Gangtok Attractions, Gangtok Tourist Attractions, Gangtok Tour

Tourist Attractions in Gangtok
There are various places of sightseeing in Gangtok like Research Institute of Tibetology, Phurba Chorten, Ridge, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Pinetum, Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs, Tashi View Point, Changu Lake, Menmecho Lake, Do Drul Chorten.

Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology
The Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology is a premier institute in the world that was established to conduct research on the language and traditions of Tibet as well as the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. This institute houses a museum, a Tibetan library and a general reference centre. This research institute is situated at Deorali. The institute contains a rare collection of the Tibetan literature, manuscripts, paintings, coins, Thangkas and statues. More...

Phurba Chorten
Phurba Chorten is situated close to the Research

Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology Gangtok

Institute of Tibetology on a small hillock. This huge and towering religious monument is in the form of a stupa. The periphery of the Chorten is surrounded by 108 small prayer wheels with the mystic mantra ‘Om Mane Padme Hum’ in Tibetan inscribed on them. The Chorten was built by Late Trul Shik Rimpoche, who was the head of the Nyingama Order, and late Chogyal of Sikkim Tashi Namgyal. Inside the Chorten are placed a complete set of Kagyur holy books, relics, complete mantras and other religious objects.

Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok
Ganesh Tok is located on the hill adjoining the TV Tower. A small temple dedicated to the God Ganesh is situated on the hilltop at an altitude of 6500 feet. From the Ganesh Tok one can have a panoramic view of Gangtok and the Raj Bhawan Complex. The Pinetum garden is situated near the Ganesh Tok. This garden contains pine trees and a walk on the foothpath amongst the pine trees is refreshing. Hanuman Tok is situated about five kilometers uphill from White Hall on the Gangtok Nathula Highway. A temple dedicated to the God Hanuman is situated at an altitude of 7200 feet. On the way towards the temple, one can have a breathtaking views of Gangtok and the adjoining rolling hills.

The Ridge
The Ridge is a small stretch of plain and flat road above the town of Gangtok. It is just about fifteen minutes walk from the main market. The ridge is lined with plants and trees which when in bloom present a colorful picture. The Ridge has the White Hall and the Chief Minister’s official residence on one end and the beautifully designed Place Gate with a pagoda rooftop on the other end. A resting shed built on Tibetan architecture is also situated on the Ridge. Flower shows which attract tourists from all over the world are held just below the Ridge.

Tashi View Point
Tashi View Point is situated about six kilometers away from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway. This place offers an astounding view of the Kangchendzonga snowy range. The Phodong and the Labrang monasteries can also be seen on the opposite hill. A resting shed situated at Tashi View Point provides shelter to the tourists.

Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs
Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs are located about 25 kms from Gyalshing near Reshi on the River Rangit. One has to walk about ten minutes from the highway across the River Rangit by a pedestrian bridge to reach the hot springs. The water of these springs has medicinal value as it is very rich in Sulphur that can cure various skin diseases.

Changu Lake
The Changu lake is situated about 35 kilometers from Gangtok at an altitude of about 12000 feet on the Gangtok – Nathula highway. This lake is situated in the restricted area and hence an Inner Line Permit is required by Indians to visit this place. Foreign nationals are not permitted to visit this lake. Its cool water, flowers and the alpine vegetation harmonizes with the scenic beauty around. A small temple of Lord Siva is also constructed on the lakeside. Because of the high altitude, heavy woolens are required to be worn here throughout the year. A

beautiful natural cave called the Tseten Tashi Cave is also located near the lake which is about three storey high.

Menmecho Lake
The Menmecho Lake is another beautiful lake that is located about twenty kilometers ahead of the Changu lake. This lake is very big in size, and lies cradled between the mountains below the Jelepla pass and is also the source of the Rangpochu river. The lake is known for its fish and a farm to cultivate these fish is also situated nearby.

Do-Drul Chorten
Do-Drul Chorten at Dotapu Chorten, Gangtok was built under the supervision of the late Most Venerable Trulshi Rinpoche after due preparations in 1945-46, in accordance with the prophecy made in 1944 by his Holiness the Dud-Zom Rinpoche. Placed inside the Chorten are a complete mandala set of Dorji Phurpa (Bajra Kilaya), one set of Kagyur holy Books, relics, complete 'zung' (mantras) and other religious objects. This chorten is considered to be one of the most important chorten of Sikkim. Around the chorten 108 Mani-Lhokor (Prayer Wheels) are installed. The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lhakhang, Guru Lhakhang, where two huge statues of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambahava) are installed, Drupda (Meditation Centre), Nyingma Shede (Institute of Nyingma Higher Studies) and many smaller monuments including the 'kudung' of the latter most venerable Trulshi Rinpoche. His Eminence Dodrup Chen Rinpoche of Sikkim has his seat at the Chorten Lhakhang and guides the disciples, including the inmates of the Drubda, in their search for higher knowledge and practice of the tenets of the Nyingma Order.

Excursions from Gangtok

Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery is situated about 24 km. south west of Gangtok in one of the lower valleys. It is the headquarters of the Kagyupa (Red Hat) sect of Tibetan Lamaistic Buddhism. The 16th Gwalpa Karmapa took refuge in Sikkim after the Chinese invaded Tibet. He and his followers brought with them whatever statues, thangkas and scriptures they could and at the invitation of the Chogyal, the Karmapa settled in Rumtek and the lamasery was built. The original monastery built by the 4th Chogyal and destroyed by an earthquake, was rebuilt in the 1960s in the traditional styles as a faithful copy of the Kagyu headquarters in Chhofuk, Tibet and now

houses Dharma Chakra Centre. The important chham (religious masked dance) of Rumtek is performed on the 10th day of 5th month of the Tibetan calendar, and presents 8 manifestations of the Guru Rimpoche. This is highly colourful and spectacular and draws many pilgrims and visitors.

Kabi Longstok
Kabi Longstok is situated about 17 kms away from Gangtok. At this place, the Tibetan chieftain, Khey Bumsar signed a blood brotherhood with the Lepcha shaman Te-Kung-Tek. The spot is marked by a stone amidst the shadows of a dense wooded area. The Statue of Unity erected near the Thakurbari Temple in Gangtok is in the memory of this event.

Chungthang
Chungthang is situated about 95 kms. away from Gangtok, enroute to Yumthang. This tiny hamlet of Chungthang lies at the confluence of the two rivers, the Lachen Chhu (which later evolves into the Teesta) and the Lachung Chhu. The main feature of this place is a footprint atop a rock which is said to be that of Guru Padmasambhava.