Rabdentse Ruins
Rabdentse Ruins
4.2
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
21 within 3 miles
Attractions
17 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.2
418 reviews
Excellent
191
Very good
147
Average
64
Poor
14
Terrible
2
Kerry H
Kewarra Beach, Australia373 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
We loved our visit to Rabdentse Palace Ruins, the walk through the ancient alpine forest brought a sense of serenity and peace . As you approached the site it was clear the Rabdenste Palace Ruins had been curated and kept in place for you to form a vision of a past palace and meeting place. The views are panoramic and offer different photography opportunities. One thing I would say if the signage could be updated as the ruins offer a rich history and this would allow for all to further engage with the historical narrative.
Written January 9, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Siddhartha
Kolkata (Calcutta), India1,293 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
Entrance of the Rabdentse ruins is same of bird park. After 15/20 minutes hiking through a forest you will reach historical landmark which was situated top of hill. The walking way is bonus for nature lover. The hike was an adventure for us. The place is very peaceful and you can sit and spend some time. The place gives grand 360 view of the kachendzonga range and the Pelling city. This is must visit place.
Written June 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles_and_Susan
Nottingham, UK7,678 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This is the ruins of the ancient capital of Sikkim. After several attacks it was decided that it was too near to the Nepal border and the capital was moved to Tumlong. It's quite a walk from the Bird Park up hill to the palace ruins. There are encouraging notices telling you how far you have to go to the top.
Written December 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pallavi
17 contributions
Apr 2023
It is a small trek through woodland to reach the ruins which are small but well-maintained. Be sure to carry raincoats/umbrellas. You can view the Buddha statue of Pemayangtse monastery from here. The entry and ticked of the ruins is combined with the bird park, which is sure to appeal to kids.
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karishma Tanna
Bengaluru, India71 contributions
Jul 2019
So the rabdentse ruins are one of the top thrilling things to do in Pelling. It actually takes a 1.5 km hike from the ruins' entrance to the actual palace grounds. It usually rains here si I would recommend taking an umbrella. Also pack your hiking boots as you gotta walk on rough terrain and through the jungle to reach the palace ruins. This is a spooky little place so have a strong stomach
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VikasGarg1
New Delhi, India45 contributions
Nov 2021
Needs a lot of walking on a jungle type of track to reach the place- approx. 1.5 km of upward tracking. No sitting benches/ washrooms in between the entire track. People with difficulty in walking are advised to avoid the place.
The place has bird park also which is under maintenance as on 11 Nov 2021 & not open for public. Washrooms near to the ruins are dirty and to be avoided if possible.
The place has bird park also which is under maintenance as on 11 Nov 2021 & not open for public. Washrooms near to the ruins are dirty and to be avoided if possible.
Written November 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kakaanirban
Kolkata300 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
A brilliant place to enjoy heritage amidst nature. The entire complex is beautifully maintained. The Kanchendzonga range on the backdrop provides some breathtaking views.
To reach here you have to hike atleast 30 minutes but it's worth the effort.
For a detailed story and experience visit my blog ramblersnaps.
To reach here you have to hike atleast 30 minutes but it's worth the effort.
For a detailed story and experience visit my blog ramblersnaps.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Prakash P
Bengaluru, India71 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
It is located in Pelling part of West Sikkim. It is decent walk from the Bird sanctuary but worth a visit as you see the ruins of the past King of Sikkim. Beautiful view of the Kanchenjunga range from this point
Written January 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SIKKIMTRIP.COM
Siliguri, India226 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
We know Sikkim used to ruled by king of Sikkim but before Gangtok and after Yuksome This Rabdentse became the capital of Sikkim, this place is full of the monuments like the Stone throne, overall good for sightseeing
Written March 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drsel
London, UK647 contributions
Nov 2013 • Family
Its just a few walls of an palace in ruins.
The climb up is tortuous & definitely NOT for seniors!
I felt its not worth the exhausting climb. Also, U got to return before 5pm (night fall)
The climb up is tortuous & definitely NOT for seniors!
I felt its not worth the exhausting climb. Also, U got to return before 5pm (night fall)
Written November 26, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Which is the nearest hotel to this place?
Written July 5, 2018
the nearest hotel is in pelling which is around 4-5kms from here..
Written July 6, 2018
I do not think its a good ides to visit Sikkim in July. July is probably the wettest month in Sikkim. In July many times roads are closed due to landslides.
Instead of July try to visit in October that is immediately after Monsoon.
Written July 5, 2018

Srikrishnan N
Bhiwadi, India
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. However, the ruins of this city are seen close to Pelling and in West Sikkim district in the Northeastern Indian state of present-day Sikkim; Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim which is close to the ruins. From the vantage point of this former capital, superb views of the Khanchendzonga ranges can be witnessed. This monument has been declared as of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. It was first established in 1670 by Chadok Namgyal son of Phuntsog Namgyal by shifting from the first capital of Yuksom that was consecrated in 1642.
Regards
Srikrishnan
Written June 9, 2017
How long will it take to reach Rabdentse Ruins from Pelling?
How many minutes walk is required to reach to ruins?
How long will it take to see the complete ruins?
Please help, I am planning North east and is very much interested to visit this place.
Written July 5, 2015
From Pelling it should not be too long. We finished it and a monastery over an afternoon. It's about 45 minute walk from the road. About half an hour to another 45 minutes at the ruins should be good unless you want more time. The view is beautiful if the sky is clear. If you are interested in history or architecture-archaeology, then about 2 hours at the ruins. It is well developed with seats to sit quietly by yourself for some time. Good angles for pictures and panorama.
Written July 6, 2015
Showing results 1-5 of 5
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing