Rabdentse is one of the famous tourist spot in Pelling, Sikkim. From the main road one has to walk an approximately 2 km trail to reach this place. The trail is passing through a thickly wooded moist temperate Oak – Chestnut forest. It is so densed that during mid of the day also the sunlight cannot enter into some places. The trail is easy for everybody but older person need to be very cautious before starting the trail.
Along with the natural beauty, this place has immense historical importance. Rabdentse was the second capital of the former kingdom of Sikkim during Chogyal reign. Chogyal means 'righteous ruler'. It is believed that the reign of the Chogyal was foretold by Guru Rinpoche in 8th-century when he arrived in the state. In 1642, Chogyal Phuntsog Namgyal was crowned as Sikkim's first ruler in Yuksom. After that, his son Tensung Namgyal shifted their capital from Yuksom to Rabdentse in the year of 1670. Consequent to the repeated attacks by the Bhutanese and Nepalese over the many invasions, the capital city was reduced to ruins by the liberating army of Nepal. The Archaeological Survey of India has declared Rabdentse as a heritage monument and has undertaken the needed preservation and restoration measures.
If you are in Pelling, you must visit this place. Also please note, the Rabdentse Complex also houses a bird park named Sidkeong Tulku Bird Park, which is named after the 10th Chogyal Sidkeong Tulku Namgyal. There are about 200 varieties of Bird species in this bird park. Before heading towards Rabdentse Ruins you can spend few minutes there.
