Sikkim is not only rich in natural beauty, but also it has mysteries and is full of historical importance. But due to our ignorance, we only discuss the landscapes, snow, and hills of Sikkim. It is believed that the Kingdom of Sikkim was founded by the Namgyal dynasty in the 17th century. It was ruled by Buddhist priest-kings known as the Chogyal. During British Raj, it became a princely state of India in 1890. After Indian independence, Sikkim continued its protectorate status with the Union of India after 1947. So, we can understand that Sikkim has a rich history of at least 300-400 years.
Rabdentse is one such place in Pelling, Sikkim which has natural as well as historical importance. From the main road, one has to walk an approximately 2 km trail to reach this place. The trail is passing through a thickly wooded moist temperate Oak – Chestnut forest. It is so dense that during mid of the day also the sunlight cannot enter some places. The trail is easy for everybody but older person need to be very cautious before starting the trail.
Let us discuss the historical importance of the place. Rabdentse was the second capital of the former kingdom of Sikkim during Chogyal’s reign. Chogyal means ‘righteous ruler’. It is believed that the reign of the Chogyal was foretold by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century when he arrived in the state. In 1642, Chogyal Phuntsog Namgyal was crowned as Sikkim’s first ruler in Yuksom. After that, his son Tensung Namgyal shifted their capital from Yuksom to Rabdentse in the year 1670. Consequent to the repeated attacks by the Bhutanese and Nepalese over the many invasions, the capital city was reduced to ruins by the liberating army of Nepal. The Archaeological Survey of India has declared Rabdentse a heritage monument and has undertaken the needed preservation and restoration measures.
After walking for about 30 minutes through the forests, you will find the ASI board and beside this a chorten. There stood a throne comprising three standing stones called “Namphogang”, which was the pulpit of the judges from where judgments were pronounced during the active days of the king’s reign from Rabdentse. Further ahead, the ‘Taphap Chorten’ is seen in the semi-ruined condition. This was the entry point to the Palace and people seeking access to the palace had to dismount from their horses and remove their hat as a mark of respect to the King here.
After crossing the fourth and the final courtyard wall you can see the palace ruins in the centre. It is situated in a most commanding place from where we can clearly see the entire southwestern region of Sikkim. The ruins of the palace are made up of two of the northern and southern wings. The northern wing was the residence of the royal family. And at the southern wing, three chortens are there where members of the royal family offered incense to the deities.
Walking back from the ruins of the Rabdentse Palace, we realized that for a traveler to get a better understanding of Sikkim (and even of the historical significance of the tourist places one visits here), it is important to visit the historical capitals of the state and understand the connection. If you are in Pelling, you must visit this place. Also please note, the Rabdentse Complex houses a bird park named Sidkeong Tulku Bird Park, which is named after the 10th Chogyal Sidkeong Tulku Namgyal. There are about 200 varieties of Bird species in this bird park. Before heading towards Rabdentse Ruins you can spend a few minutes there.
How to reach :
Rabdentse can be easily accessible by road. It is better to plan for this place along with Pelling. From New Jalpaiguri railway station, Pelling is 135 km and will take around 5 hr. If you want to come from Gangtok, it is around 125 km. Hire a vehicle and combine a visit to Rabdentse with the Pemyangtse Monastery, the Khecheopalri Lake, and the Kanchenjunga waterfalls. We have visited these places along with our Ravangla tour. To know more about our plan, click this link.
Where to stay :
There are plenty of options to stay at Pelling as well as Gangtok. So accommodation is not an issue in this circuit.
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