- SIKKIM HIMALAYAN ZOOLOGICAL PARK - Gangtok
In a bid to save one of nature’s rarest and most beautiful animals, the Red Panda, the Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park (SHZP) in Gangtok has embarked on a breeding and conservation programme. Red Pandas are much smaller than the giant panda. The state animal of Sikkim, the Red Pandas are found in six protected areas of the State. But they are facing extinction due to habitat loss caused by construction activity and over grazing. To preserve and restore the habitat of the shy and reclusive animal, the Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park (SHZP) has been working on various conservation programmes since 1997. Red Pandas being the State animal of Sikkim, and also an endangered species of global importance, high precaution is being taken for their conservation in the Himalayan Zoological Park. And the Forest Department of the Government of Sikkim is trying to save these pandas in the wild as well as in the captive condition.
- BAKTHANG FALLS - Gangtok
20 minutes drive from Gangtok is Bakthang Water Falls along the 31 A National Highway leading to North Sikkim. It originates from Ratey Chu, the main water source of Gangtok area. Suggested to visit with a view to relax and to take photographs.
- DO DRUL CHORTEN - Gangtok
Do Drul Chorten is one of the many important attractions of Gangtok. It is regarded as the most important stupa of Sikkim. Built in 1945 by Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, this stupa also has sacred gold-topped shikhara with 108 prayer wheels. This highly revered Chorten is also characterised by complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-gyur relics ( Holy Books), complete Zung( mantras) and other religious objects. The Chorten also has two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) around it.
- HANUMAN TOK - Gangtok
About 11 km from the Gangtok city is Hanuman Tok, dedicated to Lord Hanuman is situated, which is managed by the Indian Army. In the vicinity is the royal cremation ground of Lukshyama. The last rites of the Namgyal dynasty royal family members were done here.
- KHANGCHENDZONGA TOURIST PARK, RANKA - Gangtok
Khangchendzonga Tourist Villa-cum-Socio-Cultural and Amusement Park, which has been created in a manner that will not only make tourists comfortable, but also give them the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the local culture and lifestyle. The President of India, inaugurating the project congratulated the Government of Sikkim for the vision and foresight to have conceptualized and created this world class tourism infrastructure, in a time-bound manner.
- LINGDUM MONASTERY - Gangtok
Located an hour's scenic drive from Gangtok, Lingdum Monastery is a destination for Buddhist pilgrims and devotees of fine art alike. The sprawling complex, set amid serene forested hills, is a specimen of sacred architecture. Its exquisite murals, statues and adornments, besides the impressive scale of the edifice, bring a look of wonderment to every visitor's face. Completed 10 years ago, Lingdum Monastery is a Buddhist centre in the tradition of the Zurmang Kagyud lineage. It is under the spiritual direction of Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche, who is the 12th unbroken successor of the lineage. Up on a hill behind the monastery is a retreat centre where monks retire to meditate. As you pull into the parking lot, a long wall fixed with prayer wheels leads you to the front gate. Stepping inside the monastery grounds, you throw your head back to admire the main building. Embellished with the symbols of Tibetan Buddhist architecture and topped with carved parasols and finials, it rises in receding terraces and pagoda roofs over a vast courtyard.Lingdum Monastery contains a number of chapels.
- RUMTEK MONASTERY - Gangtok
Originally built by the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje in 16th century, Rumtek served as the main seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage in Sikkim for some time. But when the 16th Karmapa arrived in Sikkim in 1959, after fleeing Tibet, the monastery was in ruins. Despite being offered other sites, the Karmapa decided to rebuild Rumtek. To him, the site possessed many auspicious qualities and was surrounded by the most favourable attributes. For example, flowing streams, mountains behind, a snow range in front, and a river below. With the generosity and help of the Sikkim royal family and the Indian government, it has been built by the 16th Karmapa as his main seat in exile. After four years, construction of the monastery was completed. The sacred items and relics brought out from Tsurphu Monastery, the Karmapa's seat in Tibet, were installed. On Tibetan New Year's day (Losar) in 1966 the 16th Karmapa officially inaugurated the new seat called, "The Dharmachakra Centre, a place of erudition and spiritual accomplishment, the seat of the glorious Karmapa." The monastery is currently the largest in Sikkim. It is home to the community of monks and where they perform the rituals and practices of the Karma Kagyu lineage. A Golden Stupa contains the relics of the 16th Karmapa. Opposite that building is a college, Karma Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies.
- NEHRU BOTANICAL GARDEN - Gangtok
Just ahead of the Rumtek Monastery is the Nehru Botanical Garden which has a mix of tropical and temperate plants and trees as well as a big greenhouse of exotic orchids. It’s a good place to stop for a while. For children there is a small playground with swings and a see-saw and a winding footpath is ideal for a stroll.
- ORCHID SANCTUARY - Gangtok
The Orchid Sanctuary makes a must visit in Gangtok. The sanctuary is famous for its rare and extensive collection of orchids. The sanctuary’s collection also varies depending on the seasons. However, the wide spread orchid sanctuary has almost 454 species of orchid found in Sikkim. An interesting place to visit especially for nature lovers.
- ENCHEY MONASTERY – Gangtok
Enchey monastery is another place you must visit in Gangtok. The Enchey monastery literally means the solitary temple. At the time it was constructed, it was the only building in the entire area. This place especially attracts attention during the religious dances or \’Chaam\’ performed in January. The relatively small monastery was built 200 years ago and the present building was constructed in the year 1909. The site where the monastery is built is supposed to be blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his flying powers. You can also get wonderful view of Kanchenjunga from here.
- GANESH TOK - Gangtok
A small Ganesh temple just next to the television tower on the hill is popularly known as Ganesh Tok. It is just 7 km from the heart of the Gangtok city at an altitude of 6,500mt. The temple can only accommodate one persona at a time but is well known through out the state. It is also the best place to get a view of Raj Bhawan, Kanchunjunga and the surrounding valley. Close to it is Smriti Van, where one can plant saplings for their loved ones.
- BAN JHAKRI FALLS - Gangtok
Located en route to Ranka and 4 kms away from Gangtok, the Ban Jhakri Falls, lies amidst a lush green valley spread over two acres, surrounded by trees and a gushing mountain river. The Park has a shamanistic theme. Hence, while the location of the Park penetrating the forest spreads seeks to enhance the essence of the occult and the unknown, the place itself is littered with ethnic sculptures and figurines of the Jhakri culture. The park includes a waterfall and has well laid out trails to wander along with gazebos placed at convenient spots to soothe weary legs while the eyes can continue to marvel over the gushing streams and falls. Sikkimese styled foot bridges add more colour to the myriad hued park adorned with exotic flowers of wide variety. A dragon-adorning splash pool beckons longingly at children who can splash about, while the exhibition centre also doubles as a cafeteria. Designated fishing spots along the stream further offer visitors a chance to dwell over life matters while waiting for a bite of the local trout.
- ROPEWAY – Gangtok
If you are at Gangtok you must visit ropeways or cable car located at Deorali market. This rope way of about 1 km long has three entry points or stops. The lowest point is at Deorali market and the highest point is at Tashiling (below the state secretariat). There is a mid point stop at Nam-Nang. One can enter from any point and return to same point after touching other two points. Cable car journey provides spectacular view of Gangtok market, valley and assembly hall of state of Sikkim on its 15 to 20 minutes journey.
- Namgyal Institute of TIBETOLOGY - Gangtok
A visit to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a great way to get acquainted with Tibetan culture. Regarded as the highest seat of learning amongst the Mahayana scholars, this Institute was built in 1958 and is a famous global centre for the study of Buddhist philosophy and religion today. It houses the world's largest collected works and rare manuscripts on the theme of Mahayana Buddhism. Apart from this collection, the museum has more than 200 Buddhist icons, antique paintings, thangkas, statues, shrines, tapestries, masks and other religious works of Tibetan Art. The Institute also has in its keep around 30,000 volumes; most of them in the form of xylographs. Xylographs are document prints on wooden slabs with matter imprinted on them. It also has translations of the original teachings of the Lord Buddha and discourses by eminent Buddhist scholars from all parts of the world. Visitors can also buy Buddhist religious books and Tibetan crafts from the Institute.
- TASHI VIEW POINT – Gangtok
Constructed by the erstwhile King of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal, panoramic Tashi Viewpoint is set in the midst of beautiful scenic views, and is the perfect place to look at the abundant natural panoramic bounty of Sikkim. On clear days, Kanchunjunga is clearly visible and visitors can also see the Labrang Monastery and Phodong Monastery on the opposite hill. A small shed and café serves the visitors and over a period of time, has become a popular picnic spot.
- Trip Cost: (Per Head)
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| Itenary | 2 Pax Only | 4 Pax Only | 5-10 Pax | 10 +Pax | Book Sight |
| Sight Seeing Gangtok III | 1000.00 | 500.00 | 450.00 | 450.00 | Book Now |
- * It is wise to hire smaller vehicles for ½ day trips but each vehicle takes maximum of 4 passengers so in case you are travelling in a group of over 4 we recommend you book multiple vehicles. But no Local Taxi takes over 4 passengers and rules in Sikkim are very strict.
- Booking amount to be paid per Vehicle: 50%
- Terms and conditions:
- The company reserves the right to cancel any trip without assigning any reason whatsoever, however in such cases 100% refund will be made immediately.
- Transport from pick up point and back.
- Please note, that costs quoted are as per the above package and there will be no refunds for services not utilized for any reasons whatsoever.
- Government rules & regulations:
Inner Line Permits (ILP) are required by foreign tourists to enter Sikkim. Permits are available at all Indian Consulates in the home countries and at Sikkim Tourism Offices in Delhi, Kolkata and Siliguri. They are also available upon entry at Rangpo Check post. Indian tourists also need to carry an identity proof document viz. Passport / Voter ID / Driving License / PAN Card / Govt. ID card etc. Restricted Area Permits (RAP) is required to by all tourists to enter certain border areas within Sikkim. These are available at Mangan and Gangtok.
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