PLACES
OF INTEREST IN & AROUND GANGTOK
Enchey Monastery:
An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery
is built on the site blessed by lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric
master known for his power of flying. This 200-year-old Monastery
has in its premise images of gods, goddess and other religious
objects.
Pemayangtse Monastery :
Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in
the State, originally established by Lhatsun Chempo, one
of the reverend lamas to have performed the consecration
ceremony of the first Chogyal (Religious) Monarch) of Sikkim.
This ancient Monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of
Tibetan Buddhism and has been considered as one of the premier
monasteries
in the State.
Sangacholing Monastery :
This Monastery is situated on a ridge above Pelling and
the famous Pemayangtse Monastery. Built in 1697 A.D., it
is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries in the
State. In order to reach this Monastery one has to be prepared
to spend at least 40 minutes walking up the steep hill slope
which leads through rich forest covers.
Dubdi Monastery :
This was the first Monastery established soon after the
consecration ceremony of the first chohyal. The Monastery
is located on a hill top above Yuksam surrounded by verdant
forest. It can be approached by trekking only, negotiating
steep slope for something like 32 to 35 minutes. It is an
ideal place for lamas seeking meditation recluse.
Tashiding Monastery :
This Monastery is constructed on top of a heart- shaped
hill with the backdrop of the sacred Mt. Khangchendzonga.
According to Buddhist scriptures, Guru Padma Sambhave (
Guru Rimpoche ) blessed the sacred land of Sikkim in 8th
Century A.D. by one Nadak Sempa Chempo, one of the three
lamas who had performed the consecration ceremony of the
first Chogyal.
Phensong Monastery :
The Phensong Monastery, under the Nyingmapa Buddhist Order
, was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme Pawo . It was
gutter by fire in 1947 and rebuilt in 1948 through the efforts
of the lamas. The annual festival of Chaam is performed
on the 29th and 28th days of the tenth month of Lunar
calendar ( Tibetan Calendar ).
Phodong Monastery :
One of the six major monasteries is Sikkim, Phodong monastery
is located in the North approximately 38 kms from Gangtok.
At a distance of 4 kms beyond Phodong is the recently- renovated
Labrang Monastery unique in its architectural design.
Do-drul Chorten ( Stupa ):
The Do-drul Chorten or Stupa was built by the venerable
Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism,
in 1945. Inside this Stupa, there are complete mandala sets
of Dorjee Jphurba ( Bajra Kilaya) , a set of kan-gyur relics
( Holy Books), complete 'Zung' ( mantras ) and other religious
objects, Around this chorten, which is one the most important
stupas in Sikkim .
Namgyal Research Instituteof Tibetology (NRIT)
:
The most prestigious of its kind in India-this Buddhist
Institute is a treasure grove of vast collection of rare
Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, Statues and rare
Thankas (Tapestries used in Buddhist liturgy ) and has over
200 Buddhist icons and other prized object of art. Today
, its is a renowned worldwide centre for study of Buddhist
Philosophy and religion.
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre :
About 45 minutes drive from Gangtok, 24 kms away, is the
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, the seat of the Kagyu order,
one of the 4 major Tibetan Buddhist sects, since the late
1960s, after the arrival of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa
Karmapa, the Centre houses some of the world's most unique
religious scriptures and religious are objects, Traditional
in design, it is almost a replica of the original Kagyu
headquarters Tibet .
Tsomgo Lake :
It is literally known as the "Source Of The Lake"
in Bhutia language. Just about 40 kms away from Gangtok,
the capital of the State, this serene lake is situated at
an altitude of 3780 metre. The lake is about 1 km long.
Oval in shape ,15 metres deep and is considered scared by
the local people.
This placid lake remains frozen during the winter months
upto mid- May . Between May and August it is possible to
see a variety of flowers in blooms, including the rhododendrons,
various species of primulas, blue and yellow poppies, irises
etc, it is also an ideal habitat for the Red Panda and various
species of birds.
Tashi View Point:
Situated along the North Sikkim Highway, it is only 8 kms
from Gangtok. From this point you get a breathtaking view
of Mount Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most
graceful peaks in the world.
Ganesh Tok:
It is situated on a ridge and is only 7 kms from Gangtok
. From this spot one gets bird's eye view of sprawling Gangtok
town down below while across the hill Mt. Khangchendzonga
and Mt. Sinioichu loom over the horizon. A cafeteria serves
you hot tea/coffee and snacks.
Hanuman Tok :
It is 11 kms away from Gangtok town, above Ganesh Tok with
a Hindu Temple where the devotees come and offer prayers.
Because of its locational advantage the view of the mountains
along the horizon is just magnificent, especially on a clear
sunny morning.
Khecheopalri Lake :
Khecheopalri Lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes
of this State both by the Buddhist and the Hindu. The lake
remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed
that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on
the lake surface. There is a motorable road from Pemayangtse
right up to the lake area.
BHUTAN