{"id":4023,"date":"2024-03-28T03:24:28","date_gmt":"2024-03-28T03:24:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myoffbeatravelog.com\/?p=4023"},"modified":"2024-10-27T11:51:09","modified_gmt":"2024-10-27T11:51:09","slug":"rinchenponga-silent-valley-a-hidden-jewel-of-west-sikkim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myoffbeatravelog.com\/?p=4023","title":{"rendered":"Rinchenpong(a silent valley), a hidden jewel of West Sikkim"},"content":{"rendered":"

After a 2-day stay in Pelling, we reached Rinchenpong on March 18, 2018 as per our itinerary.
\nOn March 18, 2018, after breakfast at the hotel in Pelling, we first stopped at the Singshore Suspension Bridge<\/strong> in a reserved cab. I visited the bridge before but never came in the early morning, so the atmosphere was very quiet, and we didn’t see anyone except a few locals. But the atmosphere was great. After that, we started our journey to reach our destination through Dentam Valley, and the route was filled with enchanting scenery. The amazing beauty of Dentum Valley fascinated us.
\nWe next arrived in front of a bustling market known as Rinchenpong Bazar<\/strong>, but this was not our destination. So, we again followed an uphill road to reach the famous Rinchenpong Monastery<\/strong> from the market area.
\nOur car finally stopped at a monastery gate standing in front of flat land. From there, we saw the old Rinchenpong monastery directly, and our accommodation (Hotel Landscape<\/strong>, Matthi Gumpa-Rinchenpong) was next to the gate of the monastery. From our hotel premises, we could see the Kanchenjunga range, which fascinated us.
\nAs a result, interest in exploring the hidden Rinchenpong increased several times.\"Rinchenpong\"<\/p>\n

History of a lake in Rinchenpong – Poison Lake<\/h1>\n

This lake is locally known as Bikh Pokhari (<\/strong>or Pokhri<\/strong>). However, in the Lepcha language, it is called Neing Dah<\/strong>, where Neing<\/strong> means Poison<\/strong> and Dah<\/strong> means Lake<\/strong>.
\nWhen the British invaded the region in 1860, the primitive indigenous Lepcha people rebelled against British aggression. The lake was the only source of water for the British troops, and the Lepcha tribes used a mixture of poisonous herbs to poison the lake water. More than half of the British forces were wiped out after drinking the poisoned waters of that lake and were forced to retreat, which subsequently stopped the British invasion, and a compromise agreement was reached between the two sides.
\nLocals still consider the lake’s water poisonous and unusable, and they believe the lake is haunted<\/strong>. But from a historical point of view, this lake has been a symbol of resistance against foreign invasion<\/em><\/strong>. Currently, the lake is almost dry most of the year, but it is one of the main attractions in Rinchenpong.\"poison<\/p>\n

The cultural significance of Rinchenpong<\/h2>\n

Rinchenpong’s connection with a famous Nobel laureate<\/h4>\n

It is said that the Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore<\/strong> stayed in the Rinchenpong Dak Bungalow<\/strong> for some time, and during his stay here, he wrote one of his popular poems for his Gitanjali<\/strong><\/span>, titled Chitto Jetha Bhayshunyo<\/strong> (Where the mind is without fear<\/em><\/strong>).
\nA viewpoint near Rinchen Chholing Monastery is named Rabindra Smriti Van<\/strong>\u00a0in honor of his arrival at Rinchenpong.<\/p>\n

\"Rabindra<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why Rinchenpong’s two old monasteries are famous<\/h2>\n

Rinchenpong Monastery<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Ngadakpa Lama<\/strong> established a monastery in 1730 in a silent valley called Rinchenpong, which is known today as Rinchenpong Monastery (Gey-Sanga-Yangtze Goompa<\/strong>). It is the 3rd oldest monastery in Sikkim<\/span>, started with about 98 lamas.
\nThe main significance<\/em> of the Rinchenpong Monastery is the statue of a rare Ati Buddha (Adi-Buddha<\/strong> or Primordial Buddha<\/strong>) in the Yab-Yum<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span> position, which represents the universe and its natural wisdom.
\nThis type of Buddha statue is found in very few monasteries, and in those monasteries, Tantric teachings are practiced along with Buddhism. The monastery is situated on a flat field with the monks’ quarters on one side and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind on the other.
\nAlso, a mesmerizing view of Kanchenjunga from the monastery is a perfect blend of Sikkim’s ancient architecture and nature. The daily lives of young and child lamas will introduce you to another way of life.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Reesum Monastery<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Rinchenpong has two famous monasteries, one of which is the nearly 300-year-old Reesum Monastery. In the Tibetan language, the word Reesum<\/strong> literally means Meeting Place Of Three Mountains<\/strong>. This monastery is located in a peaceful natural setting on a hilltop and is one of the most unexplored places in West Sikkim. There is an incredible 360-degree panoramic view from here.
\nThis old monastery is beautifully decorated with Buddhist paintings, but currently the structure of the monastery is in shaky condition and needs renovation.
\nA 1.5-kilometer (approx.) forest path with stairs leads from Rinchenpong Monastery to this monastery, giving you the feel of a mini-hike. The silence of the hiking trail in the dense forest and the chirping of birds \u2013 a melodious world unfolds.<\/p>\n

\"Reesum<\/p>\n

Where is Rinchenpong Located?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Altitude & Location<\/strong>: At around 5,576 ft above the sea level. This offbeat is located in the West District of Sikkim state, India and belongs to the Soreng <\/b>Subdivision.<\/p>\n

Essential Information of Rinchenpong<\/h3>\n

Nearest Airport<\/strong>:
\nInternational: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), WB
\nDomestic:\u00a0 Pakyong Airport (PKY), Sikkim<\/p>\n

Nearest Main Railway Station: NJP
\nNearest Town: Pelling<\/p>\n

\"Map
Map of Rinchenpong<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Distance from Rinchenpong (Approx. Measurement)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Destination<\/strong><\/td>\nDistance (KMs)
\n<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gangtok<\/td>\n120<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NJP Railway Station<\/td>\n126<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bagdogra Airport (IXB)<\/td>\n133<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Siliguri<\/td>\n122<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pakyong Airport (PKY)<\/td>\n102<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Yuksom<\/td>\n49<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Singshore Suspension Bridge<\/td>\n27<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pelling<\/td>\n46<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Khecheopalri Lake<\/span><\/td>\n64<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ravangla<\/td>\n39<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chayatal<\/td>\n23<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kaluk<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Geyzing<\/td>\n25<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Namchi<\/td>\n43<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hee Burmiok<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pemayangtse Monastery<\/td>\n41<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

How to Reach<\/h3>\n

Rinchenpong is well connected by road to various parts of Sikkim and West Bengal. You can easily reach here by hiring a reserve cab from NJP, Siliguri, Bagdogra, and Gangtok.
\nBut direct shared cabs are not available from Siliguri and NJP to reach here.
\nThe most convenient route to Rinchenpong is to first take a shared cab or a Sikkim government bus from Siliguri’s SNT bus stand to reach Jorethang via Melli Checkpost<\/strong>. After that, take a shared cab from the Jorethang<\/strong> bus stand to reach Rinchenpong via Kaluk.<\/p>\n

\"Rinchenpong<\/p>\n

The journey from Pelling to Rinchenpong is very charming and scenic. This route passes through the Singshore Suspension Bridge, Dentam Valley, and finally reaches Rinchenpong.<\/p>\n

Note<\/strong>: If you request your hotel or homestay for pickup and drop-off, they can also arrange the vehicle.<\/p>\n

Local Medical Facility<\/h3>\n

Rinchenpong PHC<\/strong> is the main center of the medical system here.<\/p>\n

\"Primary<\/p>\n

Local people and their livelihood<\/h3>\n

Various ethnic groups populate Rinchenpong, which has a small population. The population composition here includes communities such as Bhutia, Lepcha<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/span>, Limboo, and Nepali, continuing Sikkim’s tradition of being home to a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-lingual population.
\nRinchenpong’s religious identity is diverse, reflecting the coexistence of different religions. Along with Buddhism and Hinduism, Christianity is also practiced.
\nNepali, Bhutia, and Hindi\u2014these languages are mostly used here. But some of them can also speak and understand English. Hence, tourists do not have to face language problems here and can easily communicate with the locals.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Agriculture is an important occupation for the people of Rinchenpong. They cultivate paddy, maize, turmeric, and black cardamom using terrace farming and organic methods. Besides, they cultivate kiwi, oranges, and other fruits; that’s why some organic farms have been established here.Also,locals are involved in animal husbandry.
\nHowever, currently, tourism is also playing a significant role in the development of the rural economy of the region.
\nHence, nowadays, some villagers are providing homestay and farmstay facilities for tourists. Local handicrafts (traditional weaving and carpentry) contribute to the local economy.<\/p>\n

What to do<\/h3>\n