Gangtok – Splendor in Himalayas

Botanical Garden : Located very close to Rumtek Monastery just half a kilometer before reaching Rumtek Monastery on the highway. It is maintained by the parks and Gardens unit of the forest Department of the Government of Sikkim. The enchanting garden with soothing experience is lush green carpet, Vegetation , rare plants and trees and exclusive species of Himalayan flowers and Orchids.

Shanti View Point : It is located at a distance of about 14 kilometers downhill from Gangtok, from this point you get a breathtaking view of Gangtok valley.

Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa): The Do-Drul chorten or Stupa was built by the venerable Truslshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1945. Inside this Stupa, there are complete Mandala sets of Drojee Phurba around this Chorten, which is one of the most important Stupas in Sikkim, are 108 Manilhakor (prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting “hail to the jewel in the lotus”, to invoke Buddhistava.

Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology (SRIT ) : The most prestigious of its kind in India -this Buddhist Institute is a treasure trove of vast collection of rare Lepcha ,Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare Thanks and has over 200 Buddhist icons. Today it is the renowned worldwide center for study of Buddhhist philosophy and religion. Visiting hours from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (opened throughout the week and govt. Holidays).

Directorate of Handicraft and Hand loom : The Directorate of Handicraft & Hand-looms is know for its Handicrafts. Explore Government Institute of Cottage Industries in Sikkim India.

Flower Show : Flower exhibitions are organized round the year at the flower show venue near the white hall complex, Gangtok . Orchid shows held during the spring tourist season is one of the most popular shows organized in the state.

Tsomgo Lake: It literally means the ”Source of the Lake” in Bhutia Language. Just about 40 km away from Gangtok. The Senere lake is situated at an altitude of 3,780mtrs. The lake is about 1 km long, oval in shape and 15 mts. deep and is considered sacred by the local people. The placid lake remains frozen during the winter month up to mid-April. Between April to August, it is possible to see a variety of flowers in bloom including the rhododendrons , various species of primulas, blue and yellow 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 two or more and have to apply for their visitors permit through a registered Travel Agency.

Baba Mandir: Built in the memory of Harbhajan Singh a 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 paroling 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.

Hanuman Tok : It is approximately 5 1/2 km. from Gangtok town. A temple of God Hanuman, worshiped by the Hindus . Besides offering prayers, one can enjoy the scenic beauty of Gangtok town and enjoy the glimpse of snow covered Mt Khangchendzonga.

Tashi View Point : Built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal, it is situated about six kilometers away from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway, this place offers an astounding view of the Khangchendzonga snowy range on a clear day. On the opposite hill , the Phodong and Labrang monasteries can be seen. A resting shed and a small cafeteria situated at Tashi View Point provides shelter and other amenities to the tourists. A park about the view point is a good place to enjoy a picnic.

Ganesh Tok : It is a very small temple of Lord Ganesh. It is on a hillock on Gangtok-Nathula Road . A Sikkim government nursery is just nearby

Cable Car Journey:You must experience ropeways or cable cars located at Deorali market. This place can be easily reached by taking a local cab from any hotel.

Rope way is about less than 1 km long with three stops. The lowest point is at Deorali market and the highest point is at Tashiling (below the state secretariat). Midpoint stop at Nam-Nang. You can board from any point and return to same point after touching other two points. Cable car journey provides spectacular view of Gangtok market, valley and State Assembly hall of the state of Sikkim on its 15 to 20 minutes journey.