Rinchenpong is a town in West Sikkim, which is around 40 km west of Gangtok, 10 km south of Gyalshing or Geyzing, near the city Kaluk. Rinchenpong has an altitude of 5,576ft (1,700m). It is also known for the Rigsum Monastery and its trekking courses. Rinchenpong and Kaluk are a late expansion to the places to visit in West Sikkim. This place is well known for the beautiful view of the Kanchenjunga range of mountains. The Kaluk–Rinchenpong region is also the zone for the well-known Barsey rhododendron Sanctuary. The town is not only known for its beautiful surroundings and peaceful atmosphere but also for the stunning views of the Kanchenjunga ranges that attract explorers.
What to see
Rinchenpong Monastery
The central attraction at Rinchenpong Monastery is the statue of Ati Buddha, a humanoid said to represent the ‘Primordial Buddha’ that represents the universe and its innate wisdom. The statue also holds a female deity wrapped around the Buddha, the symbol of Yab-Yum (father-mother) in Tibetan Buddhism. The male deity symbolizes kindness while the female companion stands for wisdom and insight. This statue is mainly found in monasteries that revolve around the tantric teaching associated with Buddhism.
Poison Lake
Poison Lake isn’t a long distance from the Rinchenpong monastery and can be reached by walking. The lake is currently dry, and there is a British Bungalow in ruins adjacent to the lake. The place has recorded importance. As per the locals here, when the British invaded the zone, local people poisoned this lake since it was the wellspring of water for the British power.
Sirijunga Temple
The full name of the place is Teyongsi Sirijunga Limboo Cultural Heritage and Research Center. Teyongsi Sirijunga Sin Thebe was a Limboo researcher of the eighteenth century. The inside is relied upon to have a 36-foot bronze statue of the researcher. The place is arranged around 18 km from Rinchenpong at a place called Chayatal.
Chayatal Lake
The little lake with its school of fishes is a famous touring point for voyagers. Fantastic views of the mountain extend likewise observable from here.
Hee Water Garden
The Garden is a well-known destination near Hee that is around 10 km from Kaluk. The water plant has an eatery, two substantial swimming pools, and a unique spot other than a little waterway stream.
Singshore Bridge
West Sikkim is fully covered with high mountain ranges and it is not the place for tourism, rather it is the place for the mountaineers. However, still, there are two places to be visited at the place and they are concentrated around Pelling – the queen of the West Sikkim. One of the two things to be watched around the place is the mountain bridge of Singshore. If you have not seen this bridge hanging from one mountain to another, you have missed so many things and almost missed the magic of Sikkim.
Uttarey
Uttarey is a small town near Nepal in West Sikkim. The place is around 30 km from the popular vacation stop of Pelling. Uttarey is prominent among vacationers for the peaceful condition of the place and many vacation destinations in and around. From the higher peaks of the Uttarey slopes, the scene of the huge heap of Kanchenjunga can be observed.
Tenzing Hillary Park
About 5 km from Uttarey is the Tenzing Hillary stop. The place is a pleasant spot for nature lovers with an incredible perspective of the environment. There is a vast statue of the two mountain climbers.
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.
When to reach
Between January To February
The temperature swings between 3 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius during these months. It gets too cold during the winter here. But the best views of the mountains can be enjoyed during this season. If you are visiting Sikkim during the winter, then ensure you pack warm clothes.
Between March To October
The most elevated temperature recorded is 88°F, which would make you want to head to the closest bistro to enjoy a glass of chilled drink. This season sees normal precipitation of 21.77 mm.
Between November To December
Are you one of those who sit tight for winter to flaunt all the warm clothes? At that point, the best time to visit Rinchenpong for you would be this season. The pertinently high humidity amid this time makes for entirely cold evenings as well. Expect normal precipitation of 5.6 mm.
How to reach
From Pelling, you may come to Rinchenpong either through Dentam or through Legship. The Dentam course is not so much travelled but rather more lovely. From New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Bagdogra, you may take the first or second course. The separation is around 130 km. From Darjeeling, you may drive through the alternate route Patlebong course through which Rinchenpong is only 65 km.
From Gangtok, you may either take after the Ravangla – Legship – Reshi – Rinchinpong course or the Melli – Jorethang – Reshi course. Rinchenpong is around 137 km through this course.