Sikkim is situated in the Eastern
Himalayas, along the borders of Bhutan, Tibet, Nepal and West Bengal. Its
capital, Gangtok has a lot to see, specially the Research Institute of
Tibetlogy, a World centre for the study of Buddhist philosophy & religion and
has a rare collection of Thanka Paintings, Statues and over 200 Buddhist Icons,
24 kms away, you approach the Rumtek Monastery which houses among the most
unique art objects in the world. 3 kms from Gangtok is the Enchey Monastery
built almost 200 years ago and was blessed by the great Master Lama Druptab
Karpa.
Sikkim's 194 Monasteries or Gompas
belonging to the Nyingma and Kagyu order have not only been influencing the
cultural heritage and lifestyle of the people but also demonstrate the ancient
rituals in practice. Devoted Lamas robed in red, chant ancient mantras to the
rhythm of drums and trumpets while soft lights flicker from decorative lamps
placed before statues of the great Guru Padmasambhava. Feel the peace and quiet
of being one with nature and close to the almighty as sacred words mingle with
the whirring prayer wheels. The Gompas are adorned with life-like frescoes of
hoary Buddhist legends, rare silk and brocade Thanka Paintings. Also preserved
here, are ancient Tibetan manuscripts, exquisitely carved wood work and icons of
silver and gold.
Gangtok
Perched atop a ridge at
a height of 1520 Mtrs lies Gangtok, a tantalizing town touched by a
panorama of colors. Gangtok the capital of Sikkim, is today a busy town
bustling with hectic activity. Its captivating architectural beauty
radiates with pagoda like wooden houses, painted turquoise roofs and
grey bazaars. Undoubtedly modern times have wound their way into this
picturesque town, but the gently swaying and elegant costumes of the
Sikkim people, there smiling faces, the unhurried pace of there
life-style and the towering beauty of Kanchenjunga which cast a magic
spell on this delightful location in the foothills of the grand
Himalayas. Gangtok serves as a perfect base for exploring Sikkim.
Endowed with a wealth of exquisite beauty and magical mystery, with a
host of walkways and delightful sights which make it all the more
irresistible. Gangtok offers the tourist all modern amenities for
comfort and pleasure. There are a number of luxury as well as moderately
priced hotels.
Tours:
Tsongo Lake, Yumthang, Lachung, Bakhim, Dzongri, Pelling Monasteries.
Pemayangtse
Pemayangtse (Pelling)
118 kms from Gangtok, Founded during the reign of Chador Namgyal the
third Chogyal in 1705 and perched at a height of 2085 Mtrs, it is the
second oldest and perhaps the most important monastery in Sikkim.
Pemayangtse (Pelling) belongs to the Nyingma order and all other Nyingma
monasteries in Sikkim are subordinate to it. The 108 monks living here
are from the Bhutia families of Sikkim. The monastery contains numerous
antique idols and objects of worship. The top wooden structure depicting
the Mahaguru Paradise 'Sangthokpeiri' was completed in five years,
single handedly by the late Dungzin Rinpoche. A unique event is held on
the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
Dressed in costumes of rare magnificence, the Lamas represent Mahakala
and Guru Drag Dmar. The dance ends on the third day with the unfurling
of the 'Ghyo- ku'- a gigantic embroidered Buddhist scroll as the
devotees bend down in homage. Pemayangtse is an excellent base for all
trekking expeditions in the western region, offering a number of
unfrequented trails through some of the most spectacular mountain
terrain.
Tourism in States & Cities of India
Golden Triangle
