|
|
The Monastery 
Around
6-km from Gyalsing town, this monastery originally built as a small temple
in the last of 17th century by Latsun Chempo, later during the reign of
third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal, Jigme Pawa, the third reincarnate of Latsun
Chempo extended and rebuilt the temple structure into a monastery.
The second oldest monastery, it is situated at a height of 6,840 ft is
the head of all others and belonging to the Nyingma-Pa Sect. Presenting a
gorgeous view of the mountain ranges, it is now equipped with 50-bed
tourist lodge catering to travellers who want to visit this ancient and
holy place which is an ideal base for those who would like to explore the
unspoiled charms of the neighbouring spots and trek
to Yuksom and Dzongri.
The main hall has an area of 1,500 sq. ft. the monastery houses religious
idols and priceless antiques. On the top floor of monastery there is a
wooden sculpture portraying the Mahaguri's heavenly palace Sangthokpalri.
The main festival is on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month of the
Tibetan calendar, normally corresponding to the month of February.
Ruines Palace Of Rabdanste
Rabdanste, which is couple of kilometres from Gyalsing Bazar and near the
Pemayangtse monastery, was the second capital of Sikkim
and was established in the late 17th century by the second
Chogyal of Sikkim. It was
abandoned towards the end of the 18th century because of the threat posed
by the Nepalese and the capital was shifted to Tumlong. The Rabdanste
Palace is in ruins and one has to trek about 2-km from the main road near
Pemayangtse Monastery through a thick forest to reach it. The Chortens
around the palace have however withstood the elements of nature. The ruins
are now being preserved by the archaeological survey of India and have
been declared as a monument.
HOW
TO GET THERE Road: Daily buses are available from
Gangtok to Gyalsing.
