Gangtok - A Introduction
Perched atop a ridge at a height of 1520 Mts. lies Gangtok, a tantalizing
town touched by a panorama of colours. Gangtok the capital of Sikkim, is
today a busy town bustling with hectic activity. Its captivating
architectural beauty radiates with pagoda-like wooden houses, painted
turquoise roofs and gay bazaars. Undoubtedly modern times have wound their
way into this picturesque town, but the gently swaying and elegant costumes
of the Sikkimese people, their smiling faces, the unhurried pace of their
life-style and the towering beauty of Kanchenjunga, all cast a magic spell
on this delightful location in the foothills of the grand Himalayas. Gangtok
serves as a perfect base for exploring Sikkim. Endowed with a wealth of
exquisite beauty and magical mystery, with a host of walkways and delightful
sights, which make it all the more irresistible. Gangtok houses some of the
important Buddhist religious sites too. The existence of the peaceful
Chortens or Stupas, old monasteries and the unspoiled natural beauty of
Gangtok offer you a truly unique travelling experience.
Places
of Interest Do Drul Chorten Do Drul Chorten
is one of the many important attractions. It is regarded as the
most important "stupa" of Sikkim. Built in 1945 by Trulshi
Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, this stupa also has
sacred gold-topped shikhara with 108 prayer wheels. This highly revered
Chorten is also characterised by complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba
(Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-gyur relics (Holy Books), complete "Zung"
( mantras) and other religious objects. The Chorten also has two huge
statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) around it.
Enchey
Monastery Enchey monastery is another place you must visit in
this city. The Enchey monastery literally means the solitary temple. At the
time it was constructed, it was the only building in the entire area. This
place especially attracts attention during the religious dances or "Chaam"
performed in January. Located above Siniolchu Lodge, about 3 km away from
the town centre, the relatively small monastery was built 200 years ago and
the present building was constructed in the year 1909. The site where the
monastery is built is supposed to be blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a
tantric master known for his flying powers. You can also get wonderful view
of Kanchenjunga from here.
Orchid Sanctuary
The Orchid Sanctuary makes a must visit. The sanctuary is famous
for its rare and extensive collection of orchids. The sanctuary's collection
also varies depending on the seasons. However, the wide spread orchid
sanctuary has almost 454 species of orchid found in Sikkim. A interesting
place to visit especially for nature lovers.
Tashi
Ling Tashi Ling is located at a distance of just 6 kilometres from
the main town. The Tashi Ling is another important site to visit for it provides astounding view of the Kanchenjunga range. Here lies the
Tashi Ling monastery mostly known for its "Bumchu" (Sacred Pot).
This pot contains holy water, which has never run dry for last 300 years.
The place also provides view of the Phodong and the Labrang monasteries
located on the opposite hill. Just a day's walk from Pemayangtse, this is
also a wonderful picnic spot.
Namgyal Institute
A must visit in Gangtok, the Namgyal Institute was built in the year 1958 to
promote research in Mahayan Buddhism and Tibetan language and traditions.
Built in a traditional style, this institute has world\'s largest
collections of books and rare manuscripts on Mahayan Buddhism, in addition
to the works of art and silk embroidered Tankhas. Moreover, it also houses
relics of monks, samples of Lepcha scripts, masks and sacred objects like
Kapali, a bowl made from a human skull, and the carku, a flute made from a
thigh bone.
Tsuk La Khang Another place
that must be included in your sightseeing is the Tsuk la Khang. A depository
of a large collection of scriptures, this is the principal place of worship
and assembly for the local Buddhists. The Tsuk la Khang is also
characterised by the beautiful and impressive building with mural covered
interior lavishly decorated altars or images of Buddha, bodhisattvas and
Tantric deities and the many fine works of woodcarving. The Tsuk la Khang
remains open for the general public and tourists during Losar, the famous
dance festival.
Gangtok Excursion:- Nearby Places
Phodong Monastery Located at a distance of
28 kilometres North of Sikkim, the Phodong Monastery is another must visit
in your excursion. This is regarded as the most beautiful monastery of
Sikkim. It has around 260 monks and some old mural paintings. Many people
come here to visit the temple during the festival time.
Rumtek
Monastery Located at a distance of about 24 kilometres, the Rumtek monastery is one of the many must visit excursion points. The ancient monastery was built in 1717 but didn't survive
for long. It was built again by Gyalwa Karmapa in the year 1960 and followed
the architectural designs of the monastery in Tibet, from where the Karmapa
had come. The monastery is also characterised by the structure covered with
murals, Tibetan paintings, Tankhas and frescoes. The monastery is also the
largest in Sikkim, sprawling over a wide area.