Rabdentse Ruins lies just a few kilometers from the Pemyangste Monastery on the way to Pelling. History freaks will have a great time exploring here. Rabdentse was the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814.The capital city was destroyed by the invading Gurkha army and only the ruins of the palace and the chortens are seen here now.

An interesting signboard of this ancient site on the highway to Pelling reads “Follow the Path and you will reach the Palace”. The palace ruins are at the centre of the fourth courtyard and superb views of the Khangchendzonga ranges can be witnessed. The ruins that stand today are only a part of the palace. There was a separate portion for the royals and the commoners.

Rabdentse Ruins

This monument has been declared as of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. The Rabdentse ruins are part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit. The ruins seen now in Rabdentse consist mainly of "chunky wall stubs" whose heritage value is accentuated by its location on a ridge, near upper Pelling.

One has to walk for 40-45 minutes to reach here. Along the trek path from the gate, an avenue of chestnut trees with sodden moss leads to a stone throne comprising three standing stones called as "Namphogang", which was the pulpit of the judges from where judgments were pronounced during the active days of the king's reign from Rabdentse. The ruins of the palace are made up two of the northern and southern wings. The northern wing was the residence of the royal family.

Sikkim is a mystical land with a number of ancient monasteries and intriguing places to visit; Rabdentse is one such place. There is no entry fee to reach here. The best time to visit here is between the months of October to April.