Like most stories that revolve around Sikkim’s history, the history of the Chogyals too is closely connected with Guru Padmasambhava who travelled through this region in the 8th century, for it was he who foretold the rule of kings in Sikkim. Exploring Rabdentse ruins, the medieval capital of the kingdom of Sikkim is like peeping through a glass into the past of this Himalayan kingdom.
In 1642, the Namgyal dynasty was founded by the fifth-generation descendants of Guru Tashi, a prince of the Minyak house from Tibet’s Kham region. The first Chogyal of Sikkim, Phunsog Namgyal was crowned as the first king of Sikkim, in a place called Yuksom, about 30 km away from Rabdentse. He was succeeded by his son Tensung Namgyal who moved the kingdom’s capital to Ranbdantse in 1670. Once he established his capital here, he built the royal palace which was named ‘Song Khim’ meaning New Palace by one of his three queens who belonged to the Limbu clan. It is said that the name ‘Sikkim’ is derived from this very word.
What to see
As you enter an ornate entrance to the Rabdentse ruins on the Pelling-Geyzing road, a lovely trek through a forest of chestnut trees, past an enchanting lake, brings you to the debris of what once was the fortification wall that surrounded this medieval capital. Walk up a bit further and you will encounter the Namphogang a 3-tall chortens, standing like sentinels on an elevated stone platform, overlooking the surrounding mountains. It was from here that the Chogyal along with his courtiers carried on his daily activities as a king and spiritual head, making important decisions and passing judgments. Next to the Namphogang lies the king’s austere throne made of stone, still intact.
The ruins of the royal enclosure that lies towards the north have an open quadrangle that houses the now derelict Dab Lhagang. Away from the southern wing that was open to the subjects, this was the prayer area, exclusive to the royal family. After another round of excavation, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has also been able to identify remains of important areas such as the king’s quarters, a room for guards, an assembly room, the royal kitchen as well as the public courtyard.
The site also had a religious area meant for commoners. Numerous carved relief images were found here which are now housed in the nearby sculpture shed.
When to reach
The summer months spanning between March to May are the best time to visit. The temperature is pleasant and the days clear and sunny. Winter season i.e. the months between December and February transforms the place into a completely different icon as the region experiences temperatures between -0 to 14 °C. The higher ranges are covered in snow offering a brilliant view of the Himalayas along with the mighty Kanchenjunga, the highest mountain in India.
How to reach
The closest town to Rabdentse is Pelling, located at a distance of about 100 km from Gangtok, in West Sikkim. You can hire a cab to get here. The best way to get to Rabdentse is to take a walk from Pelling Town. It takes about an hour to get there if you’re walking at a leisurely pace. En route lies the Pemyangste Monastery which is also worth exploring. If you are not in the mood to walk you can hire a cab to take you to Pemayangste from where the ruins are a mere 15 minutes walk away.