Khecheopalri Lake, Exploring The Hidden Treasure Of Sikkim
Sikkim is a gateway to the magnificent Kanchenjunga Mountains. With its pristine beauty, pleasant climate and enchanting mountain trails, Sikkim is a heaven for backpackers and travellers. It is the most favoured holiday and adventure destination for travellers across the globe.
While many places in Sikkim are extremely popular and major tourist attractions, there still are numerous destinations that are less explored or totally unexplored. The Khecheopalri Lake in West Sikkim is one of the lesser explored places in the region.
Located at a distance of 31 km from Pelling in West Sikkim, the Khecheopalri Lake is a sacred place of worship for Buddhists as well as Hindus. Khecheopalri…show more content… A common belief that goes around is that Lord Shiva meditated in a cave above the lake. From an elevation, the lake appears to be in shape of a foot. It is therefore, believed to be a footprint of Lord Shiva by the Hindus, and of goddess Tara by the Buddhists.
Associated with many myths and lore, the lake has amusing stories and tales. It is believed that the birds of the region never let any dirt or impurity surface the water and pick it up as soon as anything falls on it. And truly, you would never find even a single leaf floating on the surface.
The lake premises can be reached by walking for a short distance from the entrance. A small Buddhist shrine and a Stupa with numerous prayer flags around can be visited in the lake premises. A wooden boardwalk leads to the lake and visitors must remove their footwear before walking on it. Numerous prayer wheels are lined up along the…show more content… Winter temperature ranges between -5 to 14 degrees C in Pelling and a degree or two lesser in the nearby villages. Yet, Pelling is a popular winter destination. Many tourists visit Pelling during the pleasant months of summer and spring. The region gets heavy rainfall and monsoons therefore, are avoided by travellers.
Khecheopalri Village
Tucked away amidst thick, verdant forests and hilly slopes, the picturesque Khecheopalri Village is often known as the Monastery Village. This surreal place offers spectacular views of the majestic Kanchenjunga Mountain. This tiny village is sparsely populated. And the old, dilapidated houses give the place a feel of belonging to another era.
The Khecheoplari Village is apt for that relaxed holiday where you do nothing but gaze at the mountains, immerse in the beautiful vistas, revere in a pleasant atmosphere and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. Strike up a conversation with the friendly villagers or the red-robed monks and learn a thing or two about the ancient religion and