The main city of the West Sikkim District, Geyzing, also known as Gyalshing, is situated at the height of 6,500 feet above sea level with tall and scenic mountains of the Himalayan range surrounding the city. The river Rangeet surges on the western side of the city. Keeping aside the picturesque splendor of the landscape that you can observe in Geyzing, the various monasteries positioned here make it a prominent tourist destination.
Geyzing is one of the main towns in the West District of Sikkim and the district headquarter. The town is also popular as Gyalshing among the local people and is situated at a distance of 10km from Pelling. With the growth in the number of people visiting here every year, Geyzing has become a tourist hotspot, and it is the major trade and commercial town of this area also. Yangtey, a hilltop that is a few kilometers away from here, is situated on top of a cliff and gives a great picturesque outlook. Straight down lies the river Rangeet and up ahead, you can see the beautiful Kanchenjunga Mountains. Apart from its natural beauty, Geyzing is also notable for the monasteries which countless Buddhist pilgrims visit.
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Best Time To Visit Gyalshing, West Sikkim
Despite the fact that Geyzing is visited by visitors all year, the summer season is the greatest time to come since the weather is ideal for outdoor activities and visiting the town.
Season of Summer
It begins in April and ends in June. The weather is really beautiful, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. This season is ideal for visiting Geyzing because of the pleasant weather, picturesque scenery, and outdoor activities.
Season of the Monsoons
The monsoon season begins in July and lasts until September. The weather is pleasant to moderate, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. Though the beauty of Geyzing is at its optimum at this time, it is best to avoid visiting during the rainy season because torrential downpours might cause major disruptions to your plans.
Season of Winter
Winter starts in October and lasts until February. The weather has been quite cold, with significant snowfall—the temperature ranges from -10 to -30 degrees Celsius. Therefore visitors avoid visiting Geyzing at this time.
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Places To Visit in Geyzing
Rhododendron Sanctuary of Barsey
This sanctuary, which opened in 1996, is known for its diverse vegetation and animals. Red pandas, foxes, black bears, leopard cats, and Himalayan Yellow-Throated Martens are among the Himalayan wildlife that you may find here. The sanctuary, which is located on the Singalila Ridge, provides breathtaking views of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga mountains. Barsey is a haven for nature and wildlife lovers.
Yangtey
Yangtey is a tiny town located 2 kilometers from Geyzing at an elevation of 1828 meters. It is surrounded by Himalayan peaks, lush meadows, flowing waterfalls, and an overcast sky. You can visit Khecheopalri Lake, Rimbi Waterfalls, Rabdentse Ruins, Sewaro Rock Garden, Temi Tea Garden, Pemayangtse Monastery in Pelling, and many other surrounding sites from Yangtey.
Khecheopalri Lake
Khecheopalri Lake, also known as Sho Dzo Sho Lake, gets its name from the Khecheopalri hill that surrounds it. Many Hindu and Buddhist devotees worship the lake, which is considered sacred by Hindu and Buddhist devotees. The lake is the subject of many stories, and it is said that one's desires are granted here. It has a diverse ecosystem and is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Rabdentse Ruins
This archaeological site was developed by Sikkim's tourist department and is a great place to visit if you want to learn about the state's history. It boasts rich green sceneries with blossoming flowers and trees and is just a short walk from Pemayangtse Monastery.
Sangachoeling Monastery
Sangachoeling Monastery is one of Sikkim's oldest monasteries, having been founded in the 17th century by Lama Lhatsun Chempo. It is placed on a hill above Pelling, 7 kilometers away from Pemayangtse Monastery. The monastery, which was built in the Tibetan style of architecture and is also known as the site of hidden spells, has been damaged by fire multiple times since its founding.
Things To Do at Gyalshing, West Sikkim
Trekking the Dafeybhir Pass: Dafeybhir Pass hike offers spectacular vistas of snow-capped mountains and is an undiscovered and demanding path. The trail descends to Gomathang valley from here, which is the highest point of the Singalila Trek. You'll be rewarded with beautiful flora and gushing waterfalls as you go through the hike.
Shopping: Geyzing is a shopper's paradise, with a wide variety of local handicrafts and handcrafted items like rugs and woolens to take home as souvenirs.
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How To Reach Gyalshing, West Sikkim
The closest airport to Geyzing is Bagdogra Airport, which is 124 kilometers away. To go to Geyzing, you'll need to take a cab from the airport. New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the nearest station. Taxis are available to take you around the neighborhood from there. Tourists may get to Geyzing by bus from destinations like Gangtok, Pelling, Jorethang, Yuksom, Darjeeling, Tashiding, and Siliguri. It has a good road network.
By Air: Geyzing is served by Bagdogra Airport, which is the closest airport to the city. Geyzing is 124 kilometers distant. To go to Geyzing, you'll need to take a cab from the airport.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the nearest station. Taxis are available to take you around the neighborhood from there.
By Road: Tourists may get to Geyzing by bus from destinations like Gangtok, Pelling, Jorethang, Yuksom, Darjeeling, Tashiding, and Siliguri. It has a good road network.