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Perched a top
a ridge at a height of 1574 mts above sea level as
a perfect symbol of the confluence of the past and
present – Gangtok, the capital
of Sikkim, which today is a busy town bustling with
hectic activity, overlooking the Ranipool River.
Its means ‘High Hill. Gangtok only became the
capital in the mid 1800s (previous capitals were
at Yuksom and Rabdentse).
Besides the captivating scenic beauty around the hills and dales of Gangtok,
there are many places of interest for the tourist to savour.Gangtok has
delightful blends of turquoise roof tops in the shape of pagoda style,
colorful parks, lively bazaar in the centre surrounded by hills harmoniously
blended into the serenity of the distance and with the majestic Khangchendzonga
looking into the horizon to provide it a magnificent view. Gangtok has
its own charm, which serves as a perfect base for exploring Sikkim.
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to visit in and around Gangtok: |
Do-Drul
Chorten (Stupa): 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.
Enchey Monastery:
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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.
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Tashi
View Point:
It was built by the late King of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal, it is situated
4 km from Gangtok town from where one can have a clear view of opposite
hills, besides Mt. Khangchendzonga. This site offers a breathtaking panorama
of the majestic Mt. Khangchendzonga and surrounding hills. 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.
Ganesh Tok:
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.
Hanuman Tok:
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. 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.
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