest.
Rabdentse ruins comprise of a stone throne – Namphogang, Taphap Chorten which was the entry point to the Palace,( the palace ruins are at the center of the fourth courtyard) and Dab Lhagang where the royal family offered incense to the deities.
The Rabdentse Ruins are part of the Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit, starting with the first monastery at Yuksom known as the Dubdi Monastery, followed by Norbugang Chorten, Tashiding Monastery, the Pemayangtse Monastery, the Sanga Choling Monastery, and the Khecheopalri Lake.
Do not miss the spectacular views of the entire valley and Kanchenjunga peak from the ruins.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Sangacholing monastery
Sangacholing monastery is another important monastery. It overlooks the valley. Lama Lhatsün Chempo established it in 17th CE. It is one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim.
The literal meaning of Sanga Choeling is “Island of the Guhyamantra teachings”, “secret Mantra teachings” is a synonym for “Vajrayana Buddhism”.
The monastery sits quietly on a ridge top above Pelling. It is at a distance of 7 kilometers from Pemayangtse Monastery.
The walk, when we visited it in 2007, was 4km uphill, but a road was being build then. The walk passes through ample green cover.
Khecheoplari Lake
Khecheopari Lake is considered one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim. 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.
As per belief, the shape of the lake resembles the footprint of goddess Tara and is also considered as the wish fulfilling lake by locals.
There is a path that leads to the lake view point. It is a very short but steep trek through the woods, without any paved path. The trek takes you to a small canopy offering great view of the lake surrounded on all sides by dense forest. Carry enough water and snacks with you.
There is also a walking trail from Pelling to Khecheopalri (5 hours) and then to Yuksom from Khecheopalri (4 hours).
If you want to spend a night or two in this place, there are a few basic accommodations in the village nearby. There is also a pilgrim’s hut.
How to visit Khecheopalri Lake
There are public or shared taxis to Khecheopalri Lake from Geyzing and Pelling, which leave once in a day after 1 pm. It is best to hire a private cab from Pelling, visit Darap village, River rock garden, this lake and then drive onto Yuksom after a stop at Phamrong waterfall.
Barsey, Hilley, Okhrey village and Rhododendron Sanctuary, West Sikkim
Barsey (or Varsey) is one of the lesser known destinations of West Sikkim close to the Nepal Border. It lies in an enchanting woodland, away from the route of rushing visitors. Its rich woods are home to an amazing variety of birds, wildlife, orchids and trees.
The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary sits pretty between the Kanchenjunga national reserve in North Sikkim and the Singalila National Park in south Sikkim.
It is the topmost attraction for slow travelers. March-April is spring time here that brings the riot of blooms on Rhododendron trees.
Hilley is the last motor-able point before Varsey. A four-km walk through beautiful pine forests and Rhododendron blooms take you to the Sanctuary. You can stay at the Guras Kunj Lodge at Varsey.
Okhrey is a very small town near this Sanctuary. The Sherpas are the main people here. They run home-stays for the willing trekker.
We visited this sanctuary from Kaluk, which is a bit far, but the drive from Kaluk to Hilley is forever etched in my memory. (Kaluk provides better stay options for family). En-route, we stopped at Soreng to hike the Bhir Dara climb which gives you the sweeping vista of the valley.
Read our experiences of Hilley Varsey trek here.
Biksthang
A really small hamlet, almost unknown but a hidden gem, is in West Sikkim. Visitors do not come here as it is not on the popular tourist route. Unhindered views of the snow peaks and unspoiled virgin forests make this place special.
If you want to relax under the green canopies and blue skies, while sipping tea and coffee and admiring the white peaks, then Biksthang is for you.
Or if you want to take leisure or serious walks to nearby forests, Rahu Ney caves, or Lhuntse monastery, or indulge in bird watching, again Biksthang is a real gem to explore.
The haat at nearby town of Mangalbarey is another attraction where you can see locals in the slow lane of life.
Read more about our Trek to Rahu Ney caves and other Biksthang exploration here.
Legship – for Water Sports
This place is an intersection of streets from Kewzing, Tashiding, Gangtok, Peling, Yuksam, Jorethang, and Gayzing (Gyalshing). It is a water sports destination in West Sikkim. Paddling, drifting, kayaking, rafting; you can enjoy all in the waters of the Rangit.
Dentam Valley
Dentam is a small but scenic village around 12 km from Barsey. During spring, rhododendrons color Dentam red and nature lovers, bird watchers gather here. Climbing and leisure trekking is the best option for visitor.
Uttarey Village
If you are interested in treks and hikes, then you should visit Uttarey. Else, you can avoid it from your itinerary. You can visit Uttarey from Dentam, Gezing and Pelling. Singshore bridge is an added attraction on the way to Uttarey. It is best to visit Uttarey to go or while coming back from Phoktey Dara trek.
Singshore Bridge is the top most attraction here. It is a suspension bridge connecting Dentam and Uttarey. The view from the bridge is overwhelming with the sight of beautiful waterfalls, the green hillsides and the deep gorge. Many people cover it from Pelling is a day trip by car.
The Kagyu Gompa in Uttarey is a good place for sight seeing. The monastery is set amidst dense forests.
Other important tourist spots around Uttarey are the Mainbus Waterfall and the Chewyabhang Pass. This pass is about 10 km of Uttarey and is the gateway to Nepal.
Trek to Phoktey Dara through Rhododendron Sanctuary
Sikkim has some 30 varieties of Rhododendron. Rhododendrons range in size from tiny mat-like plants in the alpine region to big trees. Rhododendron flowers have an enormous range of colors, shapes and size in their wild form, ranging from pink, red, white, purple and many in double shades.
To see the rhododendrons in bloom, the best time to visit is from March through May. Check with locals because the flowering time is dependent upon the winter length. Further the flowering does not happen all at one time, so you will get to see some trees in full bloom while others still waiting.
This Uttarey to Phoktey Dara trail is steep inside jungle and doesn’t offer any mountain views till one reaches Kalijhar. This route is outside Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Yaks/Horses are allowed on the trail.
Thus, logistically this trail is much easier to take with family and economic. However there is no comparison of views that you get from another way to Phoktey Dara Trail.
This second option passes through Rhododendron sanctuary.
The various routes are shown in the map above. The red colored trek takes you through Rhododendron Sanctuary.
Yuksom
Again, I would say, you should visit Yuksom if you can do some kind of hike, be it short day hikes or long trails to Dzongri and Goechala.
March-April is the best season for Dzongri trek while September to October are best for clear views.
Things To Do In Yuksom
Coronation Stone, Norbugang Chorten and Kathok Lake
Yuksom was the first capital of Sikkim. Yuksom, literally means the ‘meeting place of three lamas’. It has great historical importance to the Sikkimese. The first Chogyal of Sikkim was crowned here in 1642. The Coronation Stone throne, where the first king was crowned, is a sacred place for Sikkimese.
Read about Yuksom, Coronation Stone and Norbugang Chorten here.
Dubdi Monastery Trek
Dubdi Monastery, the oldest in Sikkim, is two km uphill from Yuksom . The monastery is now a National Monument and is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.
Dzongri and Goechala trek
Yuksom is also the gateway to the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, the base for some of the most sought after treks through high mountain region. Dzongri trek and Goechala are the most popular treks which start from Yuksom. Read it here on Indiahikes.
We did first part of Dzongri trek, a little before Tsokha with our five year old child. The trek is enough to take you in a never seen before green-land full of orchids, lichens and hanging branches, rushing rivers, romantic bridge crossings and perfect solitude.
Phamrong Water Falls
It is at a distance of 7 km from Yuksom and you can visit it enroute your drive to reach Yuksom.
The waterfall appears as a small fall from the roadside, but climb some steps and you get a close up of this stunning waterfall. Lush green mountains hide it perfectly and the gushing force of water down the rocks sprays tiny drops of water on the tired visitor.
Tashiding Monastery
Tashiding is a small village on a hilltop near Pelling. The Tashiding monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa order and is highly revered among the people of Sikkim.
The monastery is atop the hill that overlooks the Rathong and Rangit River. As per the belief, even a glimpse of the monastery cleanses mortals of all sins. The monastery was built during the 17th Century.
There are a large number of oranges orchards and cardamoms plantations in Tashiding to make your feet going.
Bumchu festival at Tashiding Monastery
The Bumchu festival is the most important festival at Tashiding monastery. It occurs in the month of January.
The word ‘Bum’ means pot and ‘Chu’ means water. Tashiding monastery has a pot that contains holy water. Lamas open this pot during this festival and some of this holy water is distributed amongst the devotees.
The pot is refilled with water and sealed at the end of the festival. It is then opened only in the next Bumchu.
The level of water in the pot tells the future for the coming year. If the water is up to the brim, it predicts that there would be bloodshed and disturbances. If the pot is almost dry it indicates famine and if it is half full, it predicts peace and prosperity for the year.
Rinchenpong and Kaluk
Rinchenpong and Kaluk are actually just a few km apart, and you can choose any one of these. Kaluk has more options to stay, hence we chose Kaluk.
The drive from Bagdogra to Kaluk is a hair raising drive that climbs steeply up and up through bends and turns, all in perfect solitude. You will not cross more than ten cars on any given day.
Top Attractions in Kaluk
Sweeping Vistas from Kaluk
Kaluk gives the sweeping vista of the Kanchenjunga range.
The peaks that are seen from Kaluk
Kang La, Kokthang, Frey’s Peak, Ratong, South Kabru, North Kabru, Talung, Yalung Kang, Kanchenjunga main-central and south, Pandim, Jopnu.
Bird Watching at Kaluk
Kaluk has a very rich bird life. We visited in spring season in April, when the Himalayan coral trees, Rhododendron trees give a lovely perch to the birds.
Walk to Resum Monastery
We did a short hike to Resum Monastery, a very old and forgotten monastery in a picturesque location atop a hill. The trail passes through untouched woods.
The bird density is so much, that when these chirp together or fly together when they meet visitors, initially it scares and then brings a smile.
A trail from the Kaluk near the school will take you to this monastery and then you can descend to the other side of the hill after visiting the old Lepcha house.
The monastery has a rustic charm and is a good example of the monasteries of the earlier times, since it has not been renovated.
You can also do this trek from Rinchenpong.
Hee Bermiok
Hee Bermiok is a group of two towns – Hee and Bermiok in West Sikkim. This group is near the Kaluk Rinchenpong zone. These towns are flanked by the Hee River toward the west, Rangit River toward the east, Kalez River toward the north and Samdong forest reserve in the south.
Some stunning attractions of Hee Bermiok are Srijunga cascades and Chayatal Lake.
Soreng
Soreng is a town in west Sikkim, enroute from Kaluk to Hilley. The best attraction here are various hikes.
We did the Bhir Dara hike which is easy and short half an hour hike but the valley views are incomparable.
Other hikes are Chuli Dara, Durpin Dara and more. We did not stay at Soreng. We just did this hike on our way from Kaluk to Hilley.
This is another tip to get the best of Sikkim. While driving from one place to other, ask the locals if there are some short hikes which give good views, and they will surely suggest you something.
The Itinerary for West Sikkim
The things you want to do will decide your itineraty in West Sikkim.
- Pelling is for monasteries, Khecheopalri lake and views.
- Kaluk is for wonderful views of the Kanchenjunga range without many people,
- Biksthang is for quiet and leisure stay, walks, views of K range and bird watching,
- Hilley for the Rhododendron trek and bird watching,
- Yuksom for wild wild treks.
Buddhist Pilgrim Circuit in West Sikkim
If you want to go on important Buddhist pilgrim circuit in West Sikkim, then you must cover Pelling (Pemayangtse monastery and Rabdentse), Khecheopalri lake, Tashiding monastery and Yuksom (Dubdi monastery, Norbugang and Coronation stone).
Know more about Buddhist Prayer flags in our post here.
Suggested One week Itinerary for your first trip to West Sikkim
I would suggest the following for your first trip in West Sikkim if you are fit enough to do at least short day hikes.
Pelling – two days– One for monasteries in Pelling and another for a day trip by car to Khecheopalri Lake via Darap village and Kanchenjunga falls. Move on to Yuksom after day trip from Khecheopalri.
Yuksom- two days- One day for local sightseeing and Dubdi monastery trek, second day for first day trek to Dzongri. While to or from Yuksom, visit Tashiding monastery and falls. Reach Kaluk.
Kaluk- two days- one day for Resum monastery walk and second day for Hilley-Varsey trek and Bhir dara hike from Soreng. You will need a cab to reach Hilley and come back to Kaluk again.
Where to stay in West Sikkim
Pelling, Kaluk, and Yuksom have all kinds of stay options from budget to comfortable resorts. Biksthang has resorts only. Okhrey, Soreng and other parts offer decent home-stays.
How to reach and travel in West Sikkim
Pelling will be your first stop mostly. But it is not possible to make a base and explore places from there. Though the distances are not much, it is mountainous area and roads are narrow at many places. Taxis are expensive for everyday keeping.
It is best to devise the itinerary keeping in plan the places to stay and taxis needed.
How to reach Pelling
Shared or private cabs is the best way to reach anywhere in West Sikkim from New Jalpaigudi (if you are reaching by train ) or Bagdogra ( if you are reaching by air).
For travel within West Sikkim, private car is the best option. Some places are accessible by shared cabs also, while others can only be reached through private vehicle. Confirm with your hotel or home-stay before finalizing the plan and route-map.
Useful information of Sikkim