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SIKKIM HILL STATIONS »»GANGTOK
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Hill Station - Gangtok |
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 The
capital of Sikkim, Gangtok
(which means 'hilltop'),
sprawls down the west
side of a long ridge flanking
the Ranipul River. The
scenery is spectacular
and there are excellent
views of the entire Kanchenjunga
Range from many points
in the environs of the
city. Its picturesque
mountain range with several
beautiful monasteries
attracts thousands of
tourists from all parts
of India.
In Gangtok one can both
experience the age old
tradition and culture
along with its urbanization
in terms of modern facilities.
Tourist
attractions in Gangtok
The Tsongo or Changu Lake is situated in the Northeast of Gangtok. Tourists require special permits to visits breathtaking place.
Gangtok is a heaven to the adventure loving tourists. The tourists may try their hands in adventure activities like hang gliding, mountain biking, trekking, white-water rafting and yak safari. Gangtok has several trekking routes to the Chaurigang, Dzongri, Khechopalri, Pemayangtse, Rabongla, Sang, Sikip, Tashiding, Thangshing, Tsokha, Varsey, Yangang, Yuksam and Zemathang.
We recommend
following Popular Sightseeing
spots in Gangtok:
Enchey
Monastery - Located
on a hilltop, it was built
during the rule of Thutob
Namgyal. This 200 year
old monastery houses many
images of god and goddesses
and religious texts within
its complex. A religious
masked dance known as
Chaam held every year
in the month of January
and the annual festival
are prime sources of tourist
attractions.
Government
Institute of Cottage Industry
- Also known
as the Directorates of
Handicrafts and Handlooms.
This institute was established
in 1957 to preserve, protect
and propagate the traditional
art and craft of Sikkim.
Handloom carpets, furniture,
hand carved foldable tables(Choktsees),
exquisite dolls, hand
painted masks, lamp stands
are some items which tourist
can purchase while visiting
this industry.
Sikkim
Research Institute of
Tibetology -
It is an world famous
centre for Tibetan studies
and research. The institute
has a large collection
of some old Tibetan literature,
manuscripts, paintings,
statues and other historic
objects. The institute
was established with an
soul aim to promote research
on Tibetan language and
culture. The institute
also has a library, which
is open to public all
day in the weak with an
entry fee of Rs 2.
Deer
Park - Located
near the new secretariat,
the park was established
in the late 50s. It is
home to different types
of deer along with some
other animals like Red
Panda, Himalayan Bear.
There is also a big statue
of Lord Buddha inside
the park, which is a replica
of that in Sarnath.
 Changu Lake - It is literally known as "source of the lake " in Bhutia language. Just about 40 kms. away from Gangtok. this serene lake is situated at an altitude of 12,000 ft on the Gangtok Nathu La highway. It falls in the restricted area and hence an inner line permit is required by Indians to visit this place. Foreign nationals are not permitted to visit this lake without special permission. The lake is about 1 km. Long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered sacred by the local people. It is also a home of brahminy ducks. It's cool, placid water harmonizes with the scenic beauty around. A small temple of lord Siva is constructed on the lakeside . This placid lake remains frozen during the winter months up to 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 thered
panda and various
species of birds.
Gangtok - Adventure
Sports
For the
adventure tourist Gangtok
is the place to be at.
While at the hill resort
of Gangtok you may indulge
in adventure activities
like trekking, white-water
rafting, hang gliding,
yak safari, and mountain
biking. Gangtok offers
interesting treks to the
Pemayangtse, Khechopalri,
Yuksam, Tsokha, Dzongri,
Thangshing, Zemathang,
Chaurigang, Tashiding,
Varsey, Yangang, Rabongla,
Sang and Sikip. The state
tourism department of
Sikkim has been promoting
the adventure tourism
potential of Gangtok
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