Gangtok, literally meaning a ‘High Hill’, is a charming hill resort perched on a ridge at the height of 5,400 ft. It affords magnificent views of the snow-clad Kanchenjunga peak. For Gangtok Tourism keep on reading.
Govt. Cottage Industries Institute
Women weaving colourful woollen carpets, shawls, and blankets and men carving beautiful, multi-hued wooden tables called ‘choktses’ can be seen here. Exquisite handloom and handicrafts items can also be purchased here.
Research Institute of Tibetology
This world-renowned centre for Buddhist philosophy and religion has a rich collection of Tibetan books, over 200 icons, tangkha tapestries, and many rare objects of Buddhist art. Nearby is the Dotrabu Chorten of Guru Padmasambhava and a small temple of Guru Rimpoche, which houses a 60 feet statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Sikkim.
Dodrul Chorten (Stupa)
It was built in 1945 by the Ven Trulshi Rinpoche to invoke the gods to keep peace and tranquillity in the State. The beautiful structure rises like a great white bell surmounted by a golden pinnacle and houses holy books, relics, mantras, and other objects of religious importance.
Orchid Sanctuary
The sanctuary houses over 250 species of exotic orchids. The blooming season of orchids is from April-May, July-August, and December-January.
Tsuklakhang (Palace Monastery)
The monastery built in traditional Sikkimese style lies within the palace of the Chogyals, the former rulers of Sikkim. It is the most accessible monastery from Gangtok and is known for numerous festivals and grand ceremonies.
Permanent Flower Show Hall
It is located near the white memorial hall and just below Palace Ridge park. The flower shows and exhibitions held here round the year are top-rated.
For more information about Gangtok Tourism, visit Sikkim Tourism Government Website.
9 Places To Visit Near Gangtok: Gangtok Tourism
Places around Gangtok, that are a must for travellers visiting Gangtok are listed below. Make sure you are visiting them as they are part of Gangtok Tourism.
Enchey Monastery (3 kms.)
The 200-year-old monastery built by the Nyingma pa sect of the Buddhist monks is set on a conifer-covered ridge festooned with prayer flags ‘Chaam’ or masked religious dance is held here during January.
Ganesh Tok (7 kms.)
This small temple of Lord Ganesha set on a hillock on Gangtok-Nathula Road, affords a fine view of Gangtok and the peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu.
Hanuman Tok (11 kms.)
This shrine of lord hanuman is also known for the panoramic view of Gangtok and the snow-clad peak of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Deer Park (6 kms.)
It is home to the Himalayan spotted and musk deer. Scenic views of the mountains and valleys can also be enjoyed from here.
Tashi View Point (9 kms.)
This interesting picnic spot is famous for the fine view of Kanchenjunga peak.
Tsomgo Lake (38 kms.)
The oval-shaped holy lake is noted for its mystical environs and wildflowers. It is home to the Brahmin ducks and a stopover for many migratory birds.
Orchidarium (14 kms.)
The botanical garden, noted for its wide variety of orchids, and other rare tropical and temperate plants, is an excellent recreation and picnic spot.
Rumtek Monastery (24 kms.)
The picturesque drive from Gangtok to the Rumtek Monastery is genuinely spellbinding. Changing vistas of mountains unfold at every bend, and there are delightful vignettes of the hamlets and fields of the people of rural Sikkim. The original monastery was built by one of the rulers of Sikkim. When His Holiness, the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, left Tibet and took refuge in Sikkim, he made a new monastery. The Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, with a rich collection of rare plants and trees, is nearby.
Pemayangtse Monastery (115 kms.)
The monastery perched atop a 2085 mts. High Ridge, amidst snow-clad mountains, is the headquarters of the Nyingma sect. It houses many priceless antiques and objects of worship. The wooden model of a heavenly palace of Zamdogpalri Rimpoche, as revealed in a dream to Lhatsun Chempo, the founder of the monastery, is spellbinding.
Tashiding Monastery, the most sacred shrine of Sikkim, is set atop a hill near Pemayangtse. It was built in 1717 and attracted many devotees, especially during the Bhumchu Festival (feb./Mar.).
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