EAST SIKKIM
Firstly it must be said that all the four zones of Sikkim are best in their unique form and East is another popular region where tourist plan to start their Sikkim Trip with. The headquarters being Gangtok, the East provides a variety of travel reasons and the capital is one such place which provides a perfect shopping, adventure, nightlife and other adventures, justifying its popularity as the first place to stay on your Sikkim trip. It is also the epicenter of adventure activities and various cultural, religious and sightseeing places. The famous M.G Marg is also situated here and people love strolling here without any specific reasons too. East is the most developed and administrative capitals of Sikkim too as highest offices are situated here. The East also provides ample of stay options and also comes in various affordable rates depending on your preference.
Places to Visit
Enchey Monastery
It is an important offering to the tourist and an important seat of the Nyingmapa order, the Enchey Monastery is built on the Site blessed by the Lama named as Druptok KArpo. This 200 years old monastery has images of Gods and also consists of other religious objects. Every year, Chaam is performed here during the month of January.
Directorate of Handicraft & Handlooms
It is an effort to keep the culture of the state and art intact which should ultimately preserve it. The store house sells hand woven woolen carpets with traditional motifs, blankets, shawls and carved Choktse or table. The store is open from Monday to Saturday and from 9:30 am to 12: 30 Pm and from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The Emporium is open throughout the year.
Do Drul Chorten (Stupa)
The Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa was built by the Venerable Trullshi Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, in the year 1945. The structure has in it the complete manadala set and the set of Kang Gaur relic along with few other relics. You can spin the 108 prayer wheels that surrounds the Stupa, as it is meant to bring in good energy and blessings.
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre
Located about 45 minuts drive from Gangtok, around 24 km away is the Dharma Chakra Centre of Rumtek which is of great religious importance. It is under the Kagyud order of the Tibetan Buddhism and houses some of the most important and religious scriptures and rare objects. Its design is splendid and kind of matches the original Kagyud headquarters in Tibet.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
It is purely one of a kind institute that has some very rare collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts. The Institute also houses some of the most important Sanskrit Manuscripts, statues and rare Thangkas. It has over 200 Buddhist icons and other rare objects of art. Its an important study centre for Buddhist philosophy and religion.
Gangtok Ropeway
This passenger ropeway is situated in one of the highest points of Gangtok and is situated about 1 km from Gangtok. These ropeways operate through the town of Gangtok and provide excellent views. The Ropeway starts from Secretiat and passing Nam Nang takes passengers to Deorali market. It is purely a must visit while in East Sikkim.
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
Situated at an altitude of around 1800 to 2200 meters, the Botanical garden was established in the year 1987. It is comprised of various virgin temperate forests of Oak and around 50 different types of trees. The garden is situated beautifully adjoin Rumtek Monastery. It opens at 10: Am and closes at 3:00 Pm.
Ganesh Tok
It is situated on the Ridge at around 7 km from Gangtok. It is well known for providing the bird eye’s view of the sprawling Gangtok town. The view from here comes with a backdrop of the Mt Siniolchu and Kanchendzonga. It is a worship place of Lord Ganesh which is said to be worshipped before every other deity in India. You will also get hot tea, coffee and snacks here to refresh.
Hanuman Tok
It is another beautiful and popular View point around 11 km from the capital of Gangtok. This temple is dedicated towards worshipping the monkey Hindu god named Hanuman. Its location is splendid anmd the view of the unending horizon from here is really magical and beyond explanation.
Himalayan Zoological Park
8 km away from Gangtok is the Himalayan Zoological Park which houses the rarest of animals like the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Spotted Deer, Bears, Himalayan Birds etc. The total area of the Park is about 205 hectares and the environment here has been tried to be kept as natural for the animals as they naturally prefer.
Nathula
It is one of the popular sightseeing situated around 56 km from Gangtok. The altitude here is about 4400 m and the area is a border area between India and China, due to which foreign visitors are not allowed here. The pass is often covered in snow and it opens to the tourists on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The Indian Nationals too have to obtain permits from the Department of Sikkim Tourism.
Changu Lake
Literally meaning the "Source of the Lake" in Bhutia, the glacial lake is located at a distance of about 38 km from Gangtok. The lake stands at an altitude of about 3780m and is 1 km oval in shape, 15 m in depth and is considered very sacred by the locals. The lake remains frozen most times of the year and the months between May to August is the best time to see the blooming flowers.
