West Sikkim Travel Guide: Ravangla, Rabdentse & More

---

West Sikkim Travel Guide: The Final Sikkim Chapter

We’ve roamed far and wide across Sikkim—North’s rugged wilds, Central’s vibrant heart, East’s tranquil corners—and now it’s time to close our adventure with West Sikkim. On a past trip, we’d eyed this region but skipped it, tangled in excuses and a touch of laziness. This time, though, we carved out a few deliberate days, drawn by two gems: Ravangla and the Rabdentse Ruins. West Sikkim promised a quieter charm, and we weren’t about to miss it. Here’s what we explored and why it felt like the perfect ending to our Sikkim tale.

Pelling at night

Why West Sikkim Completes Our Journey

Our journey began in Gangtok, where we’d already booked a taxi operator for the series—a trusty companion by now. For West Sikkim, we reserved two nights, basing ourselves in Pelling with a modest hotel—nothing fancy, but decent enough. The real draw? Stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range, a majestic wall of peaks that West Sikkim frames so well. We picked our hotel for that very promise, though, to our wry amusement, the best glimpse required a short stroll to the nearby fuel station. Still, those snowy giants peeking through made every step worth it. From Pelling, we mapped out Ravangla, Namchi, Geyzing (home to Rabdentse), and, of course, those mountain vistas.

Ravangla’s Quiet Charm

First up was Ravangla, a small town with a big heart, anchored by the serene Buddha Park. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t overwhelm—quiet, uncrowded, and gently inviting. The star here is the towering Buddha monument, a golden figure you spot from miles away, pulling you closer with every curve of the road. Sadly, we arrived mid-renovation, its gleam dulled by scaffolding. Even so, the park’s sprawl impressed us—landscaped gardens stretching wide, dotted with blooms that must dazzle in spring’s cherry blossom flush. We imagined the air thick with floral scents, a treat we missed in December’s chill. Thoughtfully built, it offers stairs and ramps for all, a gentle climb to the monument that begs for photos at every turn. Atop sits a monastery, its walls painted with Buddhism’s tales—familiar to us from Sikkim’s other stops, yet fresh in their quiet beauty. For non-followers like us, the peace was the constant; the details felt new each time. Hours slipped by unnoticed, wrapped in the stillness of this sacred spot. The park also hosts a handful of food outlets and shops, and we savored a warm meal at a cozy restaurant—simple, satisfying, with a view to match.

Beautiful paintings on Monasterywalls

From Ravangla, we wound back to Pelling, our chosen base for its central perch among West Sikkim’s draws. It’s a quieter shift from Gangtok’s bustle—fewer restaurants, a modest mall road, and limited options overall. For us, Pelling was a launchpad; we spent days exploring and returned only for breakfast and dinner. The town itself didn’t dazzle, but its stillness suited our pace, and that fleeting Kanchenjunga glimpse kept us content.

Cherry Blossom In Sikkim

Pelling Skywalk: A Rainy Stroll

Next, we ventured to Pelling’s famous Skywalk, billed as India’s first. A light rain greeted us, draping the glass path in a misty sheen—a touch of drama we didn’t mind. Tickets were pocket-friendly for Indians, though foreigners pay a bit more—still reasonable in their currencies. The staff hands out shoe covers to protect the glass, a thoughtful detail. The walk itself? It’s a novelty, not a thrill—less “sky” than expected, more a scenic stroll. If you’ve seen Ravangla’s Buddha Park, this feels skippable; it’s a pleasant stop, but not a must. We enjoyed the damp air and the view, shrugged at the hype, and moved on.

Rabdentse Ruins: Sikkim’s Hidden Past

Then came the heart of our West Sikkim plan: Rabdentse Ruins near Geyzing. I’d long been captivated by Machu Picchu, so when I learned India’s own version hid here—Sikkim’s ancient capital—I insisted we go. A cloudy day softened the trek, a 30-40-minute walk from the road. The path cuts through a bird park—under construction during our visit, its skeletal frames eerily reminiscent of Jurassic World’s aviary. Closed and silent, it sent a shiver down my spine as we pressed on. The ruins themselves stunned us—crumbling walls, 3-4 feet high, whispering history amid open fields and mountain embrace. Plaques dot the site, revealing Rabdentse as Sikkim’s first capital before Gangtok claimed the title. The layout of rooms and foundations felt tangible, a bridge to the past. Standing there, surrounded by peaks and quiet, we soaked in the weight of the place—its story, our presence, the moment shared. Time slowed, and it was enough.

Wrapping Up Sikkim: Reflections & Tips

And so, our Sikkim journey drew to a close. With West Sikkim, we felt we’d fully embraced the state—at least as far as our travels took us. This was our third visit, Neha’s fourth, and Sikkim has been nothing but generous—its people, its places, all woven with a warmth that lingers despite the odd hiccup. We’ve loved every moment and hope this series and travel guide, from North to West, helps you shape your own Sikkim story. Share your adventures with us—we’d love to hear how this land touches you too.

West Sikkim Spots We Missed

Before we sign off, a few West Sikkim spots nearly made our list but fell to time and planning limits. Namchi beckoned with Siddheshwar Dham, a temple complex honoring Lord Shiva, its serenity a draw we couldn’t fit in. Waterfalls like Rimbi and Kanchenjunga tempted too, though after North Sikkim’s cascades, they felt less essential—skip them if you’ve been there. Then there’s Singshore Bridge, Asia’s second-highest suspension bridge, an engineering marvel that might catch your eye if you’re into India’s structural wonders. They’re worth a nod, even if they stayed beyond our reach this time. Until our paths cross again—happy travels!