Rumtek Monastery: The
largest monastery in the Eastern Himalaya, built by the Gyalwa
Karmapa in strict accordance with the traditional designs
of the monastery in Tibet. Rumtek is the seat of Kagyu order
of Tibetan Buddhism. This magnificent gompa is only 24 km
from Gangtok.
 Tsongo
Lake: Lying 40km northeast of Gangtok, it means
`Source of the Lake` in Bhutia language. This placid lake
is located at an altitude of 3780m and held to be sacred by
the local people. more
Nathula:
At an altitude of 14200ft, Nathula pass is the border between
India and China in the Tibetan plateau. Only 56 km away from
the Gangtok, tranquility of this place is very charming. Waving
Chinese soldiers and Chinese tourists on the other side of
the border is an added attraction. more
Namgayal Institute of Tibetology:
Built in 1958, this is a unique institute for research into
Mahayana Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet.
A renowned center for Buddhist study, the institute houses
a rare collection of Tibetan, Sanskrit and Lepcha manuscripts,
statues, Thankas (tapestry used in Buddhist liturgy) as well
as more than 200 Buddhist icons.
Enchey Monastery: This
200 year old monastery is famous for the mask dance called
'Cham' performed in the month of January. An important seat
of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary
temple, was originally built with the solace that no other
construction would be allowed near it. monasteries in sikkim.
Flower Exhibition Centre:
Located near the White Hall Complex this place houses a variety
of orchids, seasonal flowers as well as bonsai. It is open
between April to June and September until the end of November.
In recent years, this show has become quite popular and famous,
as there are flower exhibitions throughout the year in accordance
with the seasons and the flowers in bloom.
Do-Drul Chorten (stupa):This
chorten houses the complete mandala sets of Darjee Phurba,
a set of Holy Books, complete 'Zung' (mantras) and other religious
objects. The Stupa was built by the venerable Trulshi Rimpoche,
head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Around
this Chorten are 10 Mani-Lhakor (prayer wheels).
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden:
24km away Gangtok, this garden is consist of temperate forest
of Oaks and as many as 50 different kinds of trees species.
Tashi View Point: Built
by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal this viewpoint
is at a distance of about 8km away from the town and offers
good view of Mt. Siniolchu and Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Ganesh Tok: This spot,
7km away from Gangtok, offers a bird's eye view of Gangtok.
There is a small temple of lord Ganesh at this place. It is
on a hillock on Gangtok-Nathula Road.
Hanuman Tok: Just above Ganesh Tok lays
this viewpoint offering nice view of the mountains along the
horizon and the Gangtok town, there is a Temple of Hanuman
here. |
The
capital of 
Officially
the population of Gangtok is around 50,000 but actually the
number is at least double that figure. The principle language
in Gangtok as in other parts of the region is Nepali. But
Hindi, English, Bengali and Tibetan are also spoken and understood
by a large part of the population. The town covers an area
of approximately 25 square kilometer.