Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. It is an incomparable hill resort of northeast regions of India and it is doubtlessly one of the most frequently visited places in India. Gangtok is situated on the ridge of a hillock at an altitude of 1,700 metre. It is very widely known and esteemed for its scenic beauty and striking views of the mount Kanchenjunga, 3rd highest peak in the world. The hill resort is about 110 km from Siliguri and it is very well linked with other important places of this region. With various cultures and religions present in perfect concord, Gangtok has proved that 'unity in diversity' is existing in Sikkim. Sikkimese possess firm bonding with their antique customs and traditions. Gangtok is emphatically not behind the rest of the places in the world in terms of modernization and urbanization. The town has broad roads, discothques, educational institutes, fast-food centres, flyovers, posh markets, state-of-art hospital, and all other advanced and modern comforts that the heart can want for. The important destinations present around Gangtok are Darjeeling (94 km), Dzongri, Kalimpong (80 km), Nathula (56 km), Pelling (125 km), Ravangla, Siliguri (110 km), Yuksom, and Yumthang. So many hotels are available in Gangtok. Some of the super deluxe hotels, which offer wonderful boarding and lodging facility, are Hotel Norkhil, Orange Village, and Hotel Royal Plaza. Soft woolen aprons in summer, warm aprons in winter, and a handy umbrella would be very useful to the visitors.

Must See/Do: Kanchenjunga, Enchey Monastery, Do Drul Chorten Travel within city

The city of Gangtok is one of the prime tourist destinations in India, and is a bustling place that is ever active throughout the year. Gangtok has a lot of places of interest, and you should make sure that your commute around the city is easy for you to visit all the important places conveniently.

Taxi

Taxis are a convenient mode of transport in Gangtok. These are also the safest mode of transport and the most preferred mode of transport in the city of Gangtok. You can opt for a taxi ride to any destination within Gangtok, and the charges involved are normally around Rs 100 to 200, depending on the distance covered.

Bus

You can also opt for buses to travel around the city of Gangtok. Buses in Gangtok are run by the local government and these SNT buses are taken up by a majority of the population. This is because traveling through a bus is a very economical mode of travel. Bus fares in Gangtok will vary from Rs 3 to 5, depending on the overall distance covered.

Shared Jeep/Mini Bus

You can also opt for shared jeeps or minibuses in order to travel around the city of Gangtok. This is also a cheap mode of transport in the local region. The taxis and jeeps in Gangtok do not run on meter and drivers will normally quote a flat rate. Fares for shares jeeps will be around Rs 20 to 30.

Attractions Kanchenjunga
The word Kanchenjunga? is a Tibetan word, which means five treasuries of the great snow?. Kanchenjunga is the Worlds 3rd highest peak, which is the most monolithic and striking mountains of the World, and it is still a virgin peak. Kanchenjunga looks to be mighty upheaval of ice and snow from the interconnecting system of the chief Himalayan Range; however, this is an illusion. The three territories surrounds Kanchenjunga are Sikkim (in the south and east), Nepal (in the west), and Tibet (in the north). The highest summit of Kanchenjunga is 28,156 feet. The view of Kanchenjunga from Darjeeling is the best in
www.mustseeindia.com

north). The highest summit of Kanchenjunga is 28,156 feet. The view of Kanchenjunga from Darjeeling is the best in the world. There are some trekking routes are also available in Kanchenjunga, which take the trekkers through pristine forests and bewitching villages.

Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake is located in the north eastern part of Sikkim. It is situated 35 km away from Gangtok on the Gangtok Nathula highway, which makes a role of the erstwhile trade route from India to China. This lake has been worshipped as a holy lake by Sikkimese. The average depth of this lake is about 50 feet and 1 km long. The cool and tranquil water harmonies with the beautiful scenery around it attract so many visitors. During the winter season, the lake would be in frozen condition. A moderate-sized temple of lord Shiva is present on the lakeshore. Many beautiful flowering plants like primula and other plantations like alpine add beauty to the lake.

Yuksom
The term Yuksom means the meeting point of the three Lamas. Yuksom was the first capital of Sikkim. It is situated about 33 km from Pelling. It is located at an altitude of 1,780 metre. This place is famous because it is the starting point for the mountain-climbing expeditions and treks to the higher ranges of the mount Kanchenjunga. The Phamrong waterfall is situated approximately 9 km from Yuksom. The bridge present nearby this waterfall provides awesome scenery of the Phamrong waterfall. Yuksom can be reached either from Pelling or Tashiding Monastery. The path from Tashiding Monastery transits dense forests. The main attractions of this place are Coronation Throne, Dubdi Monastery, Kartok Lake, and Phamrong waterfall.

Address

110 km from Gangtok

Enchey Monastery
Enchey Monastery, which means solitary temple, is a 200-year old monastery. This monastery is situated, on a hilltop, just 3 km away from the metropolis centre. There are about 90 monks in this monastery. The monastery was constructed on this site blessed by the renowned Tantrik guru Lame Druptab Karpn, who is recognized for his flying powers. This monastery has been built as a small hermitage. However, during the period of Sikyong Tulku (from 1909 to 1910), the current monastery was constructed in the form of a Chinese Pagoda. No other construction is allowed built near this monastery. This monastery has icons of Goddesses, Gods, and other spiritual objects in its premises.

Pelling
Pelling is widely known and esteemed for the splendid view of the snow-crested mountains of Kanchenjunga. It is located 125 km away from Gangtok. The altitude of this point is 6,800 ft. On the way to Pelling, one can see the woodcovered hills, sloping gallery of cloud, snow, and rock. Pelling attracts its visitors for its typical status in culture, history, and nature of the state. It also has many soft trek routes, soothing atmosphere, villages, and waterfalls. Pelling consists of many hotels and a helipad. The hotel terraces are the spots from where the visitors can gaze the Words 3rd highest peek, the Kanchenjunga. The famous luxury hotels like Tashi Gang Resort, Newa Regency, Norbu Ghang Resort, and Hotel Sonamchen offer well-furnished rooms.

Address

145 km from Gangtok

Do Drul Chorten
Do Drul Chorten is the biggest and the most important stupa in Sikkim. It is located near Gangtok. It is the most important tourist spot in the East Sikkim. This has been built in the year 1945 under the supervision of late Truslshi Rimpoche. There are about 108 prayer wheels (Mani-Lhakor) in this chorten. There are some mantras have been engraved in these prayer wheels; by turning these prayer wheels, the devotees can read and chant these mantras. The renowned
www.mustseeindia.com

these prayer wheels; by turning these prayer wheels, the devotees can read and chant these mantras. The renowned chorten has a gold-plated steeple. Devotees and pilgrims from all parts of the state and from other states come to devote their homage at this sacred stupa.

Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery is also known as Dharma Chakra Centre. From its location on a hilltop, Rumtek Monastery is facing the city Gangtok. The monastery is located 24 km away from Gangtok, in the east Sikkim. This monastery is the largest monastery in Sikkim, which is dwelling to the monk community. This is the place where the monks do the sacred rites in addition to the practices of the Karma Kagyu lineage. The monastery is situated at an altitude of 5,800 ft. During summer, the maximum temperature would range between 13 and 21C; however, in the winter the temperature would range between 8 and 15C. Rumtek Monastery consists of numerous sacred things; one of the most glorious things is the Golden Stupa that holds the treasured relics of His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa.

Pemayangtse
Pemayangtse Monastery is located about 118 km from Gangtok. It is considered the best monastery in west Sikkim as it was one intended only for ta-sang lamas (the pure monks). It is believed to be found and planned by the trailblazer of Buddhism in Sikkim, Lhatsun Chhembo. The monastery comprises many objects of worship and antique idols. It also consists of many sculptures and wall paintings. A stand-out characteristic of the monastery is a 7-tiered piebald wooden part on the top floor depicting the guru Rimpoches celestial palace Santopalri. The late Dungzin Rimpoche single handedly made this out in a span of five years. Fully furnished rooms and lodges are available at the Hotel Mount Pandim, which is situated just across the Pemayangtse Monastery on a smaller hilltop.

Address

140 km from Gangtok

Tashiding Monastery
Tashiding Monastery is one of the ancient and holiest monasteries in Sikkim. It was founded in the year 1717. This monastery pertains to the Nyingmapa order. It is located approximately 40 km from the town Geyzing in West Sikkim. Tashiding Monastery is considered as a significant holy place to the Buddhist. According to ancient notions, the devotees are cleaned of all their sins if they visit the great sacred Tashiding Monastery, at least once. It is roosted on top of the hill uprising between the Rangit River and the Rathong River and. The monastery consists of many holly Buddhist mantras, precisely carved on stone plates (Manis). The monastery appears stupefying with an amazing backdrop represented by mount Kanchenjunga.

Rabdentse Ruins
Rabdentse Ruins was the second capital of the past Kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom and until the year 1814 AD. The state has been ruled by the king of Sikkim from this place. The ruins is located very close to Pemayangste Monastery, west Sikkim. It is an archaeological site to be visited by all the people. The beautiful view from the top of the ruins glancing over the deep valley to the occult heights of Kanchenjunga ranges is something to be loved and inscribed in memory. Visitors can easily reach this ruins by trek through a 2-km route in the middle of the forest that begins from Pelling and extends until Geyzing. During this trekking once can see thick forest around them.

Saramsa Garden
Saramsa Garden is situated around 14 km away from Gangtok. It was constituted in year 1922 by the forest department of India. It is the home to numerous species of exotic orchids and other uncommon tropical plants of Sikkim. The garden also comprises many orchids and fruit trees. The garden has been established and sustained by the department of forests. It is a splendid recreational and picnic spot.
www.mustseeindia.com

the department of forests. It is a splendid recreational and picnic spot. The garden covers an area of six acres. The garden would be an alfresco gallery and a watching deck in what respect the same the visitants can catch a glance of Rani khola and the worthy floriculture centre situated on its opposite side.

Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary

Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 20 km away from Gangtok. This sanctuary is very famous for varied flora (like bamboo, champa, ferns, katus, kimbu, oak, orchids, rhododendrons, and so on) and fauna (binturong or bearcat, civet cat, Himalayan black bear, red panda, and so on). It is a wonderful place to find many species of wild animals pursued with their day-to-day activities. It also domiciles many species of birds and butterflies. At the altitude of 7,000 feet, Tinjure has a wooden site-seeing tower, which has been maintained by the Forest Department. As a whole, this sanctuary would the best place for the nature lovers.

Charges
Rs 5/-

Kabi Lungchok
Kabi Lungchok is a place of historical importance, which is situated 17 km from Gangtok on the highway of north Sikkim. This is the place where the historic accord of union between Bhutia chief Khey-Bum-Sar and Lepcha chief TeKung-Tek was ceremonially signed. A monumental stone pillar has been erected in the place where the ceremonial occasion happened. This place has been densely covered with trees and bushes. This place is open to everybody without the requirement of an extra permit. It would take approximately one hour to reach Kabi Lungchok from Gangtok. The stone pillar and the statue memorializing the historical event are the important attractions of Kabi Lungchok.

Phensong Monastery
Phensong Monastery was built in 1721 during the period of Jigme Pawo. It is located on a mild slope extending from Kabi to Phodong in north Sikkim. It pertains to the Nyingmapa order of the Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery consists of about 300 monks. It is a significant monastery of Buddhists. The surroundings of the monastery are one amidst the most beautiful sites of the north Sikkim district. Visitors from all around the state come to look at this bewitching dance of lamas. Currently, Phensong Monastery is enduring intact in the middle of the prominent hills and impressive landscape of the area.

Ganesh Tok
Ganesh Tok is a very small temple located next to the television tower on the hillock on GangtokNathula road. Ganesh Tok is located 7 km from Gangtok. The altitude of this spot would be 6,500 m. This temple is devoted to lord Ganesh. It is so small; it can just accommodate one person. One must crawl to get into the temple. From this temple, one can get a birds-eye view of the Gangtok town, the Raj Bhawan Complex, and mount Kanchenjunga the worlds 3rd highest peak. There is a place called Smriti Van, which is close to the temple, where the devotees can plant saplings on behalf of their loved ones.

Hanuman Tok
Hanuman Tok is situated approximately 5 km rising from White Hall on a bifurcating road of the GangtokNathula highway. And it is 11 km away from Gangtok town. The height of this point is roughly 7,200 ft. From the top of this hillock, once can get wonderful view of Gangtok town and the nearby hills. It is a temple dedicated to lord Hanuman. This temple has been managed by a division of the Indian Army and can be observed to be completely neat and clean. Nearby this spot, the royal cremation grounds? of Lukshyama is located, where the mortal remains of the members of the former Namgyal dynasty were confined to the flame.

Tashi Viewpoint
The late king of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal, has constructed the Tashi Viewpoint. It is located 4 km away from Gangtok, from where the visitors can get a perfect view of the opposite hills, besides mount Kanchenjunga. The snow range of
www.mustseeindia.com

from where the visitors can get a perfect view of the opposite hills, besides mount Kanchenjunga. The snow range of Kanchenjunga could be seen on clear days. From this viewpoint, the visitors can easily see the Phodong Monastery and the Labrang Monastery on the opposite hill. A perching shed and a modest cafeteria are there at Tashi Viewpoint, which provides shelter and other comforts to the visitors. The park present near the viewpoint is a great place to savour the picnic.

Institute of Tibetology
The foundation stone of Namgyal Institute of Tibetology was reposed by the fourteenth Dalai Lama on 10 February 1957. The late Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru has declared it open on 1 October 1958. It is a hoarded wealth of huge collection of rare Lepcha, Sanskrit and Tibetan manuscripts, ancient statues, and Thankas, which is colourful tapestries exploited in the Buddhist liturgy. Besides an appealing museum, the institute consists of more than 200 Buddhist icons and many other treasured objects of art. Presently, the institute is the famous worldwide centre for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion. The construction work of the institute is a noble memorial and an excellent example of the architecture of Sikkim.

Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom

The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom was founded in 1957, as Handloom and Handicrafts Centre of Sikkim. This is situated 500 metres from the central market of Gangtok. This organization has been established to conserve and pass around the art and craft skills of the artificers of Gangtok. In this centre, the visitors can see blankets, elegant hand-carven folding tables (Choktse), hand-loomed carpets with conventional themes, hand-painted masques, shawls, traditional paintings, wooden dolls and many other handicrafts. Besides the above-mentioned products, one can find batiks, crafts made of bamboo, embroidery footwear, lamp stands, and silk cloths. Numerous tourists visit the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom to purchase and look up to the crafts of Sikkim.

Timing

9.30 am to 12.30 pm and 1 pm to 3 pm

Trekking
A visit to Sikkim and missing the trekking midst its challenging slopes means to miss a major attraction of the place. Sikkim, with its exotic flora, is a paradise for trekkers. Earlier, trekking was not allowed here, however to develop tourism and encourage tourist inflow, Government is now inspiring the trekkers to apply their skills on the mountainous topographies of Sikkim. Trekking is allowed up to Dzongri, and one needs to be accompanied by a travel agent recognized by the Indian tourist Development Corporation and a liason officer or guide provided by the Government of Sikkim. Trekking gears are easily available at Gangtok. The most popular trek is from Gangtok to Pemayangtse via Rumtek. The other well-known trekking routes are Nayan Bazar- Pemayangtse-Yaksum-Dzongri and Rangpo-Gangtok-YaksumDzongri. A low-altitude trek is from Namchi to Pemayangtse and vice versa. The best season for trekking is between the months of April-May and October-November.

www.mustseeindia.com