Things to do in Rinchenpong, A Quint Little hamlet in West Sikkim

While Pelling is the most popular destination in West Sikkim, it often gets overcrowded, especially during peak seasons. If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience that still offers peace, natural beauty, and a touch of offbeat charm, consider including Rinchenpong and Kaluk in your itinerary. These serene hamlets offer a refreshing escape from the usual hustle, making them ideal for a more relaxed and immersive experience. Below, you’ll find a curated list of top things to do in Rinchenpong to help you plan a compact 4–6 day West Sikkim tour.

A brief of Rinchenpong

Nestled in the lap of nature and surrounded by panoramic mountain views, Rinchenpong is a small town in West Sikkim located just 3 km from Kaluk.

Perched at an altitude of 5,576 feet (1,700 meters), it offers a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks. In addition to natural beauty, Rinchenpong is home to a couple of monasteries and places of historical interest, making it a rewarding destination for travelers seeking serenity with a touch of spirituality and history.

Top Things to Do in Rinchenpong

You can either stay overnight in Rinchenpong or plan a sightseeing trip from Kaluk. Local taxis usually charge between ₹1,000 and ₹1,200 for a day trip, depending on the season and pickup location.

Following are the top things to do in Rinchenpong.

1. Visit Rinchenpong Monastery

Established in 1772, Rinchenpong Monastery is the third oldest monastery in Sikkim. Located at an altitude of over 5,500 feet in Upper Rinchenpong, the monastery features a unique statue of Ati Buddha in the rare Yab-Yum posture—something you won’t find in most other monasteries in the region.

The monastery is surrounded by tall pine trees and colorful prayer flags, creating a tranquil and spiritually uplifting ambiance. A small uphill trail to the left of the monastery adds to the charm for nature walkers and photographers.

2. Go to Reesum Monastery

Reesum (Rishum) Monastery was built back in 18th century and is located at a higher altitude of around 6,250 feet. The site offers a splendid view of the valleys and mountains, making it an excellent spot for panoramic photos.

This hilltop location, locally known as Maggi Dara (perhaps famous for the noodle preparation), is both scenic and quiet. Behind the monastery you’ll find a small park dedicated to Great Rabindranath Tagore. Although the park isn’t well maintained, it’s still a peaceful place worth visiting for nature lovers.

3. Rinchenpong British Bungalow

Tucked away in the forested hills of Upper Rinchenpong lies a decades-old British Bungalow, built during the colonial era by British officials. This charming heritage, made of wood and stone, offers a glimpse into the region’s colonial past. Surrounded by a well-maintained garden in full bloom, the bungalow exudes vintage charm and serenity. It’s a great stop to witness the history before heading to your next destination.

4. Explore Poison Lake (Bikh Pokhri)

Into the Deep forest of Upper Rinchenpong lies Poison Lake, locally known as Bikh Pokhri—a site steeped in legend and resistance. In the 18th century, when British forces attempted to establish control over Sikkim, they clashed with the Chogyal (King) of Sikkim. According to local lore, the queen of the Lepcha community, in a bold act of defiance, poisoned the lake—Rinchenpong’s sole water source—by adding toxic herbs. As a result, many British soldiers died after drinking from it, ultimately halting their advance into the region.

Even today, locals believe the lake water remains unsafe and avoid touching it. While the lake itself is small and quiet, the surrounding forest and the story it holds make it a fascinating stop for those interested in history and folklore.

5. Rinchen Choling Monastery

The Rinchen Choling Tamu Monastery is the newest and architecturally most impressive monastery in Rinchenpong. Built in 1996 by the Gurung Buddhist Society, the monastery stands near Rinchenpong Market on a ruined site of a Tshamkhang, where Lt. Risung Lama meditated for years.

The monastery’s front offers a majestic panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, while its left and rear sides overlook a sweeping valley bordered by distant mountain ranges. With its vibrant structure and peaceful setting, this is a must-visit spot for spiritual seekers and nature lovers.

Other Attractions Near Rinchenpong

If you’re staying in Rinchenpong or nearby Kaluk, you may consider adding the following nearby attractions to your itinerary, if you are on longer vacation:

Sirijunga Temple & Statue Complex / Teyongsi Sirijunga Cultural Heritage Centre – 15 km
Chayatal Lake – 19 km
Hee Water Garden – 16 km
Dentam Valley – 22 km
Singshore Suspension Bridge – 27 km
Uttarey Village – 30 km
Tenzing Hillary Park – 35 km
Tato Pani (Hot Spring) – 25 km
Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary – 57 km (best visited in March–April for rhododendron blooms)

Where to stay

There are a few hotels in Rinchenpong, you may book for an overnight stay in a Kanchenjunga view hotel.

Hotel Panorama Hills
Rinchenpong Nest Homestay
Hotel Mount View
Reesum Resort

Alternatively, you can stay at neighbor village Kaluk, there are couple of charming resorts with exclusive Mt. Kanchenjunga view.

Mandarin Village Resort
Ghonday Village Resort
Pine Village Retreat
THE B’s

How to visit Rinchenpong

You can visit Rinchenpong from Pelling (38 km) directly, it takes approx. 1 hr 40 min to reach. Also, you can visit Rinchenpong from Kaluk, it’s only 3 km away. From Gangtok, it’s about 122 km, needs approx. 5 hours to reach. Namchi, another tourist’s hotspot in South Sikkim, is 43 km away, takes about 1.5 hours to reach.

Nearest Railway Station: NJP (122 km, 4 hr), Silliguri (120 km, 4 hr)

Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (131 km, 4.5 hr)

Best Things to Do in Rinchenpong: Final Thoughts

Rinchenpong may be a lesser-known destination in West Sikkim, but its serene landscapes, rich history, and spiritual landmarks offer an experience far more intimate and fulfilling than many mainstream spots.

Whether you’re watching prayer flags flutter beside ancient monasteries, walking through misty forests steeped in legend, or simply enjoying uninterrupted views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Rinchenpong invites you to slow down and truly connect with nature and culture.

Combine the place with Pelling, Kaluk and nearby attractions for a memorable 4–6 day offbeat journey through the heart of West Sikkim.

Suvankar Das

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Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.

Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.

He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!