Gangtok Travel
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and means the top
of a hill. It is situated at 5600 feet and is the largest town in Sikkim.
Surrounded by calm and serenity of natural scenery, this abode of stupas
and monasteries also provides the excellent views of Mount Khanchendzonga.
Tashi View Point
Situated 8 kms from Gangtok, this place offers a breathtaking view of the
majestic mount Khanchendzonga and Mount Siniolchu.
Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa)
Encircled by 108 prayer wheels, this is one of the most important stupas
of Sikkim. Containing some rare mandalas, holy books and mantras, it was
built by Truisi Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order.
Enchey Monastery
This 200 year old monastery was built on the site blessed by the great tantric
master Lama Druptab Karpa, revered for the flying powers. It is more in
the shape of a Chinese pagoda. About 90 monks of the Nyingmapa Order dwell
here. On special occasions, religious masked dances are performed here.
Rumtek Monastery
This is the seat of the 'Kagyu order' a close replica of the original Kagyu
in Tibet. Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre is 24 km from Gangtok. It was built
in the 1960's by His Holiness, the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa when he took
refuge in Sikkim after the Chinese attack. The Rumtek Monastery was originally
built by the fourth Chogyal some 300 years ago. One can find here some of
the most unique art objects in the world.
Pemayangtse 'Perfect Sublime Lotus'
Pemayangtse is perched at a height of approx. 7000 feet. It is the second
oldest and perhaps the most important monastery in Sikkim, founded in 1705
by Chador Namgyal, the third Chogyal. The monastery contains numerous antique
idols and objects of worship. All of other monasteries in Sikkim are subordinate
to it. Annual ‘chaam’ dances are performed here at the end of Tibetan calendar,
and culminates with the devotees genuflecting in obeisance to Buddhist scroll.
Phensang Monastery
This was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme Pawo.
Ralong Monastery
This was built after the return of fourth Chogyal from his pilgrimage to
Tibet and belongs to the Karma Kagyu order.
Tashiding
This gold-topped monastery was built in 1716 on the top of a hill between
the Rangit and Ratong rivers. The sacred objects of worship are the chorten
Thongwa Rangdol and Bumchu (holy water) that does not evaporate nor spoil.
Yuksom
The coronation of the first Chogyal of Sikkim took place here in 1641. A
stupa marks the spot where three lamas performed the consecration ceremony.
The wooden altar and throne used in the ceremony are still here and the
place is opened only during special Buddhist festivals.
Phodong Monastery
38 kms from Gangtok, it is one of the six major monasteries of Sikkim. The
original monastery, which was founded in 1740, has been rebuilt. Phodong
belongs to the Kagyupa order and has a community of about 60 very friendly
monks. About 4 kms further away is the unique architecture in Labrang Monastery.
Deer Park
The Red Panda and fleet footed deer can be observed in a natural habitat.
An imposing statue of the Buddha is situated here.
Orchid Sanctuary
An exotic treat of over 200 species of orchids set amidst beautiful landscape.
It is situated just below the Institute of Tibetology.
North India Heritage
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