Offers you slow aerial views of the city and a time to sit back and watch. It also takes you to the highest point in the city..
The Red Panda and fleet footed deer can be observed in a natural habitat. An imposing statue of the Buddha is situated here. (Open from 8.00 am- 11 am. on working days and 8.00 am. to 5.00 pm. on holidays).
Encircled by 108 prayer wheels, this is one of the most important stupas of Sikkim, built by Truisi Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order, containing rare mandalas, of Doli Phurpa (Bajra Kilaya), holy books and mantras.
Renowned worldwide centre for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion, it is a treasure house of rare thankas, statues, over 200 Buddhist icons and prized objects of art. (Closed on Second Saturdays and Govt. holidays).
An exotic treat of over 200 species of orchids set amidst beautiful landscape. Situated just below the Institute of Tibetology.
3 kms from Gangtok, this 200 year old monastery was built on the site blessed by the great tantric master Lama Druptab Karpa, revered for the flying powers accredited to him. Religious masked dances are performed here on special occasions.
Maintained by the Dept. of Forests, one can see a spectrum of colourful orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants.
Situated 24 kms away, this is the seat of the 'Kagyu order' a close replica of the original Kagyu in Tibet. Here one can find some of the most unique art objects in the world.
Situated 8 kms from Gangtok, this place offers a breathtaking view of the majestic mount Khangchendzonga and Mount Siniolchu.
38 kms from Gangtok, one of the six major monasteries of Sikkim. About 4 kms from Phodong is the uniquely architectured Labrang Monastery.
Mingle with the local artisans here. instituted by the government to preserve & promote traditional crafts you could also shop for prized Tibetan carpets, ‘choksees’, traditional paper, thankas etc.
Considered one of the largest stupa in Sikkim it is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels. Was built by the Van. Trulshi Rinpoche in 1945. Today a much acclaimed centre of Buddhist learning it treasurres a vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts along with an admirable volume of over 200 Buddhist icons, Thankas and other religious objects.
Straddled upon the North Sikkim highway about 8 kms from Gangtok it offers breathtaking views of Mt Khangchendzonga.
About 7 kms from the city it offers majestic views of the city far below and the looming Mt Khangchendzonga and Mt Siniolchu.
11 kms away from the city a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman consecrates the spot and also offers thrilling views of the mountains around.
Located 8 km away from town it is home to the elusive red panda, the cuddly state animal, barking deer, Himalayan black bear and others.
This tranquil lake is a much visited site about 34 Km from Gangtok at 12,400ft. It freezes completely during the winter and is much revered by the locals. In spring a variety of flowers bloom upon its banks and is also an ideal habitat of the red panda.
This temple lies amidst the Nathu-La and the Jelep-La passes and is built in the memory of Harbhajan Singh, a sepoy in the 23rd Punjab regiment. It has now become a site for pilgrimage and devotees leave a bottle of water which they later collect to take back home.
Nathu La is a pass on the Indo-Chinese border that serves as a trade link between the two countries. Situated at a distance of 56 kms from Gangtok, Nathula Pass once had been the main access for Sikkim -Tibet Trade. Nathu La used to be known as the Silk Route. At an elevation of 14,450 feet, Nathula is renowned for its diverse alpine flora and fauna. The terms 'Nathu' and 'La' literally mean 'listening ears' and 'pass' respectively in Tibetan language.
The road to Nathula is one of the highest motorable roads in India. This road passes through Tsomgo Lake on its way to Nathula Pass. For the most of the part of the year, this tranquil place remains covered under a thick layer of snow. A special permit is required in order to visit Nathula Pass.
25 km away from Gangtok this pristine forest of oak, chestnut, bamboo, fems etc offers one a tranquil getaway from the humdrum of life. In it also thrives a large number of rhododendron species, wild orchids along with a large number of birds and animals.
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre of the Kagyud order is almost a replica of the original Kagyud headquarter in Tibet. This largest Dharma Chakra Centre in the world hauses some of the most unique religious scriptures and rare artifacts.
Located at Lingdum village about 20 Km from Gangtok it was built by the present Gharwang Rinpoche who is the 12th incarnate of Zurmang Gharwang.
The Aritar lake (Lum pokhari) near Rhenock, about a 3-hour drive from gangtok is a serene getaway. You can explore typical sikkimese village life here and get recharged inits ranquil locales. You could also savour the experience of spending a night in an old British bungalow built in 1895 here.
For responsible and safe travel in the region insist on a local travel and tour operator.
Best Buys
Gangtok is indeed a treasure trove for its tourists. Besides curios you may pick up bronze and silver jewelry, turquoise, coral jewelry and beads easily from Gangtok. For the food freaks Gangtok offers the dried fish, yak's cheese (churpi), and yeast for making the local beer (tomba).
Gangtok also offers several options for gift items and souvenirs. You may take your pick from carpets, handloom fabrics, thangka paintings and wooden objects.
Local Festivals
Kagyat Dances are usually held old Rumtek monastery, Lingdum monastery, Phodong monastery on the 28th & 29th day of the eleventh month of the Lunar calendar corresponding to December / January. Effigies are then burnt depicting de4strustion of evil and welcoming an auspicious new year.
1st of 7th days of the 11th month of the Lunar calendar corresponding to the month of December / January. A celebration of Sikkimese New Year. Family gatherings, archery contests.
28th & 29th days of the 11th month of the Lunar calendar corresponding to the month of December / January. Ritual dances at the monastery with elaborate costumes and rituals.
First day of the Nepali month of Magh. Celebrating spring’s arrival the Hindus ritually bathe at confluences of rivers which are consider5ed holy.
Two days prior to Tibetan New year corresponding to February / March. Elaborate mask dances at rumtek & Pemayangtse monastery herald the ensuing year.
Celebrated for several days at home and in monasteries. Government offices remain closed.
14th & 15th day of the first month of the Lunar calendar corresponding to February / March. The Bumchu is a sacred water vase whose water level foretells the year ahead. The holy water is than distributed to the large number of devotees gathered.
White Hall, Gangtok.
The triple blessed festival. Celebrates Buddha’s incarnation, enlightenment and Mahapari-nirvana. Procession fo monks & Buddhist devotees carrying Holy scriptures in most of the important monasteries of Sikkim.
Places of worship
The locals festivals of this region are:
- Tsuk – La – Khang
- Dul Dul Chortena
- Ganesh Tok
- Hanuman Tok
- Enchey Monastery
- Pemayangtse Monastery
- Phensong Monasery
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