Rinchenpong is a beautiful village situated at a height of 5,500 feet in west Sikkim. Tourists visiting this place can enjoy the magnificent beauty of the Himalayan Mountain range amidst its quiet stillness and spectacular floral environs. On a clear day, the snow clad peaks of Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Rathong, Kumbakarna, Koktang, etc. present a dazzling image to the eyes.
The upcoming tourist spot in the western part of Sikkim has a magnificent command over the mountain views, sunrise and sunset, flora and fauna, village tourism, historical sites and heritage of Rishum Monastery, rich forests and ample area for short treks. The place is famous for the beautiful view of the Kanchenjunga range of mountains. Apart from the natural beauty of the surroundings, the place is also quite significant from historical point of view.
Near the town is the site of a historical battle between the forces of the then Chogyal (King) of Sikkim and the invading British forces. The Lepcha tribesmen used a concoction of unidentified herbs to poison the only water source, a lake. As a result more than half of the British forces were wiped out which stopped the British invasion and resulted in an accord. The lake remains poisoned even to this day and is known as "Bikh-pokhri" which means poisoned lake.
Tourist Places in Rinchenpong
There are many tourist places in Rinchenpong that are visited by many tourists from different places. A series of winding stone-paved trails lead one past Lepcha traditional houses and old British forest bungalows to ancient monasteries, housing rare idols. The trail passes through beautiful forest, with the snowy peaks of Himalayas towering above the treetops.
Nighdoh: The famous pond which has high religious significance to the people of Sikkim.
Rinchenpong Monastery: Fluttering prayer flags and young lamas welcomes one to the monastery. Built in 1717 the monastery contains a rare idol of Ati Buddha in Yub-Yum position, which shows Buddha in meditating position with a woman embracing him. This is a popular monastery in Rinchenpong.
Rishum Monastery: This is an 18th century monastery located near Rinchenpong. The monastery is situated at an altitude of about 6250 ft.
Shrijanga Temple: The Shrijanga Temple is located at about 8 km from Rinchenpong. The site has been a popular picnic spot for the locals. The Limbu tribe of Sikkim worship at this temple. A waterfall nearby adds to the beauty of the place.
Tato Pani: This is a hot water spring about 20 km from Rinchenpong
Maggi Dara: A new monastery is being built.
Rabindra Smriti Van: A marble plaque containing a verse from the Poet"s Gitanjali.
Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary: The place is famous for the variety of Rhododendron that comes in full bloom during March and April. The Sanctuary is also home for a number of wild animals including the rare Red Panda.
