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EAST SIKKIM - A WELCOME SMILE |
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GANGTOK
An important transit point on the busy trade route with
Tibet at one time, Gangtok - is the hub of all
administrative activity of Sikkim & a charming peaceful laid
back town (elevation, 1,780 m/ 5500 ft.) – the present
capital of Sikkim- today has become the base from which
tourists can plan their exploration of Sikkim. This district
is the most commonly visited area in Sikkim.Sikkim has
emerged into the mainstream of the Tourism Industry with
more & more national as well as International tourists
visiting this peaceful Himalayan state every year. All
modern facilities in terms of accommodation / transport &
communications are available here.
By staying at Gangtok for 3-4 nights one can visit Tsomgo
Lake, Rumtek Monastery, the local points as well as
undertake the 3-4 day tour to North Sikkim
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Places
to See:
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TSOMGO LAKE
38 km from Gangtok
at an elevation of 12,400 ft./ 3780 m is the
beautiful Tsomgo Lake, which freezes over in winter
up to mid-May. The drive from Gangtok takes about 3
hrs. The Lake derives its waters from melting snows
of the surrounding mountains. The Lake is about 1 km
long, oval in shape, 50 ft./15 mtrs deep & is
considered sacred by the local people. It is also a
home of Brahminy ducks besides stopover for various
migratory birds. You can also experience a Yak ride
around the Lake. |
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NATHULA PASS
Indo-China
border (elevation 14,400 ft. / 4,320 m) on the old caravan
trail to Tibet till 1962 is 14 km further from Tsomgo Lake.
Recently opened for Indian tourists, the pass is poised to
have become a favourite tourist spot. Visitors prone to
heart problems & high altitude sickness are advised to avoid
this trip. Nathula is open only on Wednesday, Thursday,
Friday, Saturday & Sunday. The visitors need permit on the
basis of individual any proof of identification to visit the
place by applying to the Tourism Department 48 hrs in
advance through a registered Sikkimese Travel Agency.
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BABA HARBHAJAN SINGH MEMORIAL
Built in the memory of Harbhajan Singh, a sepoy in
the 23rd Punjab Regiment, the mandir lies between
the Nathula & the Jelepla Passes. Legend has it that
he appeared in a dream a few days after he went
missing & expressed the desire that a monument be
built in his memory. His fellow soldiers then built
a monument that has over the years acquired the
status of pilgrimage. Believers leave a bottle of
water, which they collect a few days later to take
back home. |
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RUMTEK DHARMA CHAKRA CENTRE
24
km drive away from Gangtok through the scenic lush
green terraced fields takes you to the headquarters
of the Kagyupa sect, the Rumtek Monastery that was
built in the year 1960.
It is also the seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa Lama. It
is immensely decorated & is certainly the largest
traditional architecture of Sikkim with unique art
objects of the world. Traditional in design, it is
almost at replica of the original Kagyu headquarters
in Tibet. It has over 300 centres overseas. A must
for every visitor. Opposite the entrance to the
Institute is a small hall featuring a beautiful
jewel studded chorten the Golden Stupa, which
contains the ashes & remains of his holiness, the
XVI Gyalwa Karmapa. The main ceremonial dances of
Rumtek called the Tse-Chu chaam are held around
June. The Kagyed dance is also held here around
December. |
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DO - DRUL CHORTEN
One of the most important stupas in Sikkim built by Trulsi
Rimpochee, head of the Nyingmapa order containing rare
mandalas of Dorjee Phurba (Bare Kilaya) Holy Mantra Books, &
encircled by 108 prayer wheels. Chorten Lhakhang & Guru
Lhakhang surrounds the chorten, where there are two huge
statues of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpochee,
the patron saint of Sikkim.
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NAMGYAL INSTITUTE
OF TIBETOLOGY
Just another one minute
walking distance from the Chorten lies the “Namgyal
Institute of Tibetology” built amidst a small forest
of oak, magnolia & birch trees. This Institute
treasures a rare collection of antiques,
manuscripts, ritual objects, thanka paintings, rare
statues, over 200 Buddhist icons & precious objects
of arts. It is also a worldwide centre for study of
Buddhist Philosophy & Religion. The foundation stone
of this Institiute was laid in February 1957 by his
holiness the Dalai Lama & was inaugurated by Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru in October 1958. The Institute also
has a retail outlet where related books &
commercially produced religious art & craft of Tibet
can be bought.
Visiting hrs – 10:00 am to 03:00 pm. (closed on
Sunday & government holidays) |
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DIRECTORATE OF
HANDICRAFTS & HANDLOOMS
The Institute was
established in 1957 with the purpose of promoting the
manufacture & sale of local handicrafts, carpets &
furniture’s. An sales emporium at the Institute sells
handicrafts, Thankas - which are scrolls with paintings,
hand carved foldable wooden tables known as chok – tse &
exquisitively woven woollen carpets, masks & dolls. Visitors
can also see the artisans at work here. Hand made paper is
another unique novelty of the Institute & is made from the
bark of a tree called Algeri. The paper is used extensively
for invitation cards & letter pads.
Visiting hrs – 10:00 am to 04:00 pm. (closed on Sunday &
government holidays)
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FLOWER EXHIBITION CENTRE
The
Pride & joy of Sikkim where the world famous Orchids are on
exhibition along with seasonal flowers & bonsai. Flower
exhibitions are organized around the year at the Flower Show
Venue near White Memorial Hall Complex, Gangtok. Orchid
shows held during the spring season is one of the most
popular shows organized in the state.
Visiting hrs – 10:00
am to 04:00 pm. (closed on Sunday & government holidays)
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ENCHEY MONASTERY
Lama Druptob Karpo, a great tantric saint known for his
power of flying is supposed to have built a small hermitage
at this spot after he flew here from Maenam Hill more than
two hundred years ago. This monastery was built here in 1901
in the form of a Chinese Pagoda during the reign of Sidkeong
Tulku. The monastery follows the Nyingmapa order of Tibetan
Buddhism & the main prayer & ritual dances are held here
every year, which normally corresponds to the month of
January. |
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ROPEWAY
Inaugurated on 7th Dec’
2003, the ropeway operates between the main Secretariat Deer
Park, Sikkim Legislative Assembly & the Tibetology at
Deorali. The two cable cars have a capacity of accommodating
25 passengers each. The ride gives a breathtaking view of
the Bhusuk river about 1000 mtrs below as well as the
Deorali Bazaar.
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NAMNANG VIEW POINT
also known as hurhurray Dara & lovers point, one of the four
notable view points of Gangtok offering an excellent view of
the valley with the Bhushuk river snaking below. Next to it
is the Sikkim Legislative Assembly Bhawan.
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TASHI VIEW POINT
is about 08 kms away from Gangtok, acclaimed to be amongst
the most popular photography point in the Sikkim Himalayas.
From this point you get a breath taking view of Mt.
Khanchendzonga & Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most graceful
peaks in the world. Above the viewpoint is a park that is a
popular picnic spot. Tourists can avail of the facilities
provided by a small but well stocked cafeteria located here.
Ideal time to visit is early morning subject to clear
weather conditions.
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GANESH TOK
It is situated on a ridge & is only 07 kms
away from Gangtok. From this spot one can get a bird’s eye
view of sprawling Gangtok town down below. Adjacent to it is
a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Adjoining the
temple is a beautiful Pine tree forest reserve.
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HANUMAN TOK
Scrupulously & appropriately maintained by resident units of
the Indian Army this is a hindu temple dedicated to Lord
Hanuman which is situated about 09 km uphill from Gangtok at
an altitude of 7,200 ft. Popular belief has it that wishes
made here are fulfilled.
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HIMALAYAN ZOOLOGICAL PARK
Recently set up at Bulbulay, this wildlife park
comprises an area covering 205 hectares. Endangered animals
of the Eastern Himalayas are maintained in open enclosures
in a semi natural habitat. Wildlife enthusiasts & visitors
can observe different species of Himalayan black bear,
clouded snow leopard, Red Pandas, Barking deers, Tibetan
wolves, Civet cat & other animals.
The ideal time to visit is during the feeding time when the
animals come out for their feast. One needs a lot of
patience & time to visit this park. – a day trip & Pack
lunch recommended.
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