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Places to
visit around Sikkim
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 woollen 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 up to 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
yellow 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 North 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.
South Sikkim
Namchi
Namchi, meaning 'Sky High', nestled among the hills at an elevation of
5,500 ft commands panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains and vast
stretches of valley. It is also the headquarters of the South District.
The area is fast developing into a tourist destination with its immense
potential for all round tourist activities. It is about 78 kms from
Gangtok and 1 00 kms from Siliguri.
Temi Tea Garden
The one and only tea estate existing in the State produces one of
the top quality teas in the international market. The tea garden is
spread out on a gentle hill slope originating from the Tendong Hill and
provides a magnificent view for the surrounding villages. The visit to
the fact" could be an eye opener for those wanting to know more about
the tea processing methods.
A night spent in a old British built bungalow located just below the tea
garden could be an enthralling experience of linking the past to the
present. A visit to the garden, enroute to the Tendong Hill, could be a
rewarding experience for those who want to cornbine nature and culture
as they keep trekking.
Ravangla
At the base of Menam Hill is Ravangla, a small township and transit
to various tourist destinations in South and West Sikkim. It is also an
upcoming tourist spot, and transit point for trekkers to Menam Hill and
Borong. There are accomodation facilities and numerous short nature
trails. A trek down to the sacred cave 'Shar Chok Bephu', one of the
four holiest caves in Sikkim, would be a memorable experience.
Phur Tsa Chu
Situated on the bank of River Rangeet is the hot spring 'Phur Tsa
Chu' half an hour drive from Legship and one hour drive from Jorethang.
Pilgrims of all walks of life come to dip in this hot spring during
month of January to March
Places to visit
Witness the first rays of the sun an the snowy peaks of
Mt.Narsing, Joponu, Kabur, Rathong and pandim of the singalila Range.A
spectacle to behold on the road to damthang 8 km from ravangla.situated
18 km from Ravangla is the 1960 by the last king,chogyal palden Thondup
Namghyal ,the tea produced here has a rare combination of liquior and
flavour and fetches some of the highest rates offered in the
international markets.
The Bonj
Monastry at kewzing.5km from Ravangla,is the only one of its kind in
sikkim.It is a symbol of the determination of a community to preserve
their religious traditions
Located 2
km from Kewzing bazaar is the “Mangbrue Gompa” which follows the
Nyingmapa seet of Buddhism.The invading Bhutanese army use this
strategic location in the 19th century and the ruins of their
bunkers and outpost can still be seen.
Rangit water world
The dam build across the rangit river has formed a unique waterbody
.Situated 26km downhill from ravangla.it is an ideal place for riun with
boating in rafts, fishing and swimming.
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