Ganesh Tok
Ganesh Tok: It is situated on a ridge and is only 7 kms from Gangtok. From this spot one gets bird's eye view of sprawling Gangtok town down below, while across the hills like Mt. Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniochu loom over the horizon.
East Sikkim is a serene region known for its breathtaking landscapes, dense forests, and monasteries. Home to places like Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, and Zuluk, it offers stunning views of the Himalayas. A haven for nature lovers, it also showcases rich Sikkimese culture, Buddhist heritage, and vibrant wildlife.
Attractions
Ganesh Tok: It is situated on a ridge and is only 7 kms from Gangtok. From this spot one gets bird's eye view of sprawling Gangtok town down below, while across the hills like Mt. Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniochu loom over the horizon.
Gangtok : Gangtok is the capital of the state of Sikkim, situated at an altitude of 5,800 feet. Being the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok is geared to provide all modern facilities promising of the best monasteries and landscapes.
Government Institute of Cottage Industries, (GICI) : It is located at about a kilometre uphill from the main market of Gangtok. It was established, in 1957 with the purpose of promoting the manufacture and sell of local handicrafts, carpets and furniture. Apart from the shops, there is a small display of the craftwork on the ground floor of the tourist office, which is worth a visit. It helps to preserve traditional art and craft producing cottage crafts of authentic Sikkimese designs and promotes and teaches the ancient crafts of Sikkim (like painting, mask making, weaving, wood carving), to keep them alive.
Hanuman Tok : It is 11 kms away from Gangtok town, above Ganesh Tok with a Hindu Temple where the devotees come and offer prayers. Because of its locational advantage the view of the mountains along with the horizon is just magnificent, especially in a sunny clear morning.
Rumtek Monastery & Dharma Chakra Centre : The largest monastery of Eastern Himalayas, located 24 kilometers from Gangtok and about an hour drive. It was constructed by His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960. It is believed that the monastery is an excellent replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet. Traditional in design, it is almost a replica of the original Kagyu Headquarters in Tibet. It has over 300 centres overseas.
Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology, (SRIT) : It is a treasure house of rare Tibetan, Sanskrit & Lepcha Manuscript, Statues, Thankas, more than 200 Buddhist Icon. It is a renowned centre for the study of Buddhist philosophy and religion.
Tashi View Point : Situated along the North Sikkim Highway, it is only 8 kms from Gangtok. Sunrise Point from here you could have a view of Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most graceful peaks in the world. One can have an experience of the changes of colour of snow of mountain there.
Tsomgo Lake : The literal meaning of TSOMGO is the source of the lake in Bhutia language. TSO means lake and MGO means head. This unforgettable lake is located at an altitude of 3780m. A 40 km drive from Gangtok will take you to the lake. The lake is about 1 km long. Oval in shape, 15 mtr deep and is considered extremely sacred by the local people. You can see water in the lake from May to October. The lake remains frozen between November and May. One can have an experience of Rhododendrons, Primulas, Red Pandas, Blue and Yellow Poppies. A Yak Safari is also possible there.
White Hall Complex : The White Hall only has historical value and is situated on the Ridge. It is a two storeyed structure and has typical British architecture and was built in 1932. Till the 1960s, all important functions used to be held in this hall. It is so called not because it is painted white but because it was built in memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim, Claude who is amous fornururing a unique orchid garden.