Yangang is a mixed Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali village at about 1,500 m on the eastern flank of the Maenam ridge, around 45 minutes to an hour from Ravangla. It suits walkers and slow travellers: homestays, three village monasteries, Neya Khola falls and the long trail towards Bhaleydhunga, the great rock on Maenam's ridge.
Best months
Oct–Dec and Mar–May
Nights we suggest
2
From Gangtok
≈ 70–80 km · 3–3.5 h, depending on route
Altitude
≈ 1,500 m (Bhaleydhunga far higher, on the Maenam ridge)
Known for
Bhaleydhunga, Neya Khola falls, village monasteries, homestays
Permit
Not needed for Indians; foreigners need the Sikkim RAP
Yangang spreads across the slope east of Maenam hill, looking down towards the Teesta side of Sikkim rather than the Rangeet. It is a working village of maize, ginger, cardamom and vegetable fields, with Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali families living side by side. The Wikipedia article on the village lists its Lepcha Monastery, Gurung Monastery and Yangang Monastery, a Shiva shrine at Mahadev Than, Neya Khola falls and Tig-Day Cho lake among its sights.
Above it all rises Bhaleydhunga, a huge rock outcrop on the Maenam ridge whose Nepali name is usually translated as rooster rock, for its shape. It is visible from much of South Sikkim and is the goal of a long, steep guided walk from the village. The state has proposed tourism projects around it, including a ropeway and a skywalk; check current status before you travel, as such plans change.
Yangang is also a place of some weight in Sikkim's public life. It is the birthplace of Pawan Kumar Chamling, Chief Minister from 1994 to 2019, the site chosen for Sikkim University's campus and home to the state's main police training centre. None of this shows much on a village walk. What you see are farms, monasteries and homestays where you eat with the family. Come for two nights, walk early, and let your hosts set the pace of the day.
Highlights
What to see and do
Bhaleydhunga from below and above
The rooster-shaped rock on the Maenam ridge dominates Yangang's skyline. Most visitors admire it from the village; fit walkers can make a long, steep guided day hike through the forest towards it. Start before dawn, carry food and water, and go only in dry weather.
Neya Khola falls
A forest stream and waterfall close to the village, at its fullest just after the monsoon in September and October. A short walk with your host makes a good first outing. Paths are slippery after rain, so wear shoes with grip.
Three monasteries, three communities
Yangang's Lepcha Monastery, Gurung Monastery and Yangang Monastery reflect the mix of people who live here. Visiting two or three of them on foot is an easy half day and a good introduction to village life.
Homestays in a working village
A small group of family homestays offers simple rooms and home food, at about ₹1,200–2,000 per person a night with meals. Hosts farm maize, ginger and cardamom, and can show you the fields and the kitchen.
Ravangla and Temi within reach
Ravangla's Buddha Park and Maenam trailhead are about 45 minutes to an hour away, and Temi tea garden is a similar drive, so Yangang works as a quiet base for South Sikkim sightseeing.
The story of Yangang
Bhaleydhunga, the rooster rock above the village
From Yangang, the eye keeps returning to one point on the skyline: a sheer, beak-like outcrop on the Maenam ridge. Its Nepali name, Bhaleydhunga, joins bhale, a rooster, and dhunga, a stone, and the Wikipedia article on Yangang lists it, as Bhalay-Dhunga, at the top of the village's natural sights. As told locally, Lepcha families hold the rock in particular respect and tell stories about it, but we have not found a written source for them, so we leave them for your hosts to tell in their own words. What is documented is the rock's place in plans for the area. The same article notes a proposed ropeway and skywalk to Bhaleydhunga and a Lepcha heritage centre in Yangang, and the Sikkim government has announced such projects at various times. Until anything is built, the only way up is on foot: a long, steep walk through the forests of the Maenam ridge with a local guide, starting before dawn and returning in the afternoon.
Source: Wikipedia: Yangang; as told locally
Little known
Things most visitors never hear
Yangang is the birthplace of Pawan Kumar Chamling, who was Chief Minister of Sikkim from 1994 to 2019, a tenure of more than 24 years.
A few shared jeeps link Yangang with Ravangla, Namchi and Singtam each day, mostly early morning and afternoon, for about ₹100–250 a seat depending on the run. Your host will know current times. From Gangtok, a shared jeep to Ravangla costs about ₹250–400. Fares are indicative; check current status before you travel.
Private car
A reserved small car from Ravangla costs about ₹1,200–1,500 for roughly 20 km, 45 minutes to an hour. From Gangtok a car costs about ₹4,000–5,000 one way, around 3–3.5 hours via Singtam. Village roads are narrow, so allow extra time after rain.
From Bagdogra / NJP
About 120–130 km and 4.5–5 hours via NH10 and Singtam, or via Melli and Namchi, for about ₹6,000–7,500 by reserved car. When NH10 is closed by monsoon slides, drivers route through Darjeeling district and Jorethang, which adds time. Most guests break the journey in Namchi or Ravangla.
Permits in South Sikkim
Indian nationals need no permit anywhere in Namchi district. Foreign nationals need the standard Sikkim Restricted Area Permit, applied online through the e-FRRO portal after arriving in India since 12 January 2026, with approval usually in 24–48 hours; no extra protected-area permit is needed for South Sikkim as we understand it. Sikkim collects a ₹50 per tourist entry fee at hotels, valid 30 days, with under-fives exempt. Forest department rules and fees may apply in Maenam and Kitam sanctuaries. Check current status before you travel.
Stay in Yangang itself for the village and the walks: a small group of family homestays offers simple, clean rooms and home-cooked meals at about ₹1,200–2,000 per person a night. Hot water may come by bucket. We match guests to homes we know and brief hosts on dietary needs beforehand. If you prefer a hotel, base yourself in Ravangla at Mt. Narsing Village Resort or The Barfung Retreat and visit Yangang for the day.
Yes, if you enjoy walking and village life. Yangang offers homestays in a working farm village, three monasteries of different communities, Neya Khola falls and the long hike towards Bhaleydhunga. It has few formal sights and little nightlife. Two nights, with Ravangla or Temi nearby, is the right pace.
How far is Yangang from Ravangla?
About 20 km, roughly 45 minutes to an hour by car on narrow village roads. A reserved small car costs about ₹1,200–1,500 one way. A few shared jeeps run each day for less. Fares are indicative; check current status before you travel.
What is Bhaleydhunga?
Bhaleydhunga is a large rock outcrop on the Maenam ridge above Yangang. Its Nepali name means rooster rock, for its beak-like shape. It is visible from much of South Sikkim and can be approached on a long, steep guided day hike from the village. A ropeway and skywalk have been proposed.
How do we get to Yangang from Gangtok?
By road, about 70–80 km and 3–3.5 hours depending on the route, via Singtam or via Ravangla. A reserved small car costs about ₹4,000–5,000 one way. On a budget, take a shared jeep to Ravangla and change to a local jeep or taxi.
Where can we stay in Yangang?
In a small group of family homestays, at about ₹1,200–2,000 per person a night with meals. Rooms are simple and clean; hot water may be by bucket. There are no large hotels. For more comfort, stay in Ravangla and visit Yangang as a day trip.
What is the best time to visit Yangang?
October to December for clear skies and harvest season, and March to May for warm days and forest flowers. Winter days are sunny but nights cold. June to September is the monsoon, with heavy rain, leeches and slippery trails, so long walks are best avoided then.
Do we need a permit for Yangang?
Indians do not need a permit. Foreign nationals need the standard Sikkim Restricted Area Permit, applied online through the e-FRRO portal since January 2026. Forest department rules and fees may apply on Maenam sanctuary trails. Homestays collect the ₹50 state entry fee. Check current status before you travel.
Is Yangang good for families?
Yes, for families who enjoy simple stays. The village is safe and quiet, altitude is moderate at about 1,500 m, and short walks to Neya Khola falls and the monasteries suit children. Leave the Bhaleydhunga hike to fit adults. Medical care is in Ravangla, Namchi or Singtam.
Is Yangang connected to Pawan Chamling?
Yes. Yangang is the birthplace of Pawan Kumar Chamling, who served as Chief Minister of Sikkim from 1994 to 2019. The village is also the chosen site of Sikkim University's campus and has the state's main police training centre, according to Wikipedia's article on Yangang.
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