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The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok has a very spectacular setting and offers excellent views of the entire Kanchenjunga range, from various points in its vicinity. This jewel-like mountain capital,lies wrapped in mists and clouds ,with an incredible variety of rhododendrons and rare orchids. A large number of mountains having high altitudes stand here with the high serrated, snow capped spurs and peaks of Kanchenjunga, from where a number of glaciers descend into the state of Sikkim.

Gangtok does not have a separate history of its own. The entire Sikkim including Gangtok, was ruled by the Namgyal (Lepcha) clan since the 15th century to 1975. Though Sikkim lost much land to Nepal and Bhutan in the 18th century, with the defeat of the Nepali army by the British in 1817, southern Sikkim was given back to the ruler, in exchange for the hill that later became known as Darjeeling. Sikkim ended its monarchy rule and merged to become the 22nd state of India with effect from 26th April, 1975.

Gangtok's cultural life, is bound by Tibetan religious and aesthetic traditions. The cultural climax, comes every year, when Chham or masked dances, are performed, in honour of Kanchenjunga, its presiding deity and the mountain. There are also many secular folk dances. The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, has one of the largest collections of Tibetan books in the world. Many Buddhist monasteries are repositories of artistic treasures, including wall paintings, thangkas (religious paintings mounted on brocade) and bronze images.

Climate & Geographical Location -

As Gangtok is situated on the lap of the Himalayas, it never experiences the hot weather, as in the plains. The winters are cold and it rains through the year. Usually the upper reaches are blocked by snow during winters and are accessible only during the mild summer months. Gangtok lies at an altitude of 1800 meters, occupying the west side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipool River.

Gangtok is connected by road to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri, which in turn is well connected with road, rail and air. Sikkim does not have an airfield of its own. The Bagdogra Airfield near Siliguri serves the needs of Sikkim. From Bagdogra it takes five hours by road to reach Gangtok. The nearest railway stations are those of Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. But Gangtok is well connected by roads and one can reach here from anywhere in India. But during the rainy seasons ,travelling by roads ,can be a bit problem oriented ,as landslides are very common and frequent in the region.

: T O U R I S T P L A C E S :

Enchey Monastery -

This 200-year-old monastery, 3 km from downtown Gangtok, is built on the site blessed by the famous flying tantrik master Lama Druptop Karpo. It is an important seat of the Nyingma order. Every year in January, Chaam or the masked dance is performed with great fanfare.

Nathula Pass on the Indo-China border, is at a height of 14,500 ft. A cool 2 hrs. ride from Gangtok, the Army has stipulated that each group should not comprises more than 25 people. Given the strategic location of Natula Pass, cameras are not allowed. The Sikkim Tourism department has provided a single-window permit system, where tourists to Nathula can collect the required documents.

Situated on the Gangtok-Nathula highway, at an altitude of 12,400 ft. Changu Lake which is hardly 20 kms away from the famous Nathula Pass and about 400 kms from Lhasa, fall in the restricted area and hence an Inner Line Permit is required. A small temple of Lord Siva, is constructed on the lakeside. Primula flowers and other alpine vegetation, grow around the lake, which has an average depth of 50 ft. During the winter months, the lake becomes frozen. Rides on Yaks and mules are also offered at the lake site.

Rumtek Monastery -

A replica of the original Kagyu Order headquarters in Tibet, Rumtek Monastery is one of the richest monasteries in India. After the arrival of His Holiness, the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in the late 60s, the centre houses some of the worlds most unique religious scriptures and religious art objects. The seat of the head of the Kagyu-pa-sect-Gyalwa Karmapa, this sect has its teachings transmitted orally. The whole structure is covered with murals and thangkas. The old monastery can still be seen just beyond the new structure.

Tashiding Monstery -

Built on a heart-shaped hill, with the majestic Mt. Khanghendzonga providing the perfect backdrop, this monastery was built here in the 18th century. According to the scriptures, Guru Padma Sambhava (Guru Rimpoche) blessed the land of Sikkim in the 8th century from this place. A sacred water festival called Bhumchu is celebrated on the 15th day of the first Tibetan month every year.

DIRECTORATE OF HANDICRAFTS AND HANDLOOM - Instituted for promoting and keeping alive the traditional arts and crafts of the state, the centre is a storehouse of handwoven wool carpets, traditional motifs, blankets, shawls and wooden furniture.

DO - DRUL CHORTEN - The venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma Order, built the Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa in 1945. It has the complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-gyur relics (Holy Book), and other religious exhibits.

FAMBONG LA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - Home to a large number of wild orchids, rhododendrons, oak, katus, kimbu, champ with thick bamboo forests and ferns, the richly forested area, is also the home for various species of wild animals and birds.

KABI LUNGCHOK - This historical place on the North Sikkim Highway, is where the historic treaty of blood brotherhood between the lepcha chief Te-Kung-Tek and the Bhutia Chief Khey-Bum-Sar was ritually signed.

PHODONG MONASTERY, LABRANG MONASTERY & TUMLONG PALACE - All the three are located within an area of 1 sq km, Phodong Monastery belongs to the Krgyupa Sect (Karmapa). Labrang Monaster belongs to the Nyingmapa sec.

SARAMSA GARDEN - This garden is home to Sikkim's many exotic orchids and rare tropical and temperate plants. Formed and maintained by the Department of Forests, it is an excellent recreation and picnic spot.

SIKKIM RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TIBETTOLOGY - A renowed centre for the study of Buddhist philosophy and religion, it has a vast and rare collection of Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and thankas. Over 200 Buddhist icons and other art objects are displayed here.