EAST
SIKKIM
East Sikkim is the most colourful
region of Sikkim ; the vibrant capital town of Gangtok has
got immense treasure in and around. The monasteries, View
points, gardens, zoo and government buildings, and sites full
of modern amenities make the place, the power house of the
state of Sikkim . The Enchey Monastery , seat of the Nyingma,
was built 100years ago on the site blessed by Lama Druptob
Karpo, a Tantric master who had the power to fly. The Namgyal
Institute of Tibetology, built in 1958, houses rare statues,
manuscripts, ritual objects and thanka paintings, Do-Drul
Chorten an impressive stupa ringed by prayer wheel. Tsuklakhang,
the Royal Chapel is the principal place of worship of the
Buddhist.
GANGTOK
The capital of the state
of Sikkim lies at an elevation of 1,780 m. It is a charming,
laid-back town straddling a ridge with houses spilling down
the hillside. It is a modern capital city with all vibes of
city life has mingled with traditional style of living, to
make this place a unique land.
Around
Gangtok
Rumtek Monastery
(Dharma Chakra), is the seat of the 16 th Gyalwa
Karmapa Lama, of Kagyu order. It is one of the 4 major Tibetan
Buddhist sects, since 1960s.The centre is the treasure house
of some of world's most unique religious scriptures and sacred
objects.
Tsango Lake
literally means “Source of the Lake” is one of
the sacred lakes of Sikkim, at an altitude of 3780m on Gangtok,
Nathula highway. The lake lies amidst picturesque mountains
and remains frozen almost half the year.
Nathula Pass,
erstwhile silk trading route between India and Tibet is at
present the last point of India and Chinese occupied Tibet.
The pass stands at an altitude of 4392m and forms the old
caravan trail. One can see the Great Wall of China from Nathula
on a sunny day.
Fambong Lho Wildlife
Sanctuary, situated at a distance of 20km from Gangtok,
the sanctuary scattered over an area of 5280 hectares and
above Singtam-Dickchu road at an altitude of 2121m is the
home of Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Civet Cat and many
rare species of avifauna and butterflies.
WEST
SIKKIM
The cultural flavour can
be enjoyed as one sets for western region Sikkim . The region
can be termed as land of Monasteries , as the whole area is
dotted by several monasteries, of which some are centuries
old. Sanga-Choling Monastery situated on a ridge was built
in 1697A.D. is one of the oldest Monastery of the state of
Sikkim . There are also several other Monasteries, like Dhubdi
Monastery , which was built soon after the crowning the first
Chogyal is an ideal place for meditation. The land is rich
in flora (orchids) and butterflies. The beautiful and sacred
Khecheopalri Lake has its own religious charisma. The second
highest suspension bridge in Asia , “ Singshore Bridge
” is an object of great attraction. Beautiful water
falls can be seen around every corner of West Sikkim . Khanchenjunga
falls and Rimbi falls also adds to the charm of the region.
West Sikkim is the gateway to famous Dzongri-Goechala trekking
route.
PELLING
A small dwelling in about
118km from Gangtok is gradually developing as an urban settlement,
due to heavy tourist inflow. Situated at an elevation of 2061m
from the sea level, Pelling offers a vista of snow capped
mountains ranges of Eastern Himalaya.
Around
Pelling
Pemayangtse Monastery:
Of all the monasteries of West Sikkim Pemayangtse is considered
special because of its purity. The monastery is meant only
for the “ta-sang” lamas (pure monks).The monastery
is believed to be coceptualised and designed by Lhatsun Chhembo,
pioneer of Buddhism in Sikkim . The three storied structure
is studded by numerous wall paintings, sculptures and several
antique idols. The most stunning feature of the Monastery
is the seven tiered painted wooden structure on the top floor,
painted single handedly by Dungzin Rimpoche in duration of
five years. The wooden structure portrayed features of the
Mahaguru's heavenly palace” Santopalri ”.
YUKSOM
The first capital of the
princely state of Sikkim , the first Chogyal of Sikkim was
consecrated in Yuksom in 1641A.D by three learned Lamas and
Norbugang Chorten bears its evidence, in the form of stone
seat and foot print. Yuksom lies at a distance of 42km from
Pelling and is the starting point of the trekking route to
Dzongri and base camp of the Mt.Khanchenjunga begins.
Around
Yuksom
Tashiding Monastery rests
on a ridge, from where Guru Padmasambhava blessed the Sikkim
. This monastery was built in the 18 th century A.D. by Nadak
Sempa Chempo on of the three lamas who crowned the first Chogyal
of Sikkim.
VERSEY
Its is famous for the Rhododendron
Sanctuary and a beautiful 4km trekking route from Hilley,
will take one to the land of “ Guras ” (rhododendron).From
an altitude of 3000m the beauty of Himalaya can be experienced.
NORTH
SIKKIM
Northern region of the state
of Sikkim is the most diversified place, loaded with all the
grandeur, from religious, cultural and natural diversities,
for attracting tourists. As one travels towards the north
history and religion is found standing together in every bend
of the road. On the way first one will come across Kabi Lungchok,
at a distance of 17km from Gangtok, where a historic brotherhood
treaty after bloody war between the chiefs of Lepcha &
Bhutia tribe was signed in 13 th century. Phodong Monastery
, one of the six major monasteries in Sikkim will also fall
at a distance of 38km from Gangtok. Towards further north
will fall Naga and Bhim Nala waterfall and Holy foot print
on rock (Holy Rock) of Guru Rimpoche lies in Chungthang (1586m)
at a distance of 95kms from Gangtok, this place is also rich
in bio-diversity.
LACHUNG
A small Bhutia village, lies
at a distance of 115km from Gangtok. The village is spread
on either side of river Lachung Chu. The place became a centre
of activity with the discovery of Yumthung Valley . The land
resting at an altitude of 2684metres is surrounded by hills
and snow capped peaks from all side. The Lachung Monastery
on the slope opposite to the state highway is the religious
epi-centre of the village. A visit to the cottage industry
will give you an insight into the local handicrafts.
Around
Lachung
Yumthung:
Nestling at an altitude of 3782metres and at a distance of
25km from Lachung, Yumthung is considered to be the paradise
of nature lovers, with a fascinating blend of flora &
fauna. The valley offers a panoramic view of the alpine scenery
of the surrounding hills and snow capped peaks. Shingbha Rhododendron
Sanctuary with 24 species of rhododendron, the view of gazing
yak, ‘Tsa-Chu' or the hot spring on the left bank of
river Lachung, is immensely popular among tourists, visiting
Yumthung.
SOUTH
SIKKIM
Picturesque landscape, comprising
of lofty mountains, lush green forests, tea gardens with reminiscence
of colonial bunglows, natural geysers, and lots of scenic
beauties. The panoramic view of Mt. Pandim and Mt. Khanchenjunga
and other peaks, beautiful caves, pristine nature and exquisite
flora and fauna makes the place a wonderful region of Sikkim
for escapade.
RAVANGLA
Is a quit village situated
at the base of Menam Hill at an altitude of 2122m is Ravangla,
is a transit point to various destinations in South and West
Sikkim. It is a developing tourist spot and a transit point
for the trekkers to Menam Hill and Borong. A trek down to
the sacred cave “SHAR CHOK BEPHU”, one of the
four holiest caves in Sikkim, would be a memorable experience.
The Rolang Monastery built in 1768 AD is the centre of attraction
of Ravangla. It is believed that the Ninth Karmapa, who was
the incarnation of Lord Buddha, spread a handful of Paddy
over the place as blessing, where this famous monastery was
built.
Around
Ravangla
Menam Wildlife Sanctuary,
just above Ravangla , the sanctuary scattered over an area
of 3500 hectares is the home of Red Panda, Civet Cat, Leopard
Cat, Blood Pheasant, Black Eagle and many more rare species
of fauna and flora.
TEMI
TEA GARDEN
The only existing tea garden
of the state of Sikkim is the producer of one of the best
quality of tea. The garden has its own colonial story which
relates its past which still reveals in its present.
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