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Sanga Choling Monastery
A 4-km trail rises from
the playing fields just above Pelling to reach the small monastery of
Sanga Choling, one of the oldest gompas in Sikkim. This gompa is another
of Lhatsun Chenpo's creations, and is highly venerated among the Nyingmapa. Gutta by fire, it has been rebuilt and houses some of the
original clay statues.
Dubdi Monastery: One
of the oldest monastery in Sikkim is located on a hilltop above Yuksom. It
was established soon after the consecration of the first Chogyal of Sikkim, Phuntsog
Namgyal, in 1641 A.D.
Norbu Gang Chorten
and the Stone Throne are also at Yuksom. The site has since been
declared as an archeological heritage. The stone throne built for the
coronation in 1641 A. D. Still site silently under a gigantic
cypress.
Yuksom was the first capital of the erstwhile kingdom of
Sikkim. It derives it's name after the three Great Lamas who met here to
consecrate the first Chogyal (Yok-Meeting of the great Lama, Sum
-Three).
Ruins of Rabdentse :
The second capital of the kingdom of Sikkim, is another archeological
heritage. Rabdentse lies atop a small hillock where ancient masonry and
crumbling stonewalls narrate a silent story.
Tashiding Monastery:
One of the most sacred of all monasteries in Sikkim, was built in the 18th
Century by Nadak Sempa Chenpo, one of the three great Lamas. It is
believed that just a mere glimpse of this monastery would cleanse all
sins.
Sangachoeling
Monastery is situated on a ridge above Pelling. Also one of the oldest
monasteries in Sikkim.
Pemayangtse
Monastery was originally established by the great saint Lhatsun
Chenpo, and belongs to the Nyingmapa Order. A must-see is the Zandok
Palri, a masterpiece of wooden sculpture depicting the different realms in
Buddism.
Khecheopalri Lake is
another tranquil spot, and the most sacred lake in Sikkim. It is believed
that the Lake possesses powers of Wish-Fulfillment.
TREKKING
For those with permit
endorsements to visit Khechepalri
Lake, Yoksum and Tashiding, a scenic low-altitude trek along trails
and roads starts from Pelling. Public transport run from both Yoksum and
Tashiding back to Legship from where one can continue to Ghezing, and
eventually back to Pelling. more...
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