Places of interest around Gangtok town
The Gangtok Ropeway
For a bird’s eye view of Gangtok take a ride on the bi-cable Zig-back ropeway. The one kilometre ride from Deorali to Tashiling Secretariat costs Rs. 30 one way and is completed in 7 minutes. Each cabin has the capacity to ferry 25 people at a time. The ropeway has been fitted with fully computerized modern safety mechanism of international standards.
On clear weather the ride offers a great view of the Khangchendzonga range apart from an overview of Gangtok town and the valley below. After you get off at Tashiling Secretariat you can walk to the Ridge Park and soak in the beautiful surroundings as well as visit the ongoing Flower Festival held just below the park.
Chogyal Palden Thondup Memorial Park
Located below the Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology is the park dedicated to the memory of the last king of Sikkim, Chogyal Palden Thondup. Inside the park is a statue of the Chogyal and also resting places done in Sikkimeses style. You can also view many different kinds of orchids in this park.
MG Marg
MG Marg, the main street of Gangtok town is a great place to chill out in the evenings. The country’s first litter and spit free zone comes alive after 5 pm when no vehicular traffic is allowed into the marg. You can sit at the Titanic Park and listen to the piped in music played for the listening pleasure of visitors or just walk down the mall and take in the carnival like atmosphere, especially during the tourist season. The Mall is lined with shops on both sides of the road so shopping becomes an added pleasure.
MG Marg is also the venue for the annual Gangtok Food and Culture festival held in December each year when Sikkim’s multi-cultural cuisine, along with music and dance performances are showcased. This event attracts a large number of locals and tourists each year.
Around 6 kms from Gangtok towards North Sikkim, the Tashi View Point is another popular destination, its USP being the spectacular view of the Khangchendzonga range that you can see from here. You can also catch a glimpse of the Phodang and Labrang monasteries on the opposite hill. There is a park just above the View Point where you can have a little picnic or visit the cafeteria for hot coffee, momos and other snacks
Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology
Set amidst a small forest a little below the main Gangtok bazaar, the institute was established in 1958 to promote serious study and research on Buddhism. It is considered the most prestigious in the country with its rare collection of Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts as well as Buddhist religious art and antiques.
Enchey Monastery
Enchey Monastery or the high quiet place built in 1840 and rebuilt in 1909 by Sidkeong Tulku is connected with the life of Lama Drupthob Karpo who lived during the reign of Chogyal Tenzing Namgyal. Born at Lingding, he entered the Ralang Monastery as a monk. Raised to the post of Chi-nyer (steward), he was dismissed from the monastery for some misbehaviour. He settled in Maenam hill and meditated there obtaining siddhic powers. He then flew from Maenam hill in South Sikkim to a hilltop above Gangtok where he built a hut and meditated. The site of hut is where the present monastery stands. Lama Karma Sherab also famed for the powers of levitation lived in a cell on the same site.
The present monastery is built in the shape of a Chinese pagoda representing Riwo-tse-nga or the sacred mountain of five peaks in China which is also considered the abode of Jampelyang, the Buddha of Knowledge. The five rooftops symbolize the heavens of the five celestial Buddhas – Amogasiddhi or Dhonyoe Drupa, Akshobhaya or Minthukpa, Ratna Sambhava or Rinchen Chongna, Amitabha or Opa-med and Vairocana or Nampar Nandze.
The monastery is also house to a sungter which is a small statue placed at main altar. People gather to witness the Gutor Chaam which takes place on the 28th and 29th of the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar.
Ganesh Tok
Located on top of a ridge about 7 kms from Gangtok is this small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh. The view from here is truly breathtaking with snow peaks providing the perfect backdrop for a panoramic view of Gangtok town. There is a small cafeteria here which provides beverages and snacks
Bulbuley Zoological Park
Located just above Ganesh Tok, the park is home to a number of animals living in open enclosures in their natural habitat. If you are lucky you might see the Red Panda, Sikkim’s state animal, the barking Deer, Tibetan wolves, panthers, Civet cats or even the Himalayan Black Bear. The park recently acquired ‘Kush’ and ‘Urbashi’, a snow leopard pair. Definitely worth a visit.
Do-drul Chorten
Close to the Institute is located one of the most sacred Chortens or stupas of Sikkim. Around the Chorten are 108 prayer wheels with the Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mane Padme Hum’ inscribed on them. The Chorten was built by Trulshik Rimpoche, a great Buddhist teacher in 1948 to and placed inside the Chorten are a complete set of Kanjur holy books and other religious objects.
The Ridge
The Ridge, a small stretch of flat land above Gangtok town is one of the most attractive places here and is a favorite haunt for both tourists and locals. It stretches from the gates of the Palace of the erstwhile Namgyal kings to the White Hall building built in the memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim, Claude White. Close by is Mintokgang, the official residence of the chief minister. The park on the Ridge has a small ‘Hava Ghar’ to rest in as well as benches to sit on. You can also have instant photographs taken here by the many camerapersons who haunt the place.
No visit to the Ridge will be complete without seeing the Flower Festival. A special glass house, opposite the White Hall displays the rich floral heritage of Sikkim, beginning with the Orchid Show in March and continuing all year round with display of many varieties of flowers.
Hurhuray Dara
This view point is located at Namnamg just next to the Sikkim Legislative Assembly and gives you an excellent view of the river and valley below. You can go for a walk along the cliff side or just sit in one of the benches and marvel at the natural beauty surrounding you.
Hanuman Tok
The Hanuman temple here is maintained by the Indian army and is believed to have wish fulfilling powers. Located at an altitude of 7200 ft, the spot provides another great view of Gangtok town and its surroundings. A short distance away is the Royal Cremation Grounds of Lukshyama where members of the former Namgyal dynasty are cremated.
