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Gangtok,
Sikkim
Gangtok,
the capital of Sikkim, lies on a ridge overlooking the Ranipool
River. Its name means 'High Hill'. The setting is spectacular
with fine views of the Kangchendzonga range, but the town itself
has lost some of its quaint charm. New buildings dominate the
urban landscape. Some parts of the town still has old 5-6 storey
wooden buildings with traditional doors and window frames. It is
a heavily forested region bounded by the rivers Tista and Tolung,
and surrounded by the mountain ranges of Kangchendzonga, Pandim,
Narsing, Simvo and Siniolchu.
There
are a number of small,medium and large sized hotels and to suit
individual budgets. Visitors are advised to book their accommodation
well in advance, specially during the peak season.
How
to reach there:
Air:
Nearest airport is Bagdogra (Siliguri) in the state of West Bengal,
which is 124 km and approximately 5 hrs drive from Gangtok. Bagdogra
has regular Indian Airlines services from Calcutta and Delhi and
also North-East. Private airlines also operate in this sector.
Rail:
The
two closest railway stations are Siliguri (114 km) and New Jalpaiguri
(125 km) connecting Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati, Lucknow and other
important cities in India.
Road:
Gangtok is connected by road with Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri
and other centres and also with all the District Headquarters within
Sikkim. The Transport Wing of the Department of Tourism, Government
of Sikkim, has a number of cars, luxury coaches and jeeps for hire
to the tourists at reasonable rates. The Sikkim Nationalised Transport
plies regular bus services linking the capital with all the above
mentioned places. Private taxis are available at Bagdogra for Gangtok
and also for SNT Booking Office, Siliguri.
Best
time to visit: Mid-February
to late May and between October and December is the best period
to visit Gangtok.
Suggested
clothing: Clothing
include light woolens in summers and heavy woolens in winters.
What
to see:
The
Palace of the Chogyal opens only once in a year in the last week
of December for the Pang Lhabsol festival. Below this is the
Tsuklakhang or Royal Chapel, standing on high ridge. This is
the major place of worship and has a large and impressive collection
of scriptures. It had been the site for the royal marriages
and coronation ceremonies. The interior is lavishly decorated
with wood-carving and murals and houses a number of Buddha images.
The
Do-drul Chorten has the sacred gold-topped Stupa with 108 prayer
wheels. Nearby is a monastery for young lamas.
The
White Hall: The
White Hall only has historical value and is situated on the Ridge.
It is a 2 storeyed structure and has typical British architecture
and was built in 1932 . It is so called not because it is painted
white but because it was built in memory of the first political
Officer of Sikkim, Claude White.
Ganesh
Tok & Pinetum:
Ganesh Tok is located on the hill adjoining TV Tower. A small temple
of God Ganesh nests on the hilltop at an altiude of 6,5000 ft. The
temple is so small in size that is can hardly accommodate one person
and one has to crawl to get inside it. A panormic view of Gangtok
town and the Raj Bhavan Complex can be obtained from here. All the
snowy peaks on the western border including the mighty Kanchendzonga
are visible from here and present a breathtaking scene. During the
tourist season, a small cafeteria is opened for the convenience
of the visitors. Just adjoining the Ganesh Tok is a pinetum garden
containing pine trees.
Hanuman
Tok:
Situated about 5 km uphill from White Hall on a bifurcation road
of the Gangtok-Nathula Highway, is a temple of God Hanuman at an
altitude of 7200 ft. From the temple itself, the snowy peaks of
Kanchendzonga present a panoramic picture.
Enchey
Monastery: is
3 km from the main bazaar. It is believed to be 200 years
old, though the present building was made on 1909. It hosts
religious dance performances in January.
The
Research Institute of Tibetology on a hilltop:
About
a Kilometre downhill from the main market of Gangtok , amidst a
small forest of Oak, Magnolia and Birch trees stand the Institute
of Tibetology. The building accommodating the Institute is an example
of tibetan architecture. It is world renowned and is one of the
few of its kind. Its library is well stocked with rare books and
documents on Buddhism. There are about 30 thousand volumes, mostly
xylographs are documents that are printed using wooden slabs that
have the matter embossed on them in the reverse) translations of
the origanal teachings of the Lord Buddha, and treatises by distinguished
Buddhist scholars from different parts of the world. The museum
at the Institute consists of rare collection of antiques like statues,
coins and Thankas which are scrolls with paintings on them. This
institute is a premier institute in the world that conducts research
in the language and culture of Tibet. The library and museum of
the Institute are open to the public on all days including holidays
and sundays An entry fees of Rs 2/- in charged.
Phurba-Chorten:
Just
adjacent to the Research Institute of Tibetology, a few hundred
feet away, on a small hillock is located this huge and towering
religious monument which is in the from of a stupa. The periphery
of the chorten is surrounded by 113 small prayer wheels with the
mystic mantra "om mane padme Hum" in Tibetan inscribed on them .
The chorten was built by Late Chogyal of Sikkim Tashi Namgyal in
the mid forties to invoke the gods to keep peace and tranquility
in the state. Placed inside the chorten are a complete set of Kanjur
holy books, relics, complete mantras and other religious objects.
A small chorten known as Jhang Chub Chorten was built besides the
Phurba Chorten in the memory of trul Shik Rimpoche who passed away
in 1962.
The
Deer Park: This
park is located adjacent to the new Secretariat and is also called
the Rustomji park so named after one of the Dewans of the Chogyal
of Sikkim. The park has a big open enclosure in which different
types of deer can be seen. There are also a few cages in which some
native to Sikkim have been kept. A big statue of Lord Buddha commemorating
his preaching of the noble Truths in the Deer Park at Sarnath adorns
the park premises. A butter lamp perpetually burns front of the
statue which is surrounded by flowers of the most exotic variety.
The park which commands a good view of the hills surrounding Gangtok
is perched on top of a hillside that plunges almost vertically deep
into the valley.
Himalayan Zoological Park:
The park is located exactly across the road opposite Ganesh Tok
and covers and area of 205 hectares. This area is also known as
Bulbuley and extends an almost upto Hanuman Tok. Although a 3 kms
long jeepable road runs right through the park, vehicles are not
allowed in. There is a paved cement path that passes by fenced open
air enclosures housing the red pandas, barking deer, bears in a
semi natural habitat. As the enclosures encompass a huge area the
animals are sometimes not easily visible and one has to be patient
to get a sight of them.
Tashi
View Point: Situated
about 6 km away from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway, this place
offers an astounding view of the Kanchendzonga snowy range. On the
Opposite hill, the Phodong and the 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 above
the view point is a good place to enjoy a picnic.
What
to shop:
Handicrafts:
A
wide variety of handicrafts is available for the tourist to take
back as souvenirs, showpieces and even items of daily use in the
Government Institute of cottage Industry and the many curio shops
in Gangtok. Canvas wall hangings depicting paintings on different
aspects of sikkim can cost from Rs 20 to Rs 200. Most of these paintings
portray face profiles of tribals, 8 lucky signs, dragons, religious
processions etc. Thankas or religious scrolls can also be purchased
but these are very expensive and cost above Rs. 500. Choksees are
small wooden tables about one and half to two feet in height with
intricate local Tibetan designs on the sides. They are collapsible
and can easily be carried.
Carpets: Tibetan
woolen carpets are very expensive and are adorned with intericate
designs and patterns reflecting the art and culture of this state.
Made of pure sheep wool, these carpets use brilliant vegetable dyes.
Jewellery: The
exquisitely carved Dragon sets of silver and gold inlaid with precious
stones are unique to Sikkim. These consist of finely designed dragons
on earrings, pendants, finger-rings etc and can be ordered either
in silver or gold .
Tea: Sikkim
tea, which is mainly grown in Temi Tea Estate, is famous the world
over and carries a big premium in the world market. The tea is characterised
by its exotic taste and flavour and costs about Rs.100 per kg. It
sells by the brand name of "Solja" and "Kanchendzonga" and is it
a good idea to carry a few packets back home.
Big Cardamom or
Bari Elaichi: Cardamom
or Elachi grows in abundance in sikkim and costs about Rs 100 per
kg. A few hundred grams should be purchased.
From
where to buy:
Government
Institute of Cottage Industry:
It is located at about a kilometre uphill from the main market of
Gangtok. An emporium at the institute sells handicrafts, Thankas
which are scrolls with paintings, hand carved foldable wooden tables
known as Choksess and exquisitively woven woollen carpets, masks
and dolls. Hand made paper is another unique novelty of the Institute
and is made from the bark of a tree Algeri. The paper is used extensively
for invitation cards and letter pads.
M.G.Marg Main Market:
Slightly
less than a kilometre in length, the road is flat and is lined with
shops which constitute the Main Market and downtown of Gangtok.
Market has hotels, restaurants and shops selling all types of consumer
goods. The shops are open by 8 am and close by 7 pm. This market
is closed on Tuesdays.
Lal Bazar: Located
just below the Main Market a few minutes walk away, is an open space
market encircled with shops. If you are interested in seeing how
different cultures old and new as well as diverse blend together
here in Sikkim than a visit to the Lal Bazar is a must. The wares
on sale are equally diverse - from local cottage cheese, incense
sticks to the latest electronic gadgets.
Tourists
Info:
Further information & assistance can be obtained from
- Sikkim
Tourist Information Centre, Gangtok. Tel :- 22064
-
MG Marg, Gangtok Bazar. Tel. No. 2064
- Sikkim
Tourist Information Centre, 4C, Poonam Building, 5/2, Russel Street,
Calcutta-700017. Tel :- 297516, 296717, 298983
- Sikkim
Tourist Information Centre, SNT Colony, Siliguri. Tel :- 432646
- Sikkim
Tourist Information Centre, Bagdogra Airport, Bagdogra.
- Tourist
Office, 14, Panchsheel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Tel.
No. 3015346
Around
the city:
Nathula
Pass: The
tourists travelling to Sikkim now will get a chance to visit Nathula
Pass on the Indo-China border due to a initiative taken by the Army
and State Tourism Department for allowing tourists to visit this
place. Nathula Pass at a height of 14,500 ft, is about 2 hrs ride
from Gangtok. Visits to Nathula will be allowed 4 days a week and
the Army has stipulated that each group should not comprise more
than 25 people. Each group will be allowed half-an-hour at the border
pass between 8 am and 12 pm. Given the strategic location of Nathula
Pass, cameras will not be allowed but the Army has consented to
keep Polaroid cameras. The tourist groups to Nathula will be escorted
by a liaison officer. A fee of Rs 100 per head will be charged from
tourists, apart from transportation charges and escort fees. The
Sikkim Tourism department will provide a single-window permit system,
where tourists to Nathula can collect the required documents.
Changu Lake: It
is situated 35 kilometres from Gangtok on the Gangtok - Nathula
highway, at an altitude of 12,400 ft. Changu Lake which is hardly
20 kms away from the famous Nathula Pass and about 400 kms from
Lhasa, falls in the restricted area and hence an Inner Line Permit
is required. A small temple of Lord Siva is constructed on the lakeside.
Primula flowers and other alpine vegetation grow around the lake
which has an average depth of 50 ft. During the winter month the
lake becomes frozen.
The
Department of tourism conducts package tours by bus to this lake
at selected months of the year. A bus ticket to Changu Lake and
back costs Rs 150. A small cab in which not more than 3 passengers
are permitted can be hired for Rs 550, jeep which can accommodate
7 passengers cost about Rs 900 to Changu. Private vehicles are not
permitted to the lake. Rides on Yaks and mules are also offered
at the lake site. Because of the high altitude, heavy woollens are
required to be worn here troughout the year. There is no facility
of accommodation for the tourist.
Phodong Monastery, Labrang Monastery
and Tumlong Palace: All
these three are located within an area of 1 sq km and about 40 km
from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway. Phodong Monastery which
belongs to the Krgyupa Sect (Karmapa), is situated about kilometre
uphill by a jeepable road that bifurcates from the North Sikkim
Highway. Phodong monastery was built by the Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal.
Puja is performed on the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of
the Tibetan calendar. Another Kilometre uphill from Phodong Monastery
on the same Jeepable road is the Labrang Monastery which was built
about one hundred years later but belongs to the Nyingmapa sect.
Just below the road between phodong Monastery and Labrang Monastery
are the ruins of the third capital of Sikkim Tumlong.
Pemayangtse:
is about 140 km from Gangtok. It was built in 1705 and is
Sikkim's second oldest monastery. Its walls and ceilings have
innumerable paintings and there is an exceptional collection of
religious artworks, including an exquisite wooden sculpture depicting
the heavenly palace of Guru Rimpoche, on the top floor.
Yuksom:
about 42 km from Pemayangtse, is where the coronation of the country's
first ruler took place in 1641. The wooden alter and throne
and a Stupa are still here in this beautiful peaceful and picturesque
pine forest with a lake. Sikkim's oldest monastery, the simple
Hermit's cell, Dhubdi, is uphill.
Tashiding:
is the gold topped monastery and believed to be built in 1716 on
a spot consecrated by Guru Rimpoche. It is considered to be
the most sacred chorten in Sikkim. Pilgrims come during the
spring time for the Bumchu or water-pot festival in February to
drink water from the sacred pot which has never run dry for over
300 years.
Kangchendzonga National Park:
offers trekking through picturesque terraced fields, orchards and
forests of pines. Animals in the park include Himalayan brown
bear, black bear, sambar, barking deer and the endangered musk deer,
flying squirrel, Tibetan antelopes, wild asses and Himalayan wild
goats. The red panda can also be seen in the altitude of 3000
to 4000 m, mostly on the treetops. It also has 600 species
of birds.
Saramsa Garden: About
14 km from Gangtok is the Saramsa Garden, the home of Sikkim's many
exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants. Formed
and maintained by the Department of Forests. It is an excellent
recreation and picnic spot.
Tsongo Lake: It
is literally known as the "Source of the Lake" in Bhutia language.
Between May and August, it is possible to see a variety of flowers
in bloom - the Rhododendrons, Primulas, Poppies and Irises. One
can also enjoy Yak and Pony ride around the Lake. This place is
40 km from Gangtok. It is situated at an altitude of 12,210 ft.
The lake is about 1 km long, oval in shape,15m deep and is considered
sacred by the local people. The lake remains frozen during the winter
months upto mid-May. It is an ideal habitat for the Red Panda and
various species of birds.
Singhik: The
place offers one of the most spectacular views of Mount Khangchendzonga
and it's ranges. A well located tourist lodge provides accommodation
for visitors. The area also has a number of interesting short nature
trails for 1 to 3 days along the higher ridges of the surrounding
hills.
Chungthang:
On the confluence of Lachen and Lachung Chu and the starting point
of river Teesta, has emerged as a major sub-division settlement
in North Sikkim. It is the nodal junction for the two passes, Lachen
and Lachung. The valley is believed to have been blessed by Guru
Rimpoche and one can visit the Holy Guru Lhedo to see the foot and
palm prints left behind by the Patron Saint. The place, rich in
biodiversity with a large variety of orchids, plants and wildlife,
is 95 km from Gangtok, 23km from Lachung, 29 km from Lachen, and
is predominantly a Lepcha region.
Lachung:
A Bhutia village with a unique local self-governing body called
the Zumsa which substitutes the Panchayat. Lachung has emerged as
a tourist destination with soaring popularity of Yumthang valley
which is just 25 km from Lachung. The village, spread out on either
side of Lachung Chu, has managed to retain it's unique culture and
tradition. The Lachung Monastery on the slope opposite to the highway
is a focal point of all religious functions of local inhabitants.
To get a glimpse of the religious functions performed on auspicious
occasions a visit to the Monastery should form part of the tour
itinerary.
Yumthang:
At an elevation of 11,800 ft, and 140 km from Gangtok, is a paradise
for nature lovers with fascinating blend of flora and fauna and
breathtaking scenic grandeur. The valley is also the home for Shingbha
Rhododendron Sanctuary with 24 species of Rhododendrons. Yumthang
"Tsa-Chu" or the hot spring on the left bank of Lachung Chu is immensely
popular for it's curative properties and healing power. Tourists
require an Inner Line permit which can be obtained with the help
of the travel agent to visit this place. During the tourist season,
the Tourism Department organises package tours to North Sikkim and
also has many resorts in the Lachung area. Visitors are not permitted
to take their private vehicles to Yumthang.
Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary:
It
is located at a distance of 25 km from Gangtok and has an area of
51.76 sq. km. The main vegetation is Oak,Katus,Kimbu, Champ with
thick bamboo forests and ferns. The Sanctuary is also home to a
large number of wild orchids, rhododendrons etc. The richly forested
area is known to be home for various species of wild animals and
birds. This area,located close to Gangtok, is being developed as
a short duration trekking trail. The best season is October and
April. A log house with two rooms is available at Golitar and Tumin.
Charges are Rs. 50 per person per night and entry fee to the Sanctuary
is Rs 5 per head. Apart from this sanctuary there are others like
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Shingbha Rhododendrons Sanctuary,Menam
Wildlife Sanctuary. For permission please contact Chief Wildlife
Warden, Forest Secretariat, Deorali, Gangtok.
Kabi Lungchok: This
historical place is 17 km from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway.
This is where the historic treaty of blood brotherhood between the
Lepcha Chief Te-Kung-Tek and the Bhutia Chief Khey-Bum-Sar was signed
ritually. The spot where the ceremony took place is marked by a
memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forest.
Namchi: Meaning
Sky High,nested among the hills at an elevation of 5500 ft, commands
panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains and vast stretches of
valley. It is also the HQ of the South District. The area is fast
developing into a tourist destination with it's immense potential
for all round tourist activities. It is about 78 km from Gangtok
and 100km from Siliguri.
Kechopari Lake: It
is considered as one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim both by the Buddhist
and the Hindus. Here a trekker's hut has been provided by the Tourist
Department. The hut is presently managed by a local person and provides
comfortable stay providing a taste of local cuisine which may include
`Chang'- brew made of fermented millet. There is also a pilgrim's
hut,managed by the Tourism Department, which is meant to provide
accommodations to the people who come on pilgrimage tours.
Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs:
These
hot springs are located about 25 kms from Gyalshing near Reshi on
the River Rangit. One has to walk about ten minutes from the highway
across the river Rangit by a pedestrain bridge to reach the hot
springs. The water of these springs has medicinal value as it contains
sulphur and can cure some skin diseases. People from all over the
state and neighbouring Darjeeling come here during the winter months
and spend days together lying submerged in the soothing water of
the hotspring. There are a couple of trekkers huts for the convenience
of the tourists. These springs also considered very holy as one
of the four holy caves is located here. This holy cave is called
the Kadosang Phu or cave of the occult fairies and lies on the south
of the four cardinal points.
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