Ravangla / Sikip / Tashiding / Biksthang – Places in West and South Sikkim worth visiting from tourist point of view. These are newly developing sites of tourist interest in this zone. Travelers beware that one will be mystified by the calm and tranquil ambience with nature - a passionate affair to remember.

Ravangla – Is the oldest destination among the lot and is situated near Temi Tea estate, the only Tea Estate of the state and produces one of the finest qualities of Tea in the world. Excursions from Ravangla are many like Ralang nearly 13 kilometres with Old Ralang Gompa and celebration of Masked dance (Kagyed Chaam) is held in the monastery every year. Bon Monastery nearly 6 kilometres with the Yung Drung Kundrak Lingbon is the only Bon Monastery in Sikkim. Rangit Water World for the young ones. Maenam Hill, Geyzing, Tikjuk and Legship, Rayong Sunrise View Point, Temi Tea Garden, Borong and Ralang Cha-chu, Tendong Hill at 8500 feet, Mangbrue Gompa and view point are places of interest near Ravangla. Trekking around Ravangla are decent short treks. A 12 kilometres trek from here through the Oak, Pine, Rhododendron, Magnolia, fir forests will lead to Maenam peak at nearly 10600 feet - Another 15 kilometres uphill trek leads to valedunga - A hilltop offering beautiful views to the surrounding mountains - The entire trek route passes through the Mainam Sanctuary with diversified Himalayan species like the red panda, Himalayan black bear, leopard cat, black pheasant cat etc. Trek starts with a 13 kilometres drive to Damthang and 2 - 3 hours trek. Offbeat destinations have limited hotels, resorts or home stay hence early bookings are solicited. Vehicle for sightseeing, Stay and Transfer are all arranged by us hence to avoid disappointment.

 

 Sikip - Sikip is on the shore of River Rangit in the South District. Nearly 5 hours drive from Gangtok to Sikip via Legship. It can also be reached from Siliguri and Darjeeling via Jorethang in about 4 hours drive. This destination can be used as Anglers paradise and also has charming natural surroundings. One can also opt for rafting on the river. Varsey / Barshey - Biksthang - Legship - Rinchenpong - Reshi Hot springs - Rabdentse - Norbhugang is one of the popular and newly developed circuit of Sikkim. Tourism Destinations in South district of Sikkim are Namchi, Ravangla, Temi Tea Garden and Sikip. Staying at Sikip there is many options of sightseeing like Maenam Hill, Geyzing, Tikjuk and Legship, Rayong Sunrise View Point, Temi Tea Garden, Borong and Ralang Cha-chu, Tendong Hill at 8500 feet, Mangbrue Gompa and view point are places of interest near Ravangla. One will be stunning greenery, beautiful lakes and impromptu waterfalls of the region. The places are close enough for short or long trekking. Trekkers hut available at the following places like Pemayangtse, Khecheopalri, Yuksom, Tshoka, Dzongri, Thangshing, Zemathang, Chaurigang, Tashiding, Varsey, Yangang, Ravangla, Sang, Sikip, etc. Offbeat destinations have limited hotels, resorts or home stay hence early bookings are solicited. Vehicle for sightseeing, Stay and Transfer are all arranged by us hence to avoid disappointment.

 

 Tashiding - Tashiding Monastery in Sikkim lies on the top of a hill surrounded by a prayer flags that flutter in the air. It is ideally situated between the Rathong River and the Rangit River with the back drop of the sacred mount Kanchendzonga. Built in 1717 by Ngadak Sempa Chembo during the reign of the third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal this is one oif the oldest and most sacred of the monastery. There are many chortans dedicated to some Chogyals and some religious personalities of Sikkim. Carved skillfully on stone plates surrounding the monastery are holly Buddhist mantras by the master crafts man Yanchong Lodil. It is said that slight glimpse of the monastery can cleanse mortals of all sins. Out of the many chortens, the most significant one is the Thong-Wa-rang-Dol which literally meaning Saviors by mere sight. This Chorten is believed to cleanse the soul of anyone who even looks at it. There are oranges orchards and cardamoms plantations around the place which can be visited. Offbeat destinations have limited hotels, resorts or home stay hence early bookings are solicited. Vehicle for sightseeing, Stay and Transfer are all arranged by us hence to avoid disappointment.

 

A ceremony of Bumchu is held here of the 14th & 15th of the first Tibetan month. It is a religious tradition unique to Tashiding Monastery only. Tashiding Monastery of the Nyingmapa order is about 40 kilometres from Gyalshing by road via Legship (West Sikkim) and Gangtok and Siliguri is approximately 140 kilometres from Gangtok. There is a bus and other vehicle service from Gyalshing to Tashiding. Trekkers hut is also available for the tourist.

 

Biksthang - A hamlet Biksthang is also known as Chuchen and Mangalbari is located nearly 120 kilometres from Gangtok and 125 kilometres from Siliguri in West Sikkim. Nestled amidst scenic landscapes bordered with lofty mountains it offers breathtaking view of mount Kanchenjunga. Borong won’t offer the views of Kanchenjunga, unlike Biksthang or Varsey. However, it would definitely offer a glimpse of a part of the Eastern Himalayas (Mount Kumbhakarna). Borong, Biksthang and Varsey are all beautiful places and comparing may spoil the images of one over another. Traveler can complete the circuit joining this three and other places nearby.