India Travel Guide

Places to Visit In India

Category : Sikkim

Saramsa Garden

Saramsa Garden

Saramsa Garden

Saramsa Garden is located 14 km from Gangtok is the home of Sikkim’s many exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plans. Established and maintained by the Department of Forest, it is an excellent recreation and picnic spot and a leisure spot.

Himalayan Zoological Park

Himalayan Zoological Park

Himalayan Zoological Park

Himalayan Zoological Park is located 8 km away from Gangtok is the Himalayan zoological Park, which covers an area of 205 hectares. This area is also known as Bulbuley. There is a paved cement path that passes by fanced open air enclosure housing the Red Pandas, barking Dee, sported the deer, bears in a semi natural habitat.

Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary

Fambog La Wildlife Sanctuary

Fambog La Wildlife Sanctuary

Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary is located at distance of 25 km from Gangtok and has an area pf 51.76 Sq km. The main vegetation is Oak, Katus, Kimbu, and Champa with thick bamboo forests and ferns. The Sanctuary is also home to a large number of wild orchids, rhododendrons etc. The richly Forestdale 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 trial. 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, and Khangchendzonga National Park, for permission please contact Chief Wild Life Warden (Wild Life), Forest Secretariat, Deorali. Gangtok.

Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake

The literal meaning of TSOMGO is the source of the lake in Bhutia language. TSO means lake and MGO means head, the lake is about 1 km long. Oval in shape, 15m deep and is considered extremely sacred by the local people. This placid lake remains frozen during the winter month’s upto mid May during which visitors get an opportunity to experience snowfall. It is ha home of Brahminy ducks besides being a stopover for various migratory birds. E-route to Tsomgo, numerous waterfalls Fast rushing mountain streams and the Rhododendron rich Kyonanosla Alpine Sanctuary make the trip all the more thrilling, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is 26 km from Gangtok and is situated at an altitude of 3780 mts. This sanctuary with an area of 4 sq. kms has a breathtaking variety of flowers, which remain in bloom from May to August. The earliest to flower are the different species of Rhododendrons followed by Premolars, Blue Poppies and Clematis is June, purple Irises, Pale Yellow Poppies and the Strawberry in July., The last to bloom is Polygonal which cover the entire landscape. The place is valuable for variety of medicinal herbs. It can be visited during tourist seasons March to late May and September to mid-December. Light woollen clothing during the spring season and heavy woollens during winter season is necessary. If you are intend to avoid eating at the local restaurants cafeteria at Tsomgo. Local travel agencies/tour operator organise conducted tours to area. Taxis also play on hire basis on this route.

Tourist Attraction:

Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass

Nathula: 56 km away 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 varieties of Alpine Flora & Fauna. It is open on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday only. Recognized local travel agencies arrange transport and handle all the details. Shared taxis are available. Best time to visit: March – late May and September – Mid December. A tranquil place to visit.





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Pemayangtse Monastery

Pemayangtse Monastery

Pemayangtse Monastery

Pemayangtse Monasery is one of the oldest monasteries in the State, originally established by Lhastsun Chempo, one o the reverend Lamas to have performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal Ireligious Monarch of Sikkim. This ancient Monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has been considered as one of the premier monasteries in the State, having been encrusted with the task to perform all religious functions of the erstwhile Monarch. Originally, it was established as a high-class monastery for “Pure Monks”. Inside the Monastery there is a wooden structure depicting the Maha Guru’s heavently palace, which is considered a masterpiece created by Lae Dungzin Rimpoche. The Monastery, located on a hilltop at an altitude of 6840 ft. commands a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding hills and countryside. A well-furnished Tourist Lodge is located just across the Monastery on a smaller hilltop.

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Khecheopalri Lake

Khecheopalri Lake

Khecheopalri Lake

Khecheopalri  Lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of this State both by theBuddhist and the Hindus. There is a motorable road from Pemayangtse right up to the lake area. For those interested in spending a night or two in the peaceful environment a trekkers’ hut has been provided by the Tourism Department. The hut is presently managed by a local person and provides comfortable stay. 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.

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Temi Tea Garden

Temi Tea Garden

Temi Tea Garden

The one and the only Tea Estate existing in the State produces one of the top quality teas in the International Market. The Tea Garden is spread out on a gentle hill slope originating from the Tendong Hill and provides a magnificent view for the surrounding villages. A night spent in an old British-built bungalow located just below the tea garden could be an enthralling experience of linking the past to the present. A visit to the garden, enroute to the Tendong Hill, could be a rewarding experience for those who want to combine nature and culture as they keep trekking.


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Pelling

Pelling

Pelling

Pelling is fast growing to be an urban settlement due to tourist influx. Situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft, it offers a good view of the entire mountain ranges and due to these locational advantages; many hotels and lodges have mushroomed in and around Pelling offering various categories of accommodation facilities. There is a bus service which links Pelling to the West District Headquarter town of Gyalshing, situated at a distance of 10 km from Pelling.

Tourist Attraction:

Khangchendzonga Waterfall: About an hour drive from Pelling is KhangchenDzonga Water fall. Do not miss to see it.

Pemayangtse Monestery

Pemayangtse Monestery

Pemayangtse: The 17th century Pemayangtse Monastery (perfect Sublime Lotus) of the Nyingmapa order is perched at a height of 2085 m surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Soak in the haunting beauty of Khangchendzonga and its retinue of peaks, it is Sikkim’s second oldest monastery, Enshrined within are numerous ancient icons and objects of worship. Its walls and ceilings are embellished with bright hued frescoes of gods and demons. Pemyangtse is an ideal base for trekking to Yuksam (1630 m) where the Nyingmapa order of Tibetan Buddhism was established and where Sikkim’s first Chogyal was crowned in 1641. Nearby, Rabdentse, with its ruined palace, was once Sikkim’s capital.

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Singshore Bridge/Uttarey: The highest bridge in Sikkim about 25 km from Pemayangtse. About 20 minutes drive is Uttary a base camp of Adv. Tourism for Singalila range trail. A place worth visiting.

Khecheopalri Lake

Khecheopalri Lake

Khecheopalri Lake: Khecheopalir Lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of this State both by theBuddhist and the Hindus. There is a motorable road from Pemayangtse right up to the lake area. For those interested in spending a night or two in the peaceful environment a trekkers’ hut has been provided by the Tourism Department.

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Versey: It lies at an elevation of 10,000 ft. and has motorable road access upto Hilley. An easy 4 km trek from their takes one up to Versey Rhododendron Sanctuary, One can also trek from soreng or Dentam is West Skkim. The place provides a magnificent view of the mountains. Visitors can halt at “Guras Kunj” trekkers’ hut.

Sangachoelling Monastery

Sangachoelling Monastery

Rabdentse Ruins

Rabdentse Ruins

Sangachoelling Monastery: This Monastery is situated on a ridge above Pelling and the famous Pemayangtse Monastery. Built in 1697 AD, it is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries in the State. In order to reach this Monastery one has to be prepared to spend at least 40 minutes walking up the steep hilly slope, which leads through rich forest covers.

Rabdentse Ruins: This was the second capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom. Today, the ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from the Tourist Lodge and the Pemayangtse Monastery. Following a footpath, which branches off, from the main road just below the Pemayangtse Monastery, can approach it. The scenic view from the top of the ruins scanning across deep valley. To the mystic heights of Kanchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished and etched in memory.

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Gurudongmer Lake

Gurudongmer Lake

Gurudongmer Lake

This small but extremely picturesque lake holds a prominent position in the tourist map of Orissa for its beauty, proximity to Cuttack and the fact that till the resent past, it used to play host to migratory birds during winter.










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Tashiding Monastery

Tashiding Monastery

Tashiding Monastery

This Monastery is constructed on top of a heart-shaped hill with the backdrop of the sacred Mt. Khangchendzonga. The monastery, however, was built in 18th century A.D. Tashiding is also famous for the most holy chorten known as “Thong-Wa-Rang-To” which literally means “Saviours by mere sight”. Another important frature of Tashiding is the sacred water festival popularly known as “Bhumchu”. It is religious trading unique to Tashiding Monastery only. Every year, on the 15th day of the first Tibetan month, the Bhumchu Ceremony is celebrated with devotees coming from far and near to get the blessing of the holy water. The Government and the lamas of the Monastery officially seal the sacred holy water for safety and it is taken out once a year on the auspicious occasion. The sacred water, which is taken out partly is mixed with normal water to be distributed among thousands of devotees.

Namchi

Namchi

Namchi

Namchi, meaning Sky High, nestled among the hills at an elevation of 55oo 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 its immense potential for all round tourist activities. It is about 78 kms form Gangtok and 100 kms from Siliguri.

Tourist Attraction:

Tendong Hill: Above Damthang, overlooking South District Headquarter town Namchi, there is small flat stretch of land at an altitude of 8530 ft. surrounded by lush green ancient forest which is popularly known as Tendon Hill. The view from the top of the Tendong Hill is something to be cherished and enjoyed as it spans across the plains of Bengal to the majestic heights of the Himalayan Ranges. One can also proceed to Namchi by trekking via Tendong Hill following the traditional route used in the old days.

Ravangla: At the base of Menam Hill is Ravangla, a small township and transit to various tourist destinations in South and West Sikkim. It is also an up-coming tourist spot, and transit point for trekkers to Menam Hill and Borong. There are accommodation on facilities and numerous short nature trials. A trek down to the sacred cave “Shar Chok Bephu”, one of the four holiest caves in Sikkim, would be a memorable experience.

Borong: Facing the snow-capped mountains is Borong, motorable from Ravangia or a trek via. Menam. A picturesque village with beautiful landscape and magnificent view is also host to the hot-spring “Borong Tsa-Chu”. The Trek trial, originating from Namchi or Damthang to Tendong-Ravangla-Menam Borong (5 to 6 days) is one of the most interesting trials scaling all the hilltops along the route. The trek can continue to Tashiding or terminate at Borong and drive back to Ravangla.

Singchu-Thang: 45 kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 3,500 ft. on the banks of River TISTA, SHINGCHU-THANG is ideal for White Water Sports and picturesque Picnic Spot. It literally means “The plain over grown with dwarf fish plants and shrubs.”

Sikip: Sikip located on the banks of the banks of the river Rangeet in the South District. The drive from Gamgtok to Sikip takes about five hours via Legship and it is also accessible from Siliguri and Darjeeling via Jorethang. This place is an Anglers Paradise and also has a charming natural surrounding. Together with one can also avail the facility of rafting down the Rangeet.

Phur Tsa-Chu: Situated on the bank of River Rangeet is the hot spring “Phur-Tsa-chu” half an hour drive from Legship and one-hour drive from Jorethang. Pilgrims of all walks of life come to dip in this hot spring during month of January to March.

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Gangtok

Gangtok

Gangtok

Perched at a height of 5,500 ft. Gangtok ‘top of hill’ lures visitor’s with its fabulous views of magnificent Mt Khangchendzonga. Its strategic location, a strong Buddhist presence and heady cultural offerings as a tempting insight into this simulating land, Sample some of its treasures before heading out of town to savour Sikkim’s other delights. One of the most delightful ways to do this is to sign up for one of the heli-tours. A good time to be here is around Buddha Purnima (May) to enjoy the famous Saga Dawa festivities. Walking
in colourful pro-cession, the holy monks carry the holy books of Buddha’s teachings from the Tsuklakhang Monastery in the palace to different parts of town.

Getting There:

Air: Bagdogra (124 km) is the nearest airport. Daily helicopter service – Gangtok – Bagdogra – Gangtok are available.

Rail: Gangtok has no air or rail connection to the town. You have to take the train up to New Jalpaiguri (125 km) and then continue your journey by road.

Road: From Siliguri, one starts for Gangtok on NH-31 and then branches off to NH-31A, from Sevoke, 20 km from Siliguri. The main link between Gangtok and the rest of the country is through Siliguri (110 km). One can also go to Gangtok from Siliguri, Kalimpong or Darjeeling is exhilarating, with the highway hugging the Teesta River for long stretches, passing through forests. On a clear day, a trip to or from Gangtok can be combined with picnics at beautiful spots enrooted.

Tourist Attraction:

Enchey Monastery: Enchey Monastery is situated adjoining the Siniolhu Tourist Lodge, 3 kms from Gangtok town. The Enchey Monastery is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his power of flying. This 200-year-old Monastery has in its premises images of gods, goddesses another religious objects. Every year around January ‘Chaam’ or religious masked dance is performed with great fanfare for two days. It is situated adjoining the Siniolhu Tourist Lodge, 3 kms from Gangtok town.

Khangchendzong Viewing: Tashi View Point, 8 km from Gangtok, is popular picnic spot offering grandstand views of Khangchendzonga. The Enchey Monastery too has one of the best views of the entire mountain range.

Nam-Nam Chorten (Stupa): Situatedin the vicinity of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, one can have very good walk from Nam Nam View Point to Sikkim Press. The visitors can also experience the breath taking view of a dense forest of Tsomgo Area and lush green valley. A serene area to relish.

Do-drul Chorten (Stupa): the venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, built The Do-drul Chortenor Stupa in 1945. Inside this Stupa, there are complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba, a set of Kan-gyur relics, complete ‘Zung’ and other religious objects. Around this Chorten,which is one of the most important stupas in Sikkim, area 108 Mani Lhakor (Prayer wheels), These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting “Hall to the jewel in the Lotus”, to invoke the Buddhisattva. Chorten Lakhang and Guru Lhakhang surrounded the Chorten, where there are two huge statues of Gure Rimpoche.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: This world-renowned centre for Buddhist philosophy and religion, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is the world’s largest treasury of invaluable old Tibetan books and manuscripts on science, medicine, astrology, etc. It attracts Buddhist scholars from around the world. The centre also has a wide range of Lepcha and Sanskrit manuscripts and scrolls of ancient vintage. The museum attached to it contains over 200 icons, old tankhas and some ritual vessels amongst the various objects of art on display. Upstairs you can observe the cataloguing and restoration of these treasures. Open 10 am to 4 pm daily.

Ganesh Tok: It is situated on a ridge and is only 7 km from Gangtok. From this spot one gets bird’s eye view of sprawling Gangtok town down below while across the hills Mt. Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon. A cafeteria serves you hot tea/coffee and snack.

Tashi View Point: Situated along the North Sikkim Highway, it is only 8 km from Gangtok. From this point you get a breathtaking view of Mount Khangchendonga and Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most graceful peaks in the world.

Excursion:

Hanuman Tok: It is 11 km away from Gangtok town, above Ganesh Tok with a Hindu Temple where the devotees come and offer prayers. Because of its locational advantage the view of the mountains along the horizon is just magnificent, especially on a clear sunny morning.

Water Garden: Water Garden at Martam Kholais on 31-A National Highway some 16 km South Gangtok. It is an ideal spot for picnic with a small swimming pool for children.

Zurmang Kagyud Monastery: Just 20 km out of Gangtok is the Zurmang Kagyud Monastery at Lingdum. The present Gharwang Rimpoche is the 12th successive incarnation of the glorious emanation of Zurmang Gharwang. It is reputed for its exquisite architecture.

Rumtek Monastery: The picturesque 24 km drive from Gangtok to the impressive Rumtek Monastery takes you through some of the prettiest areas around the town. This lavishly built monastery is said to be a replica of the Tsurphu Monastery of the Kagyupa order, in Tibet. It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, but visitors can imbibe of the tranquil air and beautiful location while soaking in the significant cultural elements, which make it a must-visit.

Jawaharla Nehru Botanical Garden: It is 24 km from Gangtok. Stop over on your way to the Rumtek Monastery at the Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden established here in 1987 at an altitude of 1800 mts. to 2200 mts. This entire tract comprises of virgin temperate forestland rich in oak and about 50 varieties of trees. The Garden is situated at a place, which is not only a scenic beauty for the tourists but also adjoins the Rumtek Monastery and Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary. It is open for the visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fambog La Wildlife Sanctuary: Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary is located at distance of 25 km from Gangtok and has an area pf 51.76 Sq km. The main vegetation is Oak, Katus, Kimbu, and Champa with thick bamboo forests and ferns. The Sanctuary is also home to a large number of wild orchids, rhododendrons etc.

More…….

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Yumthang

Yumthang Valley

Yumthang Valley

Yumthang Valley has a very beautiful picturesque. Natural scenes of Switzerland and Yumthang Valley look almost similar. At Yumthang you will experience the feeling of Eden at the valley of Rhododendrons, locally named as, ‘Shiingbha’, with its 32 species. Yumthang ‘Tsa-Chu’ (rive) is immensely popular. It remains full of snow during the winter.

Tourist Attraction:

Yumesamdong: A 1 hr. drive from Yumthang Valley takes you to Yumesamdong at a height of 15,300 ft. enrooted; the hills are thickly covered with Ezilia (a plant that is used as incense by the locals) and the atmosphere heavy with its sweet odor.

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Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery

The picturesque 24 km drive from Gangtok to the impressive Rumtek Monastery takes you through some of the prettiest areas around the town. This lavishly built monastery is said to be a replica of the Tsurphu Monastery of the Kagyupa order, in Tibet. It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, but visitors can imbibe of the tranquil air and beautiful location while soaking in the significant cultural elements, which make it a must-visit. With its beautiful traditional architecture, carved and painted woodwork, magnificent murals and treasures of manuscripts and icons, Rumtek is a splendid example of the Tibetan monastic art in Sikkim. The monastery also offers employment, education and medical help. The old Rumtek Monastery (now entirely renovated), built in the reign of the fourth Chogyal, is a short distance away. Enshrined here is a stone slab marked with the footprint of Guru Padmasambhava.

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Menam

Menam Hill

Menam Hill

Menam Hill towers above Tendong Hill on the other side overlooking the Ravangia bazaar settlement. Situated at an altitude of 10,300 ft. the scenic view from this height is, perhaps, unmatched in this part of the world. Mt. Khangchendzonga and its surrounding ranges loom above to dwarf the richly forested and rugged hills. On a clear sunny day, it is possible to see the plains of Bengal spanning across Kalimpong and Darjeeling hills in the South, right across to the Indo-China border towards the North. A short distance away is the legendary Bhaley Dunga, a kind of rocky spur, which juts out from the ridge top and remains suspended in the air above Yangang village. The trek to Menam from Ravangla takes about 4 hours and from Menam hilltop one has the option to take the gentle trek to Borong village or follow the more treacherous trails taken by the famous British Botanist, Sir Josheph Hooker, down to Yangang village.

Dzongri

Dzongri

Dzongri

Home of the red panda, black khaleej peasant and the yellow-necked woodpeckers, the fascinating mountain trail up to Dzongri is a trekker’s delight. In the season, the slopes are aflame with great varieties of rhododendron. Situated at an altitude of over 3962 m, it offers the most fascinating view of the Khangchendzonga massif. Sunny, crisp mountain air or swirling mists it’s magical up here anytime. Rhododendrons drench the glades, Just opposite is the Pandim Peak (6890 m) cloaked in thick snow. At Tsoka, before Dzongri, the villagers are prosperous and the fields well maintained; some of the villagers are said to have traveled to Switzerland to learn about high altitude farming. So now they’ve set up ginger, potato and cabbage farms. About 7 km way from Dzongri is the Khangchendzonga base camp established by Darjeeling’s Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

Tourist Attraction:

Bakkhim: Bakkhim, the base for Dzongri, is a feast for the senses with more than 20 varieties of rhododendron. The lush green environs are a riot of colours and medley of shades. Bakkhim is also the base for mountaineers and trekkers going to Dzongri 10 km away. Take time to breathe in the scented air and enjoy a few moments alone soaking in this serenity. The crisp air charges you and the close-up views of the Khangchendzonga range mesmerize.

Tashiding Monastery: This Monastery is constructed on top of a heart – shaped hill with the backdrop of the sacred Mt. Khangchendzonga. The monastery, however, was built in 18th century A.D. Tashiding is also famous for the most holy chorten known as “Thong – Wa – Rang – To” which literally means “Saviours by mere sight”. Another important frature of Tashiding is the sacred water festival popularly known as “Bhumchu”. It is religious trading unique to Tashiding Monastery only.

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Yuksam

Yuksam

Yuksam

This was the first Capital of Sikkim. Literally means the “meeting of three great lamas” who came from Tibet and established the Nyingmapa order of Tibetan Buddhism here. The evidence of the consecration ceremony is still intact at Norbugang Chorten in the form of stone seats and a footprint of the Head Lma on a stone. They also consecrated the first ruler of Sikkim here. It is also the entry point of the Khangchendzonga National course organised by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which also has its base camp at Chauriganj near Dzongri. All weather roads serve Yuksam from Pemayangtse, which is at a distance of 32 kms. From Yuksam, the trek to Dzongri and to the base camp of the famous Mt. Khangchendzonga begins. Several categories of accommodations are available in Yuksam for those desiring to spend a few days there.

Tourist Attraction:

Dubdi Monastery: The Monastery is located on a hilltop above Yuksam surrounded by verdant forest. It can be approached by trekking only, negotiating steep slope for something like 32 to 35 minutes. It is an ideal place for lamas seeking meditation retched backdrop of the sacred Mt. Khangchendzonga.

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Phensong Monastery

Phensong Monastery

Phensong Monastery

The place is situated on the gentle slope stretching from Kabi to Phodong with perhaps one of the best landscapes in the region. The Phensong Monastery was built in 1721. The annual festival of Cchamn is performed on the 29th and 28th days of the tenth month of lunar calendar (Tibetan Calendar).

Tourist Attraction:

Phodong Monastery: One of the six major monasteries is located in the North approximately 38 km from Gangtok. 4 km beyond Phodong is the recently renovated Labrang Monastery, unique in its architectural design.

Phodong Monastery

Phodong Monastery

Kabi Lungchuk: 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. A memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forest marks the spot where the ceremony took place.


Lachung

Lachung Valley

Lachung Valley

Lachung is situated about 117 km from Gangtok and above 8600 ft. above sea level. The village spreads out on either side of Lachung Chu, has managed to retain its unique culture and tradition. The Lachung Monastery on the slope opposite to the highway is a focal point of all religious functionsof the local inhabitants, Yumthang Valley is just 24 km from Lachung, Stay at ‘Kanchendzonga Resort’ – our own arrangement and your second home at Lachung.




Tourist Attraction:

Lachen: Lachen is situated 9839 ft. above sea level, 122 km from Gangtok. The Lachen Valley lies in the North West along the Lachen Chu. Lachen Village is quite concealed by amoraine to the South, which, with a parallel ridge on the North, forms a beautiful day in the mountain. The village stands on a grassy and bush flat, around which pine clad mountains rise steeply to the snowy peak, Lamo Angdan and balck cliffs with tower above it. The village has many interesting places to see, like the Monastery, built in the year 1858, the old nunnery and cottage industry. Lachen is also the base camp for the expedition to Mt. Kanchendzonga.

Lachen Valley

Lachen Valley

Singhik

Singhik

Singhik: The place offers one of the most spectacular views of Mt. Kanchendzonga and its 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: 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. 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 & wild life, is 95 kms from Gangtok, 23 kms from Lachung, 29 kms from Lachen, and is predominantly a Lepcha region.

Chopta Valley

Chopta Valley

Chopta Valley: Chopta Valley is situated 13,220 ft. above sea level To visit Chopta Valleyis a breath taking scenery, with its meandering rivers (‘Thangu Chu’, ‘Chapta Chu’, ‘Lassur Chu’) high altitude snow capped peaks and Capt. of Alpine flowers (June-July). In the winter one can even walk on this meandering river.








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Dubdi Monastery

Dubdi Monastery

Dubdi Monastery

The Monastery is located on a hilltop above Yuksam surrounded by verdant forest. It can be approached by trekking only, negotiating steep slope for something like 32 to 35 minutes. It is an ideal place for lamas seeking meditation recthe backdrop of the sacred Mt. KhangchenDzonga. The Monastery was built in 18th Century A.D. Tashiding is also famour for the most holy chorten known as “Thong-Wa-Rang-To” which literally means “Saviours by mere sight”. Another important feature of Tashiding is the sacred water festival popularly known as “Bhumchu”. It is a religious tradition unique to Tashiding Monastery only. Every year, on the 15th day of the first Tibetan month, the Bhumchu Ceremony is celebrated with devotees coming from far and near to get the blessing of the holy water, The sacred holy water is officially sealed for safety by the Government and the lamas of the Monastery and it is taken out once a year on the auspicious occasion. The sacred water, which is taken out partly, is mixed with normal water to be distributed among thousands of devotees.

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