Gangtok, May 4: After the runaway success at Ravangla, now Pelling is gearing up to host a three-day tourist festival to showcase the potential of this area in west Sikkim.

Named after the guardian deity of Sikkim, Khangchendzonga Festival will be inaugurated on May 8 by chief minister Pawan Chamling. The festival, to be held at the Pelling helipad, will include a host of activities like white-water rafting on the Rangit, kayaking, promotional trekking, mountain biking, sightseeing, fun sports and bird- watching.

Apart from its spectacular natural beauty, west Sikkim also has a very eventful history. Yuksom, the first capital of Sikkim, was witness in 1642 to the consecration of Phuntshog Namgyal, the first king of Sikkim. The capital was later shifted to Rabdentse, a few kilometres from Pelling.

The ruins, which are being restored by the Archaeological Survey of India, speak of Sikkim?s erstwhile imperial splendour. The area houses the oldest monastery in Sikkim, located at Dubdi, while the trek routes of Singalila and Dzongri figure among the most popular in the world.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Keshav Pradhan, a resident engaged in the travel and tourism business, explained that the festival aimed at balancing all these diverse aspects of this area to produce a holistic package showcasing its potential for tourism.