Pemayangtse

The premier monastery of Sikkim, belonging to the Nyingmapa sect commands a panor mic view of the mountain range. Situated at a height of 2000 mts. (approx.). An interesting feature of Pemayangtse is the depiction of ‘Sangthopalri’ or ‘heaven’. Sculptured on wood by a single monk, which took 5 years to complete. A work of art.

For the traveller who would like an insight to the unspoilt charm, of West Sikkim, Pemayangtse is the base.

Tashiding

Tashiding Monastery was built at the spot on tip of a hill between Rangit and Ratong rivers, where a rainbow emanating from Mount Khangchendzonga came to an end.

No pilgrimage to Sikkim is complete without a visit to the Tashiding monastery. The monastery is looked upon as the most sacred, and the mere sight of it is supposed to cleanse one of all their sins. Tashiding is a days journey by trek and 1 hour by car from Pemayangtse.

Dzongri

Dzongri with an altitude of 4000 mts. offers an exhilirating experience. A trekkers paradise, one gets an awe inspiring view of the Khangchendzonga range of mountains.

Gangtok

The visitor enters Sikkim at the border town of Rangpo in the Tista valley. One leaves it quickly behind, following the Tista in snaking curves to another small town Singtam, where oranges in season are in golden pyramids beside the highway. Then through the forest and across open mountain side begins the climb to Gangtok the capital and principal town of Sikkim. Built on the flank of a Ridge Gangtok is 1600 mts. above the sea level and the only modern town in Sikkim.

Apart from the gorgeous views of deep valleys, rivulets and the snow mountain range, Gangtok has a number of places of interest to offer the visitor.

Research Institute of Tibetology

The Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology and other Buddhist studies in Gangtok, is today the most prestigious one of its kind in India. It has a vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts as well as statues and thankas used in Buddhist liturgy. The Institute promotes a serious study of Buddhist philoosophy and religion and is consulted by scholars from all over the world.

Just below the Institute of Tibetology is the Orchid Sanctuary where a vast range of orchids are found.

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre

A 23 Km. drive from Gangtok through scenic mountainside country, leads you to Rumtek. This monastery has been designed on the lines of traditional architecture, and is almost a replica of the Kagyu headquarters in Tibet. The monastery has some of the most unique religious art objects.

Phurba- Chorten at Do-Ta-Pu

The Phurba Chorten at Do-Ta-Pu-Situated on a small hillock is a five minute drive from Gangtok town. Around the Chorten is installed the ‘Mani-Lhakor’. The Chorten is surrounded by the Mani-Lhakhang and the Guru Lhakhang. Close by, there is also a ‘Sheda’ or Nying mapa School of Buddhist studies.

The Government Institute of Cottage Industries

The G.I.C.I. helps to preserve traditional arts and crafts producing cottage crafts of authentic Sikkimese designs. Attractive handwoven carpets, Lepcha weave bags & intricately handcarved articles in wood and bamboo can be picked up as souvenio.