Rinchenpong- Detailed Travel Guide with Attractions & Activities

A newly discovered gem of Sikkim tourism, Rinchenpong, is located in the western Sikkim region at an elevation of 1700 feet, nestled on the eastern Himalayan foothills. Rinchenpong, commonly known as the silent valley, is a scenically gifted hamlet situated in the Varsey Rhododendron’s fringe, 40 kilometers from Gangtok and 33 kilometers from Pelling. In the Singalila Range, which forms a natural border with Nepal in the west, lies a reserve known as the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary or Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. The sanctuary also serves as a natural boundary between Sikkim and West Bengal. Rinchenpong draws visitors with its breathtaking view of the beautiful Mt. Kanchenjunga and tranquil atmosphere.

A haven for nature lovers, Rinchenpong is surrounded by the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and is blessed with a wealth of flora and animals. In the past, Rinchenpong was well-known for being a significant hamlet with historical value during the colonial era rather than for its natural beauty. When the British dispatched expeditionary forces to conquer Sikkim in the 1860s, the Lepcha, Sikkim’s indigenous people, utilized a mixture of unknown herbs to poison the single water source nearby Rinchenpong. Moreover, half of the British soldiers were decimated as a result, putting an end to the British invasion and leading to an agreement.

Rinchenpong Attractions

Rinchenpong is blessed with a green forest, which draws a lot of hikers to the area. There are various hiking routes strewn across the woodland that surrounds Rinchenpong. On the other side of the fabled Poison Pokhri, there is a walking route that takes travellers to Rinchenpong Monastery. The third-oldest monastery in Sikkim was founded in 1730, and Rinchenpong Monastery is one of Rinchenpong’s favourite tourist destinations. The centuries-old Rinchenpong Monastery is renowned for its one-of-a-kind “Adi-Buddha” statue, also known as “the Primordial Buddha,” which depicts a man and woman in the “yab-yum” position, illuminating the love and oneness between them on Earth. The tourist is further directed by the woodland toward the 18th-century monastery known as Rishum Monastery.

A traditional Lepcha House, another of Rinchenpong’s favourite tourist attractions, is a little distance further along the path. A wealth of information about Lepcha custom and culture may be found at the Traditional Lepcha House of Rinchenpong. The forest walk in Rinchenpong is a great area for birding because it is home to a variety of Himalayan bird species. Tourists can stay in a vintage, ten-decade-old British bungalow that was exclusively built with the use of wood and stone if they wish to spend more time in Rinchenpong while being near to Mother Nature. This historic British bungalow is the ideal place to stay and experience the freshness of the Sikkim region because it is surrounded by a thick forest in Rinchenpong’s higher region.

In and around Rinchenpong, there are numerous picnic areas with stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. One of the hiking routes in Rinchenpong takes visitors to Maggi Dara, which is renowned for providing a beautiful view of the sunrise across the Himalayan Range. Locals frequently picnic at the Shrijanga Temple location, which is located around 8 miles from Rinchenpong. This temple is used for worship by the Sikkimian Limbu tribe. A waterfall located next to Shirjanga Temple adds to the allure of this location. The charming hamlet of Rinchenpong, which is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, has captured the attention of tourists who have come to Rinchenpong.

Let your senses be calmed with the serene ambiance while your eyes feast upon the surreal sunrise over the majestic snow-capped Kanchenjunga. Far from the maddening crowd amidst the nurturing lap of nature, a place rich in flora and fauna with a tinge of history if you are looking for such a place, Rinchenpong is the ideal destination for you.

Rinchenpong Attractions

Hotels and resorts of various budgets can be found in Rinchenpong region. All these accommodation offers most of the basic amenities required for guest’s comfortable night stay. You will be getting attached western bathroom, hot running water, room services and more. Sikkim Adventure Tourism’s packages include accommodation with them.