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The hill resort of Gangtok is the capital of the eastern Indian state of
Sikkim. Gangtok is located in the south of the district of East Sikkim. The hill
resort covers the western side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipul River. The
hill resort of Gangtok is a popular travel destination in India. A tour of the
hill resort of Gangtok reveals that the Himalayas in the backdrop of the town.
The entire Kanchenjunga Range is worshipped as a local deity. The unspoilt
natural beauty of Gangtok and its peaceful Chortens/Stupas offer a truly unique
traveling experience in India.
An air of enchantment hangs over the city, indeed the whole valley; the
mysticism, the stupas, the monasteries reach out as soon as one has crossed the
border. While across the hills and valleys comes the sounding of the long
trumpets by robed lamas.
Around Gangtok :
Tsuklakhang : The Royal Chapel: The Royal Chapel, Tsuklakhang,
is within the palace grounds. Popularly called Tsulakhang royal. It is the
principal place of worship and assembly and the repository of a vast collection
of Buddhist scriptures.
Dul-Dul Chorten - "Jhang Club Chortan" : Sikkim has commemorated, with
Stupas, both the Buddha and one of his followers of today. Near the Deorali
Bazaar, are two exquisite Stupas, the "Dul-dul-Chorten", was built to
commemorate the victory of good over evil; the "Jhang Club Chorten" was built to
perpetuate the memory of a great spiritualist of today. Thrul-shik rinpoche an
ardent devotee of Buddha and one of his best interpreters died in 1962, the
Stupa immortalises Rimpoche in the land of his birth.
Research Institute Of Tibetology : In the serene surrounding amidst
forest of oak, ash and birch is an organisation to advance the Tibetan language
and its literature on the "Enlightened one", the only one of its kind in the
world of Mahayana Buddhism. This institute is a premier institute in the world
that conducts research in the language and culture of Tibet. It has on its
faculty eminent scholars. The library and museum of the institute are open to
the public on working days from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm and are closed on Sundays
and other govt. holidays.
Government Institute Of Cottage Industries : This institute is located
at about half a kilometre uphill from the main market of Gangtok. It was
established with the purpose of promoting the manufacture and sale of local
handicrafts. Thankas (also spelt as Thangkas), hand carved wooden tables - known
as Choksees and exquisitely woven woolen carpets.
More than hundred student workers turn out cottage crafts produced here, with
textures, plush and exotic, the designs varying from sophisticated simplicity to
a brilliant riot of varmillion pitted against intense blue, are durable and
popular all over the world second to carpets in popularity is Sikkimese Tankhas,
variegated appliqué work Batiks and exquisite dolls, in wood-work are available
intricately carved Sikkimese tables, hand-painted masks, lamp-stands, shades and
bamboo-craft. Esoteric masks, flashing silks, opulent brocades and embroidered
boots, clothe the Sikkimese dancers.
Tashi View Point : Situated along the North Sikkim highway it is only
8-km from Gangtok. From this point one can get a breathtaking view of Mount
Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most graceful peaks in the world.
Hanuman Tok : It is 11-km from Gangtok town, above Ganesh Tok with a
Hindu temple where the devotees come and offer prayers.
Deer Park : Adjacent to the new secretariat and also called the
Rustomji Park named after one of the Dewans of the Chogyal of Sikkim, the park
has a big open enclosure in which animals native to Sikkim like the red panda
and the Himalayan Bear are kept. A big statue of Lord Buddha commemorating his
preachings of the noble truths in the Deer Park at Sarnath adorns the park
premises. A butter lamp perpetually burns in front of the statue, which is
surrounded with flowers of exotic variety. The park commands a fantastic view of
the hills, surrounding Gangtok.
Menmecho Lake : Menmecho Lake lies 20-km ahead of Changu Lake, cradled
between the mountains below Jelapla Pass, is the source of River Ranpochu, which
meets Teesta at Rangpo. It is rich in trout. A Dak Bungalow and a tourist lodge
are available for overnight stay.
Kechopari Lake : On bifurcation road between Gyalsing and Yoksum, is
clear water Kechopari Lake (means - wishing lake). All around are mountains with
dense forests and wild life. It is so placid, crystal clear that not a leaf can
be seen floating over it, because it is immediately lifted by birds.
Kabi Longstok : 25-km from Gangtok, just before Phodong is Kabi Longstok.
There is a spot amidst tall trees, where the treaty of brotherhood between, the
Lepcha Chieftan - Tetong Tek and the Tibetan chief Khye Bhumsa was signed.
Yumthang Hot Springs : At an altitude of 12,000 ft, 135-km from Gangtok
in north Sikkim, a few hundred metres off the road, after crossing river Lachung
over a pedestrian bridge lies these Sulphur springs. There is a hut with two
pools for bathing.
Yumthang : Yumthang is a grazing pasture with a forest rest house,
surrounded by vertical mountains. The route to Yumthang from Lachung, adjoining
the Singba Forest Reserve has a very picturesque landscape and is lined with
Rhododendrons, which bloom in May.
Yaksey : Yaksey, a tourist lodge, 6-km from Lachung towards Yumthang is
an ideal place for tourists to this area. Another 23-km leads to Yumey-Samdong
hot springs near river Sebu-Chu at the foot of Donkia-La pass, which connects
Lachung valley to Lachen valley.
Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs : Around 25-km from Gyalsing, near Reshi,
after crossing Rangeet River (also spelt as Ranjit) by a pedestrian bridge,
hardly ten minutes from the highway is Phurchachu springs with medicinal
properties, ideal for skim diseases. These springs are considered holy as one of
the four holy caves is located here. This holy cave is called the "Kadosangphu"
or 'Cave of the occult fairies' and lies on the south of the four cardinal
points.
Phoodong Monastery : This monastery is located about a kilometre above
the North Sikkim Highway about 40-km away from Gangtok. Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal
built the monastery sometime in the first quarter of the 18th century.
Labrang Monastery : A kilometre further from Phodong, the Labrang
monastery was built about 100 years later. This monastery belongs to the
Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the same as that of Pemayangtse monastery in
West Sikkim. Its name translates simply as the dwelling place of the Lamas
(monks).
Rumtek Monastery : Visible from Gangtok, a 24-km road trip southwest of
the capital, the large Gompa of Rumtek is the main seat of the Karma Kagyu
lineage - founded during the 12th century by the first Gyalwa Karmapa, Dusun
Khyenpa.
Getting there:
By Air: The closest airport is at Bagdogra, which is 124-km from
Gangtok (about 4 hours drive) and connected by air with all-important Indian
Metros. For all further details please contact any one of the Sikkim tourism
offices.
By Train: The nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri, which is 125-km
(about 4 hours drive) from Gangtok. NJP is well connected with all major cities
of India. Gangtok, railway bookings can be made at the booking counter of the
Sikkim nationalised transport terminus.
By Road: Gangtok is connected with Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Siliguri by
the national highway 31 A. the Sikkim nationalised transport plies regular bus
services between Gangtok and Siliguri and within Sikkim. Private buses, jeeps
and taxis are also available from Siliguri and Bagdogra. Bookings can be made at
the SNT terminus, Siliguri.
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