At an altitude of around 1706 m (5600 ft), Rinchenpong is a beautiful destination in the western part of Sikkim. It offers magnificent views of snowcapped mountains, sunrise and sunset. This small town also has a monastery. The nearby forest is rich of flora and fauna and there are couple of good trails for short hike. The place offers nice view of Kangchenjunga. If you look at the backside of an Indian 100 rupee note, the image you see is the replica of Kangchenjunga view one can get from here. Since the place is less explored by tourists this allow a visitor more serene atmosphere to be enjoyed. If you are looking for a peaceful getaway where you can spend quality time – Rinchenpong is the location you are looking for.
Activities
Day hike: You can go for soulful day hike in and around Rinchenpong. The vibrant and peaceful Sikkimese villages will definitely win your heart. Smiling local villagers, their cattle, birds this villages are so peaceful and the landscape looks so picturesque. If you are You can also visit local Rinchenpong monastery (1717 AD) to spend some quiet time. You can spend the evenings by browsing through the local bazaar (market) and if you do so then don’t forget to taste the momo (Dumplings) here.
Learning Sikkimese cuisines: You can learn to prepare the delicious Sikkimese cuisines at the place you are staying.
Sightseeing tour: You can go for local sightseeing tours to the various places of Interest in nearby areas. The full day tour programs can be customized to meet your needs. Some of the places of Interest are Tashiding Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse ruins, Ralang Monastery, Buddha Park and more.
Places to Visit: Rinchenpong Monastery, Reesum Monastery, Poison Pokhri, Kaluk Valley, Gurung Monastery, Hee-Bermiok, Hilley, Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary.
Travel Guide
Weather
The general temperature in Rinchenpong stays cold generally. During summer, mercury hardly crosses 25°C in daytime and during night it stays around 12°C. The average temperature for Rinchenpong is 16°C during winter. This place never gets snowfall but gets good amount of rain during monsoon.
Local Words
Generals greetings and words: Welcome greetings: Namas-tey, Yes: Hoon-chha, No: Ney-he, Little bit: Ali-kati, Thank you: Dhan-ya-baad, Road: Raas-taa, Shop/Store: Doo-kaan, Market: Baa-zar, Medicine: Daa-wai.
Food and Drinks: Hot water: Taa-to Paa-ni, Cold Water: Chee-so Paa-ni, Rice: Khaa-naa, Lentils:Daal, Vegetables: Sab-jee,
Emotions: Good (Food): Mee-tho, Not Good (food): Mee-tho chha-e-no, Good (Places, things): Daa-me, Not Good: (Place,things): Daa-me Chha-e-no.
Time: Morning/day: Bee-yan, Evening/night: Bel-ka.
Relationship: Elder-brother: Daa-joo, Brother: Bhaa-e, Elder Sister: Dee-Dee, Sister: Ba-hee-nee.
Getting here
The nearest airport name is Bagdogra airport (IXB). It is well connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and metro cities of India.
The nearest railway station name is New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP). It’s well connected with Delhi, Kolkata and other metro cities of India.
Rinchenpong is well connected by roads with Sikkim and rest of the India.
Permit
Indian tourists don’t need any permit to visit this place. Foreign tourists need an Inner Line Permit to visit this place but they can get that on arrival at Melli check point which is the entry point of Sikkim. It’s a hassle free process and takes only 20 min to complete the procedure. One must carry two photocopies of his/her passport and valid visa along with 2 copies of his/her passport size photo while applying. For further query please contact us.
Custom
Sikkim is the second smallest state in India with least population. They have deep respect for each other. While visiting in any religious place please remove your footwear before entering into the main temple. Also it is advisable to wear modest clothes while visiting any religious place. People will happily pose for a picture but please ask them before taking any picture.
*Please note that in a Sikkimese tradition while a guest is leaving they offer Khada (scarf) to their guest as a sign of good luck. If they offer you such then please close your palms together to reply as a thank you gesture.
Safety
Sikkim is India’s one of the few states where the crime rate is very low. Not only towards tourists, people have deep respects for each other also. But for any safety concern, you can share your query with local police station (dial 100 only) or reach to the nearest tourist information center.
Health
You won’t find any mosquitoes here in Rinchenpong. Due to alpine climate tourist generally doesn’t get sick. But if you are allergic to plants and pollen then take precaution. The local hotels and restaurants serve safe drinking water but if you are not sure then you can buy packaged drinking water almost at every place.