Things To Do In Geyzing (Gyashaling)

In the western part of Sikkim, Geyzing is a small town located in the middle of breathtaking beauty surrounded by lush green valleys and snow capped peaks. Also known as Gyalshing, it serves as the commercial headquarters of west Sikkim and is well known for a number of local hotspots and tourist favorites.

The market of Geyzing was established by the monk body of Pemayangtse for the comforts of the monks, along with the locals who reside in the villages. The markets have grown to include shops of all kinds, turning Geyzing into a shopping hub for tourists who visit here. There is a range of activities worth exploring in this ultimate hideaway; here is a list of the top things to do in Geyzing.

The town of Barsey is most renowned for housing the Barsey Rhodondendron Sanctuary that is spread over an area of 104 sq.km and features as one of the highlights of Geyzing. As the name suggests, it showcases a wide variety of rhododendrons, apart from other species like pine, magnolia and oak.

In addition to the range of flora, native animal species like the Leopard, the Himalayan langur, civet and yellow-throated marten are a part of this diverse sanctuary as well.

Situated on the Singalila ridge at an altitude of almost 3000 m, Barsey offers wonderful views of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga with great opportunities for trekking as well. The trail to this region starts from the village of Hilley but can also be accessed from Dentam or Soreng as well.

Beginning from the Uttarey village, the Dafeybhir trek takes around 10-11 days to complete and is considered a challenging route that goes to the highest point on the Singalila ridge and ends back in the village. En route, you will experience nature’s bounty at its best with lovely meadows, lush greenery and gushing rivers and waterfalls.

Biksthang, also known as Chuchen and Mangalbaray, is a small village located a little distance away from Geyzing in the district of Pelling. It is a picturesque location with a farmhouse that provides some brilliant views of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with other important peaks in the area. Bird watchers can also enjoy a variety of different species in Biksthang, while enjoying this reclusive hotspot that is the perfect getaway around Geyzing.

Being quite a commercial region, Geyzing is home to a number of shopping delights. Local handicrafts and hand-woven woolens and carpets feature prominently as some of the best items to purchase here. Shops both big and small offer some exquisite handmade products that are native to this region, and will make for perfect souvenirs and gifts for loved ones back home.