Monasteries and shrines · Jorethang
Up the Rangeet valley to Legship's riverside temple
A short river-valley drive north from Jorethang to Legship in Gyalshing district, where the Kirateshwar Mahadev temple stands by the Rangeet. A quiet half day, or the first stage of the road to Pelling.
Photo: Bhattaraibinod3 · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
From Jorethang the road follows the Rangeet upstream through warm, green valley country, past small farms and villages. After about an hour you reach Legship, a small town where roads branch to Gyalshing, Pelling, Tashiding and Ravangla.
By the river at Legship stands the Kirateshwar Mahadev temple, a Shiva shrine associated with Kirateshwar, the form of Shiva honoured by the Kirat communities of the region. It draws pilgrims in particular at Maha Shivaratri and on Mondays in the month of Shrawan. Most visitors stop for a short darshan and a look at the river.
If you are heading to Pelling, Legship is a natural stop on the way. As a return trip from Namchi or Jorethang it fills a relaxed half day. Dress modestly, remove shoes at the temple and follow local customs. Road conditions change after the monsoon; check current status before you travel.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
How far is Legship from Jorethang?
About 25–30 km, roughly an hour by car along the Rangeet valley. A reserved small car for a return half day costs about ₹2,000–3,000, indicative. Shared jeeps from Jorethang to Legship and Gyalshing run through the day for less. Agree waiting time with your driver before you set off.
What is the Kirateshwar Mahadev temple?
A Shiva temple on the bank of the Rangeet at Legship in Gyalshing district (West Sikkim), dedicated to Shiva as Kirateshwar, a form honoured by the Kirat communities of the region. It is busiest at Maha Shivaratri and during Shrawan. Visitors are welcome; dress modestly and remove shoes.
Can we go on from Legship to Pelling?
Yes. Legship lies on the main Jorethang–Pelling road. From Legship, Pelling is roughly 25 km and an hour further via Gyalshing. The whole Jorethang–Pelling drive is about 50 km and 2 hours, so a temple stop at Legship adds little time.
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