Sikkim · 6 destinations & hidden spots
Near Pelling, Gyalshing District, West Sikkim
Meaning 'Perfect Sublime Lotus', Pemayangtse is one of Sikkim's oldest and most revered monasteries, founded in 1705 by Lama Lhatsun Chempo. On its top floor rests a legendary seven-tiered wooden model depicting Guru Rinpoche's celestial abode Sangtok Palri, hand-carved over five years.
Khecheopalri, West Sikkim
Enclosed by dense sacred forests 34 km northwest of Pelling, Khecheopalri is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. Shaped naturally like a footprint of Tara Devi, its waters remain miraculously spotless, as local birds are said to promptly pluck any fallen leaves from the mirror-smooth surface.
Near Pelling, West Sikkim
Rabdentse was the second royal capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814. Today, its majestic stone chortens and palatial foundations overlook deep river valleys and Mount Kangchenjunga. A serene forest pathway through the Sidkeong Tulku Bird Park leads to the stone throne of the ancient Chogyals.
Hidden Gem
Near Uttarey, 28 km from Pelling, West Sikkim
Spanning over 240 meters across a deep gorge near Dentam, Singshore Bridge is an engineering marvel and Asia's second highest suspension bridge. Walking across offers exhilarating views down to the gushing river 100 meters below, surrounded by verdant mountain ridges and waterfalls.
Road to Yuksom, 25 km from Pelling, West Sikkim
Fed by melting glaciers from the Mount Kangchenjunga massif, this roaring perennial waterfall is tucked into a hidden rock amphitheater along the road from Pelling to Yuksom. Visitors can climb stone steps right into the cooling mist or try the thrilling zip-line across the spray.
Hidden Gem
Yuksom, West Sikkim
Yuksom ('Meeting place of the three learned lamas') is the historic first capital of Sikkim. Here at Norbugang Park sits the ancient stone coronation throne where Phuntsog Namgyal was consecrated as the first king in 1642. The sacred footprint of the head lama remains stamped into a stone nearby.
