Kaluk. tucked in the midst of the undulating mountains of west Sikkim is a small village near the West Sikkim capital of Gyalshing. Its solitude and pollution-free environment is a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. And you get a breathtaking view of the mighty Kanchenjungha and lush green slopes right from your hotel room.
It is basically the buffer zone area of the renowned Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. The area abounds in natural resources. Kaluk is surrounded by the villages of Lepchas who are successful in preserving their tradition, culture and life-style. The other communities also live peacefully in the area such as Rais, Gurungs and more. The Government of Sikkim has considered this place as an Eco-Tourism thrust area of Sikkim. The village of Kaluk is considered important culturally, historically, religiously and naturally .
Not many people know about this place, making it an ideal destination for a quiet weekend. The best thing to do in Kaluk is to laze, and enjoy nature at its pristine best. One can enjoy a leisurely holiday and experience the sound of silence at the dizzy height of 5,500 feet above sea level.
One can visit Kaluk round the year, except perhaps the monsoon. A winter trip is particularly recommended as it offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Though winters are chilly in west Sikkim, the resort kept us warm and comfortable.
How to reach :Kolkata – New Jalpaiguri / Siliguri train / bus. Siliguri –to Kaluk via Jorethang (4 and a half hrs).
Rinchenpong is situated in West Sikkim, about 40 km west of Gangtok, 10 km due south of Gyalshing, close to the village of Kaluk. It sits at an altitude of 5576 feet (1,700m) above sea level amidst a heavily forested area. It is famous for the Rigsum monastery and trekking routes.
At Rinchenpong you will be greeted by a spectacular sunrise on Kanchenjunga and its sister peaks. One by one Kanchenjunga, Rathong, Kabru, Kumbhakarna, Pandim, etc. will catch the crimson rays of the rising sun turning the entire massive range into a bright shade of scarlet.
Rinchenpong has something more to offer. A series of winding stone-paved trails lead one past Lapcha traditional houses and old British forest bungalows to ancient monasteries, housing rare idols. The trail passes through beautiful forest, with the snowy peaks of Himalayas towering above the treetops.
A very famous place to look out for while in Rinchenpong is the pond, Poison Pokhri. Opposite to it are stone staircases that lead to a forest trail that takes you to the Rinchenpong Monastery that was built in 1717 and has a very unique idol of Ati Buddha in Yub-Yum position. The trail further leads you to Resume Monastery that is run by two young lamas. Then again, if you keep on following the steps, you will find the traditional Lepcha house, that is built in the old Lepcha style. Follow the trail that leads you to a metal road and lying beside it is the British Forest Bungalow that is at present, under the Sikkim PWD. Some other places to look for include the Maggi Dara, a new monastery and a marble plaque with verses from Rabindranath Tagore’s Gitanjali. This is known as Rabindra Smriti Van.
How to reach : Kolkata – New Jalpaiguri / Siliguri train / bus. Siliguri – Jorethang ( 3 hours). Jorethang – Rinchenpong ( 2 hours)
Getting around: Walking is the only option.
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