Tashi Tenka Monastery

Overview

Tashi Tenka, originally a royal palace complex on a mountain to the south of town, is now only a ground offering spectacular views of the area. When facing south, the Rabdentse Monastery may be seen a little higher to the left of the Pemayangtse Monastery. Then, to the north, there’s a foggy vista of the slim Rathong Valley running in between the steep jagged peaks. On the east, there is a beautiful route to Tashiding with wooded hills in the background, while on the west, there is a spectacular view of Khecheopalri.

Things to do & see

Many Buddhist pilgrimages pass through Yuksom. Tashi Tenka has numerous monasteries nearby, including Dubdi Monastery, Kartok Monastery, and Tashiding Monastery, for a calm retreat. Norbugang Chorten, another sacred site where the three lamas and the first Chogyal King are seated, is also historically significant. Then, for animal aficionados, there is Khangchendzonga National Park, which is a famous tourist destination not only because of its stunning wildness but also because of its alpine habitats, which draws not only wildlife enthusiasts but also environment lovers.

Best time to visit

The pleasant weather in Tashi Tenka from March to May gives the ideal environment for a visit.

How to reach

To reach here, one must hike a short distance up to the ridge. From Geyzing (39 km / 1 hour 48 min) or Pelling (40 km / 1 hour 39 min), Yuksom may be accessed via shared Jeep / Taxi / SSRTC Buses. Private cabs are also available if you wish to enjoy a pit stop to take in the scenery of picturesque Yuksom or avoid walking owing to the lack of public transportation.

Tashiding Monastery

Overview

Tashiding Monastery is one of Sikkim’s oldest and holiest Buddhist monasteries, located 40 kilometres west of Geyzing. It was erected in 1717 and is ideally situated on a hill between the Ranjit and Rathong Rivers.

Manis, or stone plates etched with holy Buddhist mantras, are housed at the Monastery, which boasts a spectacular view of Mount Kanchenjunga.

Dubdi Monastery

Overview

The Dubdi Monastery, also known as the Yuksom Monastery, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect. It was founded in 1701 and is one of Sikkim’s oldest monasteries. It is located in the Yuksom Valley, in the Geyzing region of West Sikkim. The Dubdi Monastery, which sits quaintly on a mountaintop about a one-hour walk from Yuksom, is also known as “Hermit’s Cell.”

Khangchendzonga National Park

Overview

The Kanchenjunga National Park is named after the world’s third tallest mountain peak and is located in North Sikkim, in the lap of the mighty Himalayas. It is a unique high altitude national park and the country’s first “Mixed-Heritage” site, which was recently added to UNESCO’s world heritage list. It’s also known as Khangchendzonga National Park, and it’s located in Nepal and Sikkim, at an elevation of 8586 metres. This location is a hiking paradise with a diversified environment and stunning vistas, and it is unique in biodiversity.

The park, which is located in the picturesque state of Sikkim, spans an area of 850 square kilometres and is home to a variety of indigenous and endangered flora and animals, including the Snow Leopard and Himalayan Tahr. The Kanchenjunga National Park borders the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve in Tibet and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in Nepal, with elevations ranging from 1,829 metres to over 8,550 metres. Within the national park, there are various glaciers, the most notable of which is the Zemu glacier, which stretches for twenty-six kilometres.

Kanchenjunga National Park Permit & Fees

The Khangchendzonga National Park is heavily monitored and limited. Indian nationals must receive an inner-line pass, while foreign nationals must seek a restricted area permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs. In compliance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, a licence must be obtained from the Chief Wildlife Warden of the Government of Sikkim. For a price, he allows visitors to enter the National Park for the purposes of tourism, photography, scientific research, and wildlife study.

Fees for obtaining a permit are as follows:

• For the first seven days, Indian nationals would be charged INR 300 per person. Additional days cost INR 40.
• For the first seven days, foreign nationals would be charged INR 560 per person. Additional days cost INR 80.
• For the first seven days, students will be charged INR 80 per person. Additional days are INR 20.
• The cost of a tent is INR 50 per day.
• INR 10 per day for a guide
• Charges for photography: Still INR 30 for a camera INR 1000 for a video camera INR 35000 for the camera

Best Time to Visit

The months of March to May and September to Mid-December are ideal for visiting the national park. For the most of the year, it receives snowfall. The hikes are also organised by the forest and state departments based on the current weather conditions.

History of Khangchendzonga National Park

Kanchenjunga National Park is named after Kanchenjunga, the world’s third tallest peak. Kanchenjunga literally translates to ‘Abode Of God.’ The national park is set against this enormous mountain, which stands at an imposing height of 8586 metres and serves as a magnificent backdrop. In 1977, this region was designated as a National Park. The National Park’s original size was 850 square kilometres, but it was later expanded to 1784 square kilometres.

Kanchenjunga National Park, surprisingly, has religious importance. In Buddhism, Sikkim is regarded as a hallowed region, and some scriptures claim that the park’s territory was formerly the sanctum sanctorum, where Buddhist masters buried religious treaties and documents to be uncovered later by the public. Officials claim that these hidden gems are known as “ters,” and that they are meant to be uncovered by “ter-tons,” which literally means “treasure revealers.” This has helped to guarantee that the park’s precious sites are not desecrated, allowing for long-term preservation.

Tips

1. Make that you have all of the necessary licences and permits in order to hike in the area, which is a requirement.
2. In forest regions, avoid using fuel or kindling for any type of fire.
3. You are not permitted to use loudspeakers or play loud music.
4. Swimming is prohibited in national parks and protected areas’ lakes and rivers.

How To Reach Kanchenjunga National Park

The nearest airport, Bagdogra, is 222 kilometres distant and has connections to Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. From Bagdogra to Gangtok, a helicopter service is also available.

The nearest railway station is Jalpaiguri, which is 221 kilometres away. The national park is well accessible by road from Jalpaiguri, and you may order a cab to go there.

The park is also well connected to major towns and can be reached via the Gangtok-Sevlok Road (NH-31A). State and private transportation run at regular intervals to the national park.

Coronation Throne of Norbugang

Overview

The Coronation Throne of Norbugang represents the location where the first Chogyal monarch, Phuntsog Namgyal, was crowned in 1642. Following the event, a wall-like structure known as Norbugang chorten was constructed, which still marks the original location. It is thought that those who attended the ritual gave a large sum of money, which is still buried beneath the Norbugang Chorten. The site also includes the seats of the three Lamas and the king, a shrine with a massive prayer wheel, a mysterious pine tree looming over the chorten, and the tranquil Kathok Lake, from which water was brought during the coronation. One of the three lamas’ footprints may also be seen lodged in a rock opposite the king’s seat. The lovely garden that surrounds this ancient property is a rare combination of native trees and plants. The guests wander in solitude for a time on this charming stretch of land.

Things to do & see

Yuksom, which is breathtakingly gorgeous, is a Buddhist pilgrimage hotspot. Many monasteries around the Norbugang Coronation Throne may be visited, including Dubdi Monastery, Kartok Monastery, and Tashiding Monastery. Tashi Tenka is another spiritually and historically significant location; it is currently only a piece of land where Sikkim’s royal palace complex previously stood, and it is gifted with a view of many features of nature. Khangchendzonga National Park is a relaxing getaway where you may see undiscovered animals.

Best time to visit

The weather is good from March to May, making this the greatest time to see Norbugang’s Coronation Throne.

How to reach

The Norbugang Coronation Throne is roughly a 20-minute walk from the main Yuksom Market. From Geyzing (39 km / 1 hour 48 min) or Pelling (40 km / 1 hour 39 min), one may take a shared Jeep, Taxi, or SSRTC Bus to Yuksom. If you prefer to explore the splendour of the local places on your own, private taxis are also available.

Kartok Monastery

Overview

Kartok Monastery is one of three prominent monasteries in Yuksom, the other two being Dubdi Monastery and Ngadak Chorling Monastery. Located in a lovely village of Yuksom, Kartok Monastery is famous for its smooth red building speckled with golden, yellow borders and Tibetan design. This monastery, decked with colourful prayer flags and bordered by the lovely Lake Kartok, is a popular pilgrimage site in Yuksom. The monastery was named after a lama who played a significant part in the crowning of Sikkim’s first female monarch.

How to reach

Kartok Monastery is located in Yuksam, and taxi/bus services are available from all major Sikkim cities.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit this monastery is any time of year, although the months of March through June are perfect.

Things to do & see

This abbey retains its fossil beauty, and the greatest aspect is the nearby lake. You may go around the temple and see the beautiful mountain peaks and picturesque paddy fields that surround it.