Places to see in Gangtok

Scenic beauty and serene ambience are two distinguishing factors that make up a holiday destination and the same can be said about the hill station Gangtok. Basking in natural ecosystem with its orchid, flowering groves and tall and lush green surrounding against the picturesque background of the snow capped hill and the Might of the Kanchenjunga peak and the surrounding mountain ranges. This is a perfect holiday destination especially for those who wish to spend quality family time in tranquility and serene settings.



Hence the places to visit in Gangtok include,

Enchey Monastery– An important place of worship and the epicenter of the Nyingamapa order of holy priests and lamas. This holy monastery situated in the foothill of greenery was blessed and opened for worship by the famous tantric master Lama Drutop Karpro who is much revered and at the same time believed to have possessed magic power of flying during his life time.  The monastery is about 200 years old and has statues and monuments of the great saints and monks. The Chaam festivals or the festival of masks as it is called is celebrated with pomp and fervor among the residents.

Rumtek monastery- In terms of visitors and frequent travelers to the hill station of Sikkim, there is no need for an introduction. This is one of the most talked about and at the same time one of time most visited monastery in the whole north eastern region of India. The original monastery at Rumtek was built by the original rulers of the Sikkim rulers in the 16th century. The new monastery and the Dharma chakra Sthal as the present structure. The present temple and monastery was built in traditional Tibetan monastic architecture with its tall pillars and at the same time the freshly painted fretwork that offers that a true visual treat specially against the background of the green hills.

Phodong Monastery- Situated in Thompong 40 km north of Gangtok and the structure was recently renovated. However the Lambring Gompa is above the original structure and as such the ambience of devotion and fervor is unparallel. The Monastery is preserved and intact.

Institute of Tibetology- This organization is dedicated to the study and propagation of the Tibetan Philosophy. The institute attracts tourists and philosophers and believers of the Buddhist philosophy and religion throughout the world.  The institute houses 30000 rare books, tantric documents and manuscripts written on gold on the bark of a poisonous tree, antique thangkha and 200 icons, all prized objects of art for the Buddhist world.

Permayangtse Monastery- Situated at an elevation of 2085 feet above sea level, this monastery is also one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim.  This monastery belongs to the Nyingamapa set of Lamas and is said to date back to the early 8th century. The followers of the monastery belong to the Red Cap lamas. The prayerful ambience of the environment is a highlighting feature of the of this monastery, the soul feels at ease and at the same time is one place that is apt for silent recollection and prayer.

Deer Park- the Deer park of Gangtok is an important tourist destination. Located next to the Sikkim Secretariat building the Deer Park is a spotting place. Tourists to the region come to visit the Deer park to get the glimpse of the deer while on its gaiety. Similar to the Deer park at Sarnath in Varanasi the deer park comes with statue of the Lord Buddha and that of a deer in its gait.  The most peculiar thing of this deer park is that it opens its doors to tourists as early as 7.30 in the morning as  it is time for feeding the deer’s.

Orchid Sanctuary- This Sanctuary is known for it is specialized sanctuary for gardens and flaunts plants and flora. There are temperate and intermediate times types of orchids on display that are well tendered. The tourists season is the best time to see the Orchid sanctuary in full bloom with all its plants and flowering groves and octaves.

Orchidarium- Apart from the Orchid Sanctuary there is also Orchidarium that is a specialized orchid garden. From a far the orchids look like a cascading green blanket and as such is blessed with serene lush greenery and at the same time is also  is  also has a mass nursery of orchids. The environment is entirely conducive to that of the orchids and is such a peaceful and serene destination to spend some quality time.

Tasha Viewpoint- Located at about 7 km form Gangtok, the Tashi viewpoint is offers an awespiring, breathtaking and panoramic view of the majestic mounts and of the mighty and imposing Kanchenjunga.

Lal bazaar- This place is not just a place a thriving market and commercial center and as such is comes alive on Sunday. The market is filled with colorful shades and various ethnic groups from different villages gather to haggle, bargain, barter, gossip or just sell their wares.