Placed towards the southeast of the very popular Pemayangtse Monastery, the ruins of the Rabdentse Palace are one of the main attractions in Sikkim. Founded in 1670 by Tensung Namgyal, the 2nd Chogyal (king) of Sikkim, Rabdentse ruins was the second capital of Sikkim after Yuksom and remained so till 1814 A.D. The palace cum monastery complex is almost in ruins and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. A thick forest with a pond surrounds the palace ruins. A 2 km trek from the monastery brings you to these ruins.
The old palace and monastery complex are in ruins, and now the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is maintaining and undertaking restoration works. The place is surrounded by dense forest with a water pond. When you get to the top of the ruins, savor a panoramic view of the valley, the Kanchenjunga peak, and the whole southwestern region of West Sikkim.
As you walk through the chestnut trees, you can spot a stone throne with three standing stones named Namphogang by the judge who used to give final judgments in the flourishing days. Do not miss Taphap Chorten, another structure here. On passing the fourth and the last courtyard wall, you can see the palace ruins in focus. Dab Lhagang, placed along with the place, is the site where the royal family members used to pray to their deities. The decorated entry gate of the palace is yellow in color and is near Pelling-Geyshing road.
The Sikkim palace and the city were virtually entirely devastated by the Nepalese Army, only leaving the chortens and palace ruins. However, the Archeological Society of India has done excavation in recent times. It has been able to restore the guard's rooms, the kitchen, the hall, the public courtyard, the assembly, and the king's bedroom. During your Pelling tour, you can visit this attraction and learn about the region's rich cultural heritage. Contact us for more information and to book a tour with us!
- Location: West Sikkim (near Pemayangtse Monastery)
- Highlights: Splendid Palace Ruins
- How to reach: 2 km trek away from Pemayangtse Monastery
