This fairytale capital of Sikkim in the clouds, balanced precariously on steep mountain slopes, surrounded by lush rice terraces, swift flowing, gurgling, foaming rivers and distant snow views, Gangtok reflects unique ambience which derives from its happy blend of tradition and modernity. Alongside the deeply felt presence of stupas and monasteries, Gangtok also bustles like any other town. But with many of these oasis of quite, those unexpected pockets of peace exists everywhere

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rumtek Monastery

 The 24 km drive from the capital to Rumtek Monastery is, in itself, worth the effort. Changing vistas of mountains unfold at every bend and there are delightful vignettes of the hamlets and fields of the people of rural Sikkim. The original monastery was built by one of the rulers of Sikkim. When, however, His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karampa left Tibet he built a new monastery, the Dharma Chakra Centre, reputedly replicating his former one. Thus, though the monastery is new, it enshrines all that is best in traditional Tibet monastic architecture. When seen in the clear light of Sikkim, this magnificent building with its red pillars, brilliantly painted fretwork and superbly glowing murals glitters like a jewel set in the green hills.

Government Institute of Cottage Industries

 It produces crafts in authentic Sikkimese designs from the whole state. Hand woven Tibetan carpets sprout dragon in natural dyes, Sikkimese-style tables called Choktse are expertly carved and richly coloured in red and gold. Hand-made rice paper is also produced here. Talented children are taught the art of knitting, weaving, leather work, basket making, mask making and painting of religious and secular themes.

Institute of Tibetology

This organization is dedicated to furthering Tibetan studies, Buddhist philosophy and religion. The institute attracts the scholars from all over the world. It houses a rare collection of 30,000 books, Tantric documents, rare manuscripts written in gold on the bark of a poisonous tree, antique thangkha and 200 icons, all prized objects of art for the Buddhist world.

Do-Drul Chorten

 One of the most important stupa of Sikkim, it was built by Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingmapa order of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1945. Inside the stupa, there are complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-gyur relics (holy books), Zung (mantras) and other religious objects. Around the chorten, there are 108 Mani Lhakor (prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting '‘Hail to the jewel in the Lotus’, to invoke the Boddhisattava. The chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lhakhang and Guru Lhakhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padsambhava).

Enchey Monastery

 An important seat of the Nyingmapa order, the Enchey Monastery is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his power of flying. This 200 year old monastery has in its premises images of gods, goddesses and other religious objects. Every year around January ‘Chaam’ or religious masked dances is performed here with great fanfare for two days.

Tashi View Point

 About 8 km from Gangtok, this view point offers fascinating view of the majestic Mount. Kanchenjunga and Mount. Siniolchu.

Lal Bazaar

 On Sunday, Gangtok’s Lal Bazaar is a melody of colour. Various ethnic groups from different villages gather to haggle, bargain, barter, gossip or just sell their wares.

Deer Park

 A small Deer Park near the Secretariat building enshrines an icon of the Buddha and provides an excellent view of the green hills and valleys.

Orchid Sanctuary

Just below the Institute of Tibetology, it is a very specialized garden. According to Government Department, there are over 200 species of temperate and intermediate type orchids. Such orchids are best seen during the blooming season of April-May, July-August and October-November.

Tsuklakhang (The Palace Monastery)

Located in the grounds of the palace of the former rulers, the Chogyals of Sikkim. Built in traditionally Sikkimese style, it is capital’s most accessible monastery and has interesting murals and images of the Buddhist pantheon.

Orchidarium

In spite of its name, this is essentially a botanical garden in a green and landscaped fold in the hills. Paths wind down past streams, tree ferns and flower beds. At the bottom are enormous conservatories where masses of orchid plants thrive in their preferred environment.

Excursions around Gangtok

Tsomgo (alt. 3,780m, 38 km from Gangtok)

The literal meaning of Tsomgo is the source of the lake in Bhutia language (TSO means lake and MGO means head). This 1 km long lake is about 15 m deep and in shape of oval. It is considered extremely sacred by the local people. This placid lake remains frozen during the winter months.

It is a home of Brahminy ducks besides being a stopover for various migratory birds. En route to Tsomgo, numerous waterfalls, fast rushing mountain streams and the rhododendron rich Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary make this excursion all the more thrilling.

Sikkimese folk-lore tells the story of how Tsomgo initially at Laten, several km away from the present Tsomgo (lake) came to take present position : An old woman, one night dreamt that the lake at Laten was to shift to Tsomgo and she and her two other herder friends were warned, to leave the place as soon as possible. The old lady hastened to inform her friends but they paid no heed. In turn, she hurriedly milked her dri (female yak) and poured the milk on the ground, as an auspicious sign and left the place for Lhachungkar near Thegu. Just before leaving, she happened to see an old lady with srikinly white hair and of fair complexion who was carding yarn, entered Tsomgo where immediately the earth turned into water and formed this Tsomgo (lake). The two yak herders are believed to be sub-merged in the lake along with their herd of yaks.

Fambong LA Wildlife Sanctuary

 This sanctuary is located at a distance of 25 km from Gangtok and has an area of 51.76 sq km. The main vegetation here is Oak, Katus, Kimbu, Champa with thick bamboo forests and ferns. The sanctuary is also home to large number of wild orchids, rhododendron etc. This area, being close to Gangtok is developed as a short trekking trial.

Nathula

 56 km from Gangtok is the Nathula pass at an alt. of 14,200 feet, bordering between India and China in the Tibetan plateau. It is one of the highest motorable roads and richly covered by various species of Alpine Flora and Fauna