EAST SIKKIM
Enchey Monastery
An important seat of the Nyingmapa order, this
200 year old Enchey Monastery is built on the
site blessed by Lama Drupto Karpo, a tantric
master known for his power of flying.. Every
year, around January, ‘CHAM’ or religious masked
dance is performed with great fanfare for two
days.
Flower Festival
Flower exhibitions are organized around the year
at the Flower Show Venue near the White Memorial
Hall Complex, Gangtok. during the spring
Dodrul Chorten
The Dodrul Chorten or stupa was built by the
Venerable Trullshi Rinpoche, head of the Nyimapa
order of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1945. inside the
Stupa, ther is a complete mandala set of Dorji
Phurba ( Vajra Kilaya), a set of Kangur relics (
Holy Books ), Complete Zung ( mantras) and other
religious objects. Around the chorten, which is
one of the most important Stupas in Sikkim, are
108 Mani Lhakor (Prayer wheels).
Handloom and Handicrafts Centre
It is now known as the Directorate of
Handicrafts and Handlooms as well as the
Government Institute of Cottage Industries.
Started during the time of the Chogyals of
Sikkim, as a venture to protect and propagate
the craft and skills of local and village
artisans, it has become on t of the major
attractions for people visiting Sikkim where
traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms
carpets and other products can be viewed and
also purchased.
Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology
(NRIT)
The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, after the
late Chogyal of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal
whose brainchild it was has since become one of
the most prestigious depository of Tibetan
literature, rare manuscripts, paintings,
thangkas, statues and religious objects and
other works of art and history. Today, it is a
renowned worldwide centre for study of Buddhist
philosophy and religion.
Saramsa Garden
About 14 kms from Gangtok is the Saramsa Garden,
the home of Sikkim's most exotic orchids and
other rare tropical and temperate plants.
Established and maintained by the Department of
Forest, it is an excellent recreation and picnic
spot.
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre
The Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre is the seat of
the Kagyu order, one of the 4 major Tibetan
Buddhist Sects. Since the late 1960’s , after
the arrival of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa
Karmapa, the centre houses some of the world’s
most unique religious scriptures and religious
rare objects. Traditional in design, it is
almost an replica of the original Kagyu
Monastery in Tshurpu, in eastern Tibet. It has
over 300 centres worldwide Tibet. It has over
300 centres worldwide.
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
Very close by to Rumtek Monastery, and
maintained by the parks and Gardens unit of the
Forest Department of the Government of Sikkim,
the Garden is an enchanting and soothing
experience among the lush green vegetation, rare
plants and trees and certain species of
Himalayan flowers and Orchids.
Water Garden
Water Garden at Martam Khola is on the 31-A
National Highway some 16 kms. south of Gangtok.
It is an ideal spot for picnic with a small
swimming pool for children.
Tsomgo Lake
It literally means the “source of the Lake” in
the Bhutia language. Just about 40km away from
Gangtok, the capital of State. This serene lake
is situated at an altitude of 3,780 mtrs. The
lake is about 1 km long, oval in shape, 15mtrs
deep and is considered sacred by the local
people. This placid lake remains frozen during
the winter months upto mid-May.
Between May and August, it is possible to see a
variety of flowres bloom, including the
rhododendrons, various species of primulas, blue
and yallow 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 2 or more and have to apply for the
visitors permit through a registered Travel
agency.
Nathula
56 kms from Gangtok is a 'Nathula' Pass at an
altitude of 14,200 ft. bordering between India
and China in the Tibetan Plateau. It is one of
the highest motorable roads and richly covered
by many varities of alpine flora and fauna. A
tranquil place to visit. Nathula is open only
for Indian nationals on Wednesdays, Thursdays,
Saturdays and Sundays. The visitors have to get
the permit to visit the place by applying to the
Tourism Department through a registered Travel
Agency.
Tashi View Point
Situated along the Noth Sikkim Highway, it is
only 8kms from Gangtok. From this point you get
a breathtaking view of Mt. Kang-chen-Dzongaand
Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most graceful peaks in
the world. Ideal time to visit is early in the
morning. |