Perched on steeply-tiered hills in the eastern Himalayas, the picturesque city of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is set against the backdrop of the majestic Mt Kanchenjunga (Khangchendzonga). A tourist hotspot, it invites adventure seekers for its well-laid trekking trails and avenues for mountain biking, hiking, paragliding and river rafting. The city allows you to let loose your inner daredevil and explore the mighty Himalayas like never before. One of the most frequented hill stations of Sikkim, Gangtok is also a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site and the largest city in the state. It rose to prominence after the Enchey Monastery was established in 1840. In 1894, the ruling Sikkimese Chogyal declared Gangtok the capital of the region. It grew to be a major stopover on the trade route between Lhasa in Tibet by the early 20th century.Apart from being a centre for Tibetan Buddhism, Gangtok is a go-to destination for mountain and wildlife lovers. Magnificent views of various monasteries, Mt Kanchenjunga, Siniolchu, Chumbi Valley and the Chinese border will leave you spellbound. Uniqueness, vibrancy, colours, clouds and warm people all come together to make Gangtok irresistible.The city is also a prime destination for shopping-lovers. The government-run handicraft centre offers unique artefacts, while local hangouts like MG Marg are go-to spots for delicious Sikkimese food and artistic handicrafts. The Gangtok Food and Culture Festival held in December every year draws tourists in hordes and is a celebration of the heritage of the city. Banjhakri Waterfall The Banjhakri Waterfall plunges straight down with a loud, gushing noise, from a height of 40 ft. Surrounded by beautifully-trimmed gardens, which are spread over 2 acre of lush land, the waterfall is one of the most serene spots in the city. Lying close to the Ranka Monastery, the waterfall is now part of an energy park, which generates unconventional sources of energy. All around, there are pavilions where one can stand and marvel at the sight of the falls. There are also foot bridges constructed in the Sikkimese style of architecture so visitors can cross from one place to another. You can indulge in boating in a man-made lake here, which hosts a statue of a dragon at its center. There are also well laid-out trails, a cafe to satisfy hunger pangs and an information kiosk for those curious about the Shaman culture. There is also a souvenir shop to splurge at. A Banjhakri, according to folk tales within the Nepali community in Sikkim, is a traditional healer, also translated as a jungle priest or magician. The first Ban Jhakri is said to have had the power to dispel evil spirits. Deer Park Rightly named so, Deer Park in Gangtok is home to herds of spotted deer and antelopes. It was established in the 1950s, and since then, deer from all over Sikkim and neighbouring states are brought to this sanctuary. The park stands on a ridge on the side of the New Secretariat, and has designated trails that visitors can use to spot deer in their natural habitat.Apart from deer, one can find animals like the red panda, Himalayan bear and others in protected enclosures. The park also has a statute of Lord Buddha, where he is seen preaching truths to his disciples. In front of the statue, a butter lamp glows continuously on a bed of colourful flowers. This particular statue resembles Lord Buddha’s first sermon at the Deer Park in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, and represents his reincarnation as a musk deer. The serene surroundings of the park make it a great spot for one to spend time in the arms of nature. It also known as Rustamji Park, named after Rustamji, one of the dewans of the Chogyal family of Sikkim. Rustamji is also the acclaimed author of the much loved book "Enchanted Frontiers". Do-Drul Chorten The do-drul Chorten was built by Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1946, and is close to the Research Institute of Tibetology. Before he came here, the place was said to have been haunted by evil spirits, and anyone who came here would fall prey to these diabolical entities and died. The stupa was constructed as a means of protection for the locals. Its structure is marked by a golden dome, which is visible from various vantage points in Gangtok. Inside this stupa, there are complete mandala sets, a set of Kan-gyur relics (holy books), Zung (mantras) and other religious objects. The deity enshrined on top of the chorten stupa is known as Dorjee Phurpa or Vajra Kilaya. There are 108 Mani-Lhakor (prayer wheels) that are rotated clockwise while chanting ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ to invoke the Bodhisattva. The chorten is surrounded by smaller ones, like Chorten Lakhang and Guru Lakhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). Another stupa, known as the Jhang Chup Chorten, was built in memory of Trulshi Rimpoche, one of the teachers of the 14th Dalai Lama, after his death. After his passing, another famous lama by the name of Dodhrubchen Rinpoche established his teaching centre on the same premises. The chorten can accommodate 700 monks. Enchey Monastery Set on a hilltop, on the outskirts of Gangtok, the Enchey Monastery is more than 200 years old. The word 'Enchey' means a solitary temple, and the monastery is a vibrant spectacle surrounded by rolling greens. While the present structure was built during 1909-1910 under the rule of Sidkeong Tulku, Namgyal ruler of Sikkim in 1919, the original structure is much older and was installed by Lama Druptob Karpo. Lama Karpo was a tantric master, who was supposedly renowned for his ability to fly. It is believed that on his way from Maenam Hill, he stopped here, built a small hermitage for personal use to meditate and gave structure to the monastery. Lord Buddha, Loketeswara and Guru Padmasambhava are deities worshipped here. During the 12th lunar month (January) of the Tibetan calendar, on the 18th and 19th days, the vibrant dance of chaam is held at the monastery where monks wear masks and participate in religious celebrations. Another famous festival held here is Pang Lhabsol, during which the Bhutia and Lepcha communities come together to swear blood-brotherhood, with the mighty Kanchenjunga bearing witness to this pledge. Here, the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism is followed. Currently, there are about 90 monks residing in this monastery, which is very peaceful, and allows visitors to meditate in serenity, amidst stunning surroundings. Flower Exhibition Centre And White Memorial Hall The annual flower show is famous for the varieties of orchids on display, but throughout the year, one can come down to view the blue Venda orchids, celosia, chrysanthemum and paps. There is an artificial pond in the centre, with a small bridge across it, where visitors love to take pictures. The state government invites people not only from Sikkim, but from neighbouring states as well to participate in the show. The roundabout above White Hall has a statue of late Jawaharlal Nehru, the former Prime Minister of India. White Hall is named after Claude White, the first political officer of Sikkim, and was built in his memory in 1932. An example of typical British architecture, the White Memorial Hall is a sight to behold for anyone looking to get a feel of the Victorian days. The hall acted as the venue for all important functions in the region till 1960. The Ridge itself is a riot of colours and is lined with plants and trees. The best time to visit the entire area is between April and May. Ganesh Tok Ganesh Tok is a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha at an uphill distance of 7 km from Gangtok. The temple was built in between 1952 and 1953, by Shri Appa B Pant, the former Political Officer of Sikkim. Here, apart from engaging in worship, one can have what is perhaps the best views of the city of Gangtok. The road to the temple is embellished with colourful prayer flags, and makes the journey much more pleasant. The temple is situated such that one can get a bird's view of the entire city and of Mt Khangchendzonga and Mt Siniolchu in the distance. The temple is a miniscule structure that is complemented by a huge viewing deck. A stairway runs through the temple that one must climb to reach the upper levels. Sit out on the circular balcony with a cup of hot coffee and indulge in delicious snacks served in a small yet well-equipped cafeteria, and take a good look at the city and the complex of Raj Bhavan. You can take back souvenirs for your loved ones from the gift shop on the temple premises. Ganesh Tok is a favourite among photographers for postcard pictures of Gangtok. Hanuman Tok A famous temple in the vicinity of the city, Hanuman Tok is dedicated to the worship of Lord Hanuman. About 11 km away from Gangtok on the road to Nathu la Pass, the temple is at an elevation of 2,195 m. The hilltop is calm and serene, not to mention one of the best places to enjoy moments of relaxation away from the bustle of the city. It is also an architectural attraction for the circular structure of the temple, a one-of-its-kind in Sikkim. According to a local legend, this is where Lord Hanuman stopped to rest while flying with the sanjeevani herb to Lanka, to save Lord Rama’s brother, Lakshmana. Apart from a beautiful vista of Mt Khangchendzonga (Kanchenjunga), the temple allows you to see Selep water works—one of Gangtok's primary sources of drinking water. Lying adjacent to the temple is Lukshyama, which is the cremation ground for the erstwhile royal family of Sikkim, the Namgyals. The stupas and chortens built here are a sight to behold. There is a Saibaba temple close by that you can visit. Hanuman Tok has been maintained by a unit of the Indian Army since 1968. The best time to visit is between the months of March and June, when the weather is not too cold, and an undulating view of surrounding hills and valleys is possible. Himalayan Zoological Park The first zoological park in Sikkim, the Himalayan Zoological Park is sprawled across an area of 205 hectare, over a mountainous terrain. With the majestic Mt Khangchendzonga in the backdrop, the park lying at a height of about 1,780 m, is home to animals like the Himalayan Monal pheasant, Himalayan red panda, snow leopard, goral, Himalayan palm civet, Himalayan black bear, crimson-horned pheasant and many more. Popular crowd-drawers are the cute red pandas. One can roam around the park in private vehicles, or even walk along designated trails that run through it. The animals move about in the open and are not caged, thus giving visitors the opportunity to observe these precious creatures in their natural habitat. The best time to visit here is from February to May and from September to December. The park was established in 1991, to provide a natural home and an area of preservation for all these species. It is maintained by the Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, which is a division of the Government of Sikkim. Khangchendzonga National Park Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, the Khangchendzonga National Park, in the heart of the Himalayas, is a glorious place. It is noted for its spectacular wildlife like snow leopard, red panda, great Tibetan sheep, musk deer etc. You can also spot avifauna like Himalayan snowcock, black-necked crane, grey peacock-pheasant, blood pheasant, Himalayan monal, etc. The national park comprises 18 glaciers, the most popular of which is the massive Zemu Glacier, and 17 alpine lakes. From here, you can get panoramic views of several mountain peaks, including Mount Khangchendzonga. Kupup Lake A high altitude lake that resembles an elephant, Kupup Lake is one of the delights of Gangtok, and is a stop on the Silk Route tour. Also known as the Elephant Lake, it is situated at a height of 13,066 ft on the way to Jelep la Pass, bordering India and China. The right side of the lake looks like the trunk of an elephant, while the left resembles the animal's tail. Locally, the lake is recognised as Bitan Cho. A stunning valley holds the lake at its center, and the small village of Kupup is the nearest attraction to the lake. Another fascinating reason to visit here is the Yak Golf Course, an 18-hole course, which is the highest of its kind in the world at about 13,025 ft. It has been affiliated with the Indian Golf Union since 1985, and has even earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. While from January to May, the lake freezes over, from October to December, it is partly covered with a sheet of ice. But during the spring months, the valley and shores of the lake are in full bloom, with colourful flowers adorning every surface. Lingdum Monastery Set amidst forested hills, Lingdum (also known as Ranka) Monastery is an example of sacred Tibetan architecture, located 12 km away from Gangtok. Adorned with exquisite murals, and statues, along with an impressive edifice, the site has been the shooting spot for several Bollywood films. Lingdum follows the Zurmang Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. What catches the visitor's eye is the monastery's apex, carved with parasols, finials and pagoda roofs over a vast courtyard, where the younger monks are trained. The senior monks keep an eye on the activities of the monastery from the balconies of the second floor. A gigantic statue of Lord Buddha, with a height of five meter, sits at the end of the prayer hall, where monks sit in rows reading their prayer books. The walls of the hall display hand paintings, with thangkas hanging from them. The monastery also has a retreat centre on a hillock behind it, where the monks retire to meditate. Visitors can move freely about the location, and interact and take pictures with friendly monks. You can also grab a bite to eat at the cafeteria, which serves delicious Chinese, North Indian and Tibetan fare. Namgyal Research Institute Of Tibetology (NIT) One of its kind in India and the third in the world, the Namgyal Institute houses the largest collection of Tibetan works outside of Tibet. The institute houses a museum, a research centre and a library, and is based in Deorali, south of Gangtok, 5 km away. NIT houses over 200 Buddhist icons and artefacts. The institute was established for the study of Mahamayan Buddhism and its philosophy, and Tibetan culture. It showcases traditional Tibetan architecture and has a vast collection of Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts and statues, along with some rare thankas (tapestries used in Buddhist worship). The library and the reference centre hold vast literature on Tibetan practices and on the Himalayas. The museum on the ground floor contains such unique manuscripts as Prajna Paramita and Astasahastra written in Tibetan golden script, and an 11th-century palm leaf manuscript of the Saratama Prajnaparamita by Ratnakara Shanti, among others. While these manuscripts are precious, the most prized possession of the museum is a casket holding the relics of two celebrated Asokan missionaries, Madhyama and Kasyapagotra. A progressive institution, NIT is heavily invested in international collaboration, with several initiatives such as fellowship programmes, seminars and international conferences spearheaded by its director Tashi Densapa. In addition, the Bulletin of Tibetology, monographs and conference proceedings are also published by the institute in collaboration with foreign scholars. Adjacent to the institute is the memorial for Miwang Chogyal Chempo Palden Thondup Namgyal, the 12th Denzong Chogyal (King of Sikkim). The foundation stone for the institute was laid by the 14th Dalai Lama in 1957 and inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1958. Nathula Pass Nathu la Pass is one of the highest motorable roads in the world that lies at a distance of 56 km from Gangtok. During the 20th century, the pass acted as the primary route for the trade of fur, wool and spice between Sikkim and Tibet. Today, it is also considered as the Indo-China border, and serves as one of the primary trade routes between India and China. There are military bunkers on either side, with an entrance gate to both countries. Just across the barbed wire at the pass, one can see the Chinese soldiers guarding their border. At the border check-post, a war memorial has been erected, along with an exhibition centre of the Indian Army. At an elevation of 4,404 m, the pass has the world's highest ATM installed in the vicinity. The road from Gangtok to Nathu la passes by the Tsomgo Lake, and the entire area, including the pass, has a beautiful cover of alpine flora. The road to the pass is dotted with army settlements, and allows visitors an unparalleled view of the Chumbi Valley. You can also explore the recently constructed Baba Harbhajan Mandir on the way. If the weather clears up, you can see an excellent view of Mt Chomolhari, the second-highest peak of Bhutan, from the pass. Indian tourists can go visit Nathu la Pass with a special permission from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department with a registered and recognised travel agency, but foreign nationals are not allowed to visit it. The pass is open for tourist viewing from Wednesday through Sunday, but closes by 1:30 pm. Since the altitude is so high, be ready to adapt to the receding level of oxygen. The temperature dips to as low as 25 degrees Celsius, and the area receives heavy snowfall in winter. Remember that photography is strictly prohibited in certain areas. Phensang Monastery Located in North Sikkim, 27 km uphill from Gangtok, on a slope stretching from Kabi to Phodong, Phensang Sangag Choling Monastery is among the largest monasteries in Sikkim. On his way to Northern zone in 1721, the 3rd Lhatsun Jigmed Pawo founded this monastery. Later in 1840, the monastery was rebuilt. At the moment, around 300 lamas of the Nyingmapa Buddhist order live in Phensang Monastery. Phensang hosts an annual festival on the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan Calendar (usually December). Sacred dances are performed by the monks at this festival, which falls two days before the Sikkimese New Year. The best times to visit are during the festival (from October to December), or in the warmer months from March to May. Like other monasteries in the area, Phensang also enjoys lovely views of the Himalayas, and is ideal for silent meditation and introspection. Phodong Monastery Set at a height of 4500 ft, giving a picture-perfect view of deep valleys and towering mountains, Phodong Monastery is one of the six most important monasteries in Sikkim, built in the 18th century, circa 1740, by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal, the then ruler of Sikkim. It belongs to the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism and houses beautiful paintings and murals. The original structure was destroyed in an earthquake, and rebuilt by the lamas in 1977 with the help of government funds. The new building is bigger and grander than the old one. The old fresco paintings were extracted by the Delhi National Museum Institute, and were preserved till they could be transported to the new monastery. Phodong finds mention in the writings of French explorer Alexandra David Neel, who spent a few years, beginning in 1912, learning Buddhism here, under the guidance of the third Lachen Gomchen. She was gifted a Buddha statue by Chogyal Sidkyong Tulku, the 10th ruler of Sikkim, that was returned to the monastery after she passed away in 1969. Some of her photos are on display on the first floor of the building. Every year, the monastery hosts a festival on the 28th and 29th days of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar. The resident monks celebrate the festival with a special chaam dance, along with spiritual rituals. Currently, around 260 monks live near the monastery and offer prayers on a regular basis as a part of their daily routine. At present, it is rated to be one of the most mesmerising monasteries of Sikkim. Rumtek Monastery Perched on a hillock, around 20 km from Gangtok, the Rumtek Monastery is also known as the Dharma Chakra Centre and serves as the seat of His Holiness Gyalma Karmapa the XVI, the head of the Karma Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. Built in the 16th century, it is the largest monastery in Sikkim and displays the best of Tibetan architecture, along with rare Buddhist art pieces. The massive prayer hall inside the monastery is decorated with splendid murals, statues and ancient thankas (Buddhist paintings on fabric). One can also observe beautiful paintings of Kargyu lineage and eight Bodhistavas. It is a world-renowned centre for Kargyu teachings. The main structure of the building was made in accordance with the traditional designs of Tibetan monasteries. Its interior is adorned with murals, frescos and paintings. There is a shrine hall in the main building with a 10-feet-high statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. The monastery is enshrined with four other statues, those of Virupaksha, Virudaka, Dritarashtra and Vaishravana, considered to be the guardians of the universe. It is believed that when the 9th Karmapa threw holy rice after performing a ritual, four rice grains were scattered in Sikkim and one of the grains fell on the spot where the old Rumtek Monastery is erected today, which is a 15-minute walk down the slope from the Dharma Chakra Centre. Saramsa Garden A major fruit garden, where the practices of fruit growing were rampant until 1940, Saramsa Garden lies about 14 km from Gangtok. It makes for an idyllic picnic and recreation spot, owing to its lush landscape. Today, you can come across beautiful varieties of flowering plants, including orchids. Most of the plants here were introduced between 1975 and 1980; forest manager Rai Saheb Bhim Bahadur Pradhan also brought some species of trees like orange, banana, guava, lychee and pineapple, to the garden. In order to make the gardens a popular tourist attraction, several benches and viewing arenas have been set up at different points. There are also mini pools and mini foot bridges, with a viewing area at the northern end of the garden that allows you to gaze at River Rani flowing through the ravine far below. Saramsa Garden was established in 1922 by the Sikkim Forest Department to grow fruits for the Namgyals, the erstwhile royal family, as well as the British officers residing in the area at the time. Today, the garden is also known as the Ipeca Garden, named after a medicinal plant, Cephaelis ipecacuanha, which was grown in it. It was brought from Malaysia and was used to produce Emetine, a powerful alkaloid that is utilised extensively in medical research. Seven Sisters Waterfall A series of seven waterfalls, arranged sideways on a cliff, the Seven Sisters Waterfall is one of the most beautiful sites in the Northeast. It can be seen in three distinct tiers, very clearly distinguishable from a distance. You can only view four of the seven falls from the bottom, since the other three are much higher up. A small footbridge wounds its way across the stream and tourists can enjoy the refreshing sight at close quarters.The place is particularly attractive during monsoon (in the months of June and July) when the falls are imbued with an overpowering flow, gushing over the rugged rock wall. The streaming water hits the limestones underneath, sounding almost like thunder. The place is a photographer's dream, and makes for a quaint picnic spot for families. In order to ingratiate the falls to tourists, the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department has constructed a small shed and cafeteria for people to stop for a longer time and take pictures of this natural wonder. This gorgeous waterfall is located 32 km from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway, on the way to Lachung. Tashi Viewpoint On a clear day, tourists can avail breathtaking sights of Mt Khangchendzonga and Mt Siniolchu, as well as the colourful villages of North Sikkim, from the Tashi Viewpoint. The Tourism Department of the state has added a resting shed and a park with a small cafeteria so visitors can make a day out of this trip. While sunsets and sunrises are favourable timings, the sun shining down through the clouds at all hours of the day also makes this viewpoint worth a visit. Soak up some sun, gaze out at the valleys and the mountains and look for the Labrang and Phodong monasteries hidden amidst fluffy clouds. Grab a cup of warm tea as you soak in the peace and quiet beauty of the Himalayas at Tashi; it’s an unmissable experience for first-time visitors. While there is no admission fee, there are extra charges levied on renting of binoculars, and using the telescope mounted here to get a closer look at the surrounding mountains. The site was built by the late king of Sikkim and lies about 8 km from Gangtok. Tsomgo Lake Tsomgo Lake is a riot of colours, and takes different forms in different seasons. While winter brings visitors to a frozen stretch of ice, instead of a lake, with snow all around it, spring arrives in full bloom to cover the surrounding area of the clean water with a profusion of flowers. Taking the winding road through rugged terrain, over mountains, turning on sharp cliffs, to arrive at this beautiful lake, is an adventure in itself. There is also a provision to take rides on yaks and mules here; you can even sample some of the delicacies of the state at any of the stalls that are usually present. If you're not carrying the appropriate gear for traversing the snow, you can rent gumboots and snow boots from tiny shops near the lake. Tsomgo is open to all tourists, but foreign nationals will have to travel in groups of two or more to apply for a visitor's permit to access the area with a registered travel agency. Tsomgo, meaning source of water in Bhutanese, lies at an altitude of 3,779 m, on the way to Nathu la Pass. At a distance of 38 km from Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is a must-visit spot. It receives its water from the melting snow of the surrounding mountains. The lake is associated with a number of legends - the most quoted of these talks of Buddhists monks who would ostensibly study the colour of the lake to make predictions for the future. It is also quite special for the Jhakris (healers in Bangladeshi), as on Guru Purnima (coinciding with Raksha Bandhan), they come together from all over the state to pray. White Hall White Hill is a two-storeyed building that is a permanent venue for the flower show held in Sikkim. The surrounding hill is often clad in a blanket of sparkling snow, lending a picturesque quality to the structure. The flower show that draws tourists and locals alike displays beautiful varieties of rhododendrons and orchids. The building itself is a historically significant monument and incorporates the sensibilities of typical British architecture. White Hall also houses a badminton court and an officer's club. The best time to visit this place is from March to May and from October to Mid-December. The total time required for sightseeing is two to three hours and one can reach here via bus, taxis and other road transport. White Hill was built in 1932 and named after the first British political mandarin in Sikkim, J Claude White.
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