Gangtok
Wreathed in clouds, Gangtok, the capital cityof Sikkim is located on a ridge at a height of 5500 feet. With a spectacular view of the Khangchendzonga, the town provides the perfect base for travel through the state. Once an important transit point for traders traveling between Tibet and India, it is today a busy administrative and business centre and presents an interesting mix of cultures and communities.
Gangtok is a cosmopolitan town which offers the tourist all possible amenities. Hotels are available in a range of prices along with a variety of eateries serving cuisine for all tastes. Shopping complexes, cyber cafes, night clubs and pool parlours abound for those so inclined.
MG Marg, the main street of Gangtok town is a great place to chill out. The countrys first litter and spit free zone, no vehicular traffic is allowed into the marg. You can sit at the Titanic Park or at the various benches stretched across the mall and take in the carnival like atmosphere, especially during the tourist season. The Mall is lined with shops on both sides of the road so shopping becomes an added pleasure.
MG Marg is also the venue for the annual Gangtok Food and Culture festival held in December each year when Sikkims multi-cultural cuisine, along with music and dance performances are showcased. This event attracts a large number of locals and tourists each year.
For a birds eye view of Gangtok take a ride on the bi-cable Zig-back ropeway. The one kilometre ride from Deorali to Tashiling Secretariat costs Rs. 30 one way and is completed in 7 minutes. Each cabin has the capacity to ferry 25 people at a time. The ropeway has been fitted with fully computerized modern safety mechanism of international standards. On clear weather the ride offers a great view of the Khangchendzonga range apart from an overview of Gangtok town and the valley below. After you get off at Tashiling Secretariat you can walk to the Ridge Park and soak in the beautiful surroundings as well as visit the ongoing Flower Festival held just below the park.
Monasteries
The secluded green valleys of Sikkim are cuddled in the lap of the Himalayas. As soon as one lands in Sikkim, they get the feeling of walking on the green carpets, floating clouds, gigantic mountains, and seamless paths dotted with colorful Tibetan prayer flags. Feast your eyes on the golden hues of Kanchenzdonga while you discover splendid waterfalls, sacred lakes, picturesque village scenes and sequestered monasteries.
The monasteries in Sikkim can soothe one's soul with every bit of spirituality. Some of the famous monasteries in Sikkim are Pemayangtse Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Phensang Monastery, Phodang Monastery, Tashiding Monastery, Sanga Chelling Monastery, etc. As per the latest report, there are more than 200 monasteries in Sikkim and most them pass under the judgement of the Nyingma and Kagyu which not only influences cultural heritage but lifestyle of the people as well. It also demonstrates about the ancient rituals and rules which are in vogue.
Monks dressed in red robes, chanting hymns to the rhythm of drums and trumpets while soft lights flicker from decorative lamps placed before statues of the great Guru Padmasambhava. One can feel the peace and closeness to the almighty at this place as the sacred words mingle with the whirring prayer wheels. The exteriors of the monasteries are adorned with the religious Gompas. One can see that the Gompas are decorated with frescoes of hoary Buddhist legends, rare silk and brocade Thangkas. Also preserved here are ancient Tibetan manuscripts, exquisitely carved wood work and icons of silver and gold. Perched on a hill top above Gangtok, these monasteries are rare sites.
Ravangla
It's time to let go! Time to shed inhabitation and embrace the diversity of India. With the magnificent Kanchenjunga as the backdrop, Ravangla is the perfect place to laze around with a cup of coffee and enjoy the best of Sikkim. There are temples, monasteries, sightseeing, adventure sports; Ravangla is the jack of all trades, and master of many Sikkim towns. Located in the magical environment of the plush Himalayan forest and colossal mountains which enhance the skyline, Ravangla is the perfect base for some of India's finest tourism destinations and treks.
Every year Ravangla attracts tourist in large numbers because of its exotic flora and fauna, haughty snow mountains, gusting waterfalls, quaint villages, hospitable villages, picturesque tea gardens, ethnic culture, old monasteries and fresh atmosphere. What makes Ravangla unique from other destinations in Sikkim is the Bonn Monastery, Ralang Monastery, old yet historical market of Kewzing, along with mysterious small caves.
The festivals of Sikkim are its focal point of attraction. The vibrant and colourful customs associated with the festivals of Sikkim can mesmerize any tourist. The philosophy, ethnic touch, dance, music, and gears create a dramatic environment which is enjoyed by every religious and irreligious souls alike.
Located at an altitude of 7000 ft., Ravangla is an idyllic destination for all the adventure junkies as well. One of the best tourist destinations in South Sikkim, Ravangla can mesmerize anyone with its beauty, and cultural diversity. Tourist can also purchase inimitable traditionally designed carpets, shawls and wooden carvings on their tour to Ravangla. The traditionally designed and woven carpets available here are said to be the best one can buy anywhere.
Namchi
The small town, Namchi is the epitome ofculture, diversity, religion, benevolence, and also depicts the munificence of Sikkim. Namchi is blessed with welcoming monasteries, traditional temples, lush greenery, flora, and forests. On a tour to Namchi, tourists can unveil the best kept secrets of the Himalaya. The beauty of Namchi can't be defined in a single word or phrase.
'Sky High' is what the meaning of Namchi, and is completely synonymous as it is located at an elevation of 5,500 ft. As per the historical facts, once Sikkim was under the reign of the Chogyals. It is believed that Chogyals were the ones who ruled the both Sikkim and Ladakh. Legends say that one of the Sikkimese princesses, Pende Ongmoo deceived a Sikkimese Chogyal. When people of Sikkim got to know about this, they killed the Sikkimese princess, Pende Ongmoo. The place where the Pend Ongmoo was killed is believed to be the present day Namchi.
Spirituality is an essential element of Sikkim's cultural and social grain. Pay a visit to the temples; meditate in the ancient Buddhist monasteries or attend religious festivals in the town of Namchi. If tourists are planning an excursion to the monastery, then they should not forget to light a butter lamp which stands for prosperity, peace and love.
An important station associated with Namchi is the Samdruptse Hill. Folklore says that Samdruptse Hill fulfils the wishes of every tourist. On Samdruptse Hill, a tourist can see the largest statue of Lord Padmasambhava in the world. According to history, the hill was once a volcano sight. Saints go up the hill and pray that volcano never erupts.
Furthermore, Namchi is the land of celebrations and carnival. Every year Namchi hosts the 'The Gold Cup' football tournament at Baichung stadium. Teams from Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and all over India participate in the football tourney. In the month of February, Namchi hosts an annual flower show which exhibits rare collection of orchids. The flower show is considered as the largest in Sikkim. Additionally, in the month of October, Namchi festival is hosted by the cultural and food tourism.
Nathu la and Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake - Tsogmo Lake or Changu Lake is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim, India, approximately 40 kilometers / 25 miles away from Gangtok at altitude of nearly 3780 meters / 12400 feet. The road to Nathu La passes the lake on north side. The Chinese border crossing is only some 5 Indian Postal Service released a commemorative stamp on the lake on 6th November, 2006. Average depth of the lake is 15 meters / 50 feet and the Coordinates are 27° 22′ 31″ N 88° 45′ 50″ E. In Bhutia language it literally known as source of the lake and is situated 2 hours drive from Gangtok, the capital of the state. The lake is about a kilometer is length and oval in shape. It is considered sacred by the local people and it applies to most of the high altitude lake in Sikkim. Home of brahminy ducks, red panda and various species of birds. It's cool, placid water harmonizes with the scenic beauty around. A small temple of lord Siva is constructed on the lake side. This lake remains frozen during then blooms, including the rhododendrons, various species of primulas, blue and yellow poppies, irises etc. The Tsomgo lake derives its water from the melting snow on the mountains around. River Lungtze Chu originates from the Tsomgo lake Sikkim and meets the Rangpo-chu further down its course. During the olden days lamas used to study the colour of the water of the lake and forecast the future. If the waters of the Tsomgo lake had a dark tinge, it foreshadowed a period of difficult time and unrest in the region. The lake has a trout’s and among them is the rainbow trout and if one is lucky you may catch a glimpse at them.
Nathula Pass / Nathu La – Nathu La is a mountain pass in the Himalayas connecting the Indian state of Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The pass is situated at an altitude of 4310 meters / 14140 feet). It forms a part of an offshoot of the ancient Silk Road. Nathu means "listening ears" and La means "pass" in Tibetan. This pass is situatednearly 56 kilometers from Gangtok, the capital of Indian state of Sikkim on Jawaharlal Nehru Marg. Only citizens of India can visit the pass, that too after obtaining a permit in Gangtok. Nathu La is one of the three open trading border posts between China and India, the other two are Shipkila in Himachal Pradesh and Lipulekh (or Lipulech) in Uttarakhand. Sealed after 1962 Sino-Indian War, Nathu La was re-opened in 2006 following bilateral trade agreements. The opening also shortens the travel distance to important Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the region.
Lachung and Yumthang Valley
In far North Sikkim, six hours from Gangtok and 9,000 feet above sea level near the Tibetan/Chinese border, Lachung and the Yumthang Valley dazzle visitors with dramatic pristine scenery. Lachung served as a trading post between Sikkim and Tibet before Tibet was annexed by China. Now, it's the base camp for the renowned Rhododendron Valley Trek from Yumthang Valley to Lachen Valley. Other attractions in the area are Lachung monastery, Yumesamdong (Zero Point), and the astonishing high-altitude Gurudongmar Lake (it's one of the world's highest lakes, at more than 17,000 feet above sea level).
North Sikkim is a restricted area and it's necessary to obtain a special permit to visit it. You'll need to make your travel arrangements through a registered tour company, which will also organize the permit for you. This can be done in Gangtok. Note that the Yumthang Valley is closed from December and March due to heavy snow, and foreigners are only permitted as far as the Chopta Valley (they cannot visit Gurudongmar Lake).
Kirateshwar Temple
Located on the bank of the Rangit River, Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is a must visit religious sight for every tourist on their tour to Legship, West Sikkim. The temple is located at a distance of 5 km from Pelling and is connected with Geyzing and Pemayangtse. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has lots of tales connected to the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. According to legends, this is the place where Lord Shiva appeared in front of Arjuna in the disguise of a hunter and blessed him to attain success in the war of Mahabharata.
Currently, there is a guest house within the premises of the temple, and it can accommodate more than 500 people. The temple is at its liveliest during the months of November and December as the famous festival Bala Chaturdesi is celebrated during this time.
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