India >> EAST ZONE >> Sikkim >> Gangtok
About Gangtok Gangtok, capital of Sikkim, lies at an altitude 1600 meters and is occupied on the west side by Ranipool River. Gangtok has a very spectacular setting and offers excellent views of the entire Kanchenjunga range from various points in its vicinity.
| Area: | 10.00 sq.kms.
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| Best Time to Visit: | March to late May, October to Mid-December
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| Climate: | Located in the Himalayan laps Gangtok never experiences the hot weather as in the plains. The winters are cold.
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| Population: | 2,44,790
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| Temperature: | Summer - Max: 20.7 Min: 13.1
Winter - Max: 14.9 Min: 7.7
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Other Attractions In & Around
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Institute of Cottage Industries
Institute of Cottage Industries is situated on the main road above the town, which is specialized in the production of hand-woven carpets, blankets, shawls, lepcha weaves, patterned decorative paper and 'choktse' tables exquisitely carved in relief. Apart from the shop there is a small display of the craftwork on the ground floor of the tourist office, which is worth a visit.
The Government Institute of Cottage Industries (G.I.C.I) helps to preserve traditional arts and crafts producing cottage crafts of authentic Sikkimese designs.
The Government Institute of Cottage Industries (also called the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom) promotes and teaches the ancient crafts of Sikkim (like painting, mask making, weaving, wood carving) to keep them alive.
Started during the time of the Chogyals of Sikkim, as a venture to protect and propagate the craft and skills of local and village artisans, it has become a major attraction for people visiting Sikkim where traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms carpets and other products can be viewed and also purchased.
It is a storehouse of exquisite handicrafts.. Information for tourists : It is always better to check whether there is a government holiday or not as the G.I.C.I. is closed on Sundays, all government declared holidays, second Saturdays and the odd unforeseen holidays. Visiting hours : Monday to Saturday from 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. (Sales Emporium remains open throughout the year) TOP
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Institute of Tibetology Orchid Sanctuary & Chorten
It is the only one of its kind in the world that was established to promote research on the language and traditions of Tibet as well as into Mahayana Buddhism. Just beside this institute there is an orchid sanctuary which houses most of the 454 species of orchid found in Sikkim, depending on the season.
The Institute houses a library of more than 30,000 books on Buddhism, astrology, medicine, philosophy and rare Thankas (Tibetan religious paintings on cloth).
About a km beyond the institute stands a huge chorten whose gold apex is visible from many points in Gangtok.
The institute promotes a serious study of Buddhist philosophy and religion and is a leading authority on the subject.
The most prestigious of its kind in India - this Buddhist Institute is a treasure trove of vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare Thankas and has over 200 Buddhist icons.
There is another orchid sanctuary called the Orchidarium located along side the Rani Khola, a tributary of the Teesta River. On the top of the Ridge there is a Flower Exhibition Centre featuring orchids, seasonal flowers and bonsai, which is open from April to June and September until late November.
The best times to visit the sanctuary are March to early May and the end of September to the beginning of December.. Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa) : The venerable Truslshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, built the Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa in 1945. Inside this Stupa, there are complete Mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba. Around this Chorten, are 108 Mani-lhakor (prayer wheels) which are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting, "hail to the jewel in the lotus ", to invoke Bodhisattva.
The Chorten or Stupa rises like a great white bell surmounted by a golden pinnacle.
Situated at Deorali, the SRIT is within a walkable distance from the main town of Gangtok. Nestled close by is the Dotrabu Chorten of Guru Padmasambhava and a small temple dedicated to the Guru Rimpoche housing a 60 feet statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Sikkim. The outhouses of the monastery is occupied by monks and lamas of the Nyingma Sheda, a monks college which has students from Nepal, Bhutan, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and other places. TOP
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Khecheopalri Lake
Kecheopari Lake at an altitude of about 1951 m (6400 ft) is located on a bifurcation on the road between Gyalshying and Yoksum. Kechopari means the Wishing Lake. The water in this lake is placid and crystal clear. Not even a leaf can be seen floating on the water surface although there is a beautiful dense forest above the lake. It is said that if a leaf drops on the surface of the water a bird picks it. A trekkers’ hut has been built near the lake for the convenience of the tourists. An hour’s walk uphill from the lake takes one to a holy cave and a further one hour and a half walk uphill takes one to the highest point overlooking the lake and offers a bird’s eye view. The lake looks like a footprint from here.A ten minutes walk uphill walk from the lake is the Kechopari Monastery situated amidst a large stretch of flat land. A stupa, which is a replica of the Swayambunath temple in Katmandu, flanks the monastery. This is perhaps the only monastery in Sikkim that has such type of a stupa.. TOP
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Tsongmo Lake
Tsongmo Lake : An ideal day trip from Gangtok is a visit to Tsango Lake. With an average depth of 50 ft, this spectacular lake is situated 37 km north east from Gangtok at an altitude of 3,752 metres on the Gangtok - Nathula highway. The road with an awesome precipice on one side takes you through the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary. The snow and the frozen lake make it even more exciting during the winter months.. TOP
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Tusk-La-Khang
Tusk-La-Khang is a beautiful and impressive building, which is the principal place of worship and assembly for Buddhists.
It is the Royal Chapel that lies behind the former Royal Palace of the Kings of Sikkim. It is the repository of a large collection of scriptures. The main shrine of worship is interesting in terms of its architecture and lavish decorations with woodcarvings and murals. It houses the statues of Buddha, Bodhisattvas and Tantric deities. Formerly, all the religious functions were observed here and the royal marriages and crowning of the kings of the state took place in its precincts.
This monastery is located in the Royal Palace premises near the Ridge Park in Gangtok. It is two storied and was used during royal function like weddings and coronations.
The chapel is the site of many festivals, the most interesting of them being one dedicated to the God of Kanchenjunga. The other important festival is the celebration of New Year, when the famous Black Hat dance is performed demonstrating the triumph of good over evil.. Location : This monastery is located in the Royal Palace premises near the Ridge Park in Gangtok. TOP
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