Gangtok offers the traveler a superb mixture of both adventure and heritage tourism. Places to see around Gangtok includes the venerable Rumtek Monastery along with exciting trekking routes.
The places to see around Gangtok include the following 'must see' destinations:
Rumtek Monastery and Dharma Chakra Center: Rumtek Monastery is situated on the opposite side of the Ranipul Valley at a distance of 24 kilometers from Gangtok. Rumtek Monastery is the seat of Gyalwa Karmapa- the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. The main structure however, is a recent one-it was built in the 1960's by the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa when he set up base in Sikkim after fleeing from authoritarian Chinese rule in Tibet. Monks can be seen chanting outside Rumtek Monastery.
Pemayangtse Monastery: Pemayangtse Monastery is situated at a distance of 112 kilometer from Gangtok. It is Sikkim's most important Gompa. Framed by snowcapped mountains Pemayangtse Monastery makes a stunning sight. It was built during the reign of the third Chogyal Chador Namgyal in 1705. Since then it was rebuilt many times. The main festival takes place in February.
Tashiding Monastery: Tashiding Monastery is located in West Sikkim at a distance of 145 Kilometers from Gangtok. Tashiding Monastery holds a strategic position on the top of a hill between Rathong and Rangit rivers. Tashiding Monastery has one unique characteristic: the monastery is gold topped. It is regarded as one of the holiest Buddhist Gompas in Sikkim.
Trekking: The principal trekking area is the Dzongri area of West Sikkim. The trekking routes pass through beautiful villages.
Hotels in Gangtok
