The Ruins of Rabdentse

The Capitals of Sikkim and the Ruins of Rabdentse ,West Sikkim

📋Yuksom, The First Capital of  the Kingdom of Sikkim: (1642–1670)

The first capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim was established in Yuksom in 1642 AD by the first Chogyal (Divine king), Phuntsog Namgyal, of the Namgyal dynasty. 

📋Transfer of Capital to Rabdentse (1670–1793)

In 1670, Tensung Namgyal, the son of Phuntsog Namgyal, was the second Chogyal. During his time, the capital shifted from Yuksom to Rabdentse.
Rabdentse was chosen since it was better placed for administration, defense, and control over western Sikkim.
During the late 18th or early 19th century, the Gorkha army from Nepal repeatedly attacked the Kingdom of Sikkim. As a result of the  attacks, the city of Rabdentse, along with the palace and monastery, were destroyed. From thereon, only the ruins of the palace and monastery remain. 

The ruined site is currently declared as a "Monument of National Importance" by the Archaeological Survey of India and is frequented by tourists who visit Pelling and Pemayangtse Monastery.
On a clear day, it also offers a stunning Kangchendzonga view as a bonus. The high-altitude site is often lovingly labelled as "The Machu Pichu of India".  

How to visit Rabdentse?- The ruins of Rabdentse is very near to the popular tourist town of Pelling.  For the tourists, the entry is through Sidekeong Tulku Bird Park.
Entry ticket  price for the bird park including Rabdentse ruins is Rs. 100/- (as on Marxh 2026). From the bird park, the ruins are about a kilometer trail through dense green woods.

📋Tumlong- The Third Capital of Sikkim (1793–1894)

Rabdentse was too exposed to repeated Gorkha attacks. The then Chogyal Tshudpud Namgyal, decided to establish his capital which should be far enough from Nepal to avert repeated attacks. Tumlong, located in northern part of Sikkim, almost ~40Kms north of today's Gangtok city was chosen as the third capital of Sikkim. 

📋Gangtok- The fourth and current Capital of Sikkim (1894- Present)

By the late 19th century, Sikkim’s politics had become closely tied to British India.  Trade routes like Nathu La, connection with British administrative  towns like Darjeeling became priorities rather than hiding in a remote location just for the sake of protection.
In1894, Chogyal Thutob Namgyal decided to shift the capital from Tumlong to Gangtok.

In 1975, Sikkim finally got merged with india and officially became a state under the Union of India.
Till date, Gangtok remains the capital of Sikkim.