Perched at an altitude of 5,800 feet, Gangtok, the capital of the tiny Himalayan state of Sikkim in India's eastern region, is an interesting blend of the traditional and modern, where concrete multi-storeyed structures clinging to the hillside stand alongside chortens (stupas) and monasteries; young college girls in trendy dresses rub shoulders in the market place with elderly matrons clad in traditional bakus, and lamas in colourful maroon and mustard robes play football with youngsters in blue jeans and T-shirts. While Gangtok offers absolutely amazing views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks, including the Kanchenjunga (India's highest peak at 28,199 feet and the third-highest mountain in the world), what makes it so tourist-friendly is an ambience enhanced by the bustle of a warm, hospitable and hard-working people.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Enchey Monastery: Situated 3 km from Gangtok, this monastery is the seat of the Nyingma order and is more than 200 years old. Every year around January, 'Chaam' or a religious masked dance is performed with great fanfare for two days.

Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa): One of the most important stupas of Sikkim, this was built by the Venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1945, and holds holy books, complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), and other religious objects. Around the stupa are 10 Mani-Lhakor (prayer wheels).

Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology: Formerly known as the Namgyal institute of Tibetology, the institute is one of the most prestigious depository of Tibetan literature, rare manuscripts, paintings, thangkas, statues and religious objects and other works of art and history. It is a renowned centre for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion.

Saramsa Garden: Located about 14 km from Gangtok, this garden houses Sikkim's most 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.

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre: Located 24 km from Gangtok is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, the seat of the Kagyu order, one of the four major Tibetan Buddhist sects. Since the late 1960s, after the arrival of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, the centre houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures and rare religious objects. Traditional in design, it is almost a replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet.

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden: Situated very close by to Rumtek Monastery, this garden offers an enchanting and soothing experience among the lush green vegetation, rare plants and trees and rare species of Himalayan flowers and orchids.

Tsomgo Lake: Barely 40 km from Gangtok and situated at an altitude of 12,210 ft, this lake is considered extremely holy and is home to Brahmini ducks besides being a stopover for various migratory ducks.

Nathula Pass: At a distance of 56 km from Gangtok and situated at an altitude of 14,200 ft is the Nathula Pass on the border between India and China. It is one of the highest motorable roads and richly covered by many varieties of alpine flora and fauna. Special permits are required to visit Nathula.

Tashi View Point: Situated 4 km from Gangtok, this site offers a breathtaking view of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga and surrounding hills.

Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre: Established in 1961, this is the only monastery of the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim. It is located on a beautiful hilltop just 5 km away from Gangtok.
Courtesy: India Digest

Tourist Information

How to reach:
• By Air: Nearest airport is at Bagdogra in neighbouring West Bengal state, 125 km away.
• By Rail: Main railhead is at Siliguri, about 115 km away.
• By Road: Well-connected by road from Siliguri and Darjeeling.

Climate:
Winter: Maximum temperature is 14 degrees Celsius, minimum is 1 degree.
Summer: Max. temperature is 20°C; min. is 13°C.
Best time to visit: March-May & October-December.

Where to stay:
Chumbi Residency • Hotel Hungry Jack • Hotel Tibet • Denzong Inn • Norbu Ghang Resort

For more on India tourism, visit:
www.sikkim.gov.in, www.hcilondon.net
www.tourindia.com

. top