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.