Gangtok
Its strategic location, a strong Buddhist presence and heady cultural
offerings make the First City of Sikkim-Gangtok, a tempting insight into
this stimulating land. Sensational views of Mt. Khangchendzonga, orchid
nurseries, great shopping areas are some of the treasured sights you should
not miss during your tour to Sikkim.
Sign up for one of the heli-tours to catch those breathtaking vistas.
During the Buddha Purnima in May, delve into the city's cultural leanings in
those superlative Saga Dawa festivities. Follow the colorful procession of
venerable lamas carrying the holy books of buddha's teachings from the
Tsuklakhang Monastery in the palace to different parts of town.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
The world's largest treasury of invaluable old Tibetan books and
manuscripts on Buddhist philosophy and religion, science, medicine,
astrology etc. the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology attracts Buddhist
scholars from around the world. It is also houses a wide range of Lepcha and
Sanskrit manuscripts and scrolls of ancient vintage. In the appended museum
are over 200 icons, old tankhas and some ritual vessels amongst various
objects d' art on display. Take a trip upstairs to observe the cataloguing
and restoration of these treassures. Open: 10am -4pm.
Directorate Of Handicrafts and Handlooms
Shoppers will find the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms a most
convenient place to catch up on their souvenier hunting. Craftsment in the
process of weaving, woodcarving, and paintings of typical Sikkimese designs
give you an up-close and personal view of these beautiful crafts from start
to finish. Take home hand-woven carpets, blankets, shawls and carved
magnolia -wood tables.
Enchey
Monastery
One of the most important monasteries of Sikkim and the Nyingma order of
Buddhism, the Enchey Monastery 93km) is constructed on site blessed by Lama
Drupko Karpo, a revered tantric master reputed for his power to fly. Over
200 years old. Enchey has within its precincts many icons and religious
artifacts of great veneration and anitquity.
Tsomgo Lake & Nathu La Pass
Just 40kms away from Gangtok lies one of the most sensational drives out of
Gangtol. En route to the hallowed, oval-shaped glacial Tsomgo lake (3780
metres) you will encounter mystical environs of these lofty heights and the
splash of thousands of blooms in summer. Take time to stop over at
Kyongnosla 926km) for a splendiferous treat of a harvest of summer blooms of
rhododendron, poppies, clematis iris and primulas amongst others. Best from
May to August. This region si also great for spotting the exclusive and
endangered red panda in its natural habitat. If you're an orchid hunter you
might find some in bloom in the wild. Don't pluck them though. They're
prettier up on those branches. Located at height of 12,000 feet on the
Gangtok-Nathu La highway, Tsomgo is half frozen rill mid-April. Home to the
Brahminy duck and countless migratory birds, it's a magical place. Make sure
you have a good camera to catch that evanescent beauty.
The yaks, embellished with their 'Welcome to Sikkim' headbands, are popular
for a short ride near the lake. Take a moment off to pause and soak in the
beauty at the tiny pagoda like rest house. The spiritual minded sometimes
walk over the forzen lake to feed the fish. Fishing is prohibited on this
holy lake. In winter, these snofields are breathtaking. Remember you have to
leave at the crack of dawn-and get permits in advance (from the Sikkim
Police Department in Gangtok). This holds true for the historic Nathu La
Pass (14,200 feet) too, as by the late afternoon it generally gets enveloped
in mist. Open: Wed/ Thu/ Sat/Sun only.
Recognised local travel agencies arrange transport and handle all the
details. Taxis with permits also ply on these routes. Shared taxis available
too. Cost: Tsomago Lake and Nathu La Pass-Rs. 370 per head adn Tsomgo
Lake-Rs. 145 per head.
It's advisable to leave around nine and be back in time for a late lunch
before fogs descend. There are gumboots and coats on hire. Best time visit:
March-Late May and September-Mid December.
Rumtek Monastery
Bowling down the partially rutted road through picturesque countryside
you'll coime to the impressive Rumtek Monastery 24km away. Commisisioned by
his holiness the 16th incarnate of the original Gyalwa Karmapa of Tibet and
head of the Kagyupa sect of Buddhism, this lavishly built monastery is said
to be a replica of the Tsurphu Monastery in tibet.
The splendour of Tibetan monastic art is beautifully reflected in its
traditional architecture, carved and painted woodwork, magnificent murals
and treasures of manuscripts and icons. Though this is a very holy Buddhist
pilgrimage site, but visitors can imbibe of the tranquil air and beautiful
location while soaking in the significant cultural elements. It is also
famed for its dazzling masked dances during important festivals.
A 15-minutes walk takes you to the old Rumtek Monastery (now entirely
renovated) which was built in the reign of the fourth Chogyal. It is
embellished with monastic paintings in the traditional style, painted by a
Sikkimese lad who learnt the art from the lamas. Enshrined here is a stone
slab marked with the footprint of Guru Padmasambhava.
Dzongri
This stunning home of the red panda, balck khaleej pheasant and the
yellow-necked woodpecker is trekker's delight. In season, Dzongris verdant
slopes are aflame with great varieties of rhododendron. From its perch of
over 3962 metres, it offers the most magical views of the Khangchendzonga
massif. The Pandim Peak (6890 metres) is prepetually cloaked in thick snow.
About 7km way from Dzongri is the Khangchendzonga base camp established by
Darjeeling's Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
Pemayanagtse Monastery
One of Sikkim's holiest monasteries the 17th century Pemayangtse Monastery
(Perfect Sublime Lotus) of the Nyingmapa order is perched at a height of
2085 metres. Encircled by haunting beauty of Khagchendzonga and its retinue
of peaks, it is also Sikkims second oldest monastery. It is an ideal base
for trekking to Yuksam (1630metres). Nearby , Rabdentse, with its ruined
palace, was once Sikkims capital.
Tashiding Monastery
Sikkim's most venerated shrine, the Tashiding Monastery was built in 1717.
Countles prayer-flags (langtu-windhorses that ride the winds carrying the
prayers of the devotees) whisper in the breeze as you approach this holies.
The sonorous repetition of Mani padme Hum fills the air. Thousands of devout
Buddhist trek to Tashiding in spring to participate in the Bhumchuy Festival
and sip the sacred water from a sacred bhumpa (water vessel), filled with
waters collected from the Rathong and Rangit Rivers.
Yuksam
Legendary Yuksam consecrates the three holy men who came from Tibet and
established the Nyingmapa order of Tibetan Buddhism here. It is also the
entry point of the Khangchendzonga National Park. Yuksam is the base for
mountain climbing course organized by the Himalayan Mountaineering
Institute.
