Gangtok
Wreathed in clouds, Gangtok, the capital cityof Sikkim is located on a ridge at a height of 5500 feet. With a spectacular
view of the Khangchendzonga, the town provides the perfect base for travel
through the state. Once an important transit point for traders traveling
between Tibet and India, it is today a busy administrative and business centre
and presents an interesting mix of cultures and communities.
Gangtok is a cosmopolitan town which offers
the tourist all possible amenities. Hotels are available in a range of prices
along with a variety of eateries serving cuisine for all tastes. Shopping
complexes, cyber cafes, night clubs and pool parlours abound for those so
inclined.
MG Marg, the main street of Gangtok town is a
great place to chill out. The countrys first litter and spit free zone, no
vehicular traffic is allowed into the marg. You can sit at the Titanic Park or
at the various benches stretched across the mall and take in the carnival like
atmosphere, especially during the tourist season. The Mall is lined with shops
on both sides of the road so shopping becomes an added pleasure.
MG Marg is also the venue for the annual
Gangtok Food and Culture festival held in December each year when Sikkims
multi-cultural cuisine, along with music and dance performances are showcased.
This event attracts a large number of locals and tourists each year.
For a birds eye view of Gangtok take a ride
on the bi-cable Zig-back ropeway. The one kilometre ride from Deorali to
Tashiling Secretariat costs Rs. 30 one way and is completed in 7 minutes. Each
cabin has the capacity to ferry 25 people at a time. The ropeway has been
fitted with fully computerized modern safety mechanism of international
standards. On clear weather the ride offers a great view of the Khangchendzonga
range apart from an overview of Gangtok town and the valley below. After you
get off at Tashiling Secretariat you can walk to the Ridge Park and soak in the
beautiful surroundings as well as visit the ongoing Flower Festival held just
below the park.
Monasteries
The secluded green valleys of Sikkim are
cuddled in the lap of the Himalayas. As soon as one lands in Sikkim, they get
the feeling of walking on the green carpets, floating clouds, gigantic
mountains, and seamless paths dotted with colorful Tibetan prayer flags. Feast
your eyes on the golden hues of Kanchenzdonga while you discover splendid
waterfalls, sacred lakes, picturesque village scenes and sequestered
monasteries.
The monasteries in Sikkim can soothe one's soul with every bit of spirituality.
Some of the famous monasteries in Sikkim are Pemayangtse Monastery, Rumtek
Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Phensang Monastery, Phodang Monastery, Tashiding
Monastery, Sanga Chelling Monastery, etc. As per the latest report, there are
more than 200 monasteries in Sikkim and most them pass under the judgement of
the Nyingma and Kagyu which not only influences cultural heritage but lifestyle
of the people as well. It also demonstrates about the ancient rituals and rules
which are in vogue.
Monks dressed in red robes, chanting hymns to the rhythm of drums and trumpets
while soft lights flicker from decorative lamps placed before statues of the
great Guru Padmasambhava. One can feel the peace and closeness to the almighty
at this place as the sacred words mingle with the whirring prayer wheels. The
exteriors of the monasteries are adorned with the religious Gompas. One can see
that the Gompas are decorated with frescoes of hoary Buddhist legends, rare
silk and brocade Thangkas. Also preserved here are ancient Tibetan manuscripts,
exquisitely carved wood work and icons of silver and gold. Perched on a hill
top above Gangtok, these monasteries are rare sites.
Ravangla
It's time to let go! Time to shed
inhabitation and embrace the diversity of India. With the magnificent
Kanchenjunga as the backdrop, Ravangla is the perfect place to laze around with
a cup of coffee and enjoy the best of Sikkim. There are temples, monasteries,
sightseeing, adventure sports; Ravangla is the jack of all trades, and master
of many Sikkim towns. Located in the magical environment of the plush Himalayan
forest and colossal mountains which enhance the skyline, Ravangla is the
perfect base for some of India's finest tourism destinations and treks.
Every year Ravangla attracts tourist in large numbers because of its exotic
flora and fauna, haughty snow mountains, gusting waterfalls, quaint villages,
hospitable villages, picturesque tea gardens, ethnic culture, old monasteries
and fresh atmosphere. What makes Ravangla unique from other destinations in
Sikkim is the Bonn Monastery, Ralang Monastery, old yet historical market of
Kewzing, along with mysterious small caves.
The festivals of Sikkim are its focal point of attraction. The vibrant and
colourful customs associated with the festivals of Sikkim can mesmerize any
tourist. The philosophy, ethnic touch, dance, music, and gears create a
dramatic environment which is enjoyed by every religious and irreligious souls
alike.
Located at an altitude of 7000 ft., Ravangla is an idyllic destination for all
the adventure junkies as well. One of the best tourist destinations in South
Sikkim, Ravangla can mesmerize anyone with its beauty, and cultural diversity.
Tourist can also purchase inimitable traditionally designed carpets, shawls and
wooden carvings on their tour to Ravangla. The traditionally designed and woven
carpets available here are said to be the best one can buy anywhere.
Namchi
The small town, Namchi is the epitome ofculture, diversity, religion, benevolence, and also depicts the munificence of
Sikkim. Namchi is blessed with welcoming monasteries, traditional temples, lush
greenery, flora, and forests. On a tour to Namchi, tourists can unveil the best
kept secrets of the Himalaya. The beauty of Namchi can't be defined in a single
word or phrase.
'Sky High' is what the meaning of Namchi, and is completely synonymous as it is
located at an elevation of 5,500 ft. As per the historical facts, once Sikkim
was under the reign of the Chogyals. It is believed that Chogyals were the ones
who ruled the both Sikkim and Ladakh. Legends say that one of the Sikkimese
princesses, Pende Ongmoo deceived a Sikkimese Chogyal. When people of Sikkim
got to know about this, they killed the Sikkimese princess, Pende Ongmoo. The
place where the Pend Ongmoo was killed is believed to be the present day
Namchi.
Spirituality is an essential element of Sikkim's cultural and social grain. Pay
a visit to the temples; meditate in the ancient Buddhist monasteries or attend
religious festivals in the town of Namchi. If tourists are planning an
excursion to the monastery, then they should not forget to light a butter lamp
which stands for prosperity, peace and love.
An important station associated with Namchi is the Samdruptse Hill. Folklore
says that Samdruptse Hill fulfils the wishes of every tourist. On Samdruptse
Hill, a tourist can see the largest statue of Lord Padmasambhava in the world.
According to history, the hill was once a volcano sight. Saints go up the hill
and pray that volcano never erupts.
Furthermore, Namchi is the land of celebrations and carnival. Every year Namchi
hosts the 'The Gold Cup' football tournament at Baichung stadium. Teams from
Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and all over India participate in the football
tourney. In the month of February, Namchi hosts an annual flower show which
exhibits rare collection of orchids. The flower show is considered as the
largest in Sikkim. Additionally, in the month of October, Namchi festival is
hosted by the cultural and food tourism.
Nathu la and Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake - Tsogmo Lake or Changu Lake is a
glacial lake in the East Sikkim, India, approximately 40 kilometers / 25 miles
away from Gangtok at altitude of nearly 3780 meters / 12400 feet. The road to
Nathu La passes the lake on north side. The Chinese border crossing is only
some 5 Indian Postal Service released a commemorative stamp on the lake on 6th
November, 2006. Average depth of the lake is 15 meters / 50 feet and the
Coordinates are 27° 22′ 31″ N 88° 45′ 50″ E. In Bhutia language it literally
known as source of the lake and is situated 2 hours drive from Gangtok, the
capital of the state. The lake is about a kilometer is length and oval in
shape. It is considered sacred by the local people and it applies to most of
the high altitude lake in Sikkim. Home of brahminy ducks, red panda and various
species of birds. It's cool, placid water harmonizes with the scenic beauty
around. A small temple of lord Siva is constructed on the lake side. This lake
remains frozen during then blooms, including the rhododendrons, various species
of primulas, blue and yellow poppies, irises etc. The Tsomgo lake derives its
water from the melting snow on the mountains around. River Lungtze Chu
originates from the Tsomgo lake Sikkim and meets the Rangpo-chu further down
its course. During the olden days lamas used to study the colour of the water
of the lake and forecast the future. If the waters of the Tsomgo lake had a
dark tinge, it foreshadowed a period of difficult time and unrest in the
region. The lake has a trout’s and among them is the rainbow trout and if one
is lucky you may catch a glimpse at them.
Nathula Pass / Nathu La – Nathu La is a
mountain pass in the Himalayas connecting the Indian state of Sikkim with
China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The pass is situated at an altitude of 4310
meters / 14140 feet). It forms a part of an offshoot of the ancient Silk Road.
Nathu means "listening ears" and La means "pass" in
Tibetan. This pass is situatednearly 56 kilometers from Gangtok, the capital of
Indian state of Sikkim on Jawaharlal Nehru Marg. Only citizens of India can
visit the pass, that too after obtaining a permit in Gangtok. Nathu La is one
of the three open trading border posts between China and India, the other two
are Shipkila in Himachal Pradesh and Lipulekh (or Lipulech) in Uttarakhand.
Sealed after 1962 Sino-Indian War, Nathu La was re-opened in 2006 following
bilateral trade agreements. The opening also shortens the travel distance to
important Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the region.
Lachung and Yumthang
Valley
In far North Sikkim, six hours from Gangtok
and 9,000 feet above sea level near the Tibetan/Chinese border, Lachung and the Yumthang Valley dazzle visitors with dramatic pristine scenery. Lachung served
as a trading post between Sikkim and Tibet before Tibet was annexed by China.
Now, it's the base camp for the renowned Rhododendron Valley Trek from Yumthang Valley to Lachen Valley. Other attractions in the area are Lachung monastery,
Yumesamdong (Zero Point), and the astonishing high-altitude Gurudongmar Lake
(it's one of the world's highest lakes, at more than 17,000 feet above sea
level).
North Sikkim is a restricted area and it's necessary to obtain a special permit
to visit it. You'll need to make your travel arrangements through a registered
tour company, which will also organize the permit for you. This can be done in
Gangtok. Note that the Yumthang Valley is closed from December and March due to
heavy snow, and foreigners are only permitted as far as the Chopta Valley (they
cannot visit Gurudongmar Lake).
Kirateshwar Temple
Located on the bank of the Rangit River,
Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is a must visit religious sight for every tourist on
their tour to Legship, West Sikkim. The temple is located at a distance of 5 km
from Pelling and is connected with Geyzing and Pemayangtse. The temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva and has lots of tales connected to the Hindu epic,
Mahabharata. According to legends, this is the place where Lord Shiva appeared
in front of Arjuna in the disguise of a hunter and blessed him to attain
success in the war of Mahabharata.
Currently, there is a guest house within the premises of the temple, and it can
accommodate more than 500 people. The temple is at its liveliest during the
months of November and December as the famous festival Bala Chaturdesi is
celebrated during this time.
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