West district General information

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.
Sikkim's West District is probably the most enchanting and sacred place in the Eastern Himalayas. Apart from heritage sites and monasteries, there exists extremely rich biodiversity. The oldest monastery of Sikkim is located in West Sikkim District.

West Sikkim has a mind-boggling array of flora and fauna. The hills and valleys abound with numerous orchid, primula, rhododendrons, marigolds, magnolia and cherries. It offers spectacular views of the Khangchendzonga range from Pelling and Pemayangtse. Places such as Yuksom are ideal for relaxation and hiking. Other important places to visit are the Khecheopari Lake, Tashiding Monastery and Singshore Bridge. The ruins of the Rabadantse Palace and the Sanga Choeling Monastery make good day-hiking from Pelling.

Places of interest

Sanga-Choeling Monastery

The renowned Sanga-Choling Monastery is to be found on a ridge above Pelling. The literal meaning of 'Sanga Choeling' is 'the island of esoteric teaching'. The spiritual island was built in 1697 and perhaps making it one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim.

Legship

On the banks of Rangit River, Legship is a hamlet known for a Hindu shrine. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the month of November, the festival of Bala Chaturdesi is observed here. Apart from the religious significance.

Biksthang

Near Pelling, Biksthang is a small hamlet in West Sikkim. Biksthang is also known by the titles of Chuchen and Mangalbaray. The peaceful, calm, serene and soothing beauty of this place is getting acknowledged by people gradually.

Reshi Hot Springs

At a distance of 25kms from Geyzing, Reshi is a nice place to explore. Reshi is small town famous for its hot springs. Close to River Rangit, Reshi Hot Springs are generously pouring the waters for the benefit of mankind.

Soreng

Soreng is a small town in the West Sikkim. The place is famous for its extensive variety of flowers and birds. From Pelling, it is located at an estimated drive of 4 hours. If you are coming from Melli, then it would be a 3 hour journey.

Rinchenpong

Rinchenpong is another tourist attraction in West Sikkim. The marvelous location of Rinchenpong offers a spectacular view of mountains, sunsets and sun rise. The old Resum Monastery is also sited here. People enjoy coming to this place for its rich flora, fauna and soft trek routes.

Dudbi Monastery

This old monastery was built shortly after the coronation ceremony of first Chogyal at Yuksom. Ideal place for meditation, Dubdi Monastery can be reached by a trek of 35 minutes through steep slope.