Adventure Tour To Sikkim.
‘The Himalayan Shangri-La’

Sikkim, tucked away in India's North-East corner, between Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal is, without question, a very special part of India beautiful, unspoilt, green, full of orchids, mountains, butterflies and monasteries, and home to some of the gentles t people you could wish to meet.

SIKKIM is divided into 4 districts -
East Sikkim - Gangtok (headquarter)
West Sikkim - Gyalshing (headquarter)
North Sikkim - Mangan (headquarter)
South Sikkim - Namchi (headquarter)

Gangtok (EAST SIKKIM)

Gangtok is a city, which, till one sees it, one would believe exists only in picture-story books. In the mystery-laden mists prayer flags whip in the breeze; wheels spin in the hands of Lamas mumbling invocations to God, in the distance are the snows, on the streets amidst brightly painted pagoda roofed houses, lined with friendly smiling people are silver, silk and spice and jewellery to gladden an maiden's heart, from across the seven seas are gadget and goods to delight the collector of "imported goods', while directly overlooking the city is the hill Lukshyma, the 'Mother of Pearl' citadel of the magic mountain, Khang-Chen-Dzod-Nga.

An air of enchantment hangs over the city, indeed the whole valley; the mysticism, the stupas, the monasteries reach out as soon as one has crossed the border. While across the hills and valleys comes the sounding of the long trumpets by robed lamas.

Sightseeing and Excursions

Government Institute of Cottage Industry:
Note - closed on Sundays, all government declared holidays, second Saturdays and the odd unforeseen holidays.
It is now known as the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms as well as the Government Institute of Cottage Industries(GICI). Started during the time of the Chogyals of Sikkim, as a venture to preserve, protect and propagate the authentic Sikkimese arts, handicrafts and skills of local and village artisans, it has become one of the major attractions for people visiting Sikkim where beautiful souvenirs like carpets, hand carved tables (choktses), traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms carpets and other products are produced & exhibited for sale.

Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology (SRIT):
This internationally acclaimed centre of Tibetan Studies & Research houses a vast collection of rare Buddhist books, manuscripts and over 200 Buddhist icons.
About a kilometer downhill from the main market of Gangtok, amidst a small forest of oak, magnolia and birch trees stands the Institute of Tibetology. The building accommodating the Institute is an example of Tibetan architecture. It is world renowned and is one of the few of its kind. It has one of the world's largest collection of books and rare manuscripts on the subject of Mahayana Buddhism plus many religious works of art and incredibly finely executed silk embroidered thangkas.

Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa):
Encircled by 108 prayer wheels built by late Trulsi Rimpoche in 1945-46. This is one of the most important and biggest stupas found in Sikkim.
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 Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-gyur relics (Holy Books), complete 'Zung' (mantras) and other religious objects. Around this Chorten, which is one of the most important stupas in Sikkim, are 10 Mani-Lhakor (prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting "Hail to the jewel in the Lotus", to invoke the Buddhisattva. The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava).

Deer Park:
This park which commands a good view of the hills surrounding Gangtok is perched on top of a hillside that plunges almost vertically deep into the valley. It was established in the late fifties and is located adjacent to the new Secretariat and is also called the Rustomji park so named after one of the Dewans of the Chogyal of Sikkim and the author of the book "Enchanted Frontiers". The park has a big open enclosure in which different types of deer can be seen. There are also a few cages in which some animals native to Sikkim like the Red Panda and the Himalayan Bear are kept. have been kept. A big statue of Lord Buddha commemorating his preaching of the noble truths in the deer park at Sarnath adorns the park premises. A butter lamp perpetually burns in front of the statue which is surrounded by flowers of the most exotic variety.

Permanent Flower Show:
Close by the White Memorial Hall and just below the Palace Ridge park is the more recent Flower Show Hall. In recent years this show has become quite popular and famous as there are flower exhibitions throughout the year in accordance with the seasons and the flowers in bloom.

Enchey Monastery:
Located on a hilltop above Gangtok this monastery rebuilt in 1910 belongs to the Nyingmapa order and was once the hermitage site of Lama Drupthob Karpo renowned for his power of flying.
An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary temple, was originally built with the solace that no other construction would be allowed near it is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his flying powers. This 200 year old Monastery has in its premises images of god, goddesses and other religious objects. Every year around January 'Chaam' or religious masked dance is performed with great fanfare for two days. it is situated adjoining the Sinolchu Tourist Lodge, 3 kms from Gangtok Town.

White Hall:
The White Hall has historical value and is situated on the Ridge. It is a two storied structure and has typical British architecture and was built in 1932. It is so called not because it is, painted white but because it was built in memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim, Claude White. There is an Officers' Club and a badminton court in the White Hall.

Ridge Park:
The Ridge is a small stretch of plain and flat road above the town of Gangtok. It is just about fifteen minutes walk from the main market. The Ridge has the White Hall and the Chief Minister's official residence, known as the Mintokgang, meaning "blossomed crowned hilltop" on one end and the beautifully designed Palace Gate with a pagoda rooftop on the other end. A statue of Nehru, the late Prime Minister of India, adorns the roundabout above White Hall. Situated on the Ridge is also a resting shed using Tibetan architecture.
The ridge is lined with plants and trees which when in bloom are a riot of colours. Flower shows which attract tourists from all over the world are held just below the Ridge. From the ridge, the, road winding its way up along the Chola range towards Nathula( border between India and China) can be clearly seen. During 1967 (not 1962, when this border was quiet), a confrontation broke out between India and China at Nathula. Long ago, a small market called the Sudder Bazaar consisting of a few shops lined the Ridge. In the early twenties this market was shifted to the present M.G. Marg.

Tashi View Point :
Built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal, it is situated about six kilometres away from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway, this place offers an astounding view of the Khangchendzonga snowy range on a clear day. On the opposite hill, the Phodong and the Labrang monasteries can be seen. A resting shed and a small cafeteria situated at Tashi View Point provides shelter and other amenities to the tourists. A park above the View Point is a good place to enjoy a picnic.

Hanuman Tok: Distance - 10km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 7,200 ft.
Situated about 5 km uphill from White Hall on a bifurcation road of the Gangtok-Nathula Highway, is a temple devoted to Hanuman, a God worshipped by the Hindus. On selected points on the road to the temple, breathtaking views of Gangtok and the adjoining rolling hills can be seen.
From the temple itself, the snowy peaks of Khangchendzonga present a panoramic picture. One also gets a birds eye view of the Selep waterworks, which supplies drinking water to the Gangtok town, a few hundred feet in altitude below Hanuman Tok. The temple at Hanuman Tok is maintained by a unit of the Indian Army and can be found to be spick and span.
A short distance before the stair case leading to the Hanuman Temple is the cremation ground of the erstwhile royal family of Sikkim. The cremation ground has stupas and chortens each marking the place where the mortal remains of the departed souls were consigned to the flames.

Ganesh Tok: Distance - 7 km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 6,500 ft.
It is a very small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, a diety worshipped by Hindus. The temple is so small in size that it can hardly accommodate one person and one has to crawl to get inside it. It is located on the hill adjoining the TV Tower. It is on a hillock on Gangtok-Nathula Road. From here you can get a panoramic view of Gangtok town and the Raj Bhawan Complex and on a clear day you get a breathe taking view of Mt. Khangchendzonga.
During the tourist season, a small cafeteria is opened for the convenience of the visitors. Just adjoining the Ganesh Tok is a pinetum garden containing pine trees. A walk on the footpath amongst the pine trees is refreshing.

Himalayan Zoological Park:
The park is located exactly across the road opposite Ganesh Tok and covers an area of 205 hectares. This area is also known as Bulbuley and extends almost upto Hanuman Tok. Although a 3 kms long jeepable road runs right through the park, vehicles are not allowed in. There is a paved cement path that passes by fenced open air enclosures housing the red pandas, Barking Deer, bears and other animals of Sikkim in a semi natural habitat. As the enclosures encompass a huge area the animals are sometimes not easily visible and one has to be patient to get a sight of them. Making noise drives away the animals to take refuge behind bushes.

Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre: Distance - 5 km ( from Gangtok )
Located on a beautiful hill top it is a Tibetan refugee monastic institution established in 1961 by his Eminence Luding Khen Rimpoche, Head of Ngorpa, sub-sect of the Sakya Order, with the blessing of H.H. Sakya Trizin and H.H. the Dalai Lama. This is the only monastery of the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim.

EXCURSIONS FROM GANGTOK

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center : Distance - 24 km ( from Gangtok )
Built in - 1960A short drive from Gangtok will take you to Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre. Built in 1960 by His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa it is a replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet, the seat of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche, head of the Karmapa sub sect of Kargyudpa order of Tibetan Buddhism. It now functions as the headquarters of the Dharma Chakra Religious Centre.
Located within the complex are the main monastery, the memorial stupa of the XVI Gyalwa Karmapa inlaid with gold plate and semi precious stones, Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies and the Jamyang Khang Primary School. The centre houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures, manuscripts and religious art objects. A fifteen minute walk downhill from Dharma Chakra Center takes one to the Old Rumtek monastery which was originally built in 1730 by the ninth Karmapa but was destroyed by fire and had to be reconstructed to the present state. His Holiness late Gyalwa Karmapa lived in this monastery till the completion of the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center.

Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies:
Initiated by the late 16th Karmapa, the institute in housed in the adjoining building of the Rumtek Monastery. The Jamyang Khang Primary School meant for 5 years of primary monastic studies is also located here.

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden:
Located very close to Rumtek Monastery just half a kilometer before reaching Rumtek Monastery on the highway, it is maintained by the parks and Gardens unit of the Forest Department of the Government of Sikkim, the Garden is an enchanting and soothing experience among the lush green vegetation, rare plants and trees and certain species of Himalayan flowers and Orchids.
This garden is a mixture of well tended tropical and temperate plants and trees can be found here. A huge greenhouse containing many species of orchids has been constructed within the garden. For children there is even a small playground with a merry-go-round, swings and a see-saw. A cemented footpath winds its way through the garden and is good for taking a relaxed stroll. The sprawling town of Gangtok can be seen on the hill opposite. The garden is indeed an ideal picnic spot.

Saramsa Garden/ Ipecac Garden: Distance - 14 km ( from Gangtok )
Also know as lpecac Garden, the home of Sikkim's most exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants. The garden is know as Ipecac garden because of the plant Ipecac that is grown here. Established and maintained by the Department of Forest, it is an excellent recreation and picnic spot. Besides this plant, this garden also contains a wide variety of other flora including numerous types of orchids and medicinal plants.
A large green house also accommodates many other species of plants. One has to take a taxi to reach this place.

Water Garden: Distance - 16 km ( from Gangtok )
Water Garden at Martam Khola is on the 31-A National Highway south of Gangtok. It is an ideal spot for picnic with a small swimming pool for children.

Tsomgo/ Changu Lake: Distance - 40 km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 12,210 ft
Note - A must visit for all tourists.
The drive from Gangtok takes about 2½ hours by bus. The lake is about 1 km. long and oval in shape, 50ft deep . This is an alpine zone and snowbound from December to April and the lake is regarded extremely Holy holy and head of all lakes in Sikkim remains frozen from January to April, and attracts 99% of tourists visiting Gangtok, Sikkim. It is also a home of Brahmini ducks besides stopover for various migratory ducks...More

Nathula Pass: Distance - 54 km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 14790 ft.(4,392 m)
Note - The days for tourist visit is restricted and needs to be applied at least 24 hrs in advance and limited days of operation. The days permitted to visit Nathula are Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sundays only. Photography is strictly prohibited in and around Nathula.
20 km further away from Tsomgo is the famed Nathula pass. The pass Nathula means the whistling pass. Nathula is the Indo-China border at Jawahar Lal Nehru Road whereby Indian troops and the Red army stand face to face. This is the closest an Indian Tourist can travel and pose a photo or two with the Red Army.

Menmecho Lake: Distance - 60 km ( from Gangtok )
This is another beautiful lake located twenty kilometres ahead of the Tsomgo(Changu) lake. Quite big in size, it lies cradled between the mountains below the Jelepla pass and is also the source of the river Rangpo-chu which meets the Teesta at Rangpo. Like the Tsomgo(Changu) Lake, it also derives its water from the melting snow around especially from the stream that originates just below the Jelepla pass.
The lake is famous for its trout and a farm to cultivate these fish also exists nearby. Accommodation for the visitors coming here is available at the dak bunglow and tourist lodge near the lake. Tourists are not yet permitted to visit this area.

Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary: Distance - 25 km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 1280 - 2652 m
Note - A log house with two rooms is available at Golitar and Tumin. Charges are Rs. 50 per person per night
Entry Fee - Rs.5/- per head. Best Season - October and April
It has an area of 51.76 sq. km. The main vegetation is Oak, Katus, Kimbu, Champ with thick bamboo forests and ferns. The Sanctuary is also home to a large number of wild orchids, rhododendrons etc. The richly forested area is known to be home for various species of wild animals and birds. This area is being developed as a short duration trekking trail.

Other Sanctuaries: Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Shingba Rhododendrons Sanctuary, Meanam Wildlife Sanctuary.

Pelling: Distance - 117 km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 2,085 m
Pelling, a quiet village in West Sikkim houses the famous Pemayangtse Monastery and has now turned into a bustling tourist destination and has come up with numerous hotels and lodges.
From here one can view Mt. Khangchendzonga, Pandim, Siniolchu and other ranges. At The hillock is Pemayangtse monastery, the sublime lotus, the premier monastery in Sikkim belonging to Nyingmapa sect and is head of all other monasteries of the sect in Sikkim.

Pemayangtse: Distance - 120 km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 7000 ft.
Pemayangtse Monastery, the sublime lotus is the premier monastery in Sikkim. It is the oldest monastery here and houses priceless thankas, icons, Buddhist texts, paintings and frescos. Built on the 18th century AD, this monastery follows the Nyingmapa sect of the Tibetan Buddhism. On the top floor of the temple, there lies the Architectural Design of Heaven called the Zangdoplari. It's a masterpiece art crafted single handedly out of wood by the late Dungzim Rimponche and photography is prohibited. The walls of this area is hundreds of years old and are original and on vegetable paintings.

Khecheopalri Lake: Distance - 24 or 33 km ( from Pemayangtse )
This lake is also known as the wishing lake. This unusually tranquil lake, surrounded by verdant forest is considered as one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim both by the Buddhist and the Hindus and no water sport or other activities besides prayers are allowed around it. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. The vicinity of the lake is an ideal place to find the Lepcha Houses and their communities.

Yuksam / Yuksom: Distance - 124 km( from Gangtok ) ; 40 km ( from Pemayangtse ) Altitude - 1780 m Yuksam is set amidst pristine hills and lakes, where according to the historical records and it was here in 1641 AD the first Chogyal (King) Phuntsok Namgyal of Sikkim was consecrated by the three wise lamas. Yuksam literally means the meeting place of the three learned monks. This was the first capital of Sikkim. The Norbugang Chorten and the Coronation throne are the silent witnesses to the event of 1641.
This quaint little village is also the starting point for all the treks into West Sikkim like Dzongri and Goechala.

Tashiding: Distance - km ( from Gangtok )
About 16 km away from Yuksam and about 40 Kms from Gyalshing, via Legship is this important monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa order. It was built on the top of a hill that looms up between the Rathong river and the Rangit river, where a rainbow emanating from Mount Khangchendzonga came to an end. At first only a small Lhakhang was built by Ngadak Sempa Chempo in the 17th Century. The main monastery was built by Pedi Wangmo during the reign of Chakdor Namgyal and some of the statues built then still exist. The sacred objects of worship in Tashiding are the chorten Thongwa Rangdol and Bumchu( holy water). The chorten was built by the Lhatsun Chenpo and it is believed that merely to view the chorten is enough to cleanse one of all sins.Carved skillfully on flagstones surrounding the monastery are holy Buddhist mantras like 'Om Mane Padme Hum' by the master craftsman Yanchong Lodil.
The heart of Sikkimese Buddhism as Guru Padmasambhava considered so and houses the Tashiding Monastery along with Sacred Thongtwa Chorten. Its so holy that even a slight glimpse of cleanses all sins. Rich environment flooded with oranges and cardamoms and gateway to Borong hot springs, ideal for soft treks and perfect Sikkimese village in the setting.

Uttaray:
Small hamlet situated at the extreme southwest corner of Sikkim. Base camp for Singalila trek.

Barshay/ Versay: Altitude - 10500 ft.
Located in the extreme west is noted for rhododendrons. It's a huge Rhododendron forest, is a must visit experience trip during the flowering season from mid march to April end. The whole forest is aflame with riot of Rhododendron Flowers with hues raging from blood red to pure white and against the back drop of the mountains its truly an unforgettable experience .

Biksthang: Distance - 119 km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 4200 ft.
A short distance from Pelling is the small hamlet of Biksthang. Also know as Chuchen and Mangalbaray, calm, serene and tranquil natural surrounding is the main attraction of Biksthang. It is a new and upcoming tourist destination in West Sikkim and you can watch the majestic Khangchendzonga and its lesser peaks standing tall from dawn to dusk on a clear day.
The Bliss Resort is a perfect gateway if you wanted to be surrounded by nature away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Legship:
This gateway to western Sikkim, has a holy Hindu Shrine of Lord Shiva on the banks of river Rangit. A must visit for all tourists specially the Indian Traveller. The festival of the temple takes place in the month of November known as the Bala Chaturdesi. Legship also houses the first ever built dam in the state for hydro electricity purpose. The water accumulated in the dam is used for Rangit Water World and local folks come here for picnics and rafting.

Rinchenpong:
The upcoming tourist spot in the western part of Sikkim, has a magnificent command over the mountain views, sunsets and rise, flora and fauna, village tourism ,historical sites and heritage of Resum Monastery, old as time. Rich forests and ample area for soft treks.

Reshi Hot Springs: Distance - 25 km ( from Gyalshing )
These hot springs are located near Reshi on the River Rangit. One has to walk about ten minutes from the highway across the river Rangit by a pedestrain bridge to reach the hot springs. The water of these springs has medicinal value as it contains sulphur and can cure some skin diseases. People from all over the state and neighbouring Darjeeling come here during the winter months and spend days together lying submerged in the soothing water of the hotspring. There are a couple of trekkers huts for the convenience of the tourists. These springs also considered very holy as one of the four holy caves is located here. This holy cave is called the Kadosang Phu or cave of the occult fairies and lies on the south of the four cardinal points.

Rabdentse:
This was the second capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksam and till the year 1814 A.D., the king of Sikkim had ruled the state from this place. Today, the Rabdentse ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from the tourist lodge and the Pemayangtse monastery. It can be approached by following a footpath which branches off the main road.
The scenic view from the top of the ruin scanning across deep valley to the mystic heights of Khangchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished and etched in memory.

Norbugang: Distance - 15 min walk from Yuksam
True to the prophecy of Tibet's founder of Buddhism, Guru Rimpoche, some nine centuries prior, three learned Lamas, Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, Kathok Rigzin Chenpo, Nga-Dak Sempa Chenpo, gathered at Yuksam in 1642 from various directions and enthroned Chogyal Phuntsog as the first religious king of Sikkim.
A stone throne shaded by a 300 year old fir still stands here today. A foot print in stone in front of the throne is said to belong to Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, and a nearby chorten (stupa) contains soil and water from all over Sikkim. Thus Yuksam occupies an important place in Sikkimese history as the first capital, and Norbugang as an historic cultural site maintained by the Archeological Survey of India. Norbugang is easily reached on a 15 minute walk from Yuksam.

Yumthang Lachung

Mangan: Distance- 65 km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 3950 ft.
Mangan is the district headquarters of North Sikkim, a little hamlet with flower patches, and the water wheels strung with bells set in exquisite miniature gardens more than compensate for the primitiveness of the region.
The Mangan Bazaar (market place) is situated on the North Sikkim highway with around fifty odd shops. The district collectorate where the district collector and other government department function is situated around two kilometers uphill from market at a place called Pentok and is approached by a link road. On the sides of this link road while traveling towards Pentok lies a public ground and Mangan Senior Secondary School. Just opposite to Mangan, separated by river Teesta, is seen a sloppy villages namely Lingdong, Barfok, Hee-Gyathang falling under Dzongu area. From the Pentok area, the picturesque view of mount Siniolchu (a range of mount Khangchendzonga) is also seen.
The region is famous for the Phensong and Phodong Monastery, the latter being considered one of the six main monasteries of Sikkim.

Kabi Longtsok : Distance - 24 km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 4800 ft
The 134 km drive from Gangtok to Yumthang takes you through Kabi Longtsok, where Sikkimese history began in the 13th century. It was here that the treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepcha chieftain, Tetong Tek and the Tibetan chief Khye Burnsa was sworn and signed. Amidst the shadows of tall trees and cardamom fields, a memorial stone and a place of worship mark the historical spot for those who pass by. Slightly ahead is a small monastery.

Chungthang:Distance - 95 km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 5,600 ft.
Chungthang is situated on the way to Yumthang. It is a small town surrounded by high mountains that seem to touch the sky. Chungthang lies on the confluence of two hilly rivers Lachen and Lachung Chu and the starting point of river Teesta has emerged as a major subdivision settlement in North Sikkim. From here the road bifurcates for the Lachen and Lachung valleys. The spot worth visiting at Chungthang is the rock on which legend has it Guru Padmasambhava rested and the imprint on it is said to be his footmark. There is a small opening in the rock which remains filled with spring water Adjacent to the rock there is a small stretch of land where paddy grows, defying the conditions which are not conducive to the growth of this crop here, It is said that while here Guru Padmasambhava had sprinkled a handful of grain on this spot and paddy has grown here ever since. Chungthang is also a good place to halt for sometime for a cup of tea before proceeding onwards to Yumthang. It is predominantly a Lepcha region.

Lachung (small pass):Distance - 116 km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 8800 ft.
At almost 9000 ft in North Sikkim this quaint Sikkimese village is a perfect destination and is around 110 kms from Gangtok, the capital town of Sikkim, passing through villages memorable as time, picturesque spots for stoppage, waterfalls, great views. This place is an ideal nature spot of Sikkim and has been recently opened to foreign travellers in an organised manner. This visit gives a rare chance to the visitor to understand Sikkim at its best and the traditions of the local people and culture. If one is looking for Shangrila-then its here. Lachung is a very small town with scattered settlements, dominated mostly by Bhutias. There is also an army cantonment for the border protection. You can visit monastery, handicraft centre, go around for village. If you are interested then you can do trout fishing.
A Bhutia village has a unique local self-governing body called the Zumsa which substitutes the Panchayat. It is located about 25 kms from Yumthang Valley. To get a glimpse of Lachung Monastery you have to come to the opposite slope of the highway.

Phodong Monastery :Distance - 39 km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 4500 ft.
This is one of the major monasteries of Sikkim belonging to the Karmapa sub-sect of Kagyupa monastery. Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal built the monastery sometime in the first quarter of the 18th century. Beautiful moral paintings adorn the walls of this monastery.

Singhik :
Note: The area also has a number of interesting short nature trails for 1 to 3 days along the higher ridges of the surrounding hills.
A destination 4 km from Mangan, from where one can take a glorious view of Mt. Khangchendzonga, and its neighboring peaks. Half an hour uphill walk takes you to an ancient monastery. Chungthang It is a small town situated at the confluence of Lachen & Lachung River. According to legend Chungthang was the meeting place of Guru Rimpoche & Lepcha Chieftain Thekung Tek. It was here from where the word Demazong originated according to the prophecy of Guru Rimpoche.

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary:
The Lachen valley has forty species/varieties of rhododendron trees and shrubs; the sanctuary is rich in collection of ground flora and other vegetation.

Yumthang Valley : Distance - 145 km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 12000 ft.
Note : It is a restricted area and special permits are required.
At 24 kms from Lachung lies Yumthang, the rightfully called the Valley of Flowers as in Flowering season there blossoms vivid colours of variety of Rhododendrons, chimals and blue poppies. Yumthang is located on a flat valley and is near the tree line, the surrounding mountains seems to kiss the heavens. The journey from Lachung to Yumthang has a very picturesque landscape and is lined with Rhododendrons & 108 other types of Orchids which bloom in different colours from April to May. "Come as a visitor for a life-time experience." April and May promises colourful flowers, where as November end to March usually sees snows. Simple village folks spread scarcely admit the virgin landscapes is a food forever. Another peculiar feature of the valley is that, the valley totally covered with snow during the winter. Hence, while you see the flower bed in summer, you see snow bed in the winter.
A natural hotspring is another attraction of the tourist who are said to have had relief of their skin ailment after having bath there. These hot springs are located about 25 kms from Gyalshing near Reshi on the River Rangit. One has to walk about ten minutes from the highway across the River Rangit by a pedestrian bridge to reach the hot springs The visit is on the passing of Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary.
Yumthang valley is a mesmerizing scene with yaks grazing on flower - carpeted meadows against a backdrop of towering peaks. It has breathtaking views where one can become a part of a timeless scene without any kind of intrusion.
Hot springs, crystal clear streams, water falls, soaring mountains and natures bounty, you name it, you will find it here.

Lachen :Distance - 122 km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 9800 ft.
(Big pass) this small town is located at an alt of 2735m, which is 123 kms from the capital. The journey takes almost 6-hrs drive and it is also a base for the Green Lake trek most of the mountaineering activities.
This new destination of the millennium, only opened on the 20th of December 2000, for domestic and foreign tourists. It's a natures gifted wonderland- infact words will fall short to describe the glory of this place. The people, culture, monasteries ,valleys flowers zone. The famous Yak race is Thangu, Chopta Valley and Domestic Tourists can also visit Gurudongmar Lake and Cholamu Lake, the source of river Teesta. Since this is a new destination ,the infrastructure is bare minimum and there could be some difficulties but all troubles are compensated by the beauty of the place. Its just too good.

Thangu :
The route continues from Lachen to gradual ascend of 28 kms through the mountain ridge leads to Thangu. Its alpine meadows are dotted with wooden houses and army camps. The calm water of Teesta flowing through the valley presents a fantastic contrast.

Gurudongmar : Distance - 150 km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 13,500 ft.
The Calm and crystal clear water of the Gurudongmar Lake is largest and probably the highest in Sikkim. This is also one of the sacred lake and many pilgrims visit this place once in a year.

Tso Lhamu: Distance - 192 km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 18000 ft.

Yumeysamdong: Altitude - 18400 ft.

Phodong Monastery, Labrang Monastery and Tumlong Palace ruins:
All these three are located within an area of one square kilometre and about 40 kilometres from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway. Phodong Monastery which belongs to the Kargyupa Sect (Karmapa), is situated about a kilometre uphill by a jeepable road that bifurcates from the North Sikkim Highway. Phodong monastery was built by the Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal somewhere in the first quarter of the eighteenth century. The main annual puja is performed on the 28th and 29th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar when the religious Chaams or dances are also demonstrated. Another kilometre uphill from Phodong Monastery on the same jeepable road is the Labrang Monastery which was built about one hundred years later but belongs to the Nyingmapa sect. Just below the road between Phodong Monastery and Labrang Monastery are the ruins of the third capital of Sikkim, Tumlong. In the beginning of the nineteenth century, the capital of Sikkim was shifted from Rabdanste to Tumlong which then remained the capital for almost ninety years, The Raja's house is now in complete ruins covered with a thick canopy of bushes but we can conjure up an image of what it looked like from Dr. Hooker's account during his visit and imprisonment here in 1849. He wrote in the Himalayan Journal It was an irregular low stone building Of Tibetan architecture, with slanting walls and small window high up under the broad thatched roof, above which, in the middle, was a Chinese looking square copper gilt canopy, with projecting eaves and bells at the corners, surmounted by a ball and a square spire. On either gable of the roof was a round topped cylinder of gilded copper, something like a closed umbrella. The chortens surrounding the Palace have however withstood the vagaries of 'nature and many of them can be seen. There are many buses plying on the route on which Phodong lies. Taxis are also readily available for Phodong from Gangtok. Cheap accommodation is also available at Phodong Bazar which also has a few shops.

Chopta Valley: Altitude - 13,200 ft
It has breathtaking alpine scenery with lofty snow capped peaks, meandering rivers and alpine flowers that bloom in June-July. It is about 20 minutes drive from Thangu. Gurudongmar Lake is a holy lake at an altitude of over 17,000 ft, it is beyond Chopta and armed with a special permit it is possible to reach the same during a day's excursion ex-Lachen.

Namchi

Distance - 78 km ( from Gangtok ) ; 100 km ( from Siliguri ) Altitude - 4300 ft.
Meaning Sky High, nested among the hills commands panoramic view of the Darjeeling, Kalimpong and snow-capped mountains and vast stretches of valley. A Good place for quite short stay and village excursions. This district headquarters town of South Sikkim is neat, clean and developing fast into a tourist destination with it's immense potential for all round tourist activities.

Ravangla: Distance - 65 km ( from Gangtok )
A small town situated on the ridge between the Meanam and Tendong hills. An ideal place for quiet stay to enjoy natural bliss and short treks. Surrounding villages of Yangang, Tinkitam, Kewzing, Barfung & Bakhim are ideal for short stays in the homes of the villagers. Situated in the southern part of Sikkim, a perfect destination for village tourism, flora and fauna, mountains, waterfalls, tea gardens, quaint villages, local Sikkimese people, culture, monasteries and fresh cold winds. Very verdant with monasteries around Rabongla, old historical market of Kewzing, Bonn Monastery, Ralong Monastery, Borong Hot springs, Maenam Peak at 10300 ft holding breathtaking views of Sikkimese Himalayas. For nature ,village tours, caves, rich forests, soft treks, its all there in this zone.

Temi Tea Garden:
The one and only tea garden in Sikkim produces top quality tea for the international market. The garden spread out on gentle hill slop provides panoramic views.

Sikip:
Located on the banks of river Rangeet in a natural surrounding is an excellent fishing spot and river campsite.

Phur-cha-chu (Hot Springs):
Note - Best visited during Dec-March. Ideal spot for bird watching and butterflies.
At 4 kms from Legship towards Naya Bazaar on the banks or river Rangit, there lies Hot Springs and its of great medicinal values as well as of religious importance as it houses one of the four holy caves of Sikkim.
Back

Tendong Hill: Altitude - 8530 ft.
One of the more prominent landmarks of South Sikkim, Tendong is immersed in myths and lore passed down through generations of the ethnic Lepchas. It gets its name, meaning "the upraised horn" from the Lepcha lore that when their land was submerged in water, Tendong supported a boat containing some people and rose up like a horn above the flood waters. When the water subsided, so did Tendong. To this day, a monk leaves for the Tendong hilltop with the arrival of monsoons. He stays there throughout the rains, praying that the calamity does not repeat.

Maenam Hill: Altitude - 10,300 ft.
The Hill towers over South Sikkim with Tendong on one side and Ravangla Bazaar on the other. On a clear day, it is even possible to see the plains of West Bengal and a Himalayan span of the Indo-China border towards the North. A short distance away is the legendary Bhaley Dunga, a kind of rocky spur which juts out from the ridge top and remains suspended in the air above Yangang Village. The trek to Meanam from Ravangla takes about 4 hours and from Maenam hilltop one has the option to take the gentle walk down to Borong village or the more treacherous trails taken by the famous British Botanist, Sir Joseph Hooker, down to Yangang village.
West Bengal

West Bengal, the gateway to the exotic east - is a land of sheer passion and poetry, natural beauty and strong people, marked by a humanness, evident in every facet of their life.
West Bengal covers the bottleneck of India in the east, stretching from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south. Countries that share international boundaries with West Bengal include Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal while Sikkim, Assam, Orissa and Bihar frame its domestic borders. The alluvial plain in the south is watered by the legendary River Hooghly and its tributaries - Mayurakshi, Damodar, Kangsabati and the Rupnarayan. The Himalayan north, comprising the districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Bihar are watered by the swift flowing rivers Tista, Torsa, Jaldhaka and Ranjit. Variations in altitude result in great variety in the nature and climate of West Bengal. From the northern highlands at the feet of the Himalayas to the tropical forests of Sunderbans, West Bengal is a land of myriad beauty, each region different from the other.

Calcutta (Kolkata)

The city of Joy is also refereed to as the intellectual capital of the country. Some of the best-built buildings in India are the colonial buildings in Calcutta. Thus, when you are holidaying in Calcutta there are a number of landmarks worth visiting. The Victoria Memorial is the most important tourist spot in Calcutta. As the name suggests, it was built in the memory of Queen Victoria. Howrah Bridge is another milestone synonymous with Calcutta. Calcutta is home to the second largest planetarium in Asia, the Birla Planetarium. On the banks of Hooghly River there is Vidyasagar Setu too.
The oldest museum in India is also located in Calcutta, Indian Museum. For the sports lovers Eden Gardens is a must check out. The garden is a well laid-out garden that has the renowned cricket ground also. For those spiritually inclined in Calcutta the Kala Mandir is a must visit. The temple is dedicated to Kali Ma, the goddess of destruction. The best time to visit Calcutta is during the winter months from October to March. Durga Puja is another occasion when the city is at its best.

Places of Interest

Shahid Minar – Birla Planetarium – Victoria Memorial – Marble Palace – National Library – Fort William
Rajbhavan – Ramkrishna Mission Institute of Culture – Netaji Bhawan – Aurobindo Bhawan – Kala Mandir
Botanical Garden – Zoological Garden – Race Course – Victoria Memorial Museum – Floating Museum

Temples

Belur Math – Dakshineshwar Kali Temple – Kali Temple (Kali Ghat) – Nakhoda Mosque – Parsi Temple
St. Paul’s Cathedral Church – Mother Teresa Mission of Charity – Japanese Buddhist Temple –
St. Thomas Church – Tipu Sultan’s Mosque – St. John’s Church.

Kalimpong
Just 51 kms east of Darjeeling is situated the picturesque town of Kalimpong, the former headquarters of the Bhutanese Governor. Situited at an altitude of 1250 metres between the Deolo and Durbindra Hills, Kalimpong is an ideal place for a quiet holiday amidst gently rolling hills and deep valleys at the foot of the mighty Himalayas.
Sightseeing

Gompas:
Established in 1922, the Tharpa Choling Gompa belongs to the Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, founded in the Tibet in the 14th century and to which the Dalai Lama belongs. It's a 40 minute walk from town; take the path to the right off KD Pradhan Rd, just before the Milk Collection and Extension Wing Building.
Lower down the hill, the Thongsa Gompa, of Bhutanese Monastery, is the oldest monastery in the area and was founded in 1692. The present building is not so old - the original was destroyed by the Gurkhas in their rampage across Sikkim before the arrival of the British.

Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa, five km south of the town centre at the end of the ridge, was built in the mid - 1970s at Durpin Dara Hill and was consecrated by the Dalai Lama. There are impressive wall paintings in the prayer room, and a rare three dimensional mandala upstairs. Mountain views are good from Durpin Dara Hill. This area is a big military camp, but you are free to walk or drive through it.

Flower Nurseries:
Kalimpong produces 80% of India's gladiolas and is an important orchid - growing area; flowers are exported from here to many cities in northern India. The Sri Ganesh Moni Pradhan Nursery and the Udai Mani Pradhan Nursery are among the most important in the area. The Standard and the Universal Nurseries also specialise in cacti. There's a flower festival in Kalimpong in October.

Sericulture Research Institute:
Silkworms are bred and silk is produced here. It is on the road to Darjeeling and can be visited between 9.30 am and 4 pm.

Dr Graham's Home:
It takes less than an hour to walk from the town centre up through stands of bamboo to Dr Graham's Home, which was founded in 1900 on the lower slopes of Deole Hill. The school was established to educate the children of tea workers. There are now 1300 students and the grounds cover 193 hectares.
Enrolment is open to all, but there is a reserve quota for children from economically deprived backgrounds. Visitors are welcome to the turn-of-the-century school buildings, and many people picnic in the attractive grounds.
From the school itself, it is a 40 minute walk to the summit of Deole Hill, where there are fine views over Kalimpong.

Nature Interpretation Centre:
On Rinkinpong Rd, and run by the Soil Conservation Division of the Ministry of Environment & Forests, the centre consists of a number of nicely put together dioramas which depict the effects of human activity on the environment. The centre is open daily, except Thursday, from 10 am to 4 pm; admission is free.

MIRIK

Mirik is about 50 km from both Siliguri and Darjeeling.
Though becoming increasingly popular, Mirik is still one of the unspoilt hill stations in the country. It is being promoted as a 'new' hill station. Nestling in forested hills at an altitude of around 1,767 m. the resort has the man made Sumendu Lake as the focal point. Since it's also the town's sewer it might not be wise to swim here. The surroundings are enhanced by orange orchards, cardamom plantations and tea estates. Superb view of the mighty Kanchenjunga is another attraction. Though heavy woolens are required in winter, tropical or light woolens are enough for summer.

Sightseeing

The ideal activity is walks and treks through surrounding areas.

Summand
It is about 1.25 km long, is the major attraction . There is a promenade around the lake and it also has an interesting 80-feet-long arched overbridge. There are good picnic spots in the forest on the western bank.. Fishing and boating are allowed.

Tea Estates
There are eight tea estates surrounding Mirik. Thurbo T.E., 2 km away, is the best known. It can be an interesting experience to visit the factory and watch tea being made. One can also buy tea from many of the gardens. Orange Orchards abound in the area, it being the largest producer of this fruit in West bengal. Cardamom Groves can be seen in marshy terrain around Mirik.

DARJEELING

The most important and organized hill resort in Eastern India is Darjeeling which lies 686 kms from Calcutta perched at a height of 2134 meters with a backdrop of the mighty snow clad Himalayan Peaks.The mighty Kanchenjunga peak overlooks the town from where one can get a clear view of the peak on a sunny day.
The world's highest peak The Everest can also be seen from near the town.
Re-discovered by the British in Calcutta, every year at the beginning of summer, the Viceroys of India and after 1911 the Lieutenant Governors of Bengal would move lock, stock and barrel to Darjeeling. Its the British who rapidly developed Darjeeling into a pleasant resort. In the 1840’s Tea Plantation was introduced in the area. Darjeeling "orthodox" tea is now famous and among the most expensive in the world.
Darjeeling is an abrupt change from the plains and Calcutta. The population is Nepali, Lepcha, Tibetan and Bhutia. Surrounded by Tea Plantation a popular hill station since British established it as a rest and recreation centre for its troops in mid 1800.
Places of Interest

THE TIGER HILL, about 11 kms from Darjeeling is at an altitude of 2,555 mts and provides a fine view of the mighty Everest and Kanchenjunga peaks.

GHOOM is the station close by, from where one can take the toy train back to Darjeeling.

The Senchal Lake close by is the source of drinking water for the city.

THE LEBONA RACE COURSE, about 8 kms from the centre of the city and some 325 mts below the town, is one of the smallest and highest race course of the world. On BURCH HILL to the north stands the ‘Shrubbery’ the residence of the Governor of West Bengal.

THE LLOYD'S BOTTANICAL GARDENS, one of the oldest in the region, is just below the main Market Motor stand. It has rare collection of Himalayan flowers.

The nearby ZOOLOGICAL PARK specializes in high altitude wild life - Yaks, Himalayan Black Bears, Pandas and also Siberian Tiger.

The tea estate of Happy Valley is one of the best in Darjeeling.

The Darjeeling Ranjeet Valley passenger ropeway is 8 kms at the North point, about 3 kms from the town. The ropeway connects Darjeeling to Singla Bazar on the Ranjeet river at the bottom of the valley.

OBSERVATORY HILL
Strolling up the Mall, past the quaint Tibetan market, you arrive at the Observatory Hill, the popular meeting place for tourists as well as residents. It is a major tourist spot of Darjeeling, not only for its religious importance but also for the picturesque views the place offers. The view of the magnificent Mt. Kanchenjunga and the entire landscape below is a site worth seeing.

HIMALAYAN MOUNTAINEERING INSTITUTE - Darjeeling
Located about two kilometres from the marketplace is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which was established after the conquest of the Everest in 1954 by the then Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru. The institute has an interesting Everest Museum and also offers some mountaineering and adventure courses. Situated on the Jawahar Parvat, the institute is famous for its unique collection of mountaineering equipment and findings.

DHIRDHAM TEMPLE
The Dhirdham Temple is situated near the railway station and is accessible either by a lazy walk or a jeep. The temple is similar in its architecture to the famous Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu in Nepal.