Enchey Monastery :
An important seat of the
Nyingmapa order, this 200 year old Enchey Monastery is built
on the site blessed by Lama Drupto Karpo, a tantric master
known for his power of flying.. Every year, around January,
‘CHAM’ or religious masked dance is performed with great
fanfare for two days.
Flower Festival :
Flower exhibitions are
organized around the year at the Flower Show Venue near the
White Memorial Hall Complex, Gangtok. during the spring
Dodrul Chorten :
The Dodrul Chorten or stupa
was built by the Venerable Trullshi Rinpoche, head of the
Nyimapa order of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1945. inside the Stupa,
ther is a complete mandala set of Dorji Phurba ( Vajra
Kilaya), a set of Kangur relics ( Holy Books ), Complete
Zung ( mantras) and other religious objects. Around the
chorten, which is one of the most important Stupas in
Sikkim, are 108 Mani Lhakor (Prayer wheels). Namgyal Research Institute of
Tibetology (NRIT) :
The most prestigious of its
liking in India- this Buddhist Institute is a treasure of
vast collection or rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit
manuscripts, statues and rare ‘ Thankas’(tapestry used in
Buddhist liturgy) and has over 200 Buddhist icons and other
prized objects of art.
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre :
The Rumtek Dharma Chakra
Centre is the seat of the Kagyu order, one of the 4 major
Tibetan Buddhist Sects. Since the late 1960’s , after the
arrival of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, the centre
houses some of the world’s most unique religious scriptures
and religious rare objects. Traditional in design, it is
almost an replica of the original Kagyu Monastery in Tshurpu,
in eastern Tibet. It has over 300 centres worldwide Tibet.
It has over 300 centres worldwide.
Directorate of Handicraft
& Handloom :
Instituted with the aim of
promoting and keeping alive the State’s traditional arts and
craft, the directorate of handicraft is a storehouse of
hand-woven woolen carpets and traditional motifs, blanket,
shawl in Lepcha weaves and exquisitely carved ‘ choktse’ or
table and many other gifts items.
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 flowers 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.
Nathula :
56 kms from Gangtok is a
‘Nathula’ Pass at an altitude of 14,200 ft. bordering India
and china in the Tibetan Plateau. It is one of the highest
motorable roads and richly covered by many varieties of
alpine flora and fauna. A tranquil place to visit. Nathula
is open only for Indian nationals on Wednesdays, Thursdays,
Saturdays and Sundays. The visitors have to get the permit
to visit the place by applying to the Tourism Department
through a registered Travel Agency.
Tashi View Point :
Situated along the Noth
Sikkim Highway, it is only 8kms from Gangtok. From this
point you get a breathtaking view of Mt. Kang-chen-Dzongaand
Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most graceful peaks in the world.
Ideal time to visit is early in the morning. |