~:WEST SIKKIM Sightseeing:~
Places of interest in West Sikkim
Pelling
Pelling is one of the recently discovered places which holds immense tourism potential.
It is situated at about 6800ft above sea level and provides some of the most magnificent views of the snowclad Mt Kanchenjunga. Pelling lies at about 133 kms from Siliguri and 125 kms from Gangtok.
Pelling is known fo its calm and serene surrounding with the scenic beauties surrounding it. It is not onlty this ambience but also the historical and cultural stature of this place which makes tourists throng to this place.
Pelling is a perfect getaway from the day to day routine life and unwind in its soothing ambience. There are many places in and around pelling which makes a trip to this hill station worth the money. Some of them are:
PEMAYANGTSY GUMPA
It was built in the late 17 century and it in itself is a treasure house of traditional Buddhist paintings, and sculptures. This Gumpa is Situated at an altitude of 2378 meters on a high hill above Gyalshing in Sikkim. It is the principle monastery of Sikkim and its main attraction is Zangdok Palri, the internationally famous wooden sculpture of its kind depicting the Celestial of Guru Padma Sambhaba. Annually two main festivals take place here one being the Panglhabsol, and the other being Guru Dragmar. These festivals include masked dances, prayers and offering.
SANGACHEOLING GUMPA
This Gumpa was built in the year 1697 and is claimed to be second oldest monastery in Sikkim. This Monastery became famous for its present location. From here one can get a clear panoramic view of the country side and the nearby mountains. This Monastery is also rich in traditional paintings and sculptures.
CHANGAY FALLS
RABDENTSE RUINS
.jpg) RABDENTSE RUINS is the second capital of Sikkim which is near pemayangtse monastery. It is 2 k.m. walking distance from Pelling. It was built by Tensung Nmgayal, the second King of Sikkim in 1700 A.D. there is a cover of thick jungles near and Around the ruins site where surprisingly large number of birds can be seen. Thanks to the Archeological survey of India who have restored the whole site and turned it into a very attractive visiting site for foreign as well as Indian tourists.
SHINGSHORE SUSPENSION BRIDGE
.jpg) SHINGSHORE SUSPENSION BRIDGE is the second highest suspension bridge in entire Asia. It was built strategically in the early nineties with the intention to bridge the two big hillocks between which flows Shingsore stream about 680 fts below. The bridge is a has one of the biggest gorges and presents a fantastic view to the tourists.
 KHECHEOPALRI LAKE
KHECHEOPALRI LAKE which is in the shape of Guru Padma Sambhaba foot print, is considered as a wish fulfilling lake. This lake not only attracts tourist but also large number of domestic pilgrims. Its annual lake festival falls some where towards the end of winter (Feb-March).
YOUKSOM
YOUKSOM was first capital of sikkim. It was here where Phintsog Nangual was coronated the first king in 1641, by three famous monks, Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo, Kothok Kunto Zangpo and Rinzing Chewanj. Yuksom is a good trekkers point as well as for mountaineers who trek Dozing and further up.
DUBDI MONASTERY
DUBDI MONASTERY is the oldest monastery, in the region and is one hour trek from Youksom. TASHIDING GHUMPHA
TASHIDING GHUMPHA is the prominent holy site of Sikkim, where one can see stupas and stone sculptures. Here the festivals falls in the same period in the winter where displaying of old holy water vase and the distribution of holy water are the main programme.
BARSAY RHODENDRON SANCTUARY
 It situated at an altitude of 3,300 meters above sea level, is the beautiful and splendid Rhododendron sanctuary. An easy and leisure walk of about an hour leads to this place. Here one can either choose to camp or stay in the tourist hut.
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