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Gangtok
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is
a unique hill resort of northeast India and undoubtedly one
of the most oft-visited ones. Perched on the ridge of a hill
at an altitude of 1547mt, Gangtok is famous for its scenic beauty
and spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga. This hill resort
is 110 km from Siliguri and well connected with other major
places of the region. |
Places of Interest
Rumtek Monastery: The largest monastery in the Eastern
Himalaya, built by the Gyalwa Karmapa in strict accordance with
the traditional designs of the monastery in Tibet. Rumtek is the
seat of Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. This magnificent gompa
is only 24 km from Gangtok.
Tsongo Lake: Lying 40km northeast of Gangtok,
it means "Source of the Lake" in Bhutia language. This
placid lake is located at an altitude of 3780m and held to be
sacred by the local people.
Nathula: At an altitude of 14200ft, Nathula
pass is the border between India and China in the Tibetan plateau.
Only 56 km away from the Gangtok, tranquility of this place is
very charming. Waving Chinese soldiers and Chinese tourists on
the other side of the border is an added attraction.
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Namgayal Institute of Tibetology: Built
in 1958, this is a unique institute for research into Mahayana Buddhism
and the language and tradition of Tibet. A renowned center for Buddhist
study, the institute houses a rare collection of Tibetan, Sanskrit
and Lepcha manuscripts, statues, Thankas (tapestry used in Buddhist
liturgy) as well as more than 200 Buddhist icons.
Enchey Monastery: This 200 year old monastery
is famous for the mask dance called 'Cham' performed in the month
of January. An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery
meaning the Solitary temple, was originally built with the solace
that no other construction would be allowed near it.
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Flower Exhibition Centre: Located near the
White Hall Complex this place houses a variety of orchids, seasonal
flowers as well as bonsai. It is open between April to June and
September until the end of November. In recent years, this show
has become quite popular and famous, as there are flower exhibitions
throughout the year in accordance with the seasons and the flowers
in bloom.
Do-Drul Chorten (stupa): This chorten houses
the complete mandala sets of Darjee Phurba, a set of Holy Books,
complete 'Zung' (mantras) and other religious objects.
The Stupa was built by the venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the
Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Around this Chorten are
10 Mani-Lhakor (prayer wheels).
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Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden: 24km
away Gangtok, this garden is consist of temperate forest of Oaks
and as many as 50 different kinds of trees species.
Tashi View Point: Built by the late King
of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal this viewpoint is at a distance of
about 8km away from the town and offers good view of Mt. Siniolchu
and Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Ganesh Tok: This spot, 7km away from Gangtok,
offers a bird's eye view of Gangtok. There is a small temple of
lord Ganesh at this place. It is on a hillock on Gangtok-Nathula
Road.
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Hanuman Tok: Just above Ganesh Tok lays
this viewpoint offering nice view of the mountains along the horizon
and the Gangtok town, there is a Temple of Hanuman here.
The Garden Center: The
places to see and buy orchids, flowers, and exotic plants. It is
professionally run by the Wayside Gardens & Nurseries (P) Ltd.
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Accommodation
Hotel New Castle - Super Deluxe
Hotel Tashi Delek - Deluxe
Hotel Norkhil - Super Deluxe
The Chumbi Residency -
Deluxe
Hotel Sonam Delek - Standard
Hotel Rendezvous - Deluxe
Hotel Pomra - Budget
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