~:East Sikkim Sightseeing:~
Places of interest in East Sikkim
Gangtok
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and is one of the most important town of the entire state. Gangtok is situated in east sikkim and serves as the gateway to many tourist destination of North sikkim such as Yumthang, Lachung and many more. It also leads to the main attractions of sikkim, the Tsangu Lake and the Nathula. Gangtok is situated at an altitude of -1780mts and is spread across an area of 25 sq kms. The weather in gangtok remains cold almost all throughout the year. The peaks of the snow-clad Himalayan range, including the world's third tallest peak, the Kanchenjunga, can be seen to the east of the city. The M.G.road here is the main commercial district of gangtok. This road is lines by top standard restaurants hotel and garment shops.the Lal bazar is the main market of the town and lies at the end of M.G.road. ranging from traditional dress items and ornaments to food and vegetables this market has it all. The Palzor stadium here is the only stadium of not only gangtok but entire sikkim. It lies in P.S.road. it is surrounded by many hotels and the main stop of the SNT or the Sikkim National Transport Buses. In and around gangtok there are many places which are a treat to tourists visiting here.
Some of them are:
Rumtek Monastery
Situated at about 24 kms Gangtok this world famous monastery was first built in 1717 At Rumtek by the then Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal, but was destroyed by the earthquake and ageing. Later in 1960 His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa constructed the second monastery. One can get an excellent view of Gangtok from this palce. This monastery was built keeping in mind the original Kagyu headquarters at Tsurpu in Tibet and it turned out to be an excellent replica of the original. It is the headquarters of the Kagyu-pa (Red Hat) sect of the Tibetan lamaistic Buddhism. It houses some of the world’s most unique art objects, ancient manuscripts and icons. Just above the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre is a hermitage where monks who devote themselves to Buddha go into complete seclusion for meditation which goes upto a period of three years.
Namgayal Institute of Tebetology
The Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology is a world-renowned research centre for Tibetan Buddhism and is well stocked with rare books and manuscripts on Buddhism. Its foundation was laid in 1957 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama but was inaugurated by our first Prime Minister Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in October 1958. it preserves rare collection of antique coins, brass bells, statues, thankas, and many antic documents. It also has a collection of almost 30,000 volumes on diverse subjects like philosophy, astrology, religion and magic.
Directorate of Hand loom and Handicrafts
To encourage and promote the manufacturing and selling of authentic and traditional arts and handicrafts the government established this center which gives an opportunity to the locals to showcase their talent. Hand looms and exquisite carpets, blankets and shawls, furniture (Choksies), Thankas, paintings, wooden decoration, bamboo products in authentic Sikkimese designs and many more are sold here. The center remains open all days except Sundays and 2nd Saturdays of a month.
The Flower Show Complex
This complex holds exhibitions of different varieties of Orchids which are known as the pride and joy of Sikkim. Along with these seasonal flowers and also Bonsai are showcased here. Keeping up to the tourist season Periodically different competitions are also held here to adjudge the best orchids and flowers which are then placed for display.
The Himalayan Zoological Park
Covering an area of 205 hectares, this park is located
exactly across the road opposite Ganesh Tok. This park extends almost upto hanuman
Tok. Although there is a 3 kms long jeepable road which runs right through the park,
vehicles are not allowed in. this park . the park provides a semi natural habitat to
the Red Pandas, Barking Deer, bears and other animals of Sikkim. Tsuklakhang
The
palace monastery or Royal Chapel of the
Chogyals opens only once a year for the
civilians which is in the last week of
December for the Lossong festival when
the famous Black Hat dance takes place.
It portrays the triumph of good over evil.
This was once the most important monastery
where all the important national and religious
festival was celebrated. It was the site
of the coronation ceremonies of the kings
of Sikkim, of royal marriages and of celebration
ceremonies of the kings of Sikkim, Tsuklakhang,
standing on the high ridge has a large
and impressive collection of scriptures.
Tsuklakhang is a very elegant structure
in typical Sikkimese style with carved
and painted woodworks, murals, wall hangings
and priceless Buddhist treasures. The Lavishly
decorated altars hold images of the Bodhisattvas,
Buddha, and Tantric deities. Among the
important festivals still celebrated at
Tsuklakhang are Pang Lhabsol held in mid
September in honour of Mount Khangchendzonga
the guardian deity of Sikkim, Kagyad in
early December, which features a dance – drama
enacted by Buddhist monks, and losar which
is strictly prohibited.
Tashi View Points
About
8 km From Gangtok. It is a resting shed.
Astounding view of Kanchendzonga and the
Siniolchu Range is the main attractive
of this point. The distant north Sikkim
monasteries are also visible from this
point along the North Sikkim highway. Ganeshtok and Pinetum
At an altitude of 6500 ft. above Gangtok lies a small temple of God Ganesha. From here one can get a clear view of Gangtok, magnificent and breathtaking view of Kanchendzonga and Siniolchu can be observed from here. There is a small cafeteria which serves hot tea, coffee and snacks. Hanumantok
At an altitude of 7200 ft., above Gangtok lies a temple of God Hanuman. One gets to see a Panoramic view of Gangtok town and the adjoining hills and valleys with Kanchendzonga forming its backdrop. It is also known for the view of a beautiful Sunrise. Night view of the Gangtok city lights gives an illusion of stars filling the entire hill. Gangtok Rope Way
Take passengers to the highest point of Gangtok. Covering a distance of about 1 km. in only seven minutes. Each cabin accommodates 24 passengers. There are 3 terminal stations, the first being Deorali and last the Secretariat. It is a thrilling ride with a panoramic view of the town and the nearby hills.
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