SIKKIM 6 DAY TRIP | GANGTOK - NAMCHI - RAVANGLA

At a distance of 22 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Rumtek Monastery is a beautiful Buddhist gompa situated near Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. Also called as Dharma Chakra Centre, it is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim and among the best places to visit in Gangtok.

The Monastery was originally built in mid-17th century under the supervision of Changchub Dorje, the 12th Karmapa Lama. Perched on a hill overlooking Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery is the seat of the Karmapa Lama, the third highest monk in Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery belongs to the Kargyu sect of Buddhism originated during the 12th century CE in Tibet. With the generosity and help of the Sikkim royal family and the local folks of Sikkim, the monastery was rebuilt by the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje and named as Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center in 1966.

The shrine was established with a reason to spread the teachings of the Buddha throughout the world. The architecture of the monastery is one of the .....

At a distance of 500 m from Rumtek Monastery and 21 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden is a public garden located in Gangtok. Situated close to Rumtek Monastery, it is one of the most famous tourist places to visit in Gangtok.

Established in the year 1987, Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden is a well maintained lush green expanse of land with astounding beauty. The garden is maintained and managed by the Parks and Garden Units of the Forest Department of the Government of Sikkim. The garden houses rare flowers, plants and trees including Orchids of Himalayan region. It also has dense temperate forests of Oak and a beautiful lake.

There are more than 50 different varieties of tree species located inside this garden. Owing to the variance in altitude ranging between 1,800 m and 2,200 m, the park has a wide assortment of plants and animals. The garden also has a greenhouse, where different types of orchids are grown. With the intention of merriment .....

At a distance of 8 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Tashi View Point is located at Tashi in Gangtok. Situated near Ganesh Tok, it is one of the stunning viewpoints in Gangtok and among the top places to visit in Gangtok.

Tashi View Point was built by the King of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal, who ruled Sikkim between 1914 and 1963. The circular shaped platform with railings has been built so that the visitor could view 360-degree perspective of the entire region. It is now developed and maintained by the tourism department. This point is mostly known for offering some of the best sunrise and sunset views.

This is an ideal place for nature lovers as it offers great views of the imposing Himalayan Mountains, specifically Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu. The Phodong Monastery and the Labrang Monastery are also easily visible from here. Most of tourist visits the place during early morning to witness the beautiful sunrise and the dramatic play of lights over the mountains and hills. .....

At a distance of 4 km from Tashi Viewpoint and 6 km from the Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Ganesh Tok is Hindu temple located in Gangtok. Situated close to Tashi View Point, it is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Gangtok and among the charming places to visit in Gangtok.

Located at an altitude of 6500 feet, Ganesh Tok temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. The temple is so small that it can accommodate only one person at a time. One needs to climb a steep staircase to reach the temple. Adorned with colorful flags hoisted and tied across the roads, the path to Ganesh Tok almost resembles a rainbow. People visit the temple to offer prayers and also to enjoy the beautiful view. There is a circular balcony around the temple and a viewing lounge to soak in the view.

Ganesh Tok Viewpoint offers a bird-eye's view of the entire Gangtok town, rolling hills and the snowcapped mountains including Kanchenjunga. There is small place located close to this temple, which is known as Smriti .....

At a distance of 9 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Hanuman Tok is a Hindu temple located atop a hill in Gangtok, the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim. Situated off from the Gangtok-Nathula Highway, it is one of the religious places to visit in Gangtok and among the top places of Pilgrimage in Sikkim.

Situated at an altitude of 7200 feet, the temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman, god of good health and strength. According to the legend, Lord Hanuman rested at this place while carrying Sanjeevani Parvat from the Himalayas to save Rama's brother Lakshmana. The idol of Lord Hanuman was erected here in 1950 when an officer named Appaji Pant had a divine dream at this location. Now, the temple was maintained and preserved by the Units of 17 Mountain Division of the Army.

The temple is divided into three sections- the main temple, old temple and the circular temple. A hint of Tibetan style of architecture is witnessed here. The main temple has a long hall which is painted in .....

At a distance of 3 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Enchey Monastery is an ancient Buddhist Monastery situated in Gangtok, Sikkim. Located on Gangtok - Nathula road, it is one of the most popular places of pilgrimage in Sikkim and among the best places to visit in Gangtok.

The literal meaning of Enchey Monastery is the 'Solitary Monastery'. The monastery is also an important seat of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. More than 200 years ago, this was the site of Lama Dhrupthob Karpo, a tantric master who was known for his flying powers. Initially, a small Gompa was established by him after he flew from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim to this site in 1840 CE. Later, it was rebuilt in 1908 CE by the 10th King of Sikkim, Sikyong Tulku.

The monastery is considered sacred as it is believed that the protecting deities, Khangchendzonga and Yabdean reside in this monastery. According to a legend, the spirits of the Khangchendzonga, Yabdean and Mahakala are subdued by Guru Padmasambhava .....

At a distance of 3 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a Tibetan institute & museum located in Deorali area of Gangtok. Situated near Do Drul Chorten Stupa, it is one of the must visit places in Gangtok.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is an important Tibetan institute that promotes and carries on researches in the field of Tibetan language, art, religion and its culture. The foundation stone was laid by 14th Dalai Lama in 1957 and inaugurated by Late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1958. The land of the institute was donated by the late King of Sikkim Tashi Namgyal and hence the name Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.

The institute building boasts of traditional Tibetan architecture and remains as one of the finest traditional Tibetan designs in the world. It rises majestically with its tall golden towers, attractive murals and colourful frescos amidst the breathtaking natural scenery. It also has a museum, a library with rich collections .....

At a distance of 3 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Do Drul Chorten is a Buddhist stupa situated in Gangtok, Sikkim. Situated adjacent to Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, it is one of the most magnificent and the biggest stupas in Gangtok and among the top places to experience Gangtok Tourism.

Do Drul Chorten Stupa was built by Trulshik Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945 CE. According to legend, it is believed that this entire place was once haunted by evil spirits and many people who wandered around this place became victims and died. Later, Trulshik Rinpoche came to this place for hermitage and built this popular stupa to drive away the spirits.

Popularly known as Phurba, the white Chorten Stupa is marked by a golden top dome and can be seen from various places in Gangtok. The deity enshrined on top of the stupa is known as Dorjee Phurpa or Vajra Kilaya. The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Rinpoche .....

At a distance of 31 km of Gangtok, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary situated around the area adjoining the Tsomgo Lake in Gangtok. Along the Nathula Road, it is one of the best places to experience Gangtok Tourism.

Established in 1977, the sanctuary covers an area of 31 sq. km. The sanctuary extends from the 15 mile police check post up to the ridges bordering the famous Rong Chu and Tsomgo Lakes. Situated at an altitude ranging from 3,292 m to 4,116 m, the sanctuary boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is also the perfect place for trekking tours. The views of Khangchendzonga peak are awesome from the sanctuary. Since it is situated close to India-China border at Nathu La, the place is well conserved by the Indian Army.

The sanctuary is very rich in natural vegetation which comprises of various rare species of plants and trees that are hard to find somewhere else. Some of the common species of vegetation seen here are tall juniper, rhododendron, .....

At a distance of 17 km from Nathula Pass and 38 km from Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake or Tsongmo Lake is a glacial lake located in the East Sikkim district of Sikkim. Also known as Changu Lake, it is one of the top places to visit in Gangtok and among the beautiful lakes in Himalayas.

Located at an altitude of 3,753 m, Tsongmo Lake is one of the few and awesome high altitude lakes in India. In Bhutia language Tsomgo means 'Source of the Lake'. The lake gets its water from the melting snow on the surrounding mountains. The lake is formed in an oval shape and has a surface area of 60 acres. The maximum length of the lake is 1 km and an average depth of the lake is 15 m. The River Lungtze Chu originates from this lake and further falls into Rangpo-chu.

Highly revered by the Buddhists and Hindus, the lake surface reflects different colors with change of seasons. According to the history, the colour of water of this lake was studied by Lamas so as to forecast about the future. They believed, .....

At a distance of 17 km from Tsomgo Lake and 54 km from Gangtok, Nathula is a snow-shrouded mountain pass located in the northeastern state of Sikkim along the Indo-China border. Situated at an altitude of 14450 feet in the Himalayas, it is one of the most exotic places to visit in Gangtok and among the top places to experience Sikkim Tourism.

Located on the Old Silk Route, Nathula is one of the three open trading border posts between India and China. The other two are Shipkila in Himachal Pradesh and Lipulekh at the trisection point of Uttarakhand, Nepal and China. Also, it is one of the five officially agreed Border Personnel Meeting points between the Indian Army and the People's Liberation Army of China.

Deriving its name from two Tibetan words - Nathu meaning listening ears and La meaning pass,
Nathula Pass was the place through which the famous Silk Route between India and Tibet used to operate until 1962. Lines of mules used to carry silk, gold and many other items .....

At a distance of 16 km from Tsongmo Lake and 54 km from Gangtok, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is a holy shrine located in Gangtok, Sikkim. Situated on the way to Nathula Pass, it is one of the old shrines in Sikkim and among the best places to visit in Gangtok.

At an altitude of 13,123 feet, the temple is dedicated to Harbhajan Singh, a hard-working soldier in the Indian Army. Popularly called as Baba Mandir, the temple is situated between Nathula Pass and Jelepla Pass. Visitors usually cover this temple along with a visit to Tsongmo Lake or Nathula Pass.

There is a touching story associated with this temple. Harbhajan Singh was a soldier with the Indian army who slipped and fell into a nullah and was washed away while transporting mules. His body could not be found for so many days and later, he appeared in the dream of his colleague and informed about the spot where his body could be found and further asked for his Samadhi to be built there. His body was found exactly where .....

At a distance of 22 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Rumtek Monastery is a beautiful Buddhist gompa situated near Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. Also called as Dharma Chakra Centre, it is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim and among the best places to visit in Gangtok.

The Monastery was originally built in mid-17th century under the supervision of Changchub Dorje, the 12th Karmapa Lama. Perched on a hill overlooking Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery is the seat of the Karmapa Lama, the third highest monk in Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery belongs to the Kargyu sect of Buddhism originated during the 12th century CE in Tibet. With the generosity and help of the Sikkim royal family and the local folks of Sikkim, the monastery was rebuilt by the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje and named as Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center in 1966.

The shrine was established with a reason to spread the teachings of the Buddha throughout the world. The architecture of the monastery is one of the .....

At a distance of 20 km from Ravangla and 55 km from Gangtok, Temi Tea Garden is a beautiful tea garden located in South Sikkim. It is the only tea garden in Sikkim and is considered as one of the best in India.

Covering an area of 440 acres, Temi Tea Garden was established in 1969 CE by Sikkim Government. According to history, the last king of Sikkim initiated tea growing in Sikkim to provide employment for Tibetan refugees fleeing the Chinese invasion of their homeland. Initially a small plantation was started in Kewzing. Later, it was moved to Temi and a proper processing plant was constructed by Sikkim Government.

The tea plants are growing along the steep slopes of the hills emerging from the Tendong Hills ranging from 1200 to 1800 m. The original tea saplings were brought from Darjeeling and it produces some of the best tea in the world. The estate functions under a Tea Board set up by the Government of Sikkim and under its aegis the 'Sang-Martam Tea Growers Cooperative .....

At a distance of 6 km from Namchi Taxi Stand and 22 km from Ravangla, Samdruptse is an epic hill situated in Namchi, Sikkim. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in South Sikkim and among the must visit Namchi Tourist Places.

Situated at an altitude of 2134 m, Samdruptse Hill is surmounted by a giant statue of Guru Padmasambhava who is the patron saint of Sikkim. At 148 feet, this is the tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava in the world. Studded with gold that glitters when sun rays fall on it, it looks magnificent with the setting of the Kanchenjunga Hills against the blue painted sky. The foundation stone of the statue was laid in 1997 by His Holiness Dalai Lama and completed in 2004. The construction was sponsored by the Sikkim State Government.

The name Samdruptse Hill literally translates to the 'Wish Fulfilling Hill', as the hill is revered by many local monks, who worship the Hill, believing that the Hill is a dormant volcano, and only praying can keep the volcano .....

At a distance of 4 km from Namchi Taxi Stand, Ngadak Monastery is the Buddhist monastery located in Namchi, Sikkim. Also known as Nandak Gumpa, it is one of the oldest monasteries in Namchi and one of the best places to experience Namchi Tourism.

Ngadak Monastery was built in 17th century by Tensung Namgyal during the reign of Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal. This monastery was constructed as a palace of her Highness Pendi Ongmu. It ultimately has been converted to a monastery. Built beautifully with stone and wood, it was damaged by an earthquake and is a testimony to old religious culture of Sikkim. A large new Gumpa has been constructed near the old one as the old structure is ruined however it still exudes a sense of old Sikkim.

The word Ngadak means 'Promise'. It is believed that anyone coming here would make a promise to come back again. The place attracts huge number of tourists throughout the year as it is blessed with a great ambience and an ideal place to meditate.

Timings: .....

At a distance of 5 km from Namchi Taxi Stand, Siddeshwar Dham is a huge pilgrimage cum cultural complex located atop Solophok hill in Namchi, Sikkim. Popularly called as Char Dham, it is one of the most prominent places to visit in Namchi and one of the popular tourist places in Sikkim.

Siddheswar Dham is built atop Solophok Hill by Sikkim Government in 2011 to promote Religious, Eco and Village tourism in the state. Spread over an area of 29 hectares, the Sikkim Government has been spent over Rs. 56 crore on this complex. The complex has a 108 feet tall statue of Shiva, replicas of 12 Jyotirlingas, models of sacred Char Dham Hindu Temples of Jagannath, Badrinath, Dwaraka and Rameswaram and a 17-feet statue of Kirateshwar a hunter incarnation of Shiva. Solophok Hill has a historical and religious significance, as it is believed that visiting this place washes away one's sins.

The major attraction here is the 108 feet gigantic statue .....

At a distance of 1 km from Ravangla Bus Stand, Buddha Park is a beautiful park located at Ravangla, in South Sikkim district. Also known as Tathagata Tsal, it is one of the well maintained parks in South Sikkim and among the prime places to visit in Ravangla.

The Buddha Park was constructed between 2006 and 2013 which features a 130-foot high statue of the Buddha as its centerpiece. The site was chosen within the larger religious complex of the Rabong Gompa (Monastery), itself a centuries-old place of pilgrimage. On the birth anniversary of Lord Gautama Buddha in 2006, the Sikkim Government took a decision to observe the birth anniversary throughout the year in Sikkim. And as a part of the celebration, Ravangla was chosen to construct and install a large statue of Lord Buddha and eco-garden to commemorate the event.

The statue was consecrated on 25 March 2013 by the 14th Dalai Lama and became a stop on the 'Himalayan Buddhist Circuit'. The giant statue of the Buddha marks .....

At a distance of 10 km from Ravangla, Ralang Monastery is a Buddhist monastery situated at Ralang near Ravangla in Sikkim. Belongs to Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, it is one of the most sacred monasteries in Sikkim and among the best pilgrimage places to visit in Ravangla.

The old Ralang Monastery was built in 1768 AD by the 4th Chogyal of Sikkim to commemorate his successful pilgrimage to Tibet. According to legend, when the fourth Chogyal returned from his pilgrimage, Karmapa performed the 'Rabney' (traditional blessing). Following the rituals, he tossed some grains from the Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet (the main seat of Karmapa) and the grains fell on the ground of Ralang. Thus, the monastery came into existence and considered as one of the sacred monasteries in Sikkim.

The original monastery is located at a distance of 3 km from the new one. The way to this monastery is quite difficult and trekking is the only way to reach the monastery. In order to make it accessible .....

At a distance of 6 km from Ravangla, Bon Monastery is a non-Buddhist monastery situated at Kewzing village near Ravangla, Sikkim. Also, known as Bonpo Monastery and Bon Yung Dung Monastery, it perhaps the only non-Buddhist monastery in the region and among the famous places to visit in Ravangla.

Bon Monastery was first established by late Yung Dung Tsultrim in 1980 CE. It is the only monastery in Sikkim belonging to the Bon Sect. In fact, there are only two Bon Monasteries in India - one existing in Kewzing, Sikkim and the other in Solan, Himachal Pradesh. It facilitates an institution offering Bon teachings to young students belonging to less privileged families.

The Bon faith flourished in Tibet up to the 8th Century AD prior to the advent of Buddhism. The belief in an Almighty God and in gods, spirits and demons living in nature belongs to the ancient elements of it. It is believed that many of its rituals were assimilated in Buddhism like the prayer flags, burning of .....

At a distance of 6 km from Ravangla, Doling Monastery is a small monastery situated on a small hillock at Barfung Village near Ravangla, Sikkim. Also called as Dorling Gompa, it is one of the noted monasteries in Sikkim and among the best places of sightseeing in Ravangla.

The monastery was founded by Lama Rigdzin Longyang in the year 1718 AD which follows the Nyingmapa sect or Red Hat Sect. According to the history, Lama Dorjelingpa and his son Rigdzin Longyang came here from Tibet during the Mongol ruler Junggar's invasion of Tibet in 1717 - 1718 AD and built the monastery. Due to frequent earthquake damages to the structure, the monastery had been rebuilt in 1840, 1920 and finally in 1984. Today the descendants of Lama Rigdzin Longyang are still exist and taking care of this sacred monastery.

The monastery is built on a raised platform that offers a spectacular view of the towering mountains, lush greenery, and thick forests against the blue sky. There are many sacred .....

At a distance of 3 km from Ravangla Bus Stand, Kheunpheling Carpet Centre is a carpet manufacturing site in Ravangla, Sikkim. Situated in the Tibetan Refugee Settlement Camp, it is one of the popular places to visit in Ravangla.

Kheunpheling Tibetan settlement was established in 1978. It is located just above Ravangla market on the ridge between the Maenam and Tendong Hills. Kheunpheling Carpet Centre was setup by the government in order to boost the traditional Sikkimese handicraft and handloom work. Carefully handcrafted and made by Tibetan refugees, the center displays various items such as carpets, shawls etc.

The carpets produced here are amongst the finest Tibetan carpets manufactured all over Sikkim. Apart from the carpets, kurtas, beautiful shawls, and other woolens are also manufactured at Kheunpheling Carpet Center. The center serves as the refugee camp for Tibetan people. Kheunpheling Carpet Centre also teaches the art of weaving and wood carving to the craftsmen .....