The western part of Sikkim is a favorite region among trekkers due to its splendid high elevation and varied landscape. The capital of West Sikkim is Geyzing also known as Gyalshing. Other major towns in the area are Pelling and Jorethang. This part of Sikkim is more populated because of soothing climate and more cultivable land for farming. On average the hill rises up to 2000m or less but the extreme west is hilly and offer great opportunity to trekkers. Whole of western part of this region was not open to tourists, only Pemayangtse, Yuksom, Tashiding and trek to Dzongri were accessible but in recent past almost all the regions are opened and good vehicular road has been made to access the remotest regions.

The district is home to diverse flora and fauna. Extreme western parts are as high as 4000m where the slopes are adorned with rhododendron forests. the district was under the occupation of Nepal in 18th and 19th centuries. After Gorkha war the area was again brought back to Sikkim. The region is now a major tourist draw because of extraordinary view of Kanchenjunga from some of the places like Pelling. There are plenty of excursions from Pelling to ancient monasteries and waterfalls. Also one day starts from the charming village of Yuksom.

Sights And Activities

Pemayangtse Monastery
One of the oldest monasteries in the state, this ancient monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and considered one of the premier monasteries in Sikkim. Originally it was established as a high class monastery for ‘Pure Monks’. Inside the monastery there is a wooden structure depicting the Maha Guru’s heavenly palace, which is considered a masterpiece created by Late Dungzin Rimpoche.

Rebdentse Ruins
Till the year 1814 AD, it was the second capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom. Today, the ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from the tourist Lodge and the Pemayangtse Monastery. You can have a fascinating view of deep valley to the mystic heights of Kanchenjunga ranges from the top of the ruins.

Pelling
It is the most crowded tourist place in western Sikkim. set at the top of 6,800ft, it offers a good view of the entire mountain ranges. There are plenty of hotels and lodges available on the steps of valley.

Yuksom
This was the first capital of Sikkim where according to history the Chogyal of the Kingdom of Sikkim was consecration in 17th century. These areas are now considered sacred by the people of Sikkim. Yuksom is served by an all weather road from Pemyangtse, which is at a distance of 32km. From Yusom, the trek to Dzongri and to the base camp of the famous Mt. Kanchenjunga begins.

Dubdi Monastery
The monastery is located on a hill top above Yuksom surrounded by Verdant forest. It can be approached by trekking only, negotiating steep slope for something like 32 to 35 minutes. You can observe lamas meditates in this calm and quiet ambiance.

Tashiding Monastery
It is one of the holiest monasteries in Sikkim, perched on top of a heart shaped hill in the backdrop of Kanchenjunga. It is also famous for the most holy chorten known as ‘Thong Wa-Rang To’ which is literally means ‘savior by mere sight’. It is believed that the mere act of beholding it is supposed to wash away all the sins of the devotee. Another important feature of Tashiding is the sacred water festival popularly known as ‘Bhumchu’. It is religious traditions uniwue to Tashiding Monastery only. Every year, on the 15th day of the first Tibetan month, the Bhumchu ceremony is celebrated with devotees coming from far and near to get the blessing of the holy water.