Gangtok is a popular destination in Northeast India, which acts as a base for reaching further attractions in the state of Sikkim. Sikkim’s lively cap
Gangtok is a popular destination in Northeast India, which acts as a base for reaching further attractions in the state of Sikkim. Sikkim’s lively capital Gangtok is where you can witness a panoramically gorgeous view of India’s highest mountain peak, Mount Kanchenjunga.
The city of Gangtok is one of the cleanest cities in India, established as a Buddhist Pilgrimage Site in the 1840s. A considerable number of sacred places are here, ensuring an ideal spiritual tour in Gangtok. The region falls on the Silk Route in East Sikkim. You might avail of a 3 nights 4 days Silk route package.
Combined tour itineraries also ensure a Silk Route tour with North Sikkim packages. Besides Gangtok, other exclusively iconic destinations on Silk Route include Zuluk, Thambi View Point, Gnathang Valley, Tukla Valley, Menmecho Lake, Lunthung, Kupup Lake, Nag Temple, Old Baba Mandir, etc.
Let’s explore some specular attractions in Gangtok:
#1 Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery, introduced by the 16th Karmapa in 1966, is about 24 km from Gangtok. Regarded as the most important monastery in Gangtok, this monastery is the seat-in-exile of the Gyalwang Karmapa and the largest monastery in the northeast state of Sikkim, belonging to the spiritual practices of the Karma Kagyu lineage. Community monks reside in Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre and its opening time is 6 am.
#2 Do Drul Chorten
Do Drul Chorten was built in the year 1945 by the head of the Nyingma order to Tibetan Buddhism, Trulshik Rinpoche. This chorten-style Buddhist Temple consists of one main stupa along with six to seven small surrounding stupas. It has one hundred and eight Buddhist Mantra engraved prayer wheels. The Chorten is some 3 km. from the heart of Gangtok.
#3 Tashi View Point
Tashi View Point is popular for offering a sweeping view of Gangtok and Himalayan peaks, such as Mount Kanchenjunga and Siniolchu. Tashi sits close to Gangtok, only 7 km away. If you come between March and June, you can witness clearly panoramic views of the Gangtok and these mountain peaks. It’s a retreat to the eyes to watch the alluring sunrise and sunset vistas at Tashi View Point.
#4 Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake has further names, such as Tsongmo Lake, Changgu Lake, and is nearly 40 km from the center of Gangtok. It’s a high-altitude glacier lake, nestled at a height of 3,753m. This mesmerizing glacier lake reflects different colors in different seasons, considered a sacred lake by the Sikkimese people.
In the winter season, the lake gets frozen and the temperature drops to -20 degrees Celcius. During summer, snow starts to melt and the wildflowers like rhododendron, poppies, irises start to bloom. May to October is the best time to approach and enjoy Tsomgo Lake. Choose 3 nights 4 days silk route package for compact Gangtok exploration.
#5 Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass, an extremely high-altitude mountain pass, falls on the way to the Old Silk Route via Tsomgo Lake. Perched beautifully at a height of 4310 m., on the Dongkya Range, to enter the destination, one requires a special permit for its proximity to the international border. On Sikkim Silk Route, Nathula Pass is one of the most iconic destinations.
This mountain pass connects Sikkim to Tibet’s Autonomous Region of China. takes around 56 km. to reach Nathula Pass from the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok. You cannot approach Nathula Pass on Mondays and Tuesdays since it remains closed these days. Explore with one of the finest Silk Route packages at reasonable prices.
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