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WEST SIKKIM |
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Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries
in the State. Orginally 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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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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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
nminutes walking up the steep hilly slope which leads
through rich forest covers |
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
cusines.There is also a pilgrim's hut, managed by
Tourism Department, which is meant to provide
accomodation to the people who come on pilgrimage tours. |
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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 Yuksom.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 camo of the
famous Mt. Khangchen-Dzonga begins here. |
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This monastery is constructed on top of a heart shaped
hill with the back drop of the sacred Mt.
Khang-chen-Dzonga. Acoording to Buddhist scriptures,
Guru Padma Sambhava (GuruRimpoche)
blessed the sacred land of Sikkim in the 8th century AD
from the spot. The monastery, however, was built
Tshiding Monastery. in the 18th Century AD by Ngadak
Sempa Chempo, one of the three
lamas who had performed the consecration ceremony of the
first Chogyal.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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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 is a picturesque village with beautiful landsacpe
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 accomodation. |
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One of the six major monasteries in Sikkim, Phodong
monastery is located in the North approximately 38 kms
from Gangtok, 4 kms beyond Phodong is the recently
renovated Labrang Monastery unique in it architectural
design. |
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This monastery is situated on the gentle slope
stretching from Kabi to Phodong with perhaps one of the
best landscapes in the region. The Phensang Monastery,
under the Nyingmapa Buddhist
Order, was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme Pawo.
It was gutted by fire in 1947 and rebuilt in 1948 hrough
the efforts of the lamas. The annual festival of Chaam
is performed on the 29th and
29th days of the tenth month of the Lunar calendar
(Tibetan Calendar). |
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The place offers one of the most spectacular and closest
views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and its ranges. A well located
Tourist Lodge provides accomodation for visitors. The
area also has a number of interesting short nature
trails for 1 to 3 days along the higher ridges of the
higher ridges of the surrounding hills. One can also
savour the most graceful peak in the world, Mt.
Siniolchu. |
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Chungtnahg, on the confluence of Lachen and Lachung Chu
and the starting point of River Teesta, has emerged as a
major sub-division settlement in North Sikkim. It is the
nodal junction for the two passes, Lachen and Lachung.
The valley is believed to have been blessed by Guru
Rimpoche and one can visit the Holy Guru Lhedo to see
the foot and palm prints left behind by the Patron
Saint. The place is rich in bio diversity with a large
variety of orchids, plants and wildlife, is 95 kms from
Gangtok, 23 kms from Lachung, 29 kms from Lachen and is
predominantly a Lepcha region. |
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A Bhutia village with a unique loacl self-governing body
called the Zumsa which substitutes the Panchayat.
Lachung has emerged as a tourist destination with the
soaring popularity of Yumthang Valley which is just 25
kms from Lachung. The village, spreads out on either
side of Lachung Chu, has managed to retain its unique
culture and tradition. The Lachung Monsatery on the
slope opposite to the highway is a focal point of all
religious function of the local inhabitants. To get a
glimpse of the religious functions performed on
auspicious occasion a visit to the Monastery should form
part of the tour itinerary. |
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Yumthang, at an elevation of 11,800 ft and 140 kms from
gangtok is a paradise for nature lovers with a
fascinating blend of flora and fauna and breathtaking
scenic granddeur. The valley is also the home of Singbha
Rhododendron Sanctary with 24 species of Rhododendrons.
Yumthang 'Tsa-Chu' or the hot spring of the left bank of
Lachung Chu is immensely popular for its curative
properties and healing power. |
Lachen is situated at an altitude of 2750 mtrs. and
about 6 hrs. drive from Gangtok. The Lachen Monastery
Located on top of the village commands a panoramic view
of the surrounding hills and
country side. Resorts, hotels and lodges are available
for accomodation. |
Guru-dongmar lake is considered as one of the sacred
lakes of this State both by the Buddhist and the Hindus.
The lake remains milky in color throughout and it is
believed the Guru
Padmasambhava had touched the lake whilst he visited
Tibet from this area. |
