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| Tashiding Monastery |
Gangtok, the land of monasteries, is also the largest town of Sikkim. Situated in the Shivalik Hills and lying at an altitude of 1437 m, it’s an important Buddhist Pilgrimage Centre. Gangtok gained religious significance among the Buddhists after the construction of the Enchey Monastery in the latter part of the 19th century.
Places to see in Gangtok:
Tashi View Point:The late king of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal, has constructed the Tashi Viewpoint. It is located 4 km away from Gangtok, from where the visitors can get a perfect view of the opposite hills, besides mount Kanchenjunga. The snow range of Kanchenjunga could be seen on clear days. From this viewpoint, the visitors can easily see the Phodong Monastery and the Labrang Monastery on the opposite hill.
Ganesh Tok:Ganesh Tok is a very small temple located next to the television tower on the hillock on Gangtok–Nathula road. Ganesh Tok is located 7 km from Gangtok. The altitude of this spot would be 6,500 m. This temple is devoted to lord Ganesh. From this temple, one can get a bird’s-eye view of the Gangtok town, the Raj Bhawan Complex, and mount Kanchenjunga – the world’s 3rd highest peak.
Hanuman Tok:
Hanuman Tok, dedicated to God Hanuman, is one of the most renowned temples located in Sikkim. This temple is located at a distance of 5 km from Gangtok. With a total height of 7,200 ft, from the top of this hillock, tourists can enjoy beautiful view of Gangtok town along with the nearby hills.
Hanuman Tok, dedicated to God Hanuman, is one of the most renowned temples located in Sikkim. This temple is located at a distance of 5 km from Gangtok. With a total height of 7,200 ft, from the top of this hillock, tourists can enjoy beautiful view of Gangtok town along with the nearby hills.
Do Drul Chorten:
This is undoubtedly one the most important stupa in Sikkim. Built by the head of the Nyingmapa sect in 1945, the stupa houses complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba, a set of Kangyur relics (holy books), mantras and other objects of religious significance. The stupa has about 108 prayer wheels, which are constantly turned by Buddhist devotees as they chant their prayers. In addition, the chorten also has two statues of Guru Rinpoche surrounding it.
This is undoubtedly one the most important stupa in Sikkim. Built by the head of the Nyingmapa sect in 1945, the stupa houses complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba, a set of Kangyur relics (holy books), mantras and other objects of religious significance. The stupa has about 108 prayer wheels, which are constantly turned by Buddhist devotees as they chant their prayers. In addition, the chorten also has two statues of Guru Rinpoche surrounding it.
Enchey Monastery:
This is believed to be almost 200 years old, built by Lama Drupthob Karpo who is remembered for his power of flying! The monastery houses images of gods, goddesses and several other religious objects including murals and statues. The monastery houses about 90 monks and is the site of the annual chaam or masked dance performed by the lamas.
This is believed to be almost 200 years old, built by Lama Drupthob Karpo who is remembered for his power of flying! The monastery houses images of gods, goddesses and several other religious objects including murals and statues. The monastery houses about 90 monks and is the site of the annual chaam or masked dance performed by the lamas.
Orchid Sanctuary:
Located close to the Institute of Tibetology, this is a specialized garden where over 200 species of orchids bloom. The best time to see these are during the blooming season in April to May, July to August and October to November.
Located close to the Institute of Tibetology, this is a specialized garden where over 200 species of orchids bloom. The best time to see these are during the blooming season in April to May, July to August and October to November.
Tashiding Monastery:
This is one of the best places to get a splendid view of the Kanchenjunga Mountains. It is also the site of the gold-topped Tashiding Monastery, which is regarded as one of the holiest Buddhist monasteries. The Tashiding Monastery is host to the annual Bumchu Festival, during which the holy water in the pot is displayed to the public and predictions for the future are made. Truly a spectacular festival you should not miss!
This is one of the best places to get a splendid view of the Kanchenjunga Mountains. It is also the site of the gold-topped Tashiding Monastery, which is regarded as one of the holiest Buddhist monasteries. The Tashiding Monastery is host to the annual Bumchu Festival, during which the holy water in the pot is displayed to the public and predictions for the future are made. Truly a spectacular festival you should not miss!
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology:
Built in 1958, this institute is known as the promoter of Tibetan religion, culture, history and art. In fact it is credited with housing the largest collection of Tibetan works outside Tibet and a museum with Tibetan artifacts. The Museum is located on the ground floor and houses a rare collection of statues, Thangkas and Ancient manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tibetan, Lepcha and Chinese. The most dominating exhibit is the huge silver idol of Manjushri – the Bodhisattva of Knowledge. Along with this, the relics of the two Asokan missionaries, Madhyama and Kasyapagotra and the sandalwood idols of Padmasambhava are among its treasures. The Tibetan Library is located in the main building of this institute and houses one of the largest collections of Tibetan works. Its treasures include over 60,000 titles translated to Tibetan from their original Sanskrit and Pali works. Note that this library is only meant for reference and you cannot carry books out.
Open from: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Built in 1958, this institute is known as the promoter of Tibetan religion, culture, history and art. In fact it is credited with housing the largest collection of Tibetan works outside Tibet and a museum with Tibetan artifacts. The Museum is located on the ground floor and houses a rare collection of statues, Thangkas and Ancient manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tibetan, Lepcha and Chinese. The most dominating exhibit is the huge silver idol of Manjushri – the Bodhisattva of Knowledge. Along with this, the relics of the two Asokan missionaries, Madhyama and Kasyapagotra and the sandalwood idols of Padmasambhava are among its treasures. The Tibetan Library is located in the main building of this institute and houses one of the largest collections of Tibetan works. Its treasures include over 60,000 titles translated to Tibetan from their original Sanskrit and Pali works. Note that this library is only meant for reference and you cannot carry books out.
Open from: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Tsuklakhang (The Palace Monastery):
This should be definitely being a part of your itinerary, for their massive collection of Tibetan scriptures. This is one of the few monasteries, which has beautifully done lavish interiors with ornamented altars and idols of Buddha. The monastery is open to the public all year through and is especially lively during the annual Losar festival, when traditional dances are performed.
This should be definitely being a part of your itinerary, for their massive collection of Tibetan scriptures. This is one of the few monasteries, which has beautifully done lavish interiors with ornamented altars and idols of Buddha. The monastery is open to the public all year through and is especially lively during the annual Losar festival, when traditional dances are performed.
The Deer Park:
Also known as Rustomji Park, the Deer Park located adjacent to the Secretariat. The park’s enclosures house, of course, deer, along with other animals. You would also find the Red Panda and the Himalayan Bear in caged enclosures. The park also has a statue of Lord Buddha surrounded by flowering plants and a butter lamp lit before him. The park affords excellent views of the hills and valleys.
Also known as Rustomji Park, the Deer Park located adjacent to the Secretariat. The park’s enclosures house, of course, deer, along with other animals. You would also find the Red Panda and the Himalayan Bear in caged enclosures. The park also has a statue of Lord Buddha surrounded by flowering plants and a butter lamp lit before him. The park affords excellent views of the hills and valleys.
Government Institute of Cottage Industries:
This is the place to watch out for authentic Sikkimese arts. Everything here is hand-made – Tibetan carpets sport dragon images and Sikkimese tables are intricately carved and painted in red and gold. You can also purchase masks, paintings and traditional baskets. Remember, that prices could be steeper since everything is hand-made.
This is the place to watch out for authentic Sikkimese arts. Everything here is hand-made – Tibetan carpets sport dragon images and Sikkimese tables are intricately carved and painted in red and gold. You can also purchase masks, paintings and traditional baskets. Remember, that prices could be steeper since everything is hand-made.
Ban Jhakri Falls:
The site is just 4 km away from the town of Gangtok and it is enroute to Ranka Monastery, which is another tourist spot. A park with shamanistic theme, the ethnic sculptures and figures maintained in the park gives a picture of the Jhakri culture.
With eye-catching waterfall, the park has well laid trails to stroll around, enjoying the scenic surrounding. A foot bridge built over the water stream and a dragon adoring splash are other major attractions of this shamanistic theme park.
The site is just 4 km away from the town of Gangtok and it is enroute to Ranka Monastery, which is another tourist spot. A park with shamanistic theme, the ethnic sculptures and figures maintained in the park gives a picture of the Jhakri culture.
With eye-catching waterfall, the park has well laid trails to stroll around, enjoying the scenic surrounding. A foot bridge built over the water stream and a dragon adoring splash are other major attractions of this shamanistic theme park.
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