Legship is the gateway to West Sikkim. It is located on the bank of the River Rangeet and is on the route to many leading cities. Typical of small towns in Sikkim, it is rich in natural beauty, offers opportunities for adventure sports and treks, and is surrounded by sights that attract massive numbers of travellers.
The spiritual and religious importance of the town, combined with its prime location and access, makes it a great stop or a short break for any traveller.
What to see
Legship is best known for its famous attractions like the Rangeet Dam and the Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple.
Rangeet Dam
The Rangeet Dam is located on the Rangeet River, a tributary of the Teesta River. The catchment area of the Dam is 979 sq km. The Rangeet Water World is built on the reservoir of the Rangeet Dam. It has a paid entry and is open on all days of the week. Those looking for an adventurous break must visit this place while there. It makes for a great attraction for children and adults.
Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple
This is an ancient temple devoted to Lord Shiva. It is a Hindu pilgrimage site. It is one of the oldest temples in Sikkim. The temple is mentioned in the epic Mahabharat. Arjun, the warrior prince, is said to have undergone severe penance at this spot. Pleased with his penance, Mahadeva appeared in the form of a hunter, or “Kirat”, and tested Arjun’s warrior skills. Arjun finally accepted defeat, and it was here that Mahadeva bestowed upon him the divine weapon, the “Pashupatastra”. The temple, dedicated to a self-manifested Shiva linga, also houses deities of Devi Durga and Lord Ram. It attracts a large number of devotees each year, particularly during the Bala Chaturdashi festival, which takes place between November and December. Another major event is Shivaratri, held in February or March, which draws even larger crowds. Nestled in a serene location amidst the mountains, the temple is an ideal place for meditation. Its deeply spiritual ambience makes it a compelling destination, even for non-religious travellers.
Phu Cha Chu Sulfurous Hot Springs
These are sulfurous hot springs well known for their therapeutic properties. Located amidst dense green forests, the hot springs form a natural water pool. The arrangement of the surrounding rocks makes this a naturally formed bath, which can accommodate several people. Legend says during the 7th century, Guru Padmasambhava meditated at the same spot. This further enhances the spiritual sanctity of the place. Overlooking the Rangeet River, these hot springs are a unique feature of the topography of the Himalayas in Sikkim.
Lho Khando Sang Pho
Lho Khando Sang Pho is a sacred cave in the Himalayas, where the revered Guru Rempoche meditated in the 8th century. These are surrounded by Nub Dechenphu, Chyang Lhari Ngingphu, and Sharcho Phephu, in other directions. They carry religious importance for Buddhists and see a huge amount of visitors. This is the most appropriate place to spend some time in the Himalayan forest and caves and be in a meditative space. The sounds of the flowing Rangeet river, the pine trees all around, and the quiet of the caves make these a natural silent retreat.
When to reach
Between October To February
Spanning over four months, winter in Legship enhances its beauty. The season is quite cold, with temperatures dropping as low as 1°C, so it’s advisable to carry heavy woollens to stay warm. December and January mark the peak of winter.
Between May To June
The summer in Legship starts in March and ends by the end of May with temperatures going as high as 32°C. It gets quite warm during summer but it is admissible. It is a perfect season to enjoy sightseeing and other outdoor activities like water sports in Legship which is the main reason it attracts many tourists during this season.
Between July To September
Legship receives heavy rainfall during August in comparison to other monsoon months. The temperature remains pleasant but due to rain, one can’t enjoy sightseeing tours and outdoor activities. Rain causes disruptions in traveling from one destination to another and hence it is not a great idea to visit Legship in the monsoon.
How to reach
By Air
Legship is 107 km from Gangtok. The most convenient way to reach Legship is to first come to Gangtok and then drive down to Legship. Gangtok is the nearest town of Sikkim to Pakyong Airport, located in Pakyong village which is around 35 km from the south of Gangtok.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Legship is the New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, West Bengal. It is around 112 kilometres from Legship. The railway station is well linked to the major cities of the country like Kolkata and New Delhi. You can easily get a taxi or cab to Gangtok and then Legship.
By Road
Legship is easily accessible by road from the major cities of India and almost all the places in Sikkim. It is around 15 km from Geyzing and 107 km from Gangtok. The most convenient way to reach Legship is to first come to Gangtok and then drive down to Legship. You can hire a private taxi or a shared taxi to get there. State-run buses are also available.
Geyzing is well-connected with cities like Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Gangtok. Private and shared taxis are easily available. Buses are also available from places like Siliguri, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Pelling, Tashiding, Yuksom, etc.
