10 Famous West Sikkim tourist spots

West Sikkim tourist spots are famous for Kanchenjunga lake, falls, breathtaking natural beauty, monastery and hills.

West Sikkim at a distance of 117 km away, It is cover very popular area in Sikkim and visitor can also include while coming to Gangtok. West Sikkim is replete with history and religion.

This is where the first Chogyal of West SikkimSikkim was consecrated at Yuksum in 1642 and this is where some of the holiest and most important monasteries of Sikkim were established, including Dubdi and Sanga Choling, the first monasteries to be built in Sikkim.

West Sikkim is beautiful terrain abounding in lakes and waterfalls and also has great trekking routes.

Gyalshing is the head quarter and town of the West District.

West Sikkim includes beautifull mountain, fall, lake and Monastry. Kanchandzanga fall, Khecheopalri lake and Singshore Bridge which is world 3rd larges hanging bridge make this west Sikkim journey awesom.

The best place to stay in West Sikkim is Pelling city. Visitors also having option to book Cab from Gangtok, Darjelling or New Jalpai Guri.

10 Famous West Sikkim tourist spots

Pelling City, West Sikkim tourist spots

Pelling is a small town in the district of West Sikkim with an altitude of 6100 ft  and is located at a distance of 115 km from the Capital city of Gangtok and 10 km from the District Headquarters of West Sikkim – Geyzing.

Pelling offers the splendid and closest view of Mt.Kanchenjunga range without leaving the comfort of your Hotel. In the months of winter, Pelling is sometimes covered with a blankly of snow.

You can come here to escape from daily metropolis hustle and bustle. This area offers immense relaxation and tranquility.

However with the influx of tourists, the region is undergoing a metamorphosis, with the roads being repaired and more hotels being set up.

Pelling is famous for getting a closer view of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga along with Pandim, Siniolchu and other ranges. 

From a small village Pelling has turned into a busting tourist destination and an important junction of West Sikkim.

The nearest sightseeing places in Pelling are Khecheopalri Lake, Sangachoeling and Pemayangtse Monastery. 

Teesta Lake, West Sikkim tourist spots

Teesta River is lifeline of Sikkim and makes a border between Sikkim and West Bengal before joining the Brahmaputra as a tributary in Bangladesh.

The total length of the river is 315 kilometres.It originates at Tso Lhamo Lake in North Sikkim and is formed by the melting of the Tista Khantse Glacier.

Kanchenjunga Falls, West Sikkim tourist spots

It takes about an hour and a half from Pelling to reach the twin falls of Kanchenjunga.

Watching streams of water falling from the rocks of large granite gives a very pleasant view.

Tourists stop here to see the beautiful view of this place while visiting Yuxom.

Khecheopalri Lake,West Sikkim tourist spots

Khecheopalri Lake is situated in west sikkim, (2000m) 34km northwest of Pelling. Lake is known as the “Wishing Lake”, lake is considered sacred by the Lepchas and the Hindus religions.

It is a beautiful lake in Sikkim, which Buddhists as well as Hindus consider as a sacred reservoir. It is said to have the power to fulfill wishes.

Khecheopalri is derived from two words khacheo and palri, meaning ‘flying angels / angels’ and ‘palace’ respectively.

The beautiful lake close to the village of Khecheopalri, also known as Kha-Chot-Palri, is surrounded by the Khechoedappaladri hill, which is also considered sacred.

Although it is believed that Guru Padmasambhava taught 64 Yoginis in this ancient lake, it is also believed that the lake is the footprint of Goddess Tara. Goddess Tara Vajrayana is the female Buddha in Buddhism.

Accordingly, the lake looks like a footprint from above. According to another interesting legend, this particular lake is believed to represent the chest. The chest is one of the four snails of the human body.

Three other traps are believed to be represented by Tashiding Yuksom and Pemayangse.

What’s more, this paddy valley forms Demazong and Lake Khecheopalri forms a part of a series of Buddhist pilgrimage sites, including the Tashiding Monastery, Dubdi Monastery, Yuksom, Pemayangse Monastery, Dabadense and Sanga Choeling Monastery.

There is an interesting fact about this sacred reservoir. The birds that come here ensure that no leaves fall on the lake water. Why this happens, it is not known till date.

As soon as a leaf falls on the lake, the birds fly away and lift it from the water surface and take it away from the water.

Singhshore Bridge, West Sikkim tourist spots

The Singshore Bridge is a suspension bridge 5 km from Pelling. This bridge is the highest bridge in Sikkim. It is also the second highest bridge in all of Asia.

It is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Sikkim. This bridge is a marvel of engineering which is visited by a large number of tourists from far and wide countries.

This bridge is built connecting one end of two hills, which is really unique.

Helipad Ground, West Sikkim tourist spots

It is located at the top i.e upper pelling. Here you can witness the whole city.

Ravangala Buddha Park, West Sikkim tourist spots

It was built in the year 2006 by the original inhabitants of the Buddha Park (Sakyamuni Project) / Rabong Ravangala in Sikkim on the 2550th birth anniversary of Lord Gautama Buddha.

A statue of Lord Buddha has been built here to celebrate the birth anniversary of the Lord.

The project was taken up to encourage tourism and pilgrimage in Ravangala and to develop the Buddhist circuit in the state of Sikkim.

Pemayangtse Monastery, West Sikkim tourist spots

Pernayantse Monastery was built around the 17th century by Latseen Chembo (one of the three lamas who coroneted the king), Situated at a height of 5,600 ft and at a distance of 110 km from Gangtok is one of the oldest monasteries in the Sikkim.

It Is a three storied structure filled with wall painting, sculptures and antiques.

On the third floor there is athe Zandog Phalri – an amazing seven tiered painted wooden model of the abode of Guru Rimpoche, complete with rainbows, angels and whole panoply of Buddhas and Bodhisattva’s.

The model was built single handedly by late Dugzin Rimpoche in 5 years. In February month the Chaam or Masked Dance Is performed by the monks. 

Rabdents Ruins, West Sikkim tourist spots

The Rabdantse remains are the remains of the palace which was destroyed by the Nepalese army. The remains of the palace as well as the chapel (the place where the palace was prayed) are the memoirs of the former kingdom of Sikkim.

Rabdentse was the second capital of Sikkim and the first was Yuksom.

The Rabdantse relic is a part of a Buddhist pilgrimage that consists of several monasteries that begin at Yuksom where the Dubdi monastery is located.

The remains of Rabdentse are divided into two sections – the northern section and the southern section.

The northern section is where the royal family lived. There is an open quadrangle where there are the remains of “Dab Lhagang”, the place where the royal family used to pray.

The Archaeological Survey of India preserves it and is also considered a monument of national importance.

Sanghak Choeling, West Sikkim tourist spots

The second oldest monastery, built in the 16th century, is about 40 minutes walk from Pelling. Located between Pelling and Pemayangtse is the 1697 built Sanga Choeling Monastery.

It is considered to be one of the one of the oldest gompas in Sikkim. The literal meaning of Sanga Choeling is the “island of esoteric teaching”. 

The path to monastery is a steep hilly track of 4 kilometres (2.5 mi), which traverses through rich forest cover.

This was also created by Lhatsun Chenpo. The monastery is reserved for males only and belongs to the Yellow Hat sect.

Once destroyed by fire,the monastery  has been rebuilt and houses some of the original clay statues.

There are spectacular views of the pretty town of Pelling below and the mountainous landscape leading to Kanchendzonga.

There is a large statue of the transcendent Vajrasattva (Buddha of Purification) holding a vajra and a bell, as a symbolic act of the sublime union of wisdom and compassion. 

Yuksom , West Sikkim tourist spots

Yuksom (Locals pronounce Yuksam), the first capital of Sikkim with an altitude of 5500k, is about 35 kms from Pelling.

The legend has it that, here in Yuksom three monks arrived from Tibet and where they consecrated Phuntsok Namgyal as the first Chogyal of Sikkim in the year 1642.

Note : Gangtok is Center location for North Sikkim, South Sikkim, West Sikkim and East Sikkim. And is best way to reach and make plan to West Sikkim.

How to reach West Sikkim

West Sikkim By Air:

Bagdogra, West Bengal(IXB) is the nearest airport, located  at distance of 124 km. One can book Bus,Share Taxi or Cab to reach their Gangtok.

Pelling is 117 km away and it takes 4-5 hr from Gangtok, NJP or Darjelling. Pakyong Airport, Pakyong is also nearest but it is not recommende because frequent flight not available and some time flight also cancelled as per weather.

West Sikkim By Train:

New Jalpaiguri (NJP)  is well connected and located 117km away. Regular trains run on all the major routes and cover cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata etc.

Bus, Cabs, Share taxis and public transport can be used to reach Gangtok, From Gangtok it takes 4-5 hr to reach Pelling.

West Sikkim By Bus:

Pelling Bus Stand is well-connected Gangtok, Siliguri and Darjeeling. You can avail either state-owned government buses or private buses, depending on your budget and can book online and offline both.

West Sikkim Self Drive:

Car is the best option as you can explore more and as their own choice. Gangtok, Siliguri and Darjeeling  and other neighboring cities of west sikkim are the best route to roam this place.

Where to stay in West Sikkim

                Pelling city located centrally. You can easily get good hotels and it makes for great travel pad for the traveler who is looking to explore west sikkim on a budget. It cost under 1000-2000/- Per Night, depends on Pick and Off seasons.

Best Time To Visit West Sikkim

          It is among one of the best place where visitors visit through-out the year except December to February. However, the best time to visit West Sikkim is in Summer months from March to June.

The average temperature ranging from 4°C to 20°C, making it an ideal for sightseeing and other outdoor activities.

The Winter is very cold and some of the area is closed, it is not advisible. Monsoon is also make hectic due to land slide and rain so better to avoid in this season

West Sikkim travel guide

Book your hotel in Pelling city is the best place to roam Gangtok and Sikkim from their you can book Taxi also. There are many travel agency near MG Marg and it provided the permit, sightseeing with pick and drop facility.

            Once you reach in Hotel, take rest, get fresh up, take break-fast and head towards local sight-seeing.

Note: Book package from nearby travel agency because West Sikkim required special permit. Travel agency provides permit and sightseeing. You have to apply 2 day befor visit to West Sikkim,  2 Photo and 1 ID Proof is enough.

West Sikkim tourist spots in 3 days

West Sikkim tourist spots day 1

West Sikkim tourist spots day 2

• Kenchandzanga Falls
• Khecheopalri Lake
• Singhshore Bridge
• Helipad Ground.

West Sikkim tourist spots day 3

• Ravangala Buddha Park         
• Pemayangtse Monastery         
• Rabdents Ruins         
• Sanghak Choeling

West Sikkim travel cost For 1 Couple for 2 Night & 3 Days.

•  Food-3 Days                         : 6000/-          
• Travel By Car- 2 Days         : 7000/-          
• Hotel-2 Days                        : 4000/-          
• Other Activity                       : 500/-

Total cost around 6000-10000/-Rs for One Couple for 2 Night & 3 Days. You Can Negotiate and plan your own trip as per Distance, Enjoyment, Food, Transport and stay.              

If you fill, it is use-full for you, please like, subscribe and follow this page. Till enjoy, be happy and Jay Hind.