6 reasons why you should visit Gangtok
·
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is situated in the
midst of the eastern Himalayas. An important centre of Buddhism, this charming
hill station is surrounded by beautiful scenery at every step, especially
stunning views of the snow-capped Mount Kanchenjunga. It is also a good base to
visit Sikkim's Buddhist monasteries, high-altitude lakes and passes.
Enchey
Monastery
Perched on a
hill top above Gangtok’s ridge, the Enchey monastery offers picturesque views
of the town and the Kanchenjunga peak. Built in 1909, it follows the Nyingmapa
tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
2
Tsomgo Lake
Surrounded by
rugged mountains on all sides, this scenic lake is located at an altitude of
12,000 feet, around 35 kilometres away from Gangtok.
3
Rumtek
Monastery
Located on a
hill facing Gangtok, Rumtek is the largest monastery in Sikkim. The
Tibetan-style monastery the seat of the Kargyupa sect of Buddhism and a
near-replica of the Kagyu headquarters in Tibet.
4
Namgyal
Institute of Tibetology
Established in
1958, this institute has one of the biggest collections of Tibetan artefacts
outside Tibet. It has been built in a traditional style, and promotes research
in Tibetan culture and Mahayana Buddhism.
5
Ganesh Tok
and Hanuman Tok
Gangtok is
dotted with innumerable viewpoints, which offer spectacular vistas of the
surrounding hills, especially Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the
world. Ganesh Tok, 7 kilometres northeast of Gangtok, is the best of the lot.
6
Nathu La
The Nathu La
pass was an important corridor between India and Tibet before it was closed in
1962. Situated at an altitude of 14,450 feet, it was part of the historic Silk
Route that was used for trade between China and India.
Sonam Joshi|HappyTrips Editors|
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