Sikkim is a very small hilly state located amidst the spectacular grandeur of the high mountain peaks, lush valleys, and fast flowing rivers on undulating lands. The topography is such that within an hour one can move from sub-tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the mountain slopes upto the snow line. Small but beautiful Sikkim has a lot to offer specially the western side to mountaineers, trekkers and travel enthusiasts with numerous lakes, glaciers, passes, hot springs and waterfalls which will leave your camera clicking for hours. The majestic snow-capped Mt. Kanchenjunga located here at a height of 8585 meters is revered as a holy deity by the locals.

The West Sikkim district has its headquarters in Gyalshing and is famous for witnessing the historical consecration of ‘Chogyal’ or Dharma Raja, the birth of a holy dynasty. The western portion of the state is composed of massive hard rocks called gneissose, a variety that is capable of resisting denudation. Early explorers and mountaineers have claimed to have spotted the footprints of elusive and legendary Yeti or snowman in the vicinity of its most famous glacier named Zemu which is 31 km long and situated at the base of Kanchenjunga in a U-shaped valley. The valleys here are cut by rivers which run in a north-south direction. They are usually open towards the top and but usually attain a steep gorge-like structure as one approaches the river bed. Other such famous places of attraction are scattered throughout West Sikkim.

Mosttourist packages of west Sikkim offered by the travels cover all  the main places of tourist such as Pemayangtse, Pelling, Khecheopalri Lake, Yuksam, Tashiding, Uttaray, Versay / Barshey,  Biksthang, Legship, Rinchenpong, Reshi Hot Springs, Rabdentse and Norbhugangare.

Pemayangtse is the chief monastery in Sikkim. It houses priceless thankas, icons, Buddhist texts, paintings and frescos and was constructed back in the 18th century. Sanga Choeling Monastery near Pemayangtse is the second oldest monastery in Sikkim and was built in 1697 AD. It is highly revered amongst the Nyingmapa people for itsold original clay statues. The Khecheopalri Lake is also known as the wishing lake or Holy Lake. This tranquil lake is surrounded by forest and is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface.

Varsey, a small base camp at an elevation of 10,000 ft and is accessible by a motorable road upto Hilley. A 4 km trek from here will take one to Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary with the magnificent mountains accompanying you throughout. Legship is known for a holy Hindu shrine of Lord Shiva on the bank of river Rangit. Rinchenpong has splendid mountain views,sunsets and rise, flora and fauna, village tourism, historical sites and heritage of Resum Monastery. Reshi Hot Springs is 25 kms away from Gyalshing where trekkers often halt in their huts. One of the four holy caves known as Kadosang Phu or cave of the occult fairies is located here. Norbugang is an historic site maintained by the Archeological Survey of India can be visited from Yuksom (15 minutes’ walk). Yuksom occupies a special place in Sikkim’s history where a stone throne shadowed by a 300 year old Fir tree still stands. It was also the meeting place of three learned monks who anointed the first Chogyal King Phuntsok Namgyal of Sikkim.One can also visit the Kanchenjunga National park from here. Rabdentse another spot had been the second capital of the kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom lie hidden at a walking distance from the Pemayangtse Monastery. From the top of ruins one can take a sweeping view of the steep valleys below which will surely be a memorable experience. Tashiding 16 kilometers away from Yuksam and about 40 Kilometers from Gyalshing is the monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa order.

The above spots cover the entire of West Sikkim, a memory that every traveller visiting will cherish for a lifetime. Sikkim is well connected through road by buses arranged by the Sikkim Nationalized Transport. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri and the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport. Just 4-5 hours of journey by road will take you from airport or station to Pemayangtse.