West SikkimThings to do

Things to do in West Sikkim

  1. Pemayangtse Gompa

    Literally translated as ‘Perfect Sublime Lotus’, the 1705 Pemayangtse is one of Sikkim’s oldest and most significant Nyingmapa gompas. Magnificently set on a hilltop overlooking the Rabdentse ruins, the atmospheric compound is ringed by gardens and traditional monks’ cottages walled in unpainted stone. The contrastingly colourful prayer hall is beautifully proportioned, its doors and windows painted with Tibetan motifs. The statue is of Padmasambhava in his awful form as Dorje Bhurpa Vajrakila with multiple heads and arms. Upstairs, fierce-looking statues depict all eight of Padmasambhava’s incarnations. On the top floor, Zandog Palri is an astounding seven-tier…

    reviewed

  2. Rabdentse

    The royal capital of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814, the now-ruined Rabdentse consists of chunky wall-stubs with a few inset inscription stones. These would look fairly unremarkable were they not situated on such an utterly fabulous viewpoint ridge. The entrance to the site is around 3km from Upper Pelling. From the site’s ornate yellow gateway, the ruins are a further 15-minutes’ hike around a pond then across a forested hill.

    reviewed

  3. Mountain Tours and Treks

    A number of trekking agencies in Yuksom, such as Mountain Tours and Treks, operate on the Khangchendzonga trek. Prices are around US$40 per person per day assuming a group of four.

    reviewed

  4. A

    Taatopani Bar and Restaurant

    This place has a long, thin terrace bar tacked onto its restaurant. Mocktails are Rs. 90, cocktails Rs. 165 and beer Rs. 70 to Rs. 80; a band entertains during the high season.

    reviewed

  5. B

    Rural Artisan Marketing Centre

    It is just downhill from the tourist office. It sells local crafts, traditional costumes and organic produce such as tea, cardamom and walnuts.

    reviewed

  6. C

    Simvo Tours & Travels

    Simvo Tours & Travels offers one-day tours. A popular choice visit is Yuksom via Khecheopalri Lake and three waterfalls.

    reviewed

  7. D

    Dolphin Tours

    Dolphin Tours offers one-day tours. A popular choice visit is Yuksom via Khecheopalri Lake and three waterfalls.

    reviewed