The perfect destination for vacations in quest of enchantment , tranquillity or adventure. A jewel embedded in snow clad mountains, Sikkim is a primeval land that is unlike anywhere else.

IN & AROUND GANGTOK | WEST SIKKIM | NORTH SIKKIM | SOUTH SIKKIM

Nathula Pass : Ahead of Tsangu located on the Indo-China border lies the Nathula Pass. This pass was a point of conflict during the Chinese aggression in 1962 . It was an important point on the India-Tibet trade route until the border with Tibet was closed in 1962.

Rumtek Monastery : A drive through the picturesque terraced rice fields will bring you to the head quarters of the Dharma Chakra Centre, the present seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Kargyupa Sect. The main monastery is a recent structure, built by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in strict accordance with the traditional designs of his monastery in Tsurphu in Tibet.

pecac Garden : These botanical gardens dedicated to the nature and display of the flora of Sikkim is an ideal picnic sport on your way back from Rumtek.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology : A unique institution, devoted to Tibetolgy the only one of its kind in the world. On display is perhaps the largest collection of Tibetan artifacts outside Tibet.

Do-Drul Chorten and Gompa : An impressive stupa encircled by prayer wheels. Close by there are two giant statues of the lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava.

Deer Park : This park located adjacent to Tashiling houses a statue of the Buddha, similar to the one in Bodhgaya. There are wide enclosures for deer and a number of local animals, such as Red panda, are housed in cages on these grounds.

Enchey Monastery : Built in 1909 this sit on a spectacular ridge with views across Gangtok and as far as Mount Khangchendzonga Surrounded by prayer flags this 19th century Nyingma pa Gompa is a heaven of tranquility.

The Ridge : The Ridge is a small stretch of plain and flat road above the town of Gangtok. It is just about five minutes walk from the main market. The Ridge has the White hall and the Chief Minister's official residence on one end and the beautifully designed Palace Gates on the other. The ridge is lined with plants and trees when in bloom are a riot of colour.

White Hall : Located on the Ridge this building was built in 1932 in memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim, Claude White. There is an Officers Club and a badminton court in the White Hall. The adjoining Flower Shows, which attracts tourists from all over the world. The exhibition features a wide variety of orchids and other Himalayan flora.

The Royal Chapel, Tsuklathang : The royal chapel, Tsuklakhang, is within the palace grounds. It is the principal place of worship and assembly and the repository of a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures.

White Water Rafting : The Teesta and Rangeet rivers offer excellent opportunities for white water rafting holidays. The starting point is at Singtam which is about an hours drive from Gangtok. The rapids down stream are rated as per the Colorado River Standards as grade 2 and 3. Rafting trips are organized by several travel agencies

Tashi View Point : Worth visiting in pre-dawn hours to catch the awe-inspiring sight of the sun rising on the snow capped peaks of the Mount Khangchendzonga

Government Institute of Cottage Industries : The best place to pick up local handicrafts such as wooden hand carved artifacts and hand woven woolen carpets. You may see artisans at work.

Hanuman Tok : A short distance from the town centre gets you to this unpretentious mandir and offers splendid photography.

Ganesh Tok : Located just above the town this Ganesha temple offers splendid views of the surrounding hills.

Tsomgo Lake : It literally means the “source of the Lake” in the Bhutia language. Just about 40km away from Gangtok, the capital of State. This serene lake is situated at an altitude of 3,780 mtrs. The lake is about 1 km long, oval in shape, 15mtrs deep and is considered sacred by the local people. This placid lake remains frozen during the winter months upto mid-May.
Between May and August, it is possible to see a variety of flowres bloom, including the rhododendrons, various species of primulas, blue and yallow poppies, iris, etc. It is also an ideal habitat of the Red Panda and various species of birds. Open for both the foreign and Indian nationals. Foreign visitors have to be in a group of 2 or more and have to apply for the visitors permit through a registered Travel agency.

Mountain Flights : For something special Sikkim Helicopter Services offers a flight over West Sikkim, Yumthang, Khangchendzonga and joyrides around Gangtok. These flights are give you a great opportunity to see the mountains up close and are very reasonably priced and are sure to leave you spell bound.

IN & AROUND GANGTOK | WEST SIKKIM | NORTH SIKKIM | SOUTH SIKKIM

Rabdentse Ruins : This was the second capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom and till the year 1814 AD, the Kings of Sikkim had ruled the State from this place. Today, the ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from the Pemayangtse Monastery. The scenic view from the top of the ruins scanning across the deep valley to the mystic heights of Khangchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished and etched in memory.

Sanga-Choling Monastery : This monastery is situated on a ridge above Pelling and the famous Pemayangtse Monastery. Built in 1697 AD, it is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries in the State. In order to reach this Monastery one has to be prepared to spend at least 40 minutes walking up the steep hilly slope which leads through rich forest covers.

Khecheopalri Lake : Khecheopalri Lake is considered to be one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. There is a motorable road from Pemayangtse right up to the lake area.

Pelling : Pelling is fast emarging asa most favorite tourist destination in west Sikkim. Situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft., it offers a good view of the entire mountain ranges. Pelling is just 10 kms from Gyalsing.

Yuksam : This was the first capital of Sikkim, where according to the historical records, the first Chogyal of the Kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in the 1641 AD by three learned lamas. The evidence of the consecration ceremony is still intact in Norbugang Chorten in the form of stone seats and a foot print of the Head Lama on the stone. Since the history of Sikkim began from this place, these areas are now considered sacred by the people of Sikkim. Yuksam is served by all weather road from Pemayangtse, which is at a distance of 32 kms from Yuksam. The trek to Dzongri and to the base camp of the famous Mt. Khangchendzonga begins here.

Tashiding Monastery : This monastery is constructed on top of a heart shaped hill with the back drop of the sacred Mt. Khang-chen-Dzonga. According to Buddhist scriptures, Guru Padma Sambhava (Guru Rimpoche) blessed the sacred land of Sikkim in the 8th century AD from the spot. The monastery, however, was built in the 18th Century AD by Ngadak Sempa Chempo, one of the three lamas who had performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal.
Tashiding is also famous for the most holy chorten known as 'Thong-Wa-rang-Dol' which literally means 'Saviours by mere sight'. It is believed that the mere act of beholding it is supposed to wash away all he sins of the devotee. Another important feature in tashiding is the sacred water festival popularly knwon as 'Bhumchu'. It is a religious tradition unique to Tashiding Monastery only. Every year, on 14th and 15th day of the first Lunar Month, the Bhumchu Ceremony is celebrated with devotees coming from far and near to get the blessing of the holy water.

Varsey : It lies at an elevation of 10,000 ft. and has a motorable road access upto Hilley. An easy 4 kms trek from there takes one up to the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. One can also trek from Soreng or Dentam in West Sikkim. The place provides a magnificent view of the mountains. Visitors can halt at 'Guras Kunj' trekkers' hut.

Soreng : Soreng is a picturesque village with beautiful landscape which is about 3 hrs. drive from pelling and 4 hrs. drive from Melli. A trek to Jhandi Danra from Soreng is a must to see the various species of flowers and birds. Hotels and lodges are available for accommodation.

IN & AROUND GANGTOK | WEST SIKKIM | NORTH SIKKIM | SOUTH SIKKIM

Phodong Monastery : One of the six major monasteries in Sikkim, Phodong monastery is located in the North approximately 38 kms from Gangtok, 4 kms beyond Phodong is the recently renovated Labrang Monastery unique in it architectural design.

Singhik : The place offers one of the most spectacular and closest views of Mt. Khangchendzonga and its ranges. A well located Tourist Lodge provides accommodation for visitors. The area also has a number of interesting short nature trails for 1 to 3 days along the higher ridges of the higher ridges of the surrounding hills. One can also savour the most graceful peak in the world, Mt. Siniolchu.

Lachung : The village, spread out on either side of Lachung Chu, has managed to retain its unique culture and tradition. The Lachung Monastery on the slope opposite to the highway is a focal point of all religious function of the local inhabitants. To get a glimpse of the religious functions performed on auspicious occasions a visit to the Monastery should form a part of the tour itinerary. Lachung lies on the way to Yumthang Valley as we move from Gangtok. Yumthang is just 25 kms away.

Yumthang : Yumthang, at an elevation of 11,800 ft and 140 kms from Gangtok is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora and fauna and breathtaking scenic grandeur. The valley boasts a large variety of Rhododendrons and other alpine flowers.Yumthang 'Tsa-Chu'or the hot spring of the left bank of Lachung Chu is immensely popular for its curative properties and heal- ing power. For both foreign and domestic tourists, Yumthang Pack- age tours are organised only by the local registered travel agents . Depending upon one's convenience one can either opt for 3 days/2 nights package or 2 days/ 1 night package.

Lachen : Lachen is situated at an altitude of 2750 mtrs. and about 6 hrs. drive from Gangtok. The Lachen Monastery Located on top of the village commands a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and country side. Resorts, hotels and lodges are available for accommodation.

Guru-Dongmar Lake : Guru-dongmar lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of this State both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The lake remains milky in color throughout and it is believed the Guru Padmasambhava had touched the lake whilst he visited Tibet from this area.

IN & AROUND GANGTOK | WEST SIKKIM | NORTH SIKKIM | SOUTH SIKKIM

Namchi : Namchi, meaning 'Sky High', nestled among the hills at an elevation of 5,500 ft commands panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains and vast stretches of valley. Atop Samdruptse hilltop near Namchi, recently erected is the worlds tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of both Hindus and the Buddhist.

Samdruptse : At a height of 135 feet, this collosal statue of the Buddhist Patron Saint of Sikkim is said to be the biggest of its kind in the world. Located in the woods of Samdruptse just four kilometers above Namchi, this newly erected monument is now a popular pilgrimage site for local devotees.

Temi Tea Garden : The one and only tea estate existing in the State produces one of the top quality teas in the international market. The tea garden is spread out on a gentle hill slope originating from the Tendong Hill and provides a magnificent view for the surrounding villages. The visit to the fact" could be an eye opener for those wanting to know more about the tea processing methods.
A night spent in a old British built bungalow located just below the tea garden could be an enthralling experience of linking the past to the present. A visit to the garden, enroute to the Tendong Hill, could be a rewarding experience for those who want to cornbine nature and culture as they keep trekking.

Ravangla : At the base of Menam Hill is Ravangla, a small township and transit to various tourist destinations in South and West Sikkim. It is also an upcoming tourist spot, and transit point for trekkers to Menam Hill and Borong. There are accomodation facilities and numerous short nature trails. A trek down to the sacred cave 'Shar Chok Bephu', one of the four holiest caves in Sikkim, would be a memorable experience.

Menam Hill : Menam Hill towers above Tendong Hill on the other side over looking the ravangla Bazar settlement. Situated at an altitude of 10,300 ft the scenic view from this height is, perhaps, unmatched in this part of the world. Mt. Khangchendzonga and its surrounding ranges looms above the dwarf the richly forested and rugged hill. On a clear sunny day, it is possible to see the plains of Bengal spanning across Kalimpong and darjeeling Hills in the South, right across the Indo-China border towards the North. A short distance away is the legendary Bhaley Bhunga, a kind of rocky spur which juts out from the ridge top and remains suspended in the air above Yangang village.

Borong : Facing the snow-capped mountains is Borong, motorable from Ravangla or a trek via Menam. A picturesque village, its beautiful landscape and magnificent view is also host to the hot spring, Borong TsaChu'. The trek trail, originating from Namchi or Damthang to Tendong - Ravangla - Menam - Borong (5-6 days) is one of the most interesting trails scaling all the hill tops along the route. The trek can continue to Tashiding or terminate at Borong and drive back to Ravangla.

Nathula Pass

Rumtek Monastery

Hanuman Tok

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Do-Drul Chorten and Gompa

Enchey Monastery

Tsomgo Lake

Rabdentse Ruins

Khecheopalri Lake

Pelling

Yuksam

Varsey

Phodong Monastery

Lachung

Yumthang

Lachen

Guru-Dongmar Lake

Namchi

Samdruptse

Ravangla

Menam Hill

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