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Gangtok
Gangtok (गंगटोक) is the Capital of State Sikkim of Indian Union. Any frequent traveler will tell you about the Gangtok's testy Momo, Thukpa, diversity of the cuisine, unique Sikkimese hospitality, cultures, streams, winding Tista river on the way to town, beautiful mountainous landscape etc, which gives the town its unique identity. Still, it is best known for its modern people, online lottery, distilleries, hydel projects & industrialization etc. Gangtok itself is a unique travel destination, home of diverse monasteries, temples and many artifacts.
places to see in Gangtok (Places of Interest)
Other than being a Capital of state Sikkim, Gangtok is also a home of monasteries, temples, and many interesting places such as :
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
The most prestigious Namgyal research Institute of it's kind in the World, NIT is a treasure of vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare Thankas (Colorful tapestries used in Buddhist liturgy). Apart from an attractive museum, it has over 200 Buddhist icons and other prized objects of art. As far as it's collections are concerned. It is only next to an institute in Tibet . Today it is renowned world wide centre of study Buddhist philosophy and religion.
Do Drul Chorten
Do Drul Chorten at Dotapu Chorten, Gangtok was built by Trullshi Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Inside this stupa, a complete set of Dorjee Phurba, Kangyur relics (Holy Books) and other religious objects. Around the stupa are 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer wheels. The stupa is surrounded by Chorten Lakahang and Guru Lakhang, where two statues of Guru Rinpoche are present.
Enchey Monastery
Enchey Monastery (the Solitary temple) , Lama Durptob Karpo is said to have flown in here from Mainam Hill more than 200 years ago and he built a small hermitage at the spot of Enchey monastery. In 1901 during the regin of Sidkong Tulku, a monastery was built in the form of a Chinese Pagoda. It belongs to Nyingmapa order.The monastery is 2 kms away from the main Gangtok town, near Telecom tower. The main Puja is held here every year on the 18th and 19th day of the 12th month of Tibetan Calender.
Ganesh Tok
The tample is located up from Gangtok at an altitude of 6500m, this very small temple is devoted to Lord Ganesha (Hindu Deity). Ganesh Tok is mainly known for it's viewpoint. From this point one can see superb bird's eye view of Gangtok town and it's surroundings, while across the hills Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon.
Hanuman Tok
Located 8 to 9 km away from Gangtok town (7,200 ft) is a temple devoted to Lord Hanuman (Hindu Deity) and one can also see the clear glimpse of Mt. Khangchendzonga from here. Hanuman Tok is maintained by a unit of the Indian Army.
White Hall
It was built in memory of first Political officer of Sikkim , Claude White in 1932. White hall is two storied structure and has typical British architecture, all the important functions used to held in this hall, till the 1960.
The Ridge
Few kilometers above the M.G marg of Gangtok, is a small stretch of plain called Ridge ( To be renamed to "Chogyal Palden Thendup Namgyal Park". ), just below is White Hall, and above Mintogang (Official residence of Chief Minister of Sikkim). Mintogang in English means "blossomed crowned hilltop". On the other end is Palace Gate.
Flower Exhibitions
Flower exhibitions are organized around the year at the flower show vanue near Whitel Memorial Hall Complex, Gangtok. Orchid shows held during the spring tourist season is one of the popular shows organized in the state.
Deer Park
Just near the Secretariat of Sikkim is located the Deer Park of Gangtok, a.k.a Rustomji Park, it was established in 1950s and as name suggest, different species of deer & red pandas are kept here.
Tashi View Point
About 6 or 7 kilometer from Gangtok town, Near Pangthang is Tashi View Point. It was built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal and it's known for the awesome view of the Khangchendzonga, A small cafeteria is just below the Tashi View Point, which is an excillent point to relax with sip of Timi Tea or Cappuccino and refreshing view of Khanchendzonga. However it is advisable that you reach Tashi View Point by the morning dew, if you want a picture perfect view of Kanchendzona.
Himalayan Zoological Park
Park (a.k.a Bulbuley) is situated opposite to Ganesh Tok, extended about 205 hectares. The park is home of Red Pandas, Snow Leopard, Barking Deer, Bears and other animals.
M.G.Marg & Lal Bazar
M.G. Marg is the main market in Gangtok, almost all the major Shops, Hotels, Restaurants are in M.G. Marg, its the one busy place in town. Located just below is another busy market is called Laz bazar (Currently known as Kanchanjunga Shopping Plaza ), This market was first built in 1956, named after J. Lal, a Dewan of the Chogyal. It was recently renovated and renamed to " Kanchanjunga Shopping Plaza " by State Government.
Saramsa Garden
About 14 Kms from Gangtok, 1-2 Kms from Ranipool town is a picnic spot called Saramsa Garden, the home of Sikkim 's many exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants. To know more about Saramsa (a.k.a ipeaca ) garden, click here.
Rumtek
Rumtek monastery is the seat of the Gyolwa Karmapa, the head of the Kagyuap order of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built in 1960. The Kagyuap order was founded in the 11th century by Lama Marpa, the disciples of Indian Guru Naropa. It is one of the huge and wealthy monasteries in Sikkim . It is said that the 1st Karmapa spent many years meditating in a cave and ten thousand fairies came to congratulate him and each offered a strand of her hair. These strands of hair were woven into a black hat which was passed down and is still worn by the karmapas on cerimonial occasions. Behind the main monastery is the Karma Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies and the building opposite to it is a small hall featuring a beautiful jewel studded Chorten, which contains the ashes and the bones of the 16th Gyolwa Karmapa. Half a kilometer uphill from the monastery there is a hermitage in which monks go into complete seclusion and can meditate for a period upto 3 years. It is 24 kms away from Gangtok. The religious dance called called the Tse-chu is performed on the 10th day of the 5th month of Tibetan Calendar (May) and depicts events in Guru Rimpoche's life. A chamm or masked dance, representing the battle between good and evil, takes place 2 days before the Tibetan New Year (around late February or early March).
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
Situated at an altitude ranging between 1800 mtrs. To 2200 mtrs, established in 1987, it comprises of virgin temperate forest of oaks and as many as 50 different kinds of trees species. The Garden is situated at a place which is only a scenic beauty for the tourists but also adjoins Rumtek Monastery and Fambongla Wildlife Sanctuary. It is open for the Visitors from 1000hrs. to 1600hrs.
Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery
Zurmang Kagyud Monastery is located at Lingdum, East Sikkim is at a distance of about 20 kms from Gangtok. The present Gharwang Rimpoche is the twelfth successive incarnation of the Glorious emanation of Zurmang Gharwang. A place worth visiting for it's religious and exquisite architecture.
Water Garden
Water Garden at Martam Khola is on 21 A National Highway , 16 Kms south of Gangtok. It is an Ideal spot for Picnic with small swimming pool for children.
Ban Jhakri Falls
About 10 - 12 KM from M.G Marg of Gangtok, Ban Jhakri Falls is a new sightseeing destination for tourist, fully operated by solar energy. Park features waterfalls, dragon statue, Lepcha statue, Jhakri statue etc.
Changu (Tsomgo)
Tsomgo Lake is one of the most popular destination for tourists, it is located at 35 km from Gangtok. The Lake is situated at an altitude of 12,310 ft, has an average depth of 50 ft, and remains frozen during the winter months up to mid-May.
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