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West Sikkim |
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Pemayangtse
Monastery :
The Monastery, located on a
hill top at an altitude of 6840 ft. commands a magnificent
panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding
hills and country- side. This is one of the oldest monastery
of the Nyngmapa sect of Mahanaya Buddhism, and was but by
Lhatsun Chenpo during the reign of the 3rd Chogyal, Chagdor
Namgyal in the 17th century. This monastery is about 6 kms
from Gyalsing, the West district headquaters. |
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Rabdentse
Ruins :
This was the second capital
of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom and till the
year 1814 AD, 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 Pemayagtse Monastery |
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Pelling
:
Pelling is fast emarging asa
most favorite tourist destination in west Sikkim. Situated
at an altitude of 6,800 ft., it offers a good view of the
entire mountain ranges. Pelling is just 10 kms from Gyalsing.
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Sanga-Choling
Monastery :
This monastery is situated on
a ridge above Pelling and the famous Pemayangtse Monastery.
Built in 1697 AD, it is considered to be one of the oldest
monasteries in the State. In order to reach this Monastery
one has to be prepared to spend at least 40 minutes walking
up the steep hilly slope which leads through rich forest
covers. |
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Khecheopairi
Lake :
Khecheapairi Lake is
considered to be one of the sacred lakes of this State both
by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The Lake remains hidden in
the rich forest cover. It is believed that birds do not
permit even a single leaf to float on the Lake surface.
There is a rnotorable road from Pemayangtse right up to the
lake area. |
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Yuksam : |
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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 AD by three learned lamas.
The evidence of the consecration ceremony is still intact in
Norbugang Chorten in the form of stone seats and a foot
prints of the Head Lama on a stone. Since the history of the
State began from this place, these areas are now considered
sacred by the people of Sikkim. Yuksam is served by all
weather roads from Pemayangtse, which is at a distance of 32
kms from Yuksam. The trek to Dzongri and to the base camp of
the famous Mt Khang- chen-Dzonga begins here. Several
categories of accommodation are available in Yuksam for
those desiring to spend a few days there. |
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Dubdi
Monastery :
This was the first monastery
established soon after the consecration ceremony of the
first Chogyal. The monastery is located on a hill top above
Yuksam surrounded by verdant forest. It can be approached by
trekking only, negotiating steep slope for something like 32
to 35 minutes. It is an ideal place for Lamas seeking
meditational recluse. |
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Tashiding
Monastery :
This monastery is constructed
on top of a heart shaped hill with the back drop of the
sacred Mt. Khang-chen- Dzonga. According to Buddhist
scriptures, Guru Padrna Sambhava (Guru Rimpoche) blessed the
sacred land of Sikkirn in the 8th century AD from the spot.
The monas- tery, however, was built in the 18th Century AD
by Ngadak Sempa Chempo, one of the three lamas who had
performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal.
Tashiding is also famous for the most holy chorten known as
'Thong-Wa-Rang-Doi' which literally means 'Saviours by mere
sight'. It is believed that the mere act of beholding it is
supposed to wash away the sins of the devotees. Another
important feature of Tashiding is the sacred water festival
popularly known as ‘ Bhumchu’. It is a
religious tradition unique to Tashiding Monastery only.
Every year, on the 14th and the 15th day of the luner month,
the bhumchu ceremony is celebrated with the devotees coming
from far and near to get the blessing of the holy water. The
sacred holy water is officially sealed for safety by t he
Government and the lamas of the monastery and it is taken
out once a year on the auspicious occasion, only to be put
back with some fresh additions. The sacred water which is
taken out partly mixed with normal water to be distributed
among the thousand of devotees. |
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Varsey :
It lies at an elevation of
10,000 ft and motorable road access upto Hilley. An easy 4
kms trek from there takes one upto the Varsey Rhododendrons
sanctuary. The place provides a magnificent view of the
mountains. |
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