Pelling & Yuksom

 Pelling & Yuksom offers the historical ruins that make a picture of the olden days, natural beauty soothing the soul, gushing waterfalls that make perfect music for a lullaby, Khangchendzonga National Park as UNESCO World Heritage site as India’s first ‘Mixed World Heritage Site’  and the colourful flags fluttering reminds us of vibrant life. Actually the colorful little flags hanging everywhere are in 05 colours. Each colors represent something different like the White (Om) cleanses pride and ego - Green (ma) cleanses jealousy and lust for entertainment - Yellow (ne) cleanses passion and desire - Blue (pad) cleanses ignorance and prejudice - Red (me) cleanses greed and possessiveness - Black (hum) cleanses aggression and hatred - The six syllables, Auṃ Maṇi Padme Hūṃ, in Tibetan Buddhism. It is the most ubiquitous mantra and the most popular form of religious practice, performed by laypersons and monastic alike and this text the mantra is seen as a condensed form of all the Buddhist teachings
Pelling exists to provide countless visitors with stride-stopping dawn views of white-robed Khangchendzonga. At first glance gorgeous woodland ridge the greenery. One can walk a little, however, and quickly find wandering through beautiful natural forest. Within 03 kilometers of this beautiful destination along the same series of ridge tops are the ruins of an 18th-century palace plus two historic monasteries busy Pemayangtse Gompa and the peaceful Sanghak Choeling. Presently it is being overlooked by a gigantic Chenrezig Statue which is visible for kilometers.
Nearly 09 kilometers east of Pelling is the commercial and transport centre of Gyalshing which is popularly known as Geyzing. In between, little Tikjuk hosts West Sikkim's administrative complex where from permit extensions are done.
Pelling is a beautifully located hill station at an altitude of 6800 feet it is around 10 kilometers from Gyalshing the district headquarter. Pelling is the second biggest tourist destination in the state after Gangtok. It offers the view of the Kanchendzonga and surrounding Himalayan ranges, as well as the easy access it provides to tourist spots in the area. Pelling is also known for the suitable take off point for high altitude and a low altitude treks. Gangtok, Darjeeling, Siliguri, Jorethang, Kalimpong is well connected by roads to Pelling. Nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is nearly 145 kilometers and all the places are 3 to six hours drive. Moderate climatic condition i.e. warm and pleasant in summer and cold in winter makes it an all weather destination. Pelling has tourist facilities including the hotels of all categories ranging from the low budget tourist guest houses to middle and high standard hotels and resorts.  

Restaurants, fast-food corners for all kinds of cuisines including local Sikkim’s food, variety shops, internet and other communication centers are there for tourist. Places Of Interest are Pemayangtse Monastery, Sangachoeling Monastery, Rabdentse Palace Ruins, Sewaro Rock Garden, Kanchendzonga Waterfalls, Khecheopalri Lake, Tashiding Monastery, Darap Village, Changay Falls, Singshore Bridge Uttarey Village. Other places of interest nearby are Varsey Rhododendron sanctuary, Reshi Hot Spring, Hee, Bermiok, Yuksom, Rinchenpong, Uttarey, Ravangla, Temi Tea Estate, etc. 
Yuksom is old capital town in Geyzing subdivision of West Sikkim district in the Northeast Indian state of Sikkim. Phuntsog Namgyal who was the first Chogyal (temporal and religious king) of Sikkim made it the first capital of Sikkim establishing it in 1642 AD. The coronation site of the first monarch was known as the "Throne of Norbugang". The place where Namgyal was crowned is surrounded by several monasteries and a lake. 
Interestingly the first monastery at Yuksom is known as the Dubdi Monastery in 1701 was established by the Chogyal, which is part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit including the Pemayangtse Monastery, Norbugang Chorten, Rabdentse ruins, Sanga Choeling Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, and the Tashiding Monastery.
The Bhutia tribal community of Sikkim this destination has a special religious and cultural significance. The best part is its location as being at the head of the Khangchendzonga National Park and as the base camp for trekking to Mount Khangchendzonga / Kanchendzonga. It has large numbers of trekkers & mountaineers from all parts of the world for Goechala  &  Dzongri Trek. 
The village people, as stake holders in biodiversity preservation of the Rathong Chu valley, where the village is situated, have played a significant role in trendsetting and promotion of eco-tourism in the area. The locals of this village have most successfully adopted promotion of tourism not only in the region but the surrounding area also. Yuksom is the base camp for Dzongri Trek. It is one the the most popular high altitude trekking destination. Dzongri trek is a shorter version of the Goechala Trek. This particular trek starts from Yuksom and ends up at Yuksam within 05 days days. Yuksom - Tshoka - Dzongri  and back is the route preferred by trekkers.

Goechala Trek and Dzongri trek takes trekkers close to the Mighty Mount Kanchendzonga 8585 meters, Mount Pandim 6691 meters, Mount Kabur north 7338 meters, Mount Kabur south 7317 meters, Mount Kumbhakarna (Janoo) 7710 meters, Mount Simvo 6811 meters,  Mount Kabru Forked 6108 meters,  Mount Frey Peak 5830 meters,  Mount Rathong 6679 meters, Mount Kokthang 6147 meters, and  Mount Goecha Peak 5127 meters. 

Some of the nearby places of tourist interest close to Pelling are Kongri-Labdang, Soreng, Chakung, Jureli Danra Viewpoint, Rinchenpong – Kuluk, Hee, Bermiok, Sirijonga Fooku, Sribadam, Wadhan (Cave), Dentam, Uttarey, Varshey / Barsey are nearby attraction. Places of interest staying at Pelling are Sangachoeling Monastery, Darap Village a model Homestays, Sewaro Rock Garden, Singshore Bridge – The Highest Bridge In Sikkim, Rimbi Waterfall, Kanchenjunga Fall, Khecheopalri Lake the Tranquil lake, Kanchenjunga National Park, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, Tashiding Monastery, Changey Waterfall.

Communities of Sikkim of different hues intermingle freely here in West Sikkim to constitute a homogeneous blend. Predominant communities are the Lepchas, Bhutias & Nepalese. In urban areas, many plainsmen have also settled and they are almost engaged in business and Government service. Because of the development activities in the state, like the construction of roads, bridges and buildings a small part of the population consists of migrant laborers from the plains and Nepal.
The traditional dress of the male member is known as the “Bakhu” which is a loose cloak type garment with full sleeves. The ladies dress consists of a silken “Honju” which is a full sleeve blouse and a loose gown type garment. The ladies are very fond of heavy jewelry made of pure gold. Terraced system of cultivation. Cardamom was an important cash crop introduced by the Nepalis’. Except for the Sherpas & Tamangs who are Buddhists, the Nepalis’ are orthodox Hindus with the usual cast system.
The Nepali language is spoken by majority. This language is similar to Hindi and uses the Devangri script. The traditional male nepali dress consists of long double breast garment flowing below the waist and a trouser known as “Daura Suruwal”. Ladies dress consist of a double breasted garment with strings to tie on both the sides at four places, which is shorter than the Daura and is known as “Chow Bandi Choli”. They also wear a shawl known as “Majetro”. The “Khukri” which has become a synonym to the Nepali (Gurkha) culture, is a very sharp edged, angled, heavy weapon carried in a wooden or leather scabbard known as “Daab”

Places of Interest

• •    Pemayangtse Monastery
  •    Sangachoeling Monastery
  •    Rabdentse Palace Ruins
  •    Sewaro Rock Garden
  •    Kanchendzonga Waterfalls
  •    Khecheopalri Lake
  •    Tashiding Monastery
  •    Darap Village
  •    Changay Falls
  •    Singshore Bridge 
  •    Sirijonga Fooku
  •    Sribadam
  •    Wadhan (Cave)
  •    Uttarey 
  •    Varsey Rhododendron sanctuary
  •    Reshi Hot Spring
  •    Hee & Bermiok
  •    Rinchenpong
  •    Ravangla
  •    Temi Tea Estate

The high and soaring mountains are not only pleasing to look at, they also provide dream setting for adventure lovers. There are some wonderful trek routes that pass through the wilderness to make your trip entertaining and memorable. Difficult terrain and the beauty of these places will definitely going to be one of the most enjoyable and tremendously charming trips of your life.

Communication

Airways – Pakyong Airport (PYG) is 135 kilometers and is 04½ - 05 hours through scenic route via NH10.  Pakyong Airport (PYG) & Bagdogra Airport (IXB) are nearly equidistant from Pelling. Yet Pakyong is few kilometers closer than Bagdogra. It is the nearest Airport but due cloud and mist at high altitude flights sometime gets diverted frequently. Other nearest Major Airport is Bagdogra (IXB). Bagdogra airport is well connected to major Indian cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata. Two International flights also operate to this airport from destinations like Bangkok and Paro. By car it will take approximately 145 kilometers and is nearly 04½ - 05 hour’s drive National Highway 10. It is only 135 kilometers from Gangtok. Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the second most nearest airport to Sikkim and is nearly 145 kilometers from Pelling. Railways – New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) is the nearest major railway station is approximately 146 kilometers and is nearly 05 - 05½ hour’s drive via National Highway 10. It is well connected to rest of India with daily trains. Other two railway stations are Siliguri Junction (SGUJ) & Siliguri Town Railway Station (SGUT) on the way to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.  Roadways - Pelling can be reached from Siliguri by various hired vehicle in roughly 04 - 05 hours time. Nearest town is Jorethang & Gyaltsen and is 32 kilometers from Yuksom. One can reach Yuksom via Pelling i.e. through Sikkim.  The route is south of Sikkim. Network of road is good and private vehicle or tourist vehicle are available but prior booking is advisable. Administration allows only 04 Guests  in small taxis / cars take 07 persons in larger vehicles like Scorpio, Innova or Xylo. Tata Sumo take 08 persons.

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