Gangtok

Gangtok, the "Lofty Hill" or the "Hill made flat to build the Gangtok monastery in 1716". Gangtok is a city, which, till one sees it, one would believe exists only in picture-story books. In the mystery-laden mists prayer flags whip in the breeze; wheels spin in the hands of Lamas mumbling invocations to God, in the distance are the snows, on the streets amidst brightly painted pagoda roofed houses, lined with friendly smiling people are silver, silk and spice and jewellery to gladden an maiden's heart, from across the seven seas are gadget and goods to delight the collector of "imported goods', while directly overlooking the city is the hill Lukshyma, the 'Mother of Pearl' citadel of the magic mountain, Khang-Chen-Dzod-Nga. An air of enchantment hangs over the city, indeed the whole valley; the mysticism, the stupas, the monasteries reach out as soon as one has crossed the border. While across the hills and valleys comes the sounding of the long trumpets by robed lamas.

MUST SEE:
Tsuklakhang: The Royal Chapel, Tsuklakhang, is within the palace grounds. Popularly called Tsulakhang royal. It is the principal place of worship and assembly and the repository of a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures.

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

Dul-Dul Chorten: "Jhang Club Chortan" Sikkim has commemorated, with Stupas, both the Buddha and one of his followers of today. Near the Deorali Bazaar, are two exquisite Stupas, the "Dul-dul-Chorten", was built to commemorate the victory of good over evil; the "Jhang Club Chorten" was built to perpetuate the memory of a great spiritualist of today. Thrul-shik rinpoche an ardent devotee of Buddha and one of his best interpreters died in 1962, the Stupa immortalises Rimpoche in the land of his birth.

Deer Park: Adjacent to the new secretariat and also called the Rustomji Park named after one of the Dewans of the Chogyal of Sikkim, the park has a big open enclosure in which animals native to Sikkim like the red panda and the Himalayan Bear are kept. A big statue of Lord Buddha commemorating his preachings of the noble truths in the Deer Park at Sarnath adorns the park premises. A butter lamp perpetually burns in front of the statue, which is surrounded with flowers of exotic variety. The park commands a fantastic view of the hills, surrounding Gangtok.

Enchey Ancient Monastery: Set in a forest on a hill the monastery offers one of the best views of the mountain range of Kanchenjuga.

Government Cottage Industries Institute: Situated near the Tourist Office the Institute specialises in weaving, wood carving and paintings of typical Sikkimese designs. The most popular items are hand-woven carpets, blankets, shawls and exquisite tables.

Orchid Sanctuary:

Research Institute Of Tibetology: A splendid example of traditional architecture, the institute has a library with a large collection of Tibetan books on science, medicine, astrology and others.

NEAR BY DESTINATIONS:
Kanchenjunga- 8 kms.
Fambonglho wildlife sanctuary - 25 kms.
Hanuman Mandir - 4 kms.
Rumtek - 24 km.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April to June and resumes from September to October.

THE WAY TO GANGTOK:
By Air: The closest airport is at Bagdogra, which is 124-km from Gangtok (about 4 hours drive) and connected by air with all-important Indian Metros.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri, which is 125-km (about 4 hours drive) from Gangtok. NJP is well connected with all major cities of India. Gangtok, railway bookings can be made at the booking counter of the Sikkim nationalised transport terminus.

By Road: Gangtok is connected with Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Siliguri by the national highway 31 A. the Sikkim nationalised transport plies regular bus services between Gangtok and Siliguri and within Sikkim. Private buses, jeeps and taxis are also available from Siliguri and Bagdogra. Bookings can be made at the SNT terminus, Siliguri.

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