West Sikkim can be accessed by Legship. Situated beside the River Rangeet, it obstructs the paths leading to numerous important Sikkim cities. Like many tiny towns in Sikkim, it is surrounded by popular tourist destinations, has an abundance of natural beauty, and offers opportunities for treks and adventure sports.
The town’s strategic location and accessibility, along with its spiritual and religious significance, make it an ideal place for a stop or quick getaway for any traveler.
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Places to visit in Legship
Rinchenpong Monastery
Situated approximately 12 miles from Legship, Rinchenpong Monastery is a peaceful Buddhist monastery nestled in mysterious and picturesque natural surroundings. It is renowned for its elaborate construction and serene atmosphere, providing guests with a unique chance to encounter Sikkim’s spiritual side. The Ngadakpa Lama founded this unusual monastery in Rinchenpong, the hamlet of the same name, in 1730. It is particularly notable because it is Sikkim’s third-oldest monastery.
A unique Buddha avatar known as Ati Buddha or Adi Buddha, a statue in the Yab-Yum, resides in the monastery. This aspect of the Buddha, also known as the Primordial Buddha, is claimed to be the real Buddha and is symbolically shown as a blue-naked Buddha in a meditative pose, holding a woman. Through this shape, the strength of the union of the male and female has been emphasized.
Reshi Hot Springs
Reshi Hot Springs is a naturally occurring hot spring about 20 kilometers from Legship that draws tourists with the promise of its healing qualities. The mineral-rich water is thought to have therapeutic properties and draws tourists looking for rest and recovery. The sulfur concentration has a strong curative impact on a wide range of skin conditions. An hour’s journey downwards toward the Rangit River valley will get you to the spring site with relative ease.
Rangit River Dam
The primary tributary of the River Teesta, the River Ranjit, is home to the hydroelectric power project known as Rangit Dam. The location of the dam creates the illusion of a high-altitude lake, which is why a lot of people are drawn to this attraction. In addition, the lake’s two cliffs that tumble down its sides contribute to its appearance as a natural lake.
This dam, which goes by the name “Rangit Water World,” is a must-visit tourist site, especially for children because it provides a wealth of recreational opportunities for guests. This location creates the ideal tourist spot for enjoyable activities including rafting, boating, and fishing. With the backdrop of flowers and mountains, the lakeside area is a picturesque spot for gatherings for picnics. For a day trip away from the city, Rangit River Dam is a great place to go to.
Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple
Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is a well-known Hindu pilgrimage site that is situated between verdant woodlands and the shimmering River Rangit. It is stated that if you worship at this temple with all your heart, all your wishes would come true. Nonetheless, the temple receives a lot of traffic because it has three distinct prayer platforms where people can come to worship Lord Shiva, Lord Rama, and Goddess Durga. Kirateshwar Mahadev is purportedly the state’s oldest temple.
Because of its crucial involvement in the epic conflict, this holy shrine is also mentioned in the Mahabharata. The annual festival of the Bala Chaturdesi, which takes place in November and December, is the temple’s main draw. Additionally, many devotees travel from near and far to attend Maha Shivaratri, a festival that takes place in the months of February or March and is considered auspicious.
Also Read: Singhik Travel Guide
Best Time To Visit Legship
Legship In Winter (November To February)
Winter in Legship, which lasts for more than four months, adds to the beauty of Legship. This time of year is excessively chilly, with lows of just 1°C. Therefore, it is suggested that you wear thick wool clothing to stay warm. December and January mark the height of winter.
Legship In Summer (March To May)
Legship experiences a summer that lasts from March through May, with highs of up to 32°C. During the summer, it becomes rather heated, yet tolerable. This is the ideal time of year to visit Legship and engage in other outdoor pursuits, such as water sports. That’s why a lot of tourists visit it during this time of year.
Legship In Monsoon (June To October)
August is a month of significant rainfall in Legship compared to other monsoon months. Although the weather is still beautiful, sightseeing trips and outdoor activities are not possible because of the rain. Rain makes it difficult to get from one place to another, thus visiting Legship during the monsoon is not a fantastic idea.
How To Reach Legship
Legship By Air
The closest airport to Legship is Bagdogra Airport, located in Siliguri, West Bengal, about 118 kilometers away. The drive takes about four hours. Regular flights from the airport connect it well to several of the nation’s major cities. To get to Legship, you can take a private taxi from the airport.
The easiest method to get to Legship, which is 107 km away from Gangtok, is to travel to Gangtok first, then take a car down to Legship. Sikkim’s closest town to Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal is Gangtok, about 125 kilometers away.
The good news is that Sikkim now has Pakyong Airport, which when it’s completely operating will connect it directly with India’s major cities. The airport is situated in the town of Pakyong, approximately 35 kilometers south of Gangtok. Situated at an elevation of 4,590 feet, this airport is the first in Sikkim and among the highest in India. Once it’s up and running, getting to Gangtok won’t take long.
Legship By Train
Legship closest train station is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, West Bengal. From Legship, it is around 112 kilometers away. The easiest method to get to Legship, which is 107 km away from Gangtok, is to travel to Gangtok first, then take a car down to Legship. The railway station has good connections to the nation’s largest cities, including New Delhi and Kolkata. It’s simple to take a taxi or cab from the train station to Gangtok and then legship. From Gangtok and the railway station, taxis are easily accessible.
Legship By Road
Nearly every location in Sikkim and the main cities of India have easy access to Legship via road. The distances are roughly 15 miles to Geyzing and 107 km to Gangtok. The easiest method to get to Legship is to travel to Gangtok first, and then drive down to Legship. To get there, you can use a shared or private taxi. There are additional buses operated by the state.
Geyzing has excellent connections to places like Gangtok, Siliguri, and Darjeeling. Taxis, both shared and private, are widely accessible. Additionally, buses are offered from locations like as Yuksom, Pelling, Tashiding, Gangtok, Siliguri, and Darjeeling.
Conclusion
Legship in West Sikkim is a strategic stopover boasting natural beauty, adventure opportunities, and spiritual significance. Its location along the River Rangeet makes it accessible to key Sikkim cities, offering travelers a convenient and enriching experience amidst the region’s attractions.
Also Read: Thangu Valley Travel Guide
Buy Sikkim Tour Packages Here: Sikkim Tour Packages
Frequently Asked Question
What is the meaning of Legship?
The charming town of Legship in Sikkim is the entry point to West Sikkim. The monastery was named after a dense jungle of these chili ferns, which are known as “Legship” in the Lepcha language. These ferns have a taste similar to chilli.
What is the best time to visit Legship?
The best time to visit Legship is from February to May. During these months, the weather is more temperate, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
How can travelers reach Legship?
Travelers can reach Legship by flying to the closest airport, Bagdogra, or taking a train to the nearest railway station, New Jalpaiguri. From these entry points, taxis can be booked to reach Gangtok or other prominent towns, and from there, travelers can continue their journey to Legship via taxi.
What are the main attractions in Legship?
Legship is known for several popular attractions including the Rangeet Dam and the Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple. The Rangeet Dam offers adventurous activities and a water world, while the Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site with historical and spiritual importance.
Are there any natural hot springs in Legship?
Yes, Legship is home to the Phu Cha Chu Sulphurous Hot Springs. These hot springs are renowned for their medicinal properties and are situated amidst lush green forests, forming natural water pools ideal for bathing.
What religious and historical sites can visitors explore in Legship?
Visitors to Legship can explore the Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which holds historical significance from the epic Mahabharata. Additionally, the Lho Khando Sang Pho caves, where Guru Rinpoche meditated, offer a peaceful and spiritually significant experience among the Himalayan forest.
