East Sikkim - Gangtok

Situated in the magnificence of Gangtok's picturesque hill crest, Bulbulay, at altitudes ranging between 6,545-8,152 feet, the Himalayan Zoological Park sprawls over the expanse of a lush virgin forest reserve with an impressive total area of 230 hectares overlooking the majestic beauty of the Khangchendzonga range. Located just above Ganesh Tok and 6 km away from Gangtok, the park is home to a number of animals living in open enclosures in their natural habitat. It is an Ideal Getaway in Gangtok to be at 'One with Nature'. It houses many rare and vulnerable species of fauna of the Sikkim Himalayas. It basically follows a unique theme in its designs that is, semi natural enclosures, this allows more space and freedom to animals as compared to the city zoos. Here visitors might see the Red Panda, Sikkim's state animal, the barking Deer, Tibetan Wolves, Panthers, Civet, Leopard Cats, Pheasants, Peacocks and even the Himalayan Black Bear. The Park also has 'Kush' and 'Urbashi', a snow leopard pair living in. It's definitely a place worth visiting.  

Gonjang Monastery is located about 6 km away from the heart of Gangtok town near Tashi View point. The monastery was established in the year 1981 and the founder is H.E. Tingkye Gonjang Rimpoche. He was conceded as an incarnation of Yelmo Terton Ngakchang Shakya Zangpo, a 15th century Nyingma Terton. The monastery follows Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, however, the Bodhisattvas deities enshrine are different from the other Nyingma pa monastery and that is what it makes the monastery unique. The monastery has Thadrol Dorjee Memorial Community Health Care Centre for providing medication to monks and the local people. Monastic education along with Tibetan language and English are taught to the monk students. The monastery imparts knowledge on close and comparative studies of Indian and Tibetan Buddhist philosophy based on moral values. Gonjang Institute is for complete nine years course similar to other Nyingma Institute. 

The Bakthang waterfall is only 20 minutes’ drive from Gangtok town to a place called Swastik, adjacent to the army cantonment area. A serene waterfalls cascades down the rock forming a small pool down below. It is located along the 31A National Highway connecting to North Sikkim. In local language ‘Bak’ means a forest and ‘thang’ meaning meadow or place. The natural spring water source of this falls originates from the dense vegetation above this site which is preserved as a Smriti Ban by the Forest Department. This site is little away from the crowded market place and hidden from the urban sprawl. A offbeat place to relax and be completely free from pollution, noise and dust and much loved by many of the domestic visitors. The place also offers a cafeteria for tea and snacks and local photography services to take pictures with local costumes and dresses for visitors. Some of the adventure enthusiasts can also try rappelling down the cliff on a prefixed rope which is organized by the local tourism committee of the area.  

M.G Marg, set in the heart of the city is the most happening place in Gangtok. It is a great place to chill out in the evenings. The country's first litter and spit free zone, no vehicular traffic is allowed into the Marg. The Mall is lined with shops on both sides of the road so shopping becomes an added pleasure. It is like a plaza with ethnic lamp-posts, beautiful flowers and seating arrangements, at the middle row for the people to sit and enjoy the place. M.G. Marg is also the venue for the annual Gangtok Food and Cultural festival held in December each year when Sikkim's multi-cultural cuisine, along with music and dance performances is showcased. This event attracts a large number of locals and tourists each year. The Marg really makes you feel as if you are in a foreign land.

The Rope way ride or Cable car is one of the major tourist attractions of Gangtok city. This is a must see at Gangtok as tourists can have a breathtaking view of Gangtok town during this ride. The ropeway ride has three terminal stations and you can choose to start your ride any of the convenient points in Tashiling, Namnang or Deorali. The ropeway ride is offered throughout the day between 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Each cable car can accommodate a maximum of upto 24 People at a time. There is no sitting arrangement inside the ropeway. The 15 to 20 Minutes ride provides spectacular bird view of Gangtok city and the surrounding valley. 

Paragliding in Gangtok is becoming an increasingly popular adventure sports. And why not, Who would not love to see the magnificent Himalayan range and the snow peaks from the sky as you fly like a bird and the look below to see the stunning mountain landscape of Sikkim and Gangtok. Actually there is no experience or training required to enjoy paragliding in Gangtok. Because the operators here offer Tandem Flights which means that an experienced and certified pillot will accompany you. Both pilot and the passenger sit safely and comfortably in harness which is attached to the paraglider. The pilot takes care of the entire flight and its navigation. So after an easy take off, you will only enjoy the flight with breathtaking views. 

Flower show in Gangtok is just mesmerizing which is organized round the year at the White Memorial Hall complex, also known as Flower exhibition centre. The centre is one of the major viewpoints in Gangtok and is located near M.G. road area approx.3 km. The exhibition centre charges a nominal entry fees. One may also purchase seeds and bulbs of various flowering plants. After entering the exhibition centre one is lost in world of fragrance and beauty. The place is an excellent spot for Nature lovers, botanists and tourists. The imaginative display of flowers in a large glass house is very popular with both tourists as well as locals and attracts a large number of visitors daily. The aroma of the place is so good that one would like to stay there for long hours. There is a beautiful and high shower in the garden outside the venue of the exhibition. Flower Festival is also organised here. This festival begins with the Orchid Show in March during which competitions are held in different sections. 

The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms has become one of the major attractions for people visiting Sikkim where traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms, carpets and other souvenir can be viewed and also purchased. The D.H.H began its journey in the year 1957 when it was established as a Technical Institute for Training and Production of traditional arts and crafts with 58 nos. of trainees. Over the years, this Institute has evolved into a major centre of learning and training in the Traditional Arts and Crafts of the State. Started with the aim of promoting and keeping alive the State's traditional art & craft, the D.H.H. is a store house of hand - woven woollen carpets, traditional motifs, blankets, shawls (in Lepcha weaves), 'Thangka' paintings, exquisitely carved 'Choktse' (hand carved foldable tables), hand-painted masks, dolls and many other gift items. The Centre remains closed on Sundays and on Government holidays.  

Do Drul Chorten is one of the most important and the biggest Stupa in Sikkim. Popularly known as Phurba, the stupa is situated in East Sikkim near Gangtok on a hillock which is adjacent to Tibetology Institute. It was built in 1945 by the venerable Trullshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism. Inside the stupa, there are complete mandala set of Dorjee phurba (Vajra Kilaya), a set of Kang Gyur relic (Holy Book), complete 'Zung' (mantras) and other religious objects. Around the Chorten there are 108 Mani Lhakor (prayer wheels). Each prayer wheel has a holy inscription engraved on it, Om Mani Padma Hum. It is said that while turning these prayer wheels, the person has to chant the mantras engraved on them. These are turned by devout Buddhists while chanting 'Om Mani Padme Hum' (O Jewel in the Lotus) to invoke the Bodhisattva. It is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang and Guru Lakhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Padmasambhava.  

A celestial, pristine, serene and ethereal gift of Nature, Tsomgo (Changu) Lake is a must in the itinerary of everyone visiting Sikkim. The lake is located about 38 km away from Gangtok and at an altitude of 12,400 ft. on the Gangtok - Nathula Highway. A winding road through rugged mountain terrain and sharp cliffs takes one to Tsomgo, which means 'source of the water' in Bhutia language. The lake is associated with many myths and legends and is revered by the Sikkimese as sacred. It is believed that in olden times, Buddhist monks would study the colour of the water of the lake to forecast the future. The lake is about 1 km long and oval in shape. It derives its water from the melting snow of the mountains surrounding it and looks different during different seasons. In winter the placid lake remains frozen with the area around it covered with snow while in late spring the profusion of flowers in bloom adds a spectrum of colours around the lake. Tsomgo Lake is open for both Indian and foreign nationals; however, an Inner Line Permit is required to visit the Lake. This permit can be obtained from the police through a registered travel agent or Tourism Department. One can also enjoy rides on colourfully decorated yaks and mules and a variety of snacks and beverages at the Lake site. Snow boots and gumboots can be hired here.

Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple, popularly known as Baba Mandir is dedicated to 'Baba' Harbhajan Singh who was a soldier in the Indian Army. The legend of Baba goes back to the year 1967 when Sepoy Harbhajan Singh of the 23rd Punjab Regiment went missing while leading a pack of mules from his battalion stationed at Tukla to Deng Dhukla, both remote areas located in East Sikkim. A manhunt was launched and it took the army three days to find his body. It is believed that he himself helped the search party to find his body by informing his fellow Pritam Singh about his tragic death and the place where his body was lying under the snow. Soon after, soldiers in the regiment started reporting that Baba had been appearing in their dreams and directing that a shrine be built in his memory. A Samadhi was raised in his memory and believers say that even today Baba visits the place every night, puts on his uniform and does his rounds. He is worshipped as a saint who grants boons and guards the lives of soldiers posted along the border. Each year in September Baba takes his annual holiday and travels back to Kapurthala, his hometown. A berth in a train is reserved in his name and two orderlies accompany him on the journey. The legend of this Sepoy-Saint grows stronger with each passing day.

Nathula Pass was a major corridor of passage between India and Tibet before it was closed in 1962. Located at a distance of 56 km from Gangtok, the Pass connects the Indian state of Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. 'Nathu' means "listening ears" and 'La' means "pass" in Tibetan. Popularly known as the Silk Route, this pass is at an elevation of 14,450 feet and is rich in diverse alpine flora and fauna. It is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Tourists are allowed to go close to the international border from where they can see Chinese soldiers on the other side of the barbed wire. Nathula is open for Indian nationals on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays. The visitors have to get the permit to visit the place by applying to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department through a registered and recognised Travel Agency. Foreign nationals are not allowed to visit Nathula and they can travel only up to the Tsomgo Lake. The drive from Gangtok can be an exhilarating experience as one can get a view of several snow- clad peaks and numerous waterfalls along the way. One has to climb up a set of steps to reach the pass itself. A Memorial paying homage to brave Indian soldiers has also been made at Nathula. It evokes a sense of pride in the heart of every Indian.