1. Enchey Monastery
An important seat of the Nyingmapa order, the Enchey Monastery is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptok Korpo, a tantric master known for his power of flying. This over 200-year-old monastery has on its premises images of gods, goddesses and other religious objects. Every year around January, “Chaam” or religious masked dance performed with great fanfare for two days attracts huge crowd. It is 3kms from Gangtok. This is a place of religious as well as archaeological importance carrying a piece of the history of Sikkim. This is one of the most visited Tourist Spots around Gangtok.
2. Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre
About 45 minutes drive from Gangtok, 24kms away from the heart of the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, the seat of the Kagyud order, one of the four major Tibetan Buddhist sects. Since the 1960s, after the arrival of his Holiness the XVIth Gyalwa Karmapa, the centre houses some of the world’s most unique religious scriptures and rare objects. Traditional in design, it is almost a replica of the original Kagyud headquarter in Tibet. Visited by various religious tourists mostly from Southeast Asia, the site grows quite busy.
3. HUR-HURAY DARA (NAM NANG BHIR)
Situated Opposite the Sikkim Legislative Assembly Hall, one can have a very good walk from Nam Nang View Point to Sikkim Press. The visitors can also experience the breathtaking view of the dense forests and the lush green valley. A serene area to relish, an ideal nature walk. We would suggest one to take a walk in the pre-evening time to take full advantage of the place.
4. Gangtok Ropeway
Gangtok Ropeway is one of the most versatile tourist attractions present in Gangtok. One can enjoy the panoramic view and thrilling rise as the cablecar goes over the hills and meadows. It takes the passengers 7 minutes to complete the 1km ride. Though it is only a kilometre ride, the view of the gangtok from the cable car is mesmerizing. The breathtaking appearance of the city at dusk from the cable car will create a lifetime memory etched into your brain.
5. Banjhakri Falls
Located en-route to Ranka and 4kms from Gangtok, Ban Jhakri Falls Energy Park Lies amidst a lush green valley spread over 2 acres. Surrounded by trees and gushing mountain, streams and scenic beauty attracts every soul. The park has a Shamanistic theme. The park spreads toward the forest and seeks to enhance the essence of the occult and the unknown. The place littered with ethnic scriptures and figurines of the Jhakri Culture attracts many. This tourist spot defines the local history of the place and is surely the one to amaze.
6. Tashi View Point
Situated along the North Sikkim Highway, it is only 8kms from Gangtok. From this point, one gets a breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchendzonga and Mt Sinolchu, one of the most graceful peaks in the world. There is an Observatory Tower and a Cafeteria. The ideal time to visit is early in the morning on a sunny day. Usually, the peaks are covered with clouds once the day progresses and heats up, hence visiting as early as possible is the only option to have crystal clear views of the graceful peaks.
7. Ganesh Tok (6100 ft)
It is situated on a ridge at a distance of only 7 km from Gangtok. From this spot, one gets birds-eye view of sprawling Gangtok town down below while across the hills Mt. Khanchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon. A cafeteria serves hot tea, coffee and snacks. A Sikkim Government nursery is just nearby. The place is serene and has its own aura of enlightenment amidst the green vegetation. Mostly visited by religious tourists who prefer religious places in accordance with tourism.
8. Hanuman Tok
It is approximately 11 km away from the capital of Sikkim Gangtok. This is a temple of Lord Hanuman where devotees come in large numbers to offer prayers. It is just above Ganesh Tok and nearly similar kinds of spots with different temples. Because of its locational advantage, the view of the mountain along the horizon is magnificent, especially on a clear sunny morning. Situated at 6100 ft from the sea level has quite a low temperature round the year. Those offering prayer early in the morning with their shoes or slippers outside the temple and walking barefooted on those chilly floors would surely be blessed for such courage.
9. Himalayan Zoological Park
Himalayan Zoological Park is approximately 8kms away from the capital. This is very much near to Ganesh Tok and one can visit these two spots in a single go. The Park covers an area of 205 hectares. Or alternatively, this place is in fact known as bulbuley. One can spot Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Spotted deer, Bears, and Many other Birds and animals in a semi-natural habitat. Families with children have loads of fun visiting these places. This sport usually attracts wildlife lovers.
10. Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
It is located at a distance of 25 km from Gangtok having an area of 51.76 sq. km. The main vegetation found are Oak, Katus, Kimbu, Champa, thick bamboos and ferns, the sanctuary is also home to a large number of wild orchids and rhododendrons. The verdant forest of this area known to be the home of various species of wild animals and birds attract diverse wildlife. There is also a short trekking trail. Permission for visiting the Sanctuary can be obtained from the Forest Department. This Tourist Spots around Gangtok is considered to be more of an adventure and thrill than a slow and joyous area.
11. Gonjang Monastery
Gonjang Monastery near Tashi View Point established in the year 1981 is the only monastery near Gangtok. The founder is H.E. Tingkye Gonjang Rimpoche. Recognized as an incarnation of Yolmo Terton Ngakchang Shakya Zangpo, a 15th-century Nyingmapa Terton. The monastery follows the Jangter tradition of the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism. This is a high-end Religious tourist place to visit.
12. Flower Show Complex
Flower exhibitions are organized around the year. The orchid show held during the spring season is one of the most popular shows organized in the state. If your travel luckily coincides with the exhibition then you should not miss to give it a visit. The rare and exquisite varieties of orchids are there in the exhibition. This will really lure in all the flower-loving people towards itself. the chance to coincide your travel dates with the exhibition is very thing but if it does then it is the opportunity of a lifetime. This is not an independent and all time available Tourist Spots around Gangtok.
13. Directorate of Handlooms & Handicrafts
Instituted with the aim of promoting and keeping alive the State’s traditional art and craft, the DHH is a store house of hand-woven woollen carpets, with traditional motifs, blankets, shawls and exclusively carved “Choktse” or table and many other gift items. This is the place where you can get a souvenir for the remembrance of your trip to Sikkim. All the local items that can be used as a display or as a decorative piece in your home originates here. Heaven fo the artists and people inclined toward such arts and themes.
14. Do-Drul Chorten
The Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa built by the Venerable Trulshi Rinpoche, head of the Nyingmapa order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945 is another holy place. Inside a stupa, a complete mandala set of Dorjee Phurba (Vajra Kilaya), a set of King Gyur Relics (Holy Book), complete “Zung” (mantras) and other religious objects resides. Around the Chorten, there are 108 Mani Lhakor (prayer wheels). Surrounded by Chorten Lakhang and Guru Lakhang, where there are two big statues of Guru Padmasambhaya with enchanting views. Truly a very important religious place for the Tibetan Buddhism of the Nyingmapa Order.
15. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT)
The most prestigious of its kind in India, this Buddhist institute is a treasure of the vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare “Thankas” (tapestries used in Buddhist liturgy). It has over 200 Buddhist icons and other prized objects of art. Today, it is a renowned worldwide centre for the study of Buddhist Philosophy and religion. Educations Sport, as well as this place, has importance in preserving its culture and traditions that are on the verge of extinction due to lack of proper channelling and passing on to the next generation. Tourists usually interested in studying other religious philosophies should find this place very rare and exquisite. This is an educational spot rather than considering it as a Tourist Spots around Gangtok.
16. Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal Memorial Park.
Dedicated to the memory of Miwang Chogyal Chempo Palden Thondup Namgyal, 17th in the line and 12th consecrated Denzong Chogyal (King of Sikkim). He was gracious, valiant and very enlightened. He ascended directly from Namgyal Dynasty, which began in the year 1942 A.D. With the installation of Phuntsog Namgyal as the first consecrated ruler of Sikkim, at Yuksom, in West Sikkim. Born in 1923 he successes as Chogyal in 1963 and died in 1982. Deeply inspired by his cherished dream of the welfare state for his country, even from his young years as heir apparent, the Chogyal dedicated his entire efforts for a clear, effective and timely fruition of the precious plans.
During his illustrious era, firm foundations were laid for basic amenities and social aids. Having initiated elector reforms and transfer of power to people’s representatives in stages, this humane democrat with highest sense of justice made the judiciary completely independent, soon after his coronation. He was devout Buddhist and highly attained in religious scholarship. He was the founder president of the Namgyal Institute of Tibetan studies as Dotapu(gangtok) and the President of the Maha Bodhi Society of India. Chogyal, Palden Thondup Namgyal was undoubtedly a pioneer among his peers, in advocating the modern system of Governance.
17. Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery (Lingdum)
Zurmang Kagyud Monastery, located at Lingdum, East Sikkim is at a distance of about 20 km from Gangtok. The present Gharwang Rimpocher is the 12th successive incarnation of the glorious emanation of Zurmang Gharwang. A place worth visiting for its religious and exquisite architecture and serence atmosphere. It is considered to be the highly religious Tourist Spots in and around Gangtok.
18. Saramsa Flower Pavilion
About 14 km from Gangtok, the Saramsa Flower Pavillion and Exhibition Centre has been promoted as centre for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) for holding National and International seminars, exhibitions. Beautifully landscaped flower garden for the visitors to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the nature. This place is also called as Ipecac Garden. This is place was originally a Flower Garden which later was converted in a gathering centre without disturbing the flower garden. That was a marvellous plan which did work well. It is a must have location for your travel bucket list to Gangtok, Sikkim.
19. Water Garden
Water Garden is located beside Martam Khola in National Highway 10, 16 km away from the State Capital Gangtok. It is an ideal spot for picnic with a small swimming pool for children with a tourist cafeteria and way side amenity. Minimally human intervened tourist place with best possible outcome. The tourist can get connected with the wild nature and get the real feel.
20. Bakthang Waterfall
20 minutes drive from Gangtok is Bakthang Water Falls along the highway leading to North Sikkim. It originates from Raley Chu, the main water source of Gangtok area. The cascading crystal clear water gives a feeling of freshness and relaxation. This is a small and a very elegant waterfall. A perfect location for a getaway from a small family on a vacation.
21. SA-NGOR Monastery
Tibetan refugee monastic institution established in 1961 by His Eminence Luding Khen Rimpoche. Head of Ngorpa, sub-sect of the sakya Order, with the blesssings of HH Sakya Trizin and HH the Dalai Lama. This is the only monastery of the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim. It is located on a beautiful hill top at a distance of 5kms from Gangtok town.
22. Tourist Village, Pastanga
Pastanga in Assam Lingjey is Located at an altitude of 1425 meters (4676ft). It is two hours drive from Gangtok. The enchanting little village provides magnificent view of the mountain ranges. Take a stroll in the lush green forest trails where one comes across beautiful waterfalls along the path. there are rare species of bamboos within dense rhododendron and magnolia forests.
The tourists are provided with homestay facilities with organized cultural programme and local handicrafts shows. It is also worthwhile to visit traditional houses of ethnic communities, some being one hundred and fifty years old. Pastanga is also a takeoff point for Khedi trekking route. Khedi is one of the most desirable trekking route of Sikkim. Pasta acts as the base from where the trekking can be started. Since trekking to Khedi is long and treacherous so most of the people prefer to stay at Pastanga for a day before starting a trek to Khedi.
23. Aritar Lake
The Aritar Lake (Ghati-Tso) near Rhenock, about 3 hours drive from Gangtok, is worthy visiting. For those interested in spending a night or two in the peaceful environment, trekker’s huts, lodges and resorts are available. Activities like boating short treks and hikes are the main attractions. Visit Lingsay Monastery and a (Manghim) temple of Rai community. A night spent in an old Bungalow build in 1895 located half kilometer below the Lampokhari lake could be an enthralling experience. This is one of the best place to visit. The lake amidst the lush green forest is a majestic place. The natural lake maintained here is an extravagant thing that we can experience in Aritar.
24. Angling in Sikkim
Sikkim with its massive bio-diversity is a heaven for adventure and nature lovers. With its vast river systems, Sikkim is an anglers delight. For an ardent agnler – the Mahseer, the Katley and the Trout provide angling opportunities. The Teesta and the Rangeet provide ample scope for Mahseer and Katley. Amongst the alpine regions in East, North and West Sikkim, there is an ample opportunity for Trout Angling by Fly Fishing or Spinning. Ideal months are March – May and August – September. However we strongly urge the anglers to avoid the practice during the rainy seasons. Since the rivers here at Sikkim are quite high in current hence all the angling enthusiasts are requested to be extra cautious while in and around the river area.
25. Tsomgo Lake
It literally means the “Source of the Lake” and is located at a distance of 38 Kms from Gangtok. This Serene Lake situated at an altitude of 12400ft gets huge snowfall. The Lake about 1km long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and considered sacred by the local people. This placid lake remains frozen during the winter months. Variety of flowers like Rhododendrons, Primulas, Blue & Yellow Poppies, Irish sway magically in the cool breeze. It is also an ideal habitat of Red Panda and birds. It is open for both the Foreigners and Indians. Foreign visitors are allowed in a group or two or more with a permit obtained through Travel Agents registered with the Department of Tourism, Government of Sikkim.
26. Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple
Built in the memory of Harbhajan Singh, a sepoy in the 23rd Punjab Regiment, the temple lies between the Nathu-La and the Jelep-La Passes. Legend has it that he appeared in a dream a few days after he went missing while patrolling the border, and expressed a desire that a monument be built in his memory. His fellow soldiers then built a monument that has over the years acquired the status of a pilgrimage center. Believers leave a bottle of water to be collected a week later to be used for its healing powers. This has a very long and interesting story attached to it. This has to be clearly understood from the mouth of the local inhabitants.
27. Nathula
56 Kms from Gangtok is Nathula Pass, situated at an altitude of 14,450 ft. at the border of India and China. Containing one of the highest motorable roads and richly covered with varieties of alpine flora and fauna. A tranquil place to visit, Nathula is open only for Indian Nationals on Wednesday to Sunday. The visitors require to procure permit from the tourism department through a Travel Agent registered with the Department of Tourism, Government of Sikkim.
28. Sikkim Science Centre, Marchak
A Sikkim Science Centre at Marchak, Ranipool, East Sikkim set up under Sikkim State Council of Science & Technology in collaboration with National Council of Science Museums, Government of India attracts considerable Number of Visitors specially students and the general public and tourists. There are three main galleries having thirty nine exciting and most interactive exhibits. Inflatable dome planetarium (taramandal) with a capacity of 25 visitors at a time. Beside these galleries a lush green park with exhibits on simple mechanics, sound, optics, pendulum, turn pulleys lifting loads hear echo of sound, sympathetic swing, dinosaurs etc is of another attraction along with the bust of eight eminent Indian scientists. The centre is also provided with EDUSAT Centre in collaboration with Vigyan Parasar & ISRO and Village Resource Centre (VRC) in collaboration with ISRO.
Other Tourist Spots around Gangtok :
- Khanchenjunga Cultural Cum Village Tourism Complex
- Jurassic Park, Rakdong Tintek
- Assam Lingjey to Khedi Trek
- Village Tourism Tumin
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