West Sikkim · Overnight hub
Rinchenpong
A heritage ridge where Tagore stayed — Reesum Monastery, Poison Lake and golden sunsets.
27 photos · Wikimedia Commons contributors. Click any photo to open the gallery.
- Altitude 5,576 ft
- From Gangtok 120 km · 5 hrs
- Best months October–December and March–May
- Stay Overnight hub
1. Why visit Rinchenpong and what to expect
Rinchenpong and its twin village Kaluk sit on a quiet forested ridge 35 km from Pelling with golden Kanchenjunga sunsets, the Reesum Monastery, a British Dak Bungalow visited by Rabindranath Tagore and the historic Poison Lake. Village resorts and a Zostel make it an offbeat 1–2 night stay.
Top sights
- Reesum Monastery (360° view)
- Rinchenpong British Dak Bungalow (Tagore's stay)
- Poison Lake (Pokhari)
- Rabindra Smriti Van
- Kaluk village
- Maggi Dara viewpoint
2. Getting there and where you sleep
| Altitude | 5,576 ft |
|---|---|
| From Gangtok | 120 km · 5 hrs |
| Stay | Overnight hub |
| Checkpost / timing rule | No permit. Open year-round. |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Possible, watch landslides |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Open |
Mountain roads in Sikkim average 20–28 km/h. Google Maps times are optimistic; use ours.
3. Permit, ID and medical checklist
4. Where to stay in Rinchenpong
5 properties from ₹1,120 to ₹2,794 per night for two.
Zostel Rinchenpong (Pelling)
Backpacker Hostel & Private Stays · Upper Sangadorji GPU, Rinchenpong, Soreng, Sikkim 737111
- Walkable to Poison Lake & Monastery
- Cafe
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
₹1,120 / night ≈ ₹560 per person, twin share
Pine Village Retreat, Kaluk-Rinchenpong
3-Star Retreat · Kaluk - Rinchenpong Rd, Kaluk, West Sikkim 737111
- Free Breakfast
- Spacious Mountain View Rooms
- Restaurant
- Parking
₹1,200 / night ≈ ₹600 per person, twin share
Hotel Panorama Hills, Rinchenpong
Boutique Hotel · Opposite Rinchenpong Monastery, Rinchenpong, Sikkim 737111
- Rooftop Restaurant
- Unobstructed Kanchenjunga View
₹1,650 / night ≈ ₹825 per person, twin share
Mandarin Village Resort, Kaluk-Rinchenpong
3-Star Heritage Resort · Kaluk-Rinchenpong Rd, near Kaluk Bazaar, Sikkim 737111
- Free Breakfast
- Organic Food
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Kanchenjunga View
₹1,841 / night ≈ ₹921 per person, twin share
Ghonday Village Resort, Kaluk-Rinchenpong
3-Star Resort · Below Rinchenpong, Kaluk, West Sikkim 737111
- Super Deluxe Kanchenjunga View Balconies
- Restaurant
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
₹2,794 / night ≈ ₹1,397 per person, twin share
Rinchenpong FAQs
What is the story of Poison Lake in Rinchenpong?
In 1860 locals are said to have poisoned the lake to stop advancing British troops, who fell ill and retreated; the lake has been called Poison Lake since.
Is Rinchenpong good for senior citizens?
Yes. At 5,576 ft with gentle walks, heritage resorts and car access, it suits seniors and families well.
Keep exploring
