Monasteries and shrines · Gyalshing
Kirateshwar Mahadev temple at Legship
Drive down from Gyalshing to Legship on the Rangeet to visit the Kirateshwar Mahadev temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site of West Sikkim, and walk by the river.
Photo: Bhattaraibinod3 · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Legship is a small river town below Gyalshing, on the Rangeet, where the roads to Tashiding, Ravangla, Jorethang and Gyalshing meet. On the riverbank stands the Kirateshwar Mahadev temple, which Wikipedia describes as a major Hindu pilgrimage centre in the district.
The temple is dedicated to Shiva as Kirateshwar and draws large crowds on festival days such as Maha Shivaratri.
Visit respectfully, remove shoes, and dress modestly. Afterwards walk by the river, which is warmer and lower than Pelling. Combine with the drive to Tashiding or on to Ravangla.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
Where is the Kirateshwar Mahadev temple?
At Legship, on the bank of the Rangeet river below Gyalshing, at the junction of the roads to Tashiding, Ravangla and Jorethang. It is about 30–45 minutes by car from Gyalshing and an hour from Pelling.
When is the Kirateshwar temple busiest?
On Hindu festival days, especially Maha Shivaratri in February or March, when pilgrims come from across Sikkim and Darjeeling. Expect crowds and traffic. On ordinary days it is quiet.
Can I combine Legship with Tashiding?
Yes. Legship is on the road to Tashiding, about 20 km further. A day from Pelling can include Legship, Tashiding and Yuksom, though it is long. Most people visit Legship on the way to or from Tashiding.
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