Geyzing, or Gyalshing, is the capital of West Sikkim. Attractions include Pemyangtse Monastery built in 1640, reputed to be Sikkim's oldest, and Khecheopalri Lake which as legend has it not a leaf is allowed to float on the surface. The town is the base for trekking in the Himalayas and professional expeditions to Mount Kanchenjunga.

Understand

The town has a large population of people of Nepalese ancestry and has a population of around 900.

The Nepali language is the predominant language of the region.

The town is situated at an altitude of about 6,500 feet (1,900 m). The town enjoys a temperate climate for most of the year and snow sometimes falls in the vicinity.

Get in

The town is connected to the capital Gangtok by a metalled road. Geyzing is also connected to the West Bengal towns of Darjeeling and Kalimpong via Jorethang. A few kilometres north is the town of Pelling.

By bus

There is a daily bus connection to Gangtok and to Siliguri (via Jorethang), both at 8AM.

By shared jeep

Shared jeeps go to Gangtok (4 to 5 hr, ₹120), Siliguri (₹125), Legship and Jorethang, where you have to change car when you want to go ahead to Darjeeling.

By taxi

There are taxis to Pelling (30 min, ₹20). Taxis to Pelling also operate in the afternoon, whereas taxis to other places leave in the morning only.

See

Main Shrine of Pemangytse Gompa with prayer flags

• 1 Pemayangtse Monastery, Pemayangtse village on the main Pelling road (6 km from Gyalshing city). A Buddhist monastery that was planned, designed and founded by Lama Lhatsun Chempo in 1647. It is one of the oldest and premier monasteries of Sikkim, also the most famous in Sikkim.  

Foot bridge to Khecheolpalri Lake

• 2 Khecheopalri Lake. part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit involving the Yuksom, the Dubdi Monastery in Yuksom, Pemayangtse Monastery, the Rabdentse ruins, the Sanga Choeling Monastery, and the Tashiding Monastery. An interesting feature of the lake is that leaves are not allowed to float on the lake, which is ensured by the birds which industriously pick them up as soon as they drop into the lake surface.  

Eat

• Denkhang (near the market, on the road to Tashigang). 

Sleep

• Atri, ☏ +91 3595 250 602.