Attractions

Pemayangtse Monastery

Snugly located in the mountainous realms of western Sikkim, the renowned monastery of Pemayangtse is a major tourist attraction. The word Pemayangtse means ‘Perfect Sublime Lotus’. With barely 2 kilometers from Pelling, Pemayangtse Monastery is the ideal place for a quiet retreat. About 300 years old, it is known for the rich architecture and the unwavering faith of the Buddhist followers. The three-storied building has many statues of saints and Rinpoches, including Padmasambhava (Lotus Born). The main prayer hall is decorated with paintings and also the doors and windows are beautifully painted in traditional Tibetan design. The best time to visit Pemayangtse Monastery is from March to June.

Sangachoeling Monastery

Sangachoeling is one of the most prestigious monasteries in Sikkim. Moreover, it offers a splendid view of the snow-clad peaks. Sangachoeling was built in the year 1697 by Gyalwa Lhatsum Chempo who was the follower of the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Every year scores of tourists visit the magnificent monastery, which is known for the ancient wall paintings, statues, unique clay statues, and scriptures.

Sangachoeling Monastery can be reached by going for an hour and a half trek. It is 3-kilometer walking distance via Rani Dhunga Jungle Trek path. The best time to visit Sangachoeling Monastery is from March to June when the weather is pleasant.

Rinchenpong

Located at an altitude of about 5576 ft, Rinchenpong is famous for the beautiful views of the Kanchenjunga range of mountains. Apart from the natural beauty of the surroundings, the place is also quite significant from a historical point of view.

Rinchenpong lays close to the site of a historical battle fought between the forces of the then Chogyal (King) of Sikkim and the invading British forces. The Lepcha tribesmen used a concoction of unidentified herbs to poison the only water source, a lake (local term: pokhri). As a result, more than half of the British forces were killed, which stopped the British invasion and resulted in an accord.

Singshore Bridge

Singshore Bridge, one of the major tourist attractions in Kaluk, is the highest bridge in Sikkim and the second highest bridge in Asia. It has a height of over 100 m and 240 m in length. The bridge offers a spectacular view of immense greenery between the lowlands and the mountains. The river flowing through the uneven rocks seems breathtaking along with the effusive sound of the waterfalls. It is one among the oldest bridge that connects two hills and shortens the travel time as well as the distance for the trekkers.

Other than the monsoon months from June – August, all the other months are suitable for visiting the Singshore Bridge. The bridge is open on all days of the week from 6:00 am – 6:00 pm with no entry charges.

Changey Falls

The Changey falls offers a soothing experience with a perfect place for camping, bird watching, sky watching and adventure activity. The water cascade seems from a lofty height is a cherishing sight. There are also sheds with sitting arrangement to enjoy the view of a falling stream in cool comfort.

What more? Get spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Listen to the delightful chirps of exotic birds like White Capped Water Redstart, Verditer Flycatcher, Niltava, Blue Fronted Redstart, Grey Treepie, Indian Robin, and Blue Whistling Thrush.