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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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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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