Gyalshing or Geyzing, as it is popularly known, is a small town in West Sikkim, and also the district headquarters. “Gyalshing” literally means “the King’s garden,” and Gyalshing was once the royal garden, attached to the royal palace of Rabdentse. Located 117 km from Gangtok, and 823 m above Mean Sea Level (MSL), Gyalshing is a small but busy town, well connected to all other major towns of Sikkim and West Bengal.
Predominantly occupied by Nepalese people, the popular language of the town is Nepali, and the town is primarily a Buddhist tourist centre, though it does not fail to delight tourists who are nature lovers. Gyalshing has beautiful views of the Himalayas, specifically the Kanchenjunga mountain. It is also an educational hub of Sikkim and North East India in general and has good medical facilities available.
What to see
Gyalshing has beautiful monasteries around it, along with viewing points for splendid views of the Himalayas. Travelling around Gyalshing is a joy, as it shows a different side of Sikkim, which is well connected to nature, hustling with activity, yet not too touristy to spoil natural sights.
Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary having a 104 sq km area around Barsey was declared a protected sanctuary in 1996. Teeming with flora and fauna of numerous varieties, the star attraction of the sanctuary, however, is the rhododendron. Out of the total 1000 or so varieties of this evergreen tree, 600 alone can be found at Barsey. Some of the most commonly found are cinnabarinum, arboreum, camelliflorum, vaccinioides, anthopogon, pendulum, edgeworthii, etc. Besides a variety of shrubs, the vegetation in Barsey is also dotted with oaks, bamboo, primulas, pine, and magnolias.
The sanctuary is also home to several species of animals including the elusive red panda, the Himalayan black bear, leopards, palm civet, serow, crestless porcupine, Chinese pangolin, Assamese macaque and birds such as yellow-throated marten, crimson-horned pheasant, and woodpeckers.
Yangtey
A small village, located at an altitude of 1828 m, Yangtey is an ideal spot to take a day off and cover yourself in the calm of nature. A quiet getaway, which gives beautiful views of the mountain and rivers. You can see hills like Frey, Pandim, Narsing, and Rathong from here. It has waterfalls, meadows, alpine trees, and neat houses that look just out of a book. It is also close to the Rabdentse Ruins, which are the historical site of the royal palace.
Gyalshing Bazaar
This is one of the oldest markets in the area, dating back to around 100 years ago. This lies opposite to the Mendang or Holy Wall, constructed by the third king, Chogyal Chador Namgyal. It is close to Rabdentse and Pemayangste. This was a place where monks from the monasteries and villagers could do their shopping, and merchants from villages could sell their goods like vegetables, dairy products, crops, and other items of daily use. Growing over a while, the market is now a full-fledged market, with shops for every purpose. There is also a community centre, with a meditation hall and places of worship for all.
When to reach
Gyalshing has a moderate climate and is comfortable for most of the year. The best time to visit is the summer months between April to June or the Autumn months between September to December.
How to reach
By Air
Geyzing is 122 km from Gangtok and the most convenient way to reach Geyzing is to first come to Gangtok and then from there drive down to Geyzing. The nearest airport to Gangtok is Pakyong Airport.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Geyzing is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri, West Bengal. It is around 127 km from Geyzing. The railway station is well connected to major cities of India such as Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi. Private as well as shared cabs are available at Siliguri.
By Road
All the major cities and towns in the Sikkim region are well connected to Geyzing by road. Geyzing is 122 km from Gangtok and the most convenient way to reach Geyzing is to first come to Gangtok and then drive down to Geyzing.
