West Sikkim Tourism

West Sikkim is one of the four districts of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is located in the western part of the state and is bordered by Nepal to the west and Bhutan to the east. The district covers an area of 1,166 square kilometers and has a population of around 1,46,000 people. The district headquarters is located in the town of Geyzing.

Geography

West Sikkim is characterized by its rugged terrain and is home to some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas. The district is divided into three main regions, namely Lower West Sikkim, Middle West Sikkim, and Upper West Sikkim. The region is crisscrossed by numerous rivers and streams, including the Rangeet River, which is the major river of Sikkim.

Culture

West Sikkim is known for its diverse and rich culture, which is a blend of different ethnic groups, including Nepalese, Bhutias, and Lepchas. The people of West Sikkim are predominantly Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. The region is also known for its colorful festivals, including Losar, Dasain, and Tihar, which are celebrated with great pomp and show.

Tourist Attractions

West Sikkim is home to several tourist attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. Some of the popular tourist spots in the district include:

1. Pelling: Pelling is a picturesque hill station located at an altitude of 2,150 meters above sea level. It offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range and is home to several ancient monasteries and temples.
2. Yuksom: Yuksom is a historical town located at an altitude of 1,780 meters above sea level. It was the first capital of Sikkim and is home to several historical monuments, including the Dubdi Monastery and the Norbugang Chorten.
3. Khecheopalri Lake: Khecheopalri Lake is a sacred lake located at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level. It is believed to be a wish-fulfilling lake and is surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped mountains.
4. Rinchenpong: Rinchenpong is a small village located at an altitude of 5,800 feet above sea level. It offers stunning views of the Himalayas and is known for its scenic beauty and tranquility.
5. Khangchendzonga National Park: Khangchendzonga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to several endangered species, including the snow leopard and the Himalayan black bear. The park offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range and is a must-visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

State :

Sikkim

How to Reach West Sikkim

• 

  By Air

  The nearest airport to West Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport, which is located in the state of West Bengal. Bagdogra Airport is well-connected to major cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Once you reach Bagdogra, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach West Sikkim, which is approximately 150 kilometers away from the airport.

• 

  By Road

  West Sikkim is well-connected to major cities across the country by road. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from major cities such as Kolkata, Siliguri, and Gangtok to reach West Sikkim. The distance between Kolkata and West Sikkim is approximately 650 kilometers, and it takes around 18 hours to reach West Sikkim by road. Similarly, the distance between Siliguri and West Sikkim is approximately 100 kilometers, and it takes around 4-5 hours to reach West Sikkim by road.

• 

  By Train

  The nearest railway station to West Sikkim is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is located in the state of West Bengal. New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is well-connected to major cities across India, including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. Once you reach New Jalpaiguri, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach West Sikkim, which is approximately 150 kilometers away from the railway station.