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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It was started during the time of the Chogyals of Sikkim, as a venture
to protect and propagate the craft and skills of local and village
artisans. Timing : Monday to Saturday from 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 and 1
p.m. - 3 p.m. (Sales Emporium remains open throughout the year) 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.
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.
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.
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.
Enchey
Monastery : An important seat of the Nyingma border,
the Enchey Monastery is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob
Karpo, a tantric master known for his power of flying. This
200-year-old Monastery has in its premises images of Gods, Goddesses
and other religious objects. Every year around January 'Chaam'
or religious masked dance is performed with great fanfare for
two days. It is situated adjoining the Siniolhu Tourist Lodge,
3 kms from Gangtok town.
Do-Drul
Chorten (Stupa) : Built in 1945. Inside Chorten there
are complete mandals sets of Darjee Phurba a set of Kangyar
relics (Holy books), complete Zung (mantras) etc. Around this
Chorten which is one of the most important Stupas in Sikkim,
are 108 Mani-Lhakor (Prayer wheels).
Saramsa
Garden : About 14 kms from Gangtok is the Saramsa Garden,
the home of Sikkim's many exotic orchids and other rare tropical and
temperate plants. Established and maintained by the Department of
Forest, it is an excellent recreation and picnic spot and a leisure
spot.
Fambong La Wild Life Sanctuary (WLS) :
This Wild Life Sanctuary is located at
a distance of 25 kms from Gangtok and has an area of 51.76 sq. km.
The main vegetation is Oak, Katus, Kimbu, Champ, Bamboo, Wild orchids,
Rhododendrons etc. The best season for visit is between October and
April.
Deer
Park : This park provides a commanding view of the
expansive valleys surrounding the city of Gangtok. The charming
Himalayan spotted and musk deer may be seen here. It is a heaven
for nature lovers. One can view the Red Panda and fleet footed
deer in their natural habitat. It is maintained by the Forest
Department and is not a part of city-town. Quite often travellers
on the highway can see through the wire netting, little groups
of deer. Visitors can take a ride inside the park sitting inside
a van and get quite close to the deer, but then a small amount
of fee is collected if one goes in by van or car. As such there
is no entry fee. They can climb a tower and look at the animals.
Timings: 9 a.m to 5.30 p.m, daily except Monday. Safari rides
9.30 a.m to 5.00 p.m.
3 nights/4 days - Gangtok Tour
Day
01
Pickup from Njp or Bagdogra & drive
to Gangtok.
Day
02
Visit Gangtok Local sight seeing
Morning Points 5.00 to 8.00am
Tashi View Point / Burtuk Water Falls, Hanuman Tok &
Ganesh Tok.
Day Points 9.30 to 2.30pm
Rumtek Monastery & Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden /
Shanti View point, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology NIT),
Do-Drul Chorten, Golden Stupa, Hur-Huray Dara (Nam-Nam,Flower
Show, & Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom. Drive back
to gangtok for night hault.
Day
03
Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mindir &
Nathula & drive back to Gangtok.
Day
04
Gangtok to North Sikkim,
west Sikkim, South Sikkim, Njp or Bagdogra as you like.
