West Sikkim | Sikkim Tourism
West Sikkim is a district of the Indian state of Sikkim. Its capital is Geyzing, also known as Gyalshing. The district is a favourite with trekkers due to the high elevations. Other important towns include Pelling and Jorethang.
The district has a wide variety of fauna and flora to offer. Since most of the district is hilly it enjoys a temperate climate. Above 3,800 m (12,000 ft) the slopes are full of rhododendron forests. West Sikkim also has the ancient capital of the state Yuksom. It served as the capital beginning in 1642 for almost 50 years until it was shifted to Rabtense. The district was under the occupation of the Nepalese for many decades in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. After the Gorkha War, the district was returned to Sikkim.
The economy is mainly agrarian, despite most of the land being unfit for cultivation owing to the precipitous and rocky slopes. Attractions include the Khecheoperi lake which as legend has it, not a leaf is allowed to fall on the surface of the lake and the Dubdi Monastery, the first monastery of the state. The people are mainly of Nepali descent. Other ethnic groups include the Lepcha and Bhutia communities. Nepali is the most widely spoken language in the district.
The region has many power projects and enjoys almost uninterrupted electricity. Roads however, are in a poor condition owing to the frequent landslides.
West Sikkim Tourism:
Rabdentse Ruins:
This was the second capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksum and till the year 1814 a.d., the king of Sikkim had ruled the state from this place. Today, the ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from the tourist lodge and the Pemayangtse monastery. It can be approached by following a footpath which branches off the main road. The scenic view from the top of the ruin scanning across deep valley to the mystic heights of Khanchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished and etched in memory.
Pelling:
Pelling is fast growing to be an urban settlement due to tourist influx. Situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft, it offers a good view of entire mountain ranges and due to this locational advantages, many hotels and lodges have mushroomed in and around Pelling offering various categories of accommodation facilities. There is a bus service which links Pelling to west district headquarter town of Gyalshing , situated at a distance of 10 kms. from Pelling.
Yuksum:
This was the first capital of Sikkim, where according to the historical records, the first Chogyal of the kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 a.d. by three learned Lamas. Since the history of the state began from this place, these areas are now considered sacred by the people of Sikkim. Yuksum is served by all weather road from Pemayangtse which is at a distance of 32 kms. from Yuksun. Several categories of accommodations are available in Yuksum for those desiring to spend a few days there.
YUKSOM TO DZONGRI TREK:
Suggested Itinerary:
DAY:
- Gangtok to Yuksom.
- Yuksom to Tshoka.
- Tshoka - A day rest.
- Tshoka to Dzongri.
- Dzongri - A day rest.
- Dzongri to Tshoka.
- Tshoka to Yuksom.
- Yuksom - A day rest sight - seeing/farewell.
YUKSOM TO GOECHALA TREK:
Suggested Itinerary:
DAY:- Gangtok to Yuksom.
- Yuksom to Bhakim to Tshoka.
- Tshoka a day rest.
- Tshoka to Dzongri.
- Dzongri a day rest.
- Dzongri to Thangsing.
- Thangsing to Samiti lake.
- Samiti to Goechala to Thangsing.
- Thangsing to Dzongri.
- Dzongri to Tshoka.
- Tshoka to Yuksom.
- Yuksom a day rest/sight-seeing/farewell.
ROUTE MAP FOR TREKKING LAKES FROM WEST SIKKIM:
Sikkim perhaps has the most beuitful natural lakes in the world. It is a domain of sky lacquered lakes, glacial valleys and Chiselled peaks. The best season for the visit is from July to September and if you are trekking some other time make sure that all necessary provisions are provided.
