In last few
decades Gangtok-Pelling-Ravangla zone has become a favourite tourist
destination. Number of hotels and gathering of tourists are increasing day by
day. If you are searching for serene tranquility of nature, away from urban
lifestyle then a place called Rinchenpong located very close to Pelling is your
destination. Rinchenpong is a place in West Sikkim with a picturesque
landscape. The excellent perspective of Kanchenjunga makes the place admirable.
Amidst the lap of nature Rinchenpong sits at a height of 5576 feet (1700m).
 |
| Beautiful Flowers |
Places to Visit in Rinchenpong:
British Dak-Bungalow & Pioson
Lake:
About 150
years ago British officials established an office there. Today that office is a
heritage property known as British
Dak-Bungalow. In 1860 when Britishers went to conquer this place, half of
their troop was killed by the brave ‘Lepcha’ tribe of Rinchenpong. They
poisoned the main water source of British army with natural herbs. Since then
the lake in Rinchenpong was named as ‘Bikh
Pokhri’ or Poison Lake.
 |
| British Dak-Bungalow |
Rinchenpong Monastery:
The
Rinchenpong Monastery is the 3rd oldest monastery in Sikkim,
established in the year 1730. The ethereal statue of Buddha is a masterpiece
made by ‘Nyingma’ tribe of Buddhist
disciples.
 |
| Rinchenpong Monastery |
 |
| Rinchenpong Monastery |
In addition
to these above mentioned places, there is a bungalow with memories of Tagore.
The bungalow is now known as ‘Rabindra
Smriti Bhawan’. One can enjoy a little trek to the beautiful Reesum monastery located at the height
of 6300feet.
Azing’s Model Farm:
Azing’s
Model Farm is also a popular stop. The downhill journey to the farm is eye
soothing. The entire path is loaded with colourful flowery plants, beehives,
duck pens and steeply descending fruit trees. The farm is very famous for pure
bee honey and ‘putka’ (stingless bee honey). Jam, jelly and wines prepared from
fresh fruits are also available there.
Rinchenpong
is really a delight to a nature lover… It refreshes and brightens the body and
soul.
Some Important Information:
Best Time to Visit: Mid September to middle of May
How to Reach:
·
By Air: nearest airport is Bagdogra
·
By Rail: nearest railway station is
New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
It takes almost 5-6 hours drive both from Bagdogra and NJP via Jorethang.
The distance between Pelling and Rinchenpong is about 40kms.
Where to Stay:
There are
many options of accommodation in rinchenpong. Few details are given
below-
1.
Hotel
Mount View:
Mob: 9831003996; Room Tariff: 900/- to 1350/-
2.
Hotel
Denzong:
Mob: 987427013; Room Tariff: 1150/- to 3000/-
3.
Hotel
Reesum:
Mob: 9733199294; Room Tariff: 1350/- to 1750/-
4.
Hotel
Rinchenpong Nest:
Mob: 973263939; Room Tariff: 950/- to 1900/-
 |
| Cocks-comb flower |
“We travel not to escape life. But for
life not to escape us”
Photo Credit: Dr. Kaustav Chakraborty
