Gangtok Hills

The hill resort of Gangtok is the capital of the eastern Indian state of Sikkim. Gangtok is located in the south of the district of East Sikkim. The hill resort covers the western side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipul River. The hill resort of Gangtok is a popular travel destination in India. A tour of the hill resort of Gangtok reveals that the Himalayas in the backdrop of the town. The entire Kanchenjunga Range is worshipped as a local deity. The unspoilt natural beauty of Gangtok and its peaceful Chortens/Stupas offer a truly unique traveling experience in India. 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. Around Gangtok : Tsuklakhang : The Royal Chapel: The Royal Chapel, Tsuklakhang, is within the palace grounds. Popularly called Tsulakhang royal. It is the principal place of worship and assembly and the repository of a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures. Dul-Dul Chorten - "Jhang Club Chortan" : Sikkim has commemorated, with Stupas, both the Buddha and one of his followers of today. Near the Deorali Bazaar, are two exquisite Stupas, the "Dul-dul-Chorten", was built to commemorate the victory of good over evil; the "Jhang Club Chorten" was built to perpetuate the memory of a great spiritualist of today. Thrul-shik rinpoche an ardent devotee of Buddha and one of his best interpreters died in 1962, the Stupa immortalises Rimpoche in the land of his birth. Research Institute Of Tibetology : In the serene surrounding amidst forest of oak, ash and birch is an organisation to advance the Tibetan language and its literature on the "Enlightened one", the only one of its kind in the world of Mahayana Buddhism. This institute is a premier institute in the world that conducts research in the language and culture of Tibet. It has on its faculty eminent scholars. The library and museum of the institute are open to the public on working days from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm and are closed on Sundays and other govt. holidays. Government Institute Of Cottage Industries : This institute is located at about half a kilometre uphill from the main market of Gangtok. It was established with the purpose of promoting the manufacture and sale of local handicrafts. Thankas (also spelt as Thangkas), hand carved wooden tables - known as Choksees and exquisitely woven woolen carpets. More than hundred student workers turn out cottage crafts produced here, with textures, plush and exotic, the designs varying from sophisticated simplicity to a brilliant riot of varmillion pitted against intense blue, are durable and popular all over the world second to carpets in popularity is Sikkimese Tankhas, variegated appliqu