One of the popular hill resort of the North Eastern India, Gangtok is placed
on the back drop of the Himalayan mountain ranges. The Kanchenjunga peak is
worshiped by the peoples in the region as a local deity. The capital of
Sikkim offers an unspoilt environment of natural beauty envisaged by its
Chortens and Stupas which are real pleasures for the travellers to the
highlands.
Gangtok is located to the south of the district of East Sikkim and covers
up to the western side of a long ridge flanked by the Ranipal river.
Climate
Temperature in the hilly region fluctuates between a maximum of 28°C
in the summers while it is at a lower of 5.3° C in the winters. The
best time to tour the region is between the months of January to late May
and again from September to December.
Major Attractions
» Enchey Monastery - The monastery situated 3 km
from the town of Gangtok is an important seat of the Nyingma order. It is
built on the site blessed by Lama Druptop Karpo, a tantric master known for
his power of flying. The 200 years old monastery preserves in its premises
images of gods, goddesses and other relics of the Buddhists. During the
month of January Chaam or masked dance is performed for two consecutive days
with great fanfare.
» Nam -Nam View Point - The visitors can have the
pleasure of experiencing the breath taking dense forest of Tsomgo and the
lush green valley from the point. The high point is suitable for a gentle
walk from it to the Sikkim press. The point lies in the near vicinity of the
Sikkim legislative assembly.
» Do-drol Chorten Stupa - The Stupa was built by the
venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, who was the head of the Nyingma order of the
Buddhist in around 1945. Inside the Stupa, there are mandala sets of Dorjee
Phurba or Bajra Kilaya which are a set of kan-gyar relics or holy books of
the Buddhist religion. Around the main Stupa, the Chorten, there are 108
Lhakor or prayer wheels which are turned by the devotees chanting the holy
prayers.
»
Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology - This prestigious institute
is a treasure of the vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit
manuscript. The Thankas and statues used in Buddhist liturgy has over 200
Buddhist icons and other objects of art. The institute is today a renowned
center to learn the Buddhist philosophy and its principles.
» Saransa Garden -The garden lies 14 km away from
Gangtok and is the home to many exotic orchids and other tropical plants.
The rare garden maintained by the Department of Forest is an excellent
picnic spot and a pleasurable recreational destination.
» Tsomgo Lake - The lake called as the Source of the
lake in Bhutia language is at a distance of 40 km from Gangtok. It is
located at a height of 3780 meters and is serene and placid. The lake
remains frozen during the winters and possesses a variety of flowers like
the rhododendrons, primulas and poppiess.
» Ganesh Tok - The Tok, 7 km from Gangtok gives a
bird's view of the town down below while the hills Kanchenjunga and the Mt
Siniolchu can be seen looming over the horizon. On the top of the Tok, there
is a cafeteria to serve hot tea and coffee to the travellers reaching it
after a tiring journey.
North
India States
