Rabdentse Ruins

5.4

Location: 8724+HJ9, Geyzing, Sikkim 737111, India

Estimated Visiting Time: Rabdentse Ruins can be explored at 01:00 hr.

Rabdentse Ruins served as the second capital of the ancient Kingdom of Sikkim From 1670 to 1814. The invading Gurkha army demolished the capital city, leaving only the remnants of the palace and shortens to be seen today. The Indian Archeological Society has conserved these ruins, which are now a tourist attraction.

Attraction

The Rabdentse Ruins, which may be viewed after surfing through Sikkim’s royal history, are just a short walk from Pemayangtse Monastery. Birders can enjoy themselves along the route by observing some of the rare Himalayan birds as they move through the beautiful green forest. The Singshore Bridge, which is close to the ruins, is another interesting sight to view. Khecheopalri Lake, nestled in the sacred Khecheopalri Hill, is only 26 kilometers distant and may be visited for spiritual enlightenment. The gorgeous Kanchenjunga Waterfalls, about a 38-minute (16-kilometer) drive away, are another nearby and relaxing excursion.

History

Ruins of Royal Palace of Rabdentse.

Tensung Namgyal, the son of Phuntsog Namgyal, founded Rabdentse as the capital of the Sikkim Kingdom. In 1670, he became the second Chogyal, or King of Sikkim. In 1642, the capital was relocated from Yuksom. Tensung Namgyal had three wives, one each from Nepal, Bhutan, and Sikkimese. The king’s offspring from each of his wives were not friendly and regularly fought over who would be the successor to the throne. As a result, several skirmishes arose between the three districts, with armies headed by the king’s progeny, resulting in significant bloodshed and property devastation over the years.

The Sikkimese force was defeated in the end, and the conflict between the Nepali and Bhutanese armies continued. The Nepali army, who won the fight, entirely destroyed Rabdentse’s palace as a result of the conflict.

Inside/Outside Views

Rabdentse Ruins near Pelling.Rabdentse was the second capital of the former kingdom of Sikkim.

Nearby to the Pelling-Geyshing Road, the remains at Rabdentse comprise wall stumps and a magnificent yellow entry gate. A 15-minute hike from here takes one through a lake and forested hills. Namphogang, a stone throne made up of three standing stones, may be found. The stupa Taphap Chorten is in a partially destroyed state. This was the old palace’s main entrance.

The palace remains may be seen in the fourth courtyard. The ruins are divided into two wings, one for the north and one for the south. The royal family’s official house was on the northern wing. There is an open quadrangle there, as well as a popular building known as Dab Lhagang. A large white marble slab sits in the spot where the Risum Temple complex formerly stood. Along with the remains, there are three chortens where the royal family used to perform religious ceremonies. They have been well-preserved and well-protected.

Opening Hours

The opening hour is every day 10 AM- 5 PM.
Only Friday 10 AM – 4 PM.

Entry & Others Fees

No entry fee to visit Rabdentse Ruins

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

Rabdentse Palace’s ruins are located in West Sikkim and may be visited by descending down 2 kilometers from Pemayangtse Monastery on the route to Pelling. Gangtok is 125 kilometers away from Pelling. From Pelling, one may rent a cab or take a shared jeep to Pemayangtse Monastery and other nearby tourist destinations.