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East Sikkim - Gangtok
 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 Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, after the late
Chogyal of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal whose
brainchild it was has since become one of the most
prestigious depository of Tibetan literature, rare
manuscripts, paintings, thangkas, statues and religious
objects and other works of art and history. Today, it is
a renowned worldwide centre for study of Buddhist
philosophy and religion.
 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 1960s , after the arrival of His Holiness the
16th Gyalwa Karmapa, the centre houses some of the
worlds 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
It is now known as the Directorate of Handicrafts and
Handlooms as well as the Government Institute of Cottage
Industries. Started during the time of the Chogyals of
Sikkim, as a venture to protect and propagate the craft
and skills of local and village artisans, it has become
on t of the major attractions for people visiting Sikkim
where traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms
carpets and other products can be viewed and also
purchased.
 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 between India and China in the
Tibetan Plateau. It is one of the highest motorable
roads and richly covered by many varities 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.
West Sikkim
 Rabdentse
Ruins
This was the second capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of
Sikkim after Yuksom and till the year 1814 AD, the King
of Sikkim had ruled the State from this place.Today, the
ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking
distance from the Pemayagtse Monastery.
 Pemayangtse
Monastery
The Monastery, located on a hill top at an altitude of
6840 ft. commands a magnificent panoramic view of the
Himalayan ranges and the surrounding hills and country-
side. This is one of the oldest monastary of the
Nyngmapa sect of Mahanaya Buddhism, and was but by
Lhatsun Chenpo during the reign of the 3rd Chogyal,
Chagdor Namgyal in the 17th century. This monastary is
about 6 kms from Gyalsing, the West district
headquaters.
 Sanga-Choling
Monastery
This monastery is situated on a ridge above Pelling and
the famous Pemayangtse Monastery. Built in 1697 AD, it
is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries in the
State. In order to reach this Monastery one has to be
prepared to spend at least 40 minutes walking up the
steep hilly slope which leads through rich forest
covers.
Pelling
Pelling is fast emerging asa most favorite tourist
destination in west Sikkim. Situated at an altitude of
6,800 ft., it offers a good view of the entire mountain
ranges. Pelling is just 10 kms from Gyalsing.
 Khecheopairi
Lake
Khecheapairi Lake is considered to be one of the sacred
lakes of this State both by the Buddhist and the Hindus.
The Lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is
believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to
float on he Lake surface. There is a rnotorable road
from Pemayangtse right up to the lake area.
 Yuksam
This was the first capital of Sikkim, where according to
the historical records; the first Chogyal of the Kingdom
of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 AD by three learned
lamas. The evidence of the consecration ceremony is
still intact in Norbugang Chorten in the form of stone
seats and a foot prints of the Head Lama on a stone.
Since the history of the State began from this place,
these areas are now considered sacred by the people of
Sikkim. Yuksam is served by all weather roads from
Pemayangtse, which is at a distance of 32 kms from
Yuksam. The trek to Dzongri and to the base camp of the
famous Mt Khang- chen-Dzonga begins here. Several
categories of accommodation are available in Yuksam for
those desiring to spend a few days there.
 Dubdi
Monastery
This was the first monastery established soon after the
consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal. The monaster
is located on a hill top above Yuksam surrounded by
verdant forest. It can be approached by trekking only,
negotiating steep slope for something like 32 to 35
minutes. It is an ideal place for Lamas seeking
meditational recluse.
 Tashiding
Monastery
This monastery is constructed on top of a heart shaped
hill with the back drop of the sacred Mt.
Khang-chen-Dzonga. According to Buddhist scriptures,
Guru Padma Sambhava (Guru Rimpoche) blessed the sacred
land of Sikkim in the 8th century AD from the spot. The
monastery, however, was built in the 18th Century AD by
Ngadak Sempa Chempo, one of the three lamas who had
performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal.
Tashiding is also famous for the most holy chorten known
as 'Thong-Wa-rang-Dol' which literally means 'Saviours
by mere sight'. It is believed that the mere act of
beholding it is supposed to wash away all he sins of the
devotee. Another important feature in tashiding is the
sacred water festival popularly knwon as 'Bhumchu'. It
is a religious tradition unique to Tashiding Monastery
only. Every year, on 14th and 15th day of the first
Lunar Month, the Bhumchu Ceremony is celebrated with
devotees coming from far and near to get the blessing of
the holy water.
 Varsey
It lies at an elevation of 10,000 ft and motorable road
access upto Hilley. An easy 4 kms trek from there takes
one upto the Varsey Rhododendrons sanctuary. The place
provides a magnificent view of the mountains.
North Sikkim
Kabi Lungchok
This historical pace is 17 kms from Gangtok on the North
Sikkim Highway. This is where the historic treaty of
blood brotherhood between the Lepcha Chief Te-Kung-Tek
and the Bhutia Chief Khey-Bum-Sa was signed ritually.
The spot where the ceremony took place is marked by a
me- morial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense
forest.
 Phodong
Monastery
One of the six major monasteries in Sikkim, Phodong mon-
astery is located in the North approximately 38 kms from
Gangtok, 4 kms beyond Phodong is the recently renovated
labrang Monastery unique in it architectural design
Yumthang
Yumthang, at an elevation of 11,800 ft and 140 kms from
Gangtok is a paradise for nature lovers with a
fascinating blend of flora and fauna
and breathtaking scenic grandeur. The valley boasts a
large variety of Rhododendrons and other alpine
flowers.Yumthang 'Tsa-Chu'or the hot spring of the left
bank of Lachung Chu is immensely popular for its
curative properties and healing power. For both foreign
and domestic tourists, Yumthang Pack- age tours are
organised only by the local registered travel agents .
Depending upon one's convenience one can either opt for
3 days/2 nights package or 2 days/ 1 night package.
 Lachung
The village, spread out on either side of Lachung Chu,
has managed to retain its unique culture and tradition.
The Lachung Monastery on the slope opposite to the
highway is a focal point of all religious function of
the local inhabitants. To get a glimpse of the religious
functions performed on auspicious occasions a visit to
the Monastery should form a part of the tour itinerary.
Lachung lies on the way to Yumthang Valley as we move
from Gangtok. Yumthang is just 25 kms away.
 Lachen
Lachen is situated at an altitude of 2750 mtrs. and
about 6 hrs. drive from Gangtok. The Lachen Monastery
located on a top of the village commands a panoramic
view of the surrounding hills and country side. Resorts,
Hotels, and lodges are available for accommodation.
Thangu
Thangu is at an altitude of 14,000 ft. (plus) and 3 hrs.
drive from Lachen. A small village where the visitors
usually acclimatize before they proceed to Guru-dongmar
Lake or Muguthang.
 Guru-Dongmar
Lake
Guru-dongmar Lake is considered as one of the sacred
lakes of this State both by the Buddhist and the Hindus.
The lake remains milky in colour through out, and it is
be- lieved that Guru Padmasambhava had touched the lake
whilst he visited Tibet from this area.
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 accommodation 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.
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