Places of Tourist
Interest
Situated near the orchid
sanctuary, one can see the young lamas here working, learning and worshipping.
Deer Park
The Deer Park provides a
commanding view of the expansive valleys surrounding the city of Gangtok.
Enchey Ancient Monastery
Set in a forest on a hill,
the monastery offers one of the best views of the mountain range of Kanchenjunga.
Government Cottage Industries
Institute
Situated near the Tourist
Office, the institute specialises in weaving, wood carving and paintings
of typical Sikkimese designs. The most popular items are handwoven carpets,
blankets, shawls and exquisite tables.
Orchid Sanctuary
Located within the premises
of the Research Institute of Tibetology, the sanctuary offers an amazing
sight of more than 250 varieties of orchids which bloom in April-May and
December-January.
Research Institute of
Tibetology
A splendid example of traditional
architecture, the institute has a library with a large collection of Tibetan
books on science, medicine, astrology and others.
Tashi View Point
A popular picnic spot from
where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Kanchenjunga.
A sacred place built several
decades ago within the premises of the palace. This royal chapel is the
scene of many grand ceremonies and festivals.
Pemayangtse Monastery
The Monastery located on
a hill top, at an altitude of 6,840 ft. commands a magnificent panoramic
view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding hills and countryside.
This was the second capital
of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim. Today the ruins lie hidden from the
main road at a walking distance from the Tourist Lodge and the Pemayangtse
Monastery.
Situated at an altitude of
6,800 ft. it offers a good view of the entire mountain ranges and due to
this locational advantages, many hotels and lodges have mushroomed in and
around Pelling ofering various categories of accommodation facilities.
Sangacholing Monastery
This monastery is situated
on a ridge above Pelling and the famous Pemayangtse Monastery. To reach
the Monastery one has to walk on steep hilly slope which lead through rich
forests covers.
Khecheopalri Lake
It is considered as one
of the sacred lakes of Sikkim by the Hindus and Buddhists. The lake remains
hidden in the forests. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single
leaf to float on the lake surface.
This was the first capital
of Sikkim, where according to the historical records, the first Chogyal
of the Kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 AD by the three learned
lamas, and the evidence of the consecration ceremony can be seen at Norbugang
Chorten in the form of stone seats and a foot-print of the Head-Lama on
a stone. It is from here that the trek to Dzongri and to the base camp
of Mt. Kanchenjunga begins.
Dubdi Monastery
The first Monastery established
soon after the consecration, it is located on a hill top above Yuksam surrounded
by verdant forest.
Tashiding Monastery
This Monastery is constructed
on top of a heart-shaped hill with the backdrop of the sacred Mt. Kanchenjunga.It
is basically popular for two reasons - the Holy Chorten called 'Thong-Wa-Rang-To'
and sacred water festival.
Namchi
Namchi meaning Sky High,
nestled among the hills at an elevation of 5,500 ft. commands panoramic
view of the snow-capped mountains and vast stretches of valley. It is about
78 kms from Gangtok and 100 kms from Siliguri.
Tendong Hill
Tendong Hill is a small
flat stretch of land at an altitude of 8,530 ft. surrounded by lush green
ancient forest. Historically, this has been a place of recluse for Buddhist
Lamas who spend years in meditation amidst the silent scenic grandeur.
Temi Tea Garden
It is the only Tea Garden
in the state of Sikkim but produces one of the best quality tea in the
International Market.
Located on a hill slope
it gives a good view of the surrounding villages.
Ravangla
At the base of Menam Hill
is Ravangla, a small township and transit to various tourist destinations
in South and West Sikkim. It is a transit point for trekkers to Menam Hills
and Borong. A trek to 'Shar Chok Bephu' cave would be a unique experience.
Menam Hill
Menam Hill towers above
Tendong Hill on the other side overlooking the Ravangla bazar settlement.
Situated at an altitude of 10,300 ft. the scenic view from this height
is, perhaps, unmatched in this part of the world.
Borong
Facing the snow-capped mountains
is Borong, motorable from Ravangla or a trek via Menam. A picturesque village
with beautiful landscape and magnificent view is also host to the hot-spring
'Borong Tsa-Chu'.
Versey
It lies at an elevation
of 10,000 ft. and has motorable road access upto Hilley. An easy 4 kms
trek from there takes one up to the Versey Rhododendron Sanctuary.
Directorate Of Handicraft
& Handloom
This institute has been
setup to keep alive the traditional arts and crafts of Sikkim It also serves
as a storehouse of handwoven woollens carpets with traditional motifs,
blankets, shawls in Lepcha weaves and excuisitely-carved 'Chokste' or table
and many other gift items.
Enchey Monastery
An important seat of the
Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery is built on the site blessed by Lama
Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his power of flying. It is also
popular for the religious masked dance called 'Chaam' which is apart of
a two day fanfare.
Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa)
This Stupa was built in
1945 by Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang and Guru Lhakhang, where there
are two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmassambhava).
Sikkim Research Institute
of Tibetology (SRIT)
This institute today is
a renowned worldwide centre for study of Buddhist Philosophy and
religion. It is a treasure trove of vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan
and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare Thankas (Tapestries used in
Buddhist liturgy) and has over 200 Buddhist icons and other prized objects
of art.
Sikkim Time Corporation
Limited (SITCO)
Situated at a distance of
1.5 kms from Gangtok town is one of the first industrial units set up in
Sikkim. Located in the beautiful campus is a showroom in the factory premises
from where the watches can be bought at ex-factory costs.
Saramsa Garden
Established and maintained
by the Department of Forest, the garden is home to many exotic orchids
and other rare tropical and temperate plants. It is an excellent picnic
and recreation spot.
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre
About 45 minutes drive from
Gangtok, 24 kms away, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, the seat of the
Kagyu order, one of the four major Tibetan Buddhist sects. It houses some
of the world's most unique religious scriptures and religious art objects.
Water Garden
This garden is 16 kms South
of Gangtok and is an ideal spot for picnic with a small swimming pool for
children.
Tsomgo Lake
It is situated 40 kms away
from Gangtok and is at an altitude of 3,780 metre presenting a serene atmosphere.
This placid lake remains frozen during the winter months upto mid-May.
It is an ideal habitat for the Red Panda and various species of birds and
one can also spot a variety of flowers like the rhododendrons, primulas,
blue and yellow poppies, irises etc.
Tashi View Point
Situated only 8 kms away
from Gangtok it gives a breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu,
one of the most graceful peaks of the world.
Situated 11 kms from Gangtok
town, it has a Hindu Temple and its beautiful locales present an excellent
view of the mountain ranges especially on a clear sunny morning.
Only 7 kms from Gangtok this
place offers a bird's eye view of sprawling Gangtok town down below while
across the hills Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon.
Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre
Located just 5 kms from
Gangtok on a beautiful hill top it is the only monastery of the Sakya Order
of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim.
Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary
Located at a distance of
25 kms from Gangtok it is spread over an area of 51.76 sq. km. Apart from
wild orchids and rhododendrons it is also home to various species of wild
animals and birds. Accommodation is available in the form of log house.
Kabi Lungchok
This historical place is
17 kms from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway. This is where the historic
treaty of blod brotherhood between the Lepcha Chief Te-Kung-Tek and the
Bhutia Chief Khey-Bum-Sar was signed ritually. The spot where the ceremony
took place is marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense
forest.
Phensong Monastery
This Monastery was built
in 1721 during the time of Jigme Pawo. Gutted by fire in 1947 it was rebuilt
in 1948 by the efforts of the lamas. Situated on a slope it provides with
the best scenery in North Sikkim.
Phodong Monastery
This Monastery is one of
the six major monasteries in Sikkim at a distance of 38 kms from Gangtok.
Just 4 kms from here is is the more recently renovated Labrang Monastery
unique in its architectural design.
The place offers one of the
most spectacular views of Mt Kanchenjunga and its ranges.
The area also has a number
of nature trails for 1 to 3 days along the higher ridges of the surrounding
hills.
Chungthang, on the confluence
of Lachen and Lachung Chu and the starting point of River Teesta, is the
nodal junction for the two passes, Lachen and Lachung. One can visit the
Holy Guru Lhedo to see the foot and palm prints left behind by the Patron
Saint.
It is a Bhutia village and
has emerged as a tourist destination with the soaring popularity of the
Yumthang valley which is just 25 km from Lachung. It manages to retain
its unique traditions and culture inspite of being spread out on either
sides of Lachung Chu.
It is a paradise for nature
lovers at an elevation of 11,800 ft. and 140 kms from Gangtok.It has a
fascinating blend of flora and fauna and breathtaking scenic grandeur.
The valley is also home for Shingbha Rhododendron Sanctuary with 24 species
of Rhododendrons. Yumthang 'Tsa-Chu' or the hot spring is immensely popular
for its curative properties and healing power.
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