Geyzing

Geyzing, or Gyalshing, is the capital of West Sikkim. Attractions include Pemyangtse Monastery built in 1640, reputed to be Sikkim's oldest, and Khecheopalri Lake which as legend has it not a leaf is allowed to float on the surface. The town is the base for trekking in the Himalayas and professional expeditions to Mount Kanchenjunga.

Understand
The town has a large population of people of Nepalese ancestry and has a population of around 900.

The Nepali language is the predominant language of the region.

The town is situated at an altitude of about 6,500 feet (1,900 m). The town enjoys a temperate climate for most of the year and snow sometimes falls in the vicinity.

Get in
The town is connected to the capital Gangtok by a metalled road. Geyzing is also connected to the West Bengal towns of Darjeeling and Kalimpong via Jorethang. A few kilometres north is the town of Pelling.

By bus
There is a daily bus connection to Gangtok and to Siliguri (via Jorethang), both at 8AM.

By shared jeep
Shared jeeps go to Gangtok (4 to 5 hr, ₹120), Siliguri (₹125), Legship and Jorethang, where you have to change car when you want to go ahead to Darjeeling.

By taxi
There are taxis to Pelling (30 min, ₹20). Taxis to Pelling also operate in the afternoon, whereas taxis to other places leave in the morning only.