West Sikkim

West Sikkim is a district of the
Indian state of Sikkim. Its capital is Geyzing, also known as Gyalshing. The district is a favourite with trekkers due to the high elevations. Other important towns include Pelling and Jorethang.

The district has a wide variety of fauna and flora to offer. Since most of the district is hilly it enjoys a temperate climate. Above 3,800 m (12,000 ft) the slopes are full of rhododendron forests. West Sikkim also has the ancient capital of the state Yuksom. It served as the capital beginning in 1642 for almost 50 years until it was shifted to Rabtense. The district was under the occupation of the Nepalese for many decades in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. After the Gorkha War, the district was returned to Sikkim.

The economy is mainly agrarian, despite most of the land being unfit for cultivation owing to the precipitous and rocky slopes. Attractions include the Khecheoperi lake which as legend has it, not a leaf is allowed to fall on the surface of the lake and the Dubdi Monastery, the first monastery of the state. The people are mainly of Nepali descent. Other ethnic groups include the Lepcha and Bhutia communities. Nepali is the most widely spoken language in the district.

The region has many power projects and enjoys almost uninterrupted electricity. Roads however, are in a poor condition owing to the frequent landslides.

External links

* [http://www.rangan-datta.info/Varsey.htm Travel article on Varsey by Rangan Datta]
* [http://www.rangan-datta.info/Rabdantse.htm Travel article on Rabdantse by Rangan datta]
* [http://www.rangan-datta.info/Yuksum.htm Travel article on Yuksum by Rangan Datta]
* [http://www.rangan-datta.info/Khandosangphuk.htm Travel article on Khandosangphuk by Rangan datta]
* [http://www.rangan-datta.info/rinchenpong.htm Travel article on Rinchenpong by Rangan Datta]
* [http://www.rangan-datta.info/West%20sikkim.htm Travel article on West Sikkim]
* [http://www.rangan-datta.info/index.htm Rangan Datta's Home Page]