West Sikkim is a part of Sikkim that is tucked in the lap of the Himalayas. It is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers as it is located at a high elevation. The capital city of this magnificent region is Geyzing, which is also known as Gyalshing. West Sikkim shares a boundary with Nepal and is blessed with gurgling waterfalls, rich wildlife, majestic high peaks, serene lakes, and various flora and fauna.
The tour to West Sikkim offers deep insight into the bountiful nature and enriching cultural heritage. There is no shortage of wonderful destinations in West Sikkim where travelers can spend quality time enjoying their vacations.
This trekkers’ heaven is home to some of the outlandish trails, which leave everyone in awe. Explore the region’s rich biodiversity while trekking and hiking and spot some intriguing vegetation species. Witness the wildlife, admire the magnificence of natural beauty, and enjoy the luxuries in the renowned places of West Sikkim. Some of the popular tourist attractions of this region are Pelling, Geyzing, Ravangla, Rinchenpong, Legship, Darap, and Yuksom.
Home to some of the holiest Buddhist sites across the country, West Sikkim is thrived by many pilgrims. Tourists can partake in many adventure activities, such as zip-lining, trekking, hiking, camping, rock climbing, rafting, and boating. Here is the detailed West Sikkim travel guide, which provides information about how to reach, the best time to visit, things to do, famous tourist places, and tips about the region, allowing tourists to plan a trip in the best way.
Take a look at the West Sikkim tourist guide to gather details about the region.
History
The erstwhile capital of the Sikkim beginning in 1642, West Sikkim remains the capital city for almost 50 years until it shifted to Rabdentse. The region was under the ownership of Nepalese for nearly 30 years in the 18th and 19th centuries. It comes under Sikkim after the Anglo-Nepalese war from 1814 to 1816. Spread over 1,166 sq. km., West Sikkim has a sizeable Nepali population owing to their possession for three decades. Also, Nepali is the predominant language, along with the Bhutia, Lepcha, Limbu, etc. Now, Geyzing is the capital of West Sikkim, which is also recognized as Gyalshing.
Why visit West Sikkim?
This is a perfect holiday retreat in the Northeastern part of India where travelers can rejuvenate and enjoy leisure vacations amidst the tranquil environs. Dotted with renowned trekking trails, serene lakes, ancient monasteries, marvelous structures, and dense forests, West Sikkim is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and peace seekers. Some treks offer panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga and Talung Glacier and mesmerizing views of the gorgeous valleys.
The soothing aura of the monasteries calms the senses and lures the tourists to spend more time there in the peaceful surroundings. There are some offbeat destinations in the region, such as Uttarey, located on the Indo-Nepal border. There is another town named Legship, famous for the revered temple of Lord Shiva that finds beside the Rangit River. Rinchenpong is also an unexplored place that offers a majestic view of the Kanchenjunga range. Some of the unexplored gems of West Sikkim make the trip memorable and add charm to the vacation.
How to reach West Sikkim?
West Sikkim is well-accessible by road, rail, and flight from the major cities and towns of the country. Reaching West Sikkim from anywhere in the world is not a problem. Here is the detailed information about how to reach West Sikkim.
By Air:
The nearest airport from Pelling is Bagdogra Airport, the primary airport in the region. The Bagdogra Airport is situated 133 km away from Siliguri and 125 km from Gangtok. It is well-connected with the country’s major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Guwahati, by direct and connecting flights. Several airlines serve this route, and tourists can reach there without hassle. From the airport, travelers can hire a private taxi or board a bus for Pelling.
By Rail:
New Jalpaiguri railway station is the nearest railhead, which connects Pelling to the rest of the country. New Jalpaiguri has situated approximately 134 km from Pelling, which takes almost 5 hours to reach. Therefore, book your train in advance as the availability of tickets at the last moment is fewer. Tourists can board a bus or hire a private taxi from the railway station to Pelling from the railway station.
By Road:
The nearest major town is Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri, which is well-connected with the major towns and cities of the nearby states. In addition, there are regular buses ply from Siliguri, Kurseong, and Gangtok to Pelling.
Let’s look at the complete details about how to travel to Sikkim easily by all modes of transport.
How to get around in West Sikkim?
In West Sikkim, the most convenient option to travel within the city is by private taxi, which is easily available. Shared taxis are also available at some places, and it is recommendable to confirm the timings in advance. Otherwise, trekking is also an excellent option for West Sikkim.
Best time to visit West Sikkim
The best time to visit West Sikkim is in the summer season. However, from April to June, the region’s weather remains soothing and pleasant, which makes the sightseeing tour comfortable. Here is the detailed season-wise information about the area.
Summers (April to June)
In summers, West Sikkim experiences soothing weather and salubrious climatic conditions, making the outdoor activities comfortable. The average temperature ranges from 10⁰ C to 28° C. This is the peak season of trekking in the region, and the most popular trek is the Goecha La trek, from where tourists can witness the enchanting view of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Monsoon (July to September)
West Sikkim receives torrential rain during the monsoon season, the least favored time to visit here. As a result, the road becomes slippery, and landslides in the region increase. In addition, the heavy rain disrupts outdoor activities in tourist places.
Winters (October to March)
The winter season starts in October till March, and the average temperature hovers around 8⁰ C to 18°C. October and November experience pleasant weather. It’s the perfect time to visit Sikkim for exploring West Sikkim as the weather remains calm and soothing; perfect for a sightseeing tour. However, the temperature drops below zero in December, and roads get blocked due to the heavy snowfall. It is not recommendable to visit West Sikkim in extreme winters as the region experiences harmful climatic conditions.
Tourist Places to visit in West Sikkim
West Sikkim is a charming hill town that houses several tourist attractions. However, it is home to ancient monasteries, quaint villages, breathtaking towns, wildlife sanctuaries, serene lakes, and jaw-dropping trekking trails. Blessed with the bountiful nature and spiritual centers, West Sikkim is a paradise for pilgrims, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts.
Some of the popular tourist places of West Sikkim are Rabdentse Ruins, Kanchenjunga National Park, Pelling, Rinchenpong, Geyzing, Yuksom, Pemayangtse Monastery, Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Yangtey, Darap, Goecha La, Tashiding Monastery, Dubdi Monastery, Sangachoeling Monastery, and Dzongri.
Let’s look at the list of the most popular tourist attractions in Sikkim that you must not miss during your trip.
Things to do in West Sikkim
It is famous for its breathtaking beauty, high mountain peaks, and its paradisiacal beauty. It is a haven for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and shutterbugs. There are many activities in which you can be involved during the West Sikkim tour. Take a look at the best things to do in West Sikkim are:
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Rock Climbing
- Bike Riding
- Boating
- Bird Watching
- Camping
- River Rafting
Would you like to experience snowfall? Here, complete information is given about snowfall in Sikkim.
How many days are enough for West Sikkim trip?
3-4 days are enough to explore West Sikkim. This is an ideal duration to explore the famous attractions of West Sikkim. However, the duration can vary as per the activities tourists wish to indulge in.
Average West Sikkim trip cost
The average cost of a West Sikkim trip is from INR 20,000 to INR 25,000 for one week tour. However, the cost of the trip depends on several factors, including the type of accommodation, mode of transport, duration of the journey, and sightseeing places.
Accommodation in West Sikkim
West Sikkim boasts many fantastic options to stay where you can get glimpses of scenic vistas and enchanting landscapes. Here are some of the best resort options to stay in West Sikkim:
- Summit Tashi Gang Resort, Pelling
- The Elgin Mount Pandim, Pelling
- Vamoose Chungdah Homestay, Pemayangtse
- Vamoose Orchid Villa Homestay, Rinchenpong
- Vamoose Mandrin Village Resort, Rinchenpong
- Chaayatal Heritage Home by StayApart, Dentam
- Bon Farmhouse by Vista Rooms, Sosing
- Zhang Zhung Homestay, Ravangla
- Summit Kha-Choe Farm, Ravangla
Where to eat in West Sikkim?
The rich cultural heritage of Sikkim can be seen in the diversity of their cuisines. Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet influence the ingredients and flavor of this region. The staple items of this region are Momos, Thukpa, and a local beer, ‘Chang’, fermented foods are popular given the natural conditions. Rice is almost essential in each meal. Also, authentic and splendid soups, pickles, and a handful of meat and vegetable delicacies added charm to the delectable meals. Some of the best restaurants and eateries in West Sikkim to tantalize your taste buds are:
- Melting Point, Upper Pelling
- Anjali Restaurant, Pelling
- Taatopani Bar and Restaurant, Middle Pelling
- Gupta Restaurant, Pelling
- Lotus Bakery, Pemayangtse Monastery
- Evergreen Restaurant & Bakery, Pelling
- Waachipa Bar & Restaurant, Geyzing
- Ramblers Café, Legship
- Gurung Hotel, Legship
- Roll House, Ravangla
Shopping in West Sikkim
There are plenty of markets and shops in Hampi from where you can enjoy street shopping and buy some souvenirs for your loved ones. Some of the best shopping places in Hampi are:
- Geyzing Market
- Lal Market, Ravangla
- Ravangla New Market
- Virgo Square, Rinchenpong
Valuable Tips for West Sikkim
- West Sikkim is a quaint place and is being thrived by many tourists with limited accommodation facilities. So it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance to avoid the last moment hassles.
- West Sikkim is a treasure trove of beauty and spirituality with its unique charm. Get yourself a certified guide to not miss important information about the region.
- Taxis are the most convenient option to get around the town. However, you can also trek to some of the places.
- Maintain the decorum of the shrines and the tourist places.
- Wear decent clothes and cover yourself adequately while visiting religious places. Cover your shoulders and knees.
Nearby tourist Places to West Sikkim
Many places around West Sikkim are worth visiting. Some of the famous nearby tourist places in West Sikkim that you can visit during your tour:
During your West Sikkim tour, don’t miss out must-visit famous Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim.
Fairs & Festivals in West Sikkim
Dentam Rhododendron Festival, Hee-Bermiok Heritage & Tourism Festival, and Kanchendzonga Tourist Festival are major festivals of Sikkim, celebrated here with great zeal and vigor. These annual festivals aim to promote the diverse aspects of the area to produce a holistic package showcasing its tourism potential. Moreover, they provide the tourists with opportunities to get glimpses of the region’s rich cultural heritage. In addition, other festivals are celebrated all over the Sikkim, such as Maghe Sankranti, Losar, Bumchu, Dasain, and Loosong.
You can contact our tour experts for more details about West Sikkim Tourism. We also provide the best deals on West Sikkim tour packages with customization options.
