This Is the Sikkim No One Shows You (West Sikkim)

Our journey through West Sikkim begins in Pelling - but very quickly turns into something we didn’t quite expect.

From a quiet sunrise at the Chenrezig Buddha near the Pelling Skywalk, to spending a day in Sindrang Village with our friend Chopel and his family - this part of Sikkim showed us a side that felt deeply personal. We learned how traditional snacks are made, tried printing our own prayer flags, and got a glimpse into everyday village life in the mountains.

Along the way, we explored the ruins of Rabdentse (the former capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim) and visited the beautiful Pemayangtse Monastery — one of the most important monasteries in the region.

An evening at Yangthang Farms turned into an experience in itself — with an incredible Sikkimese feast, a unique museum, and one of the most unexpected collections we’ve come across.

We then made our way to Yuksom - the first capital of Sikkim - where we somehow ended up crashing a local wedding (completely unplanned… and unforgettable). From there, we visited Hung Hri Monastery, spent time with the family that looks after it, and stopped by Norbugang, the historic coronation site of the Namgyal dynasty.

One of the most inspiring parts of this journey was seeing the work being done at the Yuksom Resource Recovery Centre by Tseten Tashi Bhutia - turning waste into something valuable for the community.

We end this chapter at Khechuperi Lake, staying at a quiet homestay overlooking the forest and water — the perfect way to slow things down before leaving Sikkim.

If you’re planning a trip to Sikkim, or just curious about what lies beyond the usual routes, this is a side of West Sikkim you don’t often see.