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Sanga-Choling Monastery:
This monastery is situated on a ridge above Pelling and the
famous Pemayangtse Monastery. Built in 1697 AD, it is considered
to be the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. 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.
Khecheopalri Lake:
Khecheopalri Lake is considered to be one of the sacred lakes of
Sikkim 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.
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 the 1641 AD by three learned lamas. The
evidence of the consecration ceremony is still intact in
Norbugang Chorten in the form of stone seats and a foot print of
the Head Lama on the stone. Since the history of Sikkim began
from this place, these areas are now considered sacred by the
people of Sikkim. Yuksam is served by all weather road 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 here.
Tashiding Monastery:
This monastery is constructed on top of a heart shaped hill with
the back drop of the sacred Mt. Khang-chen-Dzonga. According to
Buddhist scriptures, Guru Padma Sambhava (Guru Rimpoche) blessed
the sacred land of Sikkim in the 8th century AD from the spot.
The monastery, however, was built in the 18th Century AD by
Ngadak Sempa Chempo, one of the three lamas who had performed
the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal.Tashiding is also
famous for the most holy chorten known as 'Thong-Wa-rang-Dol'
which literally means 'Saviours by mere sight'. It is believed
that the mere act of beholding it is supposed to wash away all
he sins of the devotee. Another important feature in tashiding
is the sacred water festival popularly knwon as 'Bhumchu'. It is
a religious tradition unique to Tashiding Monastery only. Every
year, on 14th and 15th day of the first Lunar Month, the Bhumchu
Ceremony is celebrated with devotees coming from far and near to
get the blessing of the holy water.
Varsey:
It lies at an elevation of 10,000 ft. and has a motorable road
access upto Hilley. An easy 4 kms trek from there takes one up
to the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. One can also trek from
Soreng or Dentam in West Sikkim. The place provides a
magnificent view of the mountains.
Soreng:
Soreng is a picturesque village with beautiful landscape which
is about 3 hrs. drive from pelling and 4 hrs. drive from Melli.
A trek to Jhandi Danra from Soreng is a must to see the various
species of flowers and birds.
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