Places of Tourist interest in Sikkim

The Rumtek monestry is the largest in Sikkim and is an example of fine Tibetan architecture.It is situated at an distance of 23 km from Gangtok. The present monastery was constructed by His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960.Gyalwa Karmapa was the sixtenth Karmapa and came to settle in Sikkim in the late fifties when the Chinese invaded Tibet. The Kargyugpa Sect of Buddhism has its origins in Tibet in the twelfth century.

It is said that after the first Kaarmapa spent many years meditating in a cave, ten thousand fairies came to congratulates him and each offered a strand of hair. These strand of hair were woven in to a black hat. this black hat came to be passed down and is still at the Rumtek Monestry. It is said that unless held with the hand , or kept in a box, it will fly away. it was worn by the karmapas on the ceremonial occasions. A flight of stairs from just outside the main Monestry complex takes you to the Nalanda institute of Higher Buddhist studies. About half a kilometer uphill from the aviary is a hermitage in which monks go in to complete seclusion for meditation for periods up to 3 years. A fifteen minutes walk downhill from the main Monestry takes one to the old Rumtek Monastery, which was first built in 1730 by the ninth Karmapa but was destroyed due to aa fire and had to be reconstructed to its present state. The main puja or dances of Rumtek also called the Tse-Chu Chaams are held on the 10th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan calender around June. There is a regular bus service to Rumtek and taxis are also abundantly available. Cheap accomodation is offered in the few hotels around the monestry.

Khecheopalri lake, which is also known as the 'wish fullfilling lake' is situated at an altitude of about 6,000 ft is located on a bifurcation on the road between Gyalshing and Yuksam. The water in this lake is placid and crystal clear. Not even a leaf can be seen floating on the water surface although there is a beautiful dense forest above the lake. It is said that if a leaf drops on the surface of the water it is picked by a bird.

A trekkers' hut has been built near the lake for the convineance of the tourists.

pemayanste monastery located at an altitude of about 7,000ft, is situated about 6 kms from Gyalshing town. it is the most important monastery of the Nyingmapa order and was first built as a small temple in the late seventeeth century by Latsun Chembo. Later during the reign of the third Chogyal Chakdor namgyal, Jigme pawo who was the third reincarnate of Latsun chembo extended and rebuilt the

structure in the form of a big monastery. the main hall of the monastery has an area of about 1,500 square feet. Themonestry houses numerous religious idols and other objects of worship, most of which are priceless because of their antiquity. On the top floor of the monastery ther is a wooden sculpture portraying the Mahaguru's heavenly palace Sangthokpalri.The main festival of the monestery is on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month of the tibetan calender, normally corresponding to the month of February. daily bus and zeep services are available from Gangtok to geyalshing. Just adjacent to the Pemayangste Monestary is Mount pandim Hotel suited for the upper class tourist. For tourists on a low budget, cheap but comfortable accomodation is available at the Gyalshing bazar.

Changu one of the most beautiful lake of Sikkim situated at an altitude of 12,400 ft is situsted 35 kms away from Sikkim on the Gangtok-Nathula highway which forms a part of the old trade route from India to China. Changu lake, which is hardly 20 kms away from the famous nathula pass and about 400 kms from Lhasa, falls i the restricted area and hence an Inner Line permit, which can be obtained from the police

through the Tourism Department or travel agent, is required by visitors to visit the place. Foreign nationals are also permitted to visit this lake. The cool,placid water harmonises with the scenic beauty around which is doubled by its reflection in the lake. A small temple of Lord Siva is constructed in the lakeside. Primula flowers and other alpine vegetation grow around the lake, which has an average depth of 50 ft, lend a pristine beauty to this place. a footpath along the lake takes one to a resting shed a walk of about half a kilometer.during the winter months the lake becomes frozen.

The lake itself derives its water from the melting snow on the mountains around. During the olden times,lamas used to study the colour of the water of the lake and forecast the future. If the water of the lake had a dark tinge, it foreshadowed a year of trouble and unrest in the state. Rides on yaks and mules are also offered at the lake site.Tea and snacks are available at the dozen of temporary stalls during the tourist season only.

Some of the stalls even keep film rolls and offer jackets, snowboots and gumboots on hire. because of the high altitude, heavy woolens are required to be worn here throughout the year.There is no facility of accomodation for the tourist. It is advisable to visit the lake before noon as usually during the afternoons the weather becomes inclement. Those with breathing problems should avoid exerting themselves too much because of the scarcity of air at this altitude.

Photographs of the natural scenes of Switzerland and Yumthang valley look so similiar that it is difficult to distinguish between them. Yumthang which is at an altitude of 12,00ft is situated about 135 km from gangtok in North Sikkim.But going there is like travelling 135 years back in time--it is so remote and almost untouched by the vagaries of civilisation. It is well known for its hot spring to reach which one has to walk a few

hundred yards from the road and across a pedestrain bridge on the river Lachung. For the convineance of the bathers a hut with two pools in which the hot spring water collects has been constructed. Hot water rich in sulpher, emanates from a spring just behind the hut and is diverted to the pools. It is difficult to imagine that water is so hot in its natural form could be found in a place so cold.

Although Yumthang itself is located on a flat valley and is near the tree-line, the surrounding mountains seem to touch the heavens. the route to Yumthang from Lachung-adjoining the Singba Forest reserve-has a very picturesque landscapes and is lined with rhododendrons which blooms at their best at May.What is particularly interesting about the rhododendrons of the Yumthang valley is that they bloom in different

colours unlike those in other parts of Sikkim which are usually red. Tourist require an inner line permit which can be obtained with the help of the travel agent to visit this place.

Yuksam-Dzongri Trekking Corridor-Yuksam And Dzongri are two places in West Sikkim between which there is a proper well beaten trekking track in the form of a bridle path. The best time to venture on a trek on this route is April to June and September to November. Tourism Department organizes treks during autumn and spring. Till Yuksam there is a motorable road. Till Yuksam there is a motorable road.

To reach Yuksam, one must first come to Gyalshing from Gangtok or Jorethang from where regular bus services are available. From Gyalshing Yuksam, one can either travel by bus or taxi. If traveling by own vechile, one may opt to reach Yuksam via Tashiding taking the bifurcation road from Legship. Besides having many trekkers' huts, Yuksam also has a private hotel, which provides both boarding and lodging. Guides, porters and pack yaks are readily available at Yuksam. Tents, sleeping bags and other trekking equipment are also available for rent at Yuksam. Yuksam was the first capital of Sikkim and it was here that the first Chogyal was consecrated by the three holy Lamas.

Narbugang metting place of three Lamas-The spot where this ceremony took place in 1642 (Norbugang) can still be seen here. Overlooking Yuksam and about half an hour walk uphill is the Dubdi monastery, one of the oldest in Sikkim. The walk to Dzongri begins with the track skirting meadows and meandering past huts. After an hour of a flat track which is crossed by small foot or two wide streams whose waters seem

to be in a hurry to meet the river below, the climb begins. A walk of another four hours on a path lined with sky embracing trees and carpeted with leaves falling from the surrounding vegetation takes you to Bakhim, which has a trekkers' hut. Tshoka itself is a small village consisting of about a dozen houses and a monastery. To cater to the tourists, most of these houses offer accommodation and food at a nominal cost.

Enchey Monastery

This monastery is located just adjacent to the Tourist lodge (Siniolchu Lodge) and the TV tower about a kilometer up hill from the white Hall. The monastry is located in a dense wood and one can see the Kanchendzonga range over the crown of trees. Lama Druptod Karpo is supposed to have built a small hermitage at this spot after he flew here from Mawnam Hill more than two hundred years ago. During the reign of Sidkeong Tulku, a monastery was built here in l90l in the from of a Chinese pagoda. The monastry follows the Nyingma order and the main puja and dance are held here on the l8th and l9th of the twelfth month of the Tibetan calendar, which normally corresponds to the month of January.

Ganesh Tok & Pinetum

Ganesh Tok is located on the hill adjoining the TV tower. A small temple of God Ganesh nests on the hilltop at an altitude of 6,500ft. The temple is so small in size that it can hardly accommodate one person and one has to crawl to get inside it. A panoramic view of Gangtok town and the Raj Bhawan complex can be obtained from here. All the snowy peaks on the western border including the nightly kanchendzonga are visible from here and present a breathtaking scene. During the tourist season, a small cafeteria is opened for the convenience of the visitors. Just adjoining the Ganesh Tok is Pinetum garden containing pine trees. A walk on the footpath among the pine trees is refreshing.

Himalayan Zoological Park

The park is located exactly across the road opposite Ganesh Tok and covers an area of 205 hectares. This area is also known as Bulbuly and extends almost up to Hanuman Tok. Although a 3 kms long jepable road runs right through the park, vehicles are not allowed in. There is paved cement path that passes by fenced open-air enclosures housing the red pandas, barking deer, bears in a semi natural habitat. As enclosures encompass a huge area the animal are sometimes not easily visible and one has to be patient to get a sight of then. Making noise drivers away the animals to take refuge behind bushes.

Hanuman Tok

Situated about five kilometers uphill from white hall on a bifurcation road of the Gangtok Nathula Highway, is a temple of god Hanuman at an altitude of 7,200ft. On selected points on the road to the temple, breathtaking view of Gangtok and the adjoining rolling hills can be seen. From the temple itself, the snowy peaks of Khangchendzonga present a panoramic picture. One also gets a birds eye view of the sleepy waterworks, which supplies drinking water to the Gangtok town, a few hundred feet in altitude below Hanuman Tok. The temple at Hanuman Tok is spick and span being maintained by a unit of the Indian Army. As you offer your prayers, the statue of Lord Hanuman gazes down at you. A short distance before the staircase leading to The Hanuman temple is the cremation ground of the erstwhile royal family of Sikkim. The cremation ground has stupas and chortens each marking the place where the mortal remains of the departed souls was consigned top the flames.

Tashi Viewpoint

Situated about six kilometers away from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway, this place offers an astounding view of the Khangchendzonga snowy range. On the opposite hill the Phodong and the Labrang monasteries can be seen. A resting shed and small cafeteria situated at Tashi View point is a good place to enjoy a picnic.

Source:Sikkim Guide and Handbook by Rajesh Verma

Back

GANGTOK

Gangtok, the capital of the state lies at the heart of the east district and is the nucleus of all the activity in the State with a population of about 50,000 and is situated at a height of about 5,500 feet, Gangtok is a fast-developing city where quaint little curio shops exist in harmony with shopping arcades and Cyber cafes

PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST

Enchey Monastery

An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his power of flying. This 200-year-old Monastery has in its premises images of gods, goddesses and other religious objects. Every year around January 'Chaam' or religious masked dance is performed with great fanfare for two days. It is situated adjoining the Sinolchu Tourist Lodge, 3 kms from Gangtok town.

Flower Festival

Flower exhibitions are organized round the year at the Flower Show Venue near the White Hall Complex, Gangtok. Orchid shows held during the spring tourist season is one of the most popular shows organized in the State.

Nam-Nam View Point

Situated in the vicinity of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, one can have very good walk from Nam Nam View Point to Sikkim Press. The visitors can also experience the breath taking view of a dense Forest of Tsomgo Area and lush green valley. A serene area to relish.

Do-drul Chorten (Stupa)

The venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, built the Do-drul Chorten or Stupa in 1945, inside this Stupa; there are complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of kan -gyur relics (Holy Books), complete 'Zung' (mantras) and other religious objects. Around this Chorten, which is one of the most important stupas in Sikkim, are 108 Mani-Lhakor (Prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting "Mane Padme Hum" meaning "Hail to the jewel in the Lotus", to invoke the Bodhisattva. The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang and Guru Lakhang surround the Chorten, where there are two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava).

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre

About 45 minutes drive from Gangtok, 24 kms away, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, the seat of the Kagyu order, one of the 4 major Tibetan Buddhist sects since the late 1960s, after the arrival of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, the Centre houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures and religious are objects. Traditional in design, it is almost a replica of the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet.

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden

24 kms away from Gangtok is the JN Botanical Garden Rumtek. Situated at an altitude ranging between 1800 mts. to 2200 mts and established in the year 1987, it comprises of virgin temperate forest of Oaks and as many as 50 different kinds of trees species. The Garden is situated at a place, which is not only a scenic beauty for the tourists but also adjoins Rumtek Monastery and Fambongla Wildlife Sanctuary. It is open for the visitors from 10 am to 4 pm.

Water Garden

Water Garden at Martam Khola is on 31 ?A National Highway. Some 16 kms South of Gangtok, it is an ideal spot for picnic with a small swimming pool for children.

Tsomgo Lake

It is literally known as the "Source Of The Lake" in Bhutia language. Just about 40 kms away from Gangtok, the capital of the State, this serene lake is situated at an altitude of 3780 meters. The lake is about 1 km long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered scared by the local people. This placid lake remains frozen during the winter month's upto mid?May. Between May and August it is possible to see a variety of flowers in blooms, including the rhododendrons, various species of primulas, blue and yellow poppies, irises etc. It is also an ideal habitat for the Red Panda and various species of birds.

Nathula

56 Kms away from Gangtok is a Nathula Pass at an alt. of 14200 ft. 5bordering between India and China in the Tibetan Plateau. It is one of the highest motorable roads and richly covered by man varieties of Alpine Flora & Fauna. A tranquil place to visit.

Tashi View Point

Situated along the North Sikkim Highway, it is only 8 kms from Gangtok. From this point you get a breathtaking view of Mount Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most graceful peak in the world.

Himalayan Zoological Park

8Kms away from Gangtok is the Himalayan Zoological Park, which covers an area of 205 hectares. This area is also known as Bulbuley. There is a paved cement path that passes by fenced open air enclosure housing the Red Pandas, barking Deer, sported the deer, bears in a semi natural habitat.

Ganesh Tok

It is situated on a ridge and is only 7 kms from Gangtok. From this spot one gets bird's eye view of sprawling Gangtok town down below while across the hills Mt.Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon. A cafeteria serves you hot tea/coffee and snacks.

Hanuman Tok

It is 11 kms away from Gangtok town, above Ganesh Tok with a Hindu Temple where the devotees come and offer prayers. Because of its locational advantage the view of the mountains along the horizon is just magnificent, especially on a clear sunny morning.

Sa-Ngor-chotshog Centre

It is a Tibetan refugee monastic institution established in 1961 by His Eminence Luding Khen Rimpoche, Head of Ngorpa, sub-sect of the Sakya Order, with the blessings of H.H.SakyaTrizin and H.H.the Dalai Lama. This is the only monastery of the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim. It is located on a beautiful hill?top just 5 kms away from Gangtok town.

Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary

Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary is located at distance of 25 kms Prom Gangtok and has an area of 51.76 sq.km. The main vegetation is Oak, Katus, Kimbu, and Champa with thick bamboo forests and ferns. The Sanctuary is also home to a large number of wild orchids. Rhododendrons etc. The richly forested area is known to be home for various species of wild animals and birds. This area, located close to Gangtok, is being developed as a short duration trekking trail. The best season is October and April. A Log House with two rooms is available at Golitar and Tumin. Charges are Rs. 50/- per person per night and entry fee to the sanctuary is Rs. 5/- per head. Apart from this Sanctuary there are others like Kyongnosla alpine Sanctuary, Shingbha rhododendrons Sanctuary, Menam Wildlife Sanctuary, and Khangchendzonga National Park. For permission please contact Chief Wild Life Warden (Wild Life), Forest, Secretariat, Deorali, Gangtok.

Pelling

Pelling is fast growing to be an urban settlement due to tourist influx. Situated at an altitude of 6,800 it, it otters a good view of the entire mountain ranges and due to this locational advantages, many hotels and lodges have mushroomed in and around Pelling offering various categories of accommodation facilities. There is a bus service, which links Pelling to the West District Headquarter town of Gyalshing situated at a distance of 10 kms from Pelling.

Places of tourist interest: -

Pemayangtse Monastery

Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the State, originally established by Lhatsun Chempo, one of the reverend Lamas to have performed the consecration ceremony of the first, Chogyal (Religious) Monarch) of Sikkim. This ancient Monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has been considered as one of the premier monasteries in the State, having been entrusted with 4he task to perform all religious functions of the erstwhile Monarch. Originally, it was established as a high-class monastery for "Pure Monks" (Ta-Sang). Inside the Monastery there is a wooden structure depicting the Maha Guru's heavenly palace (Sang?tok?palri), which is considered a masterpiece created by Late Dungzin Rimpoche. The Monastery, located on a hilltop at an altitude of 6840 ft. commands a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding hills and countryside. A well-furnished Tourist Lodge is located just across the Monastery on a smaller hilltop. For booking, please contact Deputy Director, Hotel Mt. Pandim, P.O. Pelling, Pemayangtse, and West Sikkim. Tele No. 03593/50756

Khecheopalri Lake

Khecheopalri Lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of this State both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. There is a motorable road from Pemayangtse right up to the lake area. For those interested in spending a night or two in the peaceful environment a trekkers' hut has been provided by the, Tourism Department. The hut is presently managed by a local person and provides comfortable stay providing a taste of local cuisine which may Include "Chang' brew made of fermented millet. There is also a pilgrim's hut, managed by the Tourism Department, which is meant to provide accommodations to the people who come on pilgrimage tours.

Yuksam

This was the first Capital of Sikkim. Where according to the historical records, the first Chogyal of the kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 A. D. by three learned lamas. The evidence of the consecration ceremony is still intact at Norbugang Chorten in the form of stone seats and a foot-print of the Head Lama on a stone. Since the history of the State began from this place, these areas are now considered sacred by the people of Sikkim. All weather roads serve Yuksam from Pemayangtse. Which is at a distance of 32 kms. From Yuksam, the trek to Dzongri and to the base camp of the famous Mt. Khangchendzonga begins. Several categories of accommodations are available in Yuksam for those desiring to spend a few days there.

Versey

It lies at an elevation of 10.000 ft and has motorable road access upto Hilley. An easy 4 kms Trek from there takes one up to the Versey Rhododendron Sanctuary. One can also trek from Soreng or Dentam in West Sikkim. The place provides a magnificent view of the mountains. Visitors can halt, at "Guras Kunj" trekkers hut.

Dubdi Monastery

This was the first Monastery established soon after the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal. The Monastery is located on a Hilltop above Yuksam surrounded by verdant forest. It can be approached by trekking only, negotiating steep slope for something like 32 to 35 minutes. It is an ideal place for lamas seeking meditational recluse.

Tashiding Monastery

This Monastery is constructed on top of a heart-shaped hill with the backdrop of the sacred Mt. Khangchendzonga. According to Buddhist scriptures, Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) blessed the sacred land of Sikkim in 8th Century A. D. form the spot. One Nadak Sempa Chempo, one of the three lamas who had performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal, however built the Monastery, in 18th Century A.D. Tashiding is also famous for the most holy chorten Known as "Thong?Wa?Rang?To" which literally means "Saviors by mere sight". It is believed that the mere act beholding it is supposed to wash away all the sins of the devotee. Another important feature of Tashiding is the sacred water?festival popularly known as "Bhumchu". It is a religious tradition unique to Tashiding Monastery only. Every year, on the 15th day of the first Tibetan month, the Bhumchu Ceremony is celebrated with devotees coming from far and near to get the blessing of the holy water. The Government and the lamas of the Monastery officially seal the sacred holy water for safety and it is taken out once a year on the auspicious occasion, only to be put back with some fresh additions. The sacred water, which is taken out partly, is mixed with normal water to be distributed among thousands of devotees.

Sangacholing Monastery

This Monastery is situated on a ridge above Pelling and the famous Pemayangtse Monastery. Built in 1697 A.D. it is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries in the State. In order to reach this Monastery one has to be prepared to spend at least 40 minutes walking up the steep hilly slope, which leads through rich forest covers.

Singshore Bridge/Uttarey

The highest bridge in Sikkim about 25 Kms from Pemayangtse. About 20 minutes drive is Uttarey a base camp of Adventure tourism for Singalila range trail. A place worth visiting.

KhangchenDzonga Water-Fall

About an hour drive from Pelling is KhangchenDzonga Water fall. Do not miss to see it.

Rabdentse Ruins

This was the second capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom and till the year 1814 A.D., the King of Sikkim had ruled the State from this place. Toddy, the ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from the Tourist Lodge and the Pemayangtse Monastery. Following a footpath, which branches off, from the main road just below the Pemayangtse Monastery, can approach it. The scenic view from the top of the ruins scanning across deep valley to the mystic heights of Kanchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished and etched in memory,

Versey

It lies at an elevation of 10,000 feet and has motor able road access up to Hilley. An easy 4 krns Trek from there takes one up to the Versey Rhododendron Sanctuary. One can also trek from Soreng or Dentam in West Sikkim. The place provides a magnificent view of the mountains. Visitors can halt at "Guras Kunj" trekkers hut.

Yumthang

Yumthang, at an elevation of 11,800 ft and 140 kms from Gangtok, is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora and fauna and breathtaking scenic grandeur. The valley is also the home for Shingbha Rhododendron Sanctuary with 24 species of Rhododendrons. Yumthang "Tsa?Chu" or the not spring on the left bank of Lachung Chu is immensely popular for its curative properties and healing power.

Places of tourist interest: -

Kabi Lungchuk

This historical place is 17 kms from Gangtok on the Norlh Sikkim Highway. This is where the historic treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepcna Chief Te-Kung-Tek and the Bhutia Chief Khey-Bum?Sar was signed ritually. A memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forest marks the spot where the ceremony took place.

Singhik

The place otters one of the most spectacular views of Mt Khanchendzonga and its ranges. A well-located Tourist Lodge provides accommodation for visitors. The area also has a number of interesting short nature Trails for 1 to 3 days along the higher ridges of the surrounding hills.

Lachung

A Bhutia village with a unique local self-governing body called the Zumsa which substitutes the Panchayat. Lachung has emerged as a tourist destination with the soaring popularity of Yumthang valley, which is just 25 km away from Lachung. The village, spread out on either side of Lachung Chu, has managed to retain its unique culture and tradition. The Lachung Monastery on the slope opposite to the highway is a focal point of all religious functions of the local inhabitants. To get a glimpse of the religious functions performed on auspicious occasions a visit to the Monastery should form part of the tour itinerary.

Chungthang

Chungtnang on the confluence of Lachen and Lachunq Chu and the starting point of River Teesta. has emerged as a major sub-division settlement in North Sikkim. It is the nodal junction for the two passes, Lachen and Lachung. The valley is believed to have been blessed by Guru Rimpoche and one can visit the Holy Guru Lhedo to see the foot and palm prints left behind by the Patron Saint. The place, rich in biodiversity with a large variety of orchids, plants & wildlife, is 95 kms from Gangtok. 23 kms from Lachung. 29 kms from Lachen, and is predominantly a Lepcha region.

Phodong Monastery

One of the six major monasteries in Sikkim. Phodong monastery is located in the North approximately 38 Kms from Gangtok. 4 kms beyond Phodong is the recently renovated Labrang Monastery. Unique in its architectural design.

Phensong Monastery

The place is situated on the gentle slope stretching from Kabi to Phodong with perhaps one of the best landscapes in the region. The Phensong Monastery, under the Nyingmapa Buddhist Order, was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme Pawo. It was gutted by fire in 1947 and rebuilt in 1948 through the efforts of the lamas. The annual festival of Chamm is performed on the 29tn and 28th days of the tenth month of lunar calendar (Tibetan Calendar).

Tendong Hill

Above Damthang, overlooking South District Headquarter town Namchi, there is small flat stretch of land at an altitude of 8530 ft. surrounded by lush green ancient forest, which is popularly known as the Tendong Hill. Historically, this has been a place of recluse for Buddhist Lamas who spend years in meditation amidst the silent scenicgrandeur. Legend says that the Tendong Hill saved the Lepcha Tribe from the ravages of deluge when the whole world was flooded ?legend similar to Noari's ArK of the Bible. Even tociayr, the Lepchas perform pujas to pay reverence to the Tendong Hill. The view from the top of the 71 enciong Hill is something to be cherished and enjoyed as it spans across the plains of Bengal to the majestic heights of the Himalayan Ranges. Trek to Tenciong from Damtriang. Bazar. The nearest road head is just about two hours of casual walk. But one can also proceed to Namchi by trekking via Tendong Hill following the traditional route used in the old clays.

Menam Hill

Menam Hill towards above Tendong Hill on the other side overlooking the Ravangla bazar settlement. Situtated at an altitude of 10,300tt, the scenic view from this height is, perhaps, unmatched in this part of the world. Mt. Khangchendzonga and its surrounding ranges loom above to dwarf the richly forested and rugged hills. On a clear sunny day. IT is possible to see the plains of Bengal spanning