Sightseeing: 

Start your trip, by visiting the famous 200-year-old, Enchey (meaning solitary) Monastery or Gompa, located in the middle of a forest and offering a brilliant view of the Kanchendzong range. Also, catch the famous mask dance performances called 'Cham' in the months of August and January. For flower and bird lovers, hit the Deorali Orchid Sanctuary nearby, which houses 200 different species of birds and also an exhibition centre displaying varieties of orchids.

Visit the Tashi Ling Monastery, 6km away, known for its sacred pot (bumchu). It is said that the pot is filled with holy water, which has never dried for the last 300 years. Catch one of the many captivating views of the Kanchenjunga from here.

A must visit in Gangtok is the Namgyal Institute, built in 1958, that has the worlds largest book and rare manuscript collection of Mahayana Buddhism, and is also home to a large number of fascinating artefacts. Tsuk la Khang, located on the grounds of the palace of the erstwhile rulers or Chogyals, is a place where Buddhists assemble and pray and also has a vast anthology of scriptures.

An important modern stupa of Sikkim is the Do-Drul Chorten, built in 1945, by the head of the Nyingmapa order of Tibetan Buddhism.

Excursions:

Further out from Gangtok, visit the largest monastery in the eastern side of the Himalayas, called Rumtek Monastery, which is the centre for the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. The new structure is an exact replica of the old and built by His holiness, the late16^th Gyalwa Karmapa. Seen in direct light, it looks like a sparkling jewe l on the hill-side. Moving upwards, on the northern side of Sikkim, is Phodong Monastery, another significant gompa of Sikkim.

Activities:

Trekking and nature walks are one of the most delightful activities here. You can learn about birds, butterflies and rare flowers, especially orchids. 

For shopping, the main items are Tibetan rugs and shawls, and the beautiful thangkas painted in silk. There are several government and private shops on M G Road; you could also visit the Tibetan Handicrafts Centre.

Tourism Info:

Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation
Head Office
M G Marg, Gangtok
Phone: (03592)23425

The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok is a popular hill station destination in the East. This small town, lies atop a ridge, at an altitude of 5,800 ft, amidst a Himalayan setting, with the world's third tallest peak Kanchenjunga at its east, and overlooking the river Ranikhola.