Places of Interest - In and Around Gangtok
Places of Interest - In and Around Gangtok
Tashi view point :
It is located at a distance of 5km from Sikkim Villa Tosca.Provides the most magnificent view of Mt Kangchenjunga and Mt Siniolchu, a couple of the most notable and attractive peaks in the world. Best time to visit would be the dawn and dusk. It has a small cafeteria nearby.
Enchey monastery :
Situated on a hill top above Gangtok,this is the citys oldest monastery. The two hundred year old baroque monastery houses images of gods, goddesses and other religious artifacts.In the month of January, the Chaam, or masked dance is performed with great fanfare. Monastery is 3km from Sikkim Villa Tosca.
Rumtek monastery :
This is one of Sikkim’s largest and most important gompas (monastery).Situated 24 km away from Gangtok. The main temple, with its ornate facade covered in intricate, brightly painted wooden latticework, overlooks the expansive courtyard.
Directorate of Handicraft &Handloom :
Started during the Chogyals (Kings ) of Sikkim, as a venture to preserve and promote the art and crafts of the people of Gangtok. Traditional handicrafts, furniture, handlooms, carpets can be viewed and purchased.
Location is “Zero Point ‘’. A walking distance from Sikkim Villa Tosca. (1km). A soft straight on walk.
Flower Exhibition Centre :
Close by The White Hall,and just below the Palace Ridge Park is a modestly sized greenhouse adorned with exotic orchids, anthuriums and lilium.This flower centre is one and half km from Sikkim Villa Tosca.
Lal bazaar :
Located just a few steps down from M.G.Marg. The shops on lal bazaar road (the street that connects the market with M.G.Road) remain closed on Thursdays, but the veg market is open Monday to Sunday. This is the market where local farmers from around Gangtok congregate to sell their products.Noisy and chaotic, yet irresistibly atmospheric. Displays organic, exotic fruits and vegetables that are unique to Sikkim.
Sundays are liveliest, when various ethnic groups from different villages gather to haggle, bargain and sell their products.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology :
In the city, this is a museum housed in a Tibetan style mansion which boasts a jaw dropping collection of artefacts and documentaries related to Buddhism and Tibetan culture. One of a kind in the world.Offering gorgeous views one can take a pleasant stroll amid the park and garden at the ridge.Open from 10 am to 4pm. Closed on Sundays and Govt holidays. Institute is 3km from Sikkim Villa Tosca.
Tsomgo Lake :
Also known as Changu lake, is 38 km from Gangtok and at an altitude of 12,400ft . A winding road through rugged mountain terrain and sharp cliffs takes you to the ethereally beautiful Tsomgo lake.The lake is filled with water of melting snow coming from the surrounding mountains.Its a one km long oval shaped lake. During summer and autumn,you will find primula flowers and other alpine vegetation around the lake. Changu lake is a stop over place for many different migratory ducks like the Bhahmini ducks.
You should reach Tsomgo lake before noon because in the afternoon the weather here usually turns inclement. Best is to start from Gangtok, by 7.30 to 8am and reach here by 10am so that you get clear two hours to enjoy.
Permits are required to visit Tsomgo lake for both Indian and foreigners. Your travel agent will arrange this permit. The travel agent should be notified atleast one day prior to departure. Your photo id, with two passport size photos is required. For foreigners, only groups of two and above are allowed to travel to this lake. No solos.
OTHER PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST
OTHER PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST
Nathula. Foreigners are not allowed. For Indian nationals, open from Wednesday toSundays. Visitors will require permit, obtained from your local travel agent.
Saramsa Flower Pavilion. Ganesh Tok.Hanuman Tok. Himalayan Zoological Park . Gangtok Ropeway.
North Sikkim
Highlights are Lachen & Lachung : These are remote villages in North Sikkim.Best months to travel are late March to May. Valleys erupt in a riot of colours like rhododendrons, primulae and other alpine flowers. Only package tours are allowed.
South Sikkim
Highlights are Namchi, Samdruptse, Rabongla and Temi tea garden.
West Sikkim
Highlights are Pelling, Pemayangtse monastery, Yuksam, Rabdentse palace ruins, Khecheopalri Lake.
Saramsa Flower Pavilion. Ganesh Tok.Hanuman Tok. Himalayan Zoological Park . Gangtok Ropeway.
North Sikkim
Highlights are Lachen & Lachung : These are remote villages in North Sikkim.Best months to travel are late March to May. Valleys erupt in a riot of colours like rhododendrons, primulae and other alpine flowers. Only package tours are allowed.
South Sikkim
Highlights are Namchi, Samdruptse, Rabongla and Temi tea garden.
West Sikkim
Highlights are Pelling, Pemayangtse monastery, Yuksam, Rabdentse palace ruins, Khecheopalri Lake.