Gangtok Things to Do

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When in Gangtok, Sikkim.. there's plenty to do during the day. But if you are anything like me, you'll be twiddling your thumbs come evening.

I went downtown to a sweet little spot called Little Italy. Food was tasty and cheap, beers were flowing, met lots of people and enjoyed the live music.

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On a clear morning Mt.Kachendzonga is visible from all parts of Gangtok. But I was not lucky enough, during my several past visits I missed this marvellous view. This time God did not deprive me and on the day of our return we could gaze her for about 1 hour from 5.30am to about 7.00a. But at 7.00 am it was quite hazy.

It was also not possible to capture her more clearly with my Canon 530 or Nikon S50C pocket digital camera using digital zoom from great distance. Someday, I hope to carry a SLR with ED zoom.

What I could see, was no less than a blessing. I took about 30-40 pictures.

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This beautiful waterfall is set at 10400 feet at Kyongnosla on the Nathula Pass - Gangtok highway. We were there for about half a hour and what we experienced can not be described in words! The clouds were below us travelling, making moves , sometimes engulfing us ..... hey we smelled clouds... believe me, really!!! It was really different than the air there very refreshing like light smoke!! o expereience this beauty, you have to be there personally !!! Yes.

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It literally means the " Source of the Lake" in Bhutia language. It is located 38ks from Gangtok. The serene lake is situated at an altitude of 12318 feet. It is about one km long, in oval shape, 15 mts deep and is considered Sacred by Local people. This placid lake remains frozen duing winter months ( November to February). Between May and August is also the blooming ground of variety of flowers and Rododendrons. It is also habitat of Red Panda and other species of birds. It is now open for foreigners and Indians as well. Foreign visitors have to be in a group of two or more to get the permit thru a registered travel agency.

We got snow all around on 17th April but it was melting. Please carry heavy wollens, caps, wind cheater as the temperature is below 0 degrees but the wind chill factor at this altitude can make you shiver and make you sick.

Usually the tour of Tsomgo lake is done with either clubbing Baba Mandir ( 17kms from Tsomgo Lake ) or visit to Nathu La pass ( Indo China Border on the silk route) but sometimes the drivers just refuge to go there as they want to save for fuel on the pretext ofthe road is closed due to heavy snow or I did not get permission from Indian Military, just it happened with us. We paid for the full journey but had to return from Tsomgo Lake only asthedriver wont just go! I checked with Commanding Officer of Indian Army there at Tsomgo camp, he said there is no problem and their vehicles are going freely. I told the driver then he changed his stance and said he has no permit to go there! Please check with your travel agent about the permit and permission as they sometimes dupe the tourist and spol your day! Fare : Rs200 upto Tsomgo Lake, Rs.250/- including Baba Mandir and Rs.400/- upto and including Nathu La Pass( USD$ 5 to 10) for entire journey. We complained on return, then the agent said the driver would be blacklisted but the driver maintained that he didnot get the permit. They are all hand in glove.

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The Do- Drul Chorten Stupa was built by the Venerable Trullshi Rimpoche, head of Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Inside the Stupa, there are compere mandala set of DORJEE PHURBA ( VAJRA kILAYA), a set of Kang Gyur relic( Holy Book), complete Zung ( Mantras) and other religious objetcs. Around the Chorten, there are 108 Mani Lhkar ( Prayer wheels). These are turned by devout Buddhist while chanting " Om Mane Padme Hum" ( O jewel in the Lotus) to invoke the Bodhisattva. It is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang and Guru Lakhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Padmasamva.

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It's new attraction for Gangtok city. It takes passengers to the highest point of the Gangtok city in seven minutes. It accomodates 20-24 passengers. The fare is Rs.60 per head or about USD$1.5. You can truely enjoy the panaromiic view of this beautiful hill station. It takes you over city traffic in about 7 minutes, very enjoyable ( see video). It starts from three terminal, Deorali, Tashiling & Nam Nang.

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An important seat of the Nyingmapa order, the Enchey Monastry is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptok Karpo, a Tantrik Master known for his power of flying. This 200 years old monastry has in its premises images of God, Goddesses and other religious objects. Every year around January, " Chaam" or religious masked dance is performed with great fanfare for two days. It is situated closed to siniolchu tourist lodge, 3 kms from Gangtok city.

This is also one of the great training and learning centre for the Lamas( Priests or the Religious guy)

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THis place is at East Rank 4 kms from Gangtok city. Set amidst lush green valley spread over 2 acres. It is surrounded by trees and a mountain streem. It is one of the 7 or 10 seightseeing points of Gangtok. It is one of the most favourite place among the locals. Entrance fee is Rs.30/- for two persons. Nice place to relax.

We wanted to visit the palace of Chogyal the ruler of Sikkim but the car driver insisted it was not possible as it was not on the package. We left the vehicle at Lal Bazar as were very exhausted after trip to Rumtek Monastry.