Gyalshing district
A mountain region in western Sikkim, where Pelling and other places face Kangchenjunga directly and ancient monasteries and relics of the Sikkim kingdom abound.
Gyalshing district, formerly West Sikkim district, lies in western Sikkim, at high elevation and facing the Kangchenjunga massif. Its signature destination, Pelling, is a popular town for viewing the snow peaks. Nearby are Pemayangtse Monastery, one of Sikkim's most important Nyingma monasteries, the ruins of Rabdentse Palace, and Khecheopalri Lake, regarded as sacred; Yuksom, the first capital of the Sikkim kingdom, is also the starting point for treks toward Dzongri. Rhododendrons bloom in spring (March to May), and visibility is best in autumn (October to November). Foreign visitors need a permit to enter Sikkim; the usual route is by road via Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri.
Destinations
Itineraries
- Gangtok, South Sikkim & Pelling Monastery Route – Skip North Sikkim and connect Gangtok, the pilgrimage sites of Namchi, and the ancient ruins of Pelling.
- Darjeeling, Pelling, Gangtok & Lachung Panorama – Travel from Darjeeling into Sikkim, covering tea gardens, ancient capitals, the modern capital, and northern alpine val…
- Darjeeling, Sikkim & Kanchenjunga Loop – A loop connecting Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling to see sacred lakes, ancient monasteries, tea gardens, and the Kanch…