Rinchenpong

Rinchenpong is a picturesque town located in West Sikkim, India, at an altitude of approximately 5,576 feet (1,700 meters) and is a great alternative to the more crowded Pelling. It boasts peaceful environs and amazing views of the eastern himalayas. Rinchenpong offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape, particularly Mt. Kanchenjunga range, and is surrounded by rich flora and fauna.

Rinchenpong Travel Trips

Here are some enticing activities you can pursue in Rinchenpong:

Hiking and Nature Walks: Embark on invigorating hikes through the verdant hills surrounding Rinchenpong. Explore the captivating beauty of the region, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and witness hidden waterfalls and serene landscapes.
Reesum Monastery (Rishum Monastery): Explore the 18th-century Reesum Monastery, a serene Buddhist monastery perched amidst the hills. Witness the intricate architecture, prayer halls adorned with statues and thangkas, and experience the spiritual aura of this revered site.
Traditional Lepcha House: Learn about the Lepcha culture, an indigenous community of Sikkim, by visiting a traditional Lepcha house. Witness their unique architectural style, way of life, and gain insights into their rich heritage.
Birdwatching: Rinchenpong's rich forest ecosystem is a haven for diverse bird species. Look out for colorful birds like pheasants, thrushes, and parakeets amidst the lush greenery.
Picnic by the Lake: Enjoy a relaxing picnic by the serene Kartok Lake or the Shrijanga Temple, a sacred place for the Limbu tribe. Soak in the beauty of the surroundings and relish a delightful meal amidst nature.
Shrijanga Temple, Rinchenpong - Visit nearby Hee Water Garden: Take a short trip to nearby Hee Water Garden, known for its cafes, swimming pools, and a natural park. Enjoy a refreshing escape amidst nature's beauty.
Homestay Experience: Immerse yourself in the local way of life by opting for a homestay experience. Interact with Sikkimese families, savor delicious home-cooked meals, and gain a deeper understanding of the region's culture.
Visit Azing's Farm: Azing's Farm is located 4 kms away from Rinchenpong and is purely organic farm covering eight hectare of ancestral land. Mr. Azing Lepcha has established this farm which has many local agricultural products, from fruits to crops and from animal husbandry to the art of extracting honey.

Overall, Rinchenpong is an emerging offbeat destination with some very nice homestays and travellers can get a combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural heritage, making it a worthwhile destination for travelers wanting to explore Offbeat Sikkim.

Best time to visit Rinchenpong:

Best time to visit Rinchenpong is from March to May and in winter from October to mid December. In the spring months, the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary’s rhododendrons cover Rinchenpong in a stunning shade of red, while in the winter months, visitors may take in an unobstructed vista of the snow-covered Himalayan range.

Where to stay in Rinchenpong:

There is a beautiful farmstay called Yangsum Heritage Farm in Rinchenpong which is run by a local Sikkimese family. The farmstay offers an offbeat experiential stay with its rustic architecture, organic farms, well-maintained lawns, mesmerising view, and warm hospitality. The property is a heritage farmhouse spread over 44 acres of mountain farm landscapes of exotic flora and fauna. The property retains the rustic charm yet offers all the modern amenities and comfort. The hosts, Mr. Thendup and his family arrange for a lot of exciting and adventurous activities for the guest like nature walk, hiking, monastery tour, etc.

For a customized tour experience you can contact Karma at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in

Rinchenpong Facts

Rinchenpong is home to one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim- the Rigsum Gomba. The area is also significant historically, as it was the site of a notable battle between the forces of the Chogyal (King) of Sikkim and British invaders. The Lepcha tribesmen reportedly poisoned the local water source, leading to heavy British casualties and halting the invasion. This site is known locally as bikh-pokhri or "poisoned lake" and remains a point of interest for visitors

How to Reach

By Air

The Pakyong Airport is a new airspace that became operational in Gangtok in 2018, and is the closest airport from Rinchenpong. However, it currently only provides services to and from Guwahati and Kolkata. The other nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport located in Siliguri, West Bengal. Around 130 km away, Rinchenpong can be reached within 5 hours from Bagdogra through buses or cabs that are easily available outside the airport.

By Train

People who prefer to travel by train can opt to reach the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is the nearest railhead from Rinchenpong. NJP connects to all major stations in the country through regularly operating trains. Most of the hotels and resorts in Rinchenpong provide pickup services to and from NJP station; a convenient option for those who have pre-booked accommodation. For those who don’t, can avail the services of buses and taxis available outside the railway station.

By Road

Rinchenpong is connected to a number of regions through a good network of roads. Buses, taxis and shared jeeps are available from Siliguri and Gangtok, both located around 120 km away.The most convenient travel route going to Rinchenpong, including those from within Sikkim is accessible via Jorethang. The road from Jorethang goes uphill to Soreng, which continues north to reach Kaluk – a village located just 3 km away from Rinchenpong. Another route originates near Legship in West Sikkim that reaches Rinchenpong within 11 km. People traveling from Gangtok, Namchi or Ravangla are well suited to take this route.