Excursion

Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La Pass
You can drive up to the hallowed, oval-shaped glacial Tsomgo Lake (3780 m) to enjoy its mystical environs (just 38 km from Gangtok) and yak rides. In winter. these snowfields are breathtaking. Your travel agent will arrange entry permits to Tsomgo - daily trips. This holds true for the historic Nathu La Pass (14200 ft) too, as by the late afternoon, it generally gets enveloped in mist. (Open Wednesday, thursday.Saturday and sunday only). Recognised local travel agencies arrange transport and handle all the details. Shared taxis are available. Best time to visit: March late May and September - Mid December.

It is literally known as "source of the lake " in Bhutia language. Just about 40 kms. away from Gangtok, the capital of the state, this serene lake is situated at an altitude of 12,000 ft on the Gangtok Nathu La highway. It falls in the restricted area and hence an inner line permit is required by Indians to visit this place. Foreign nationals are not permitted to visit this lake without special permission. The lake is about 1 km. Long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered sacred by the local people. It is also a home of brahminy ducks. It's cool, placid water harmonizes with the scenic beauty around. A small temple of lord Siva is constructed on the lakeside . This placid lake remains frozen during the winter months up to mid-May.

Between May and August it is possible to see a variety of flowers in blooms, including the rhododendrons, various species of primulas, blue and yellow poppies, irises etc. It is also an ideal habitat for thered panda and various species of birds.

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Rurntek Monastery
The picturesque 24-km drive from Gangtok to the impressive Rurntek Monastery takes you through some of the prettiest areas around the town. This lavishly built monastery is said to be a replica of the Tsurphu Monastery of the Kagyupa order, in Tibet. It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, but visitors can imbibe of the tranquil air and beautiful location while soaking in the significant cultural elements. which make it a must-visit.

When the Chinese occupied Tibet. His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa, the 16th incarnate of the original Gyalwa Karmapa ot Tibet and head of the Kaguypa sect of Buddhism, took refuge in Sikkim. The Chogyal of Sikkim gifted him some land to establish a new monastery.

With its beautiful traditional architecture, carved and painted woodwork, magnificent murals and treasures of manuscripts and icons, Rurntek is a splendid example of the Tibetan monastic art in Sikkim. It is now the residence of His Holiness and the head quarters of the Dharma Chakra Religious Centre. The monastery also offers employment, education and medical help.

The old Rurntek Monastery (now entirely renovated). built in the reign of the fourth Chogyal, is a short distance away. A Sikkimese lad who learnt his trade from the lamas has embellished it with monastic paintings in the traditional style. Enshrined here is a stone slab marked with the footprint of Guru Padmasambhava.

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Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
Stop over on your way to the Rurntek Monastery at the Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden established here in 1987. This entire tract comprises of virgin temperate forestland rich in oak and about 50 varieties of trees.

Zurmang Kagyud Monastery
Just 20 km out of Gangtok is the Zurmang Kagyud Monastery at Lingdum. The present Gharwand Rimpoche is the 12th successive incarnation of the glorious emanation of Zurmang Gharwang. It is reputed for its exquisite architecture.

Bakkhim
Bakkhim, the base for Dzongri, is a feast for the senses with more than 20 varieties of rhododendron. The lush green environs are a not of colours and medley of shades. Bakkhim is also the base for mountaineers and trekkers going to Dzongri 10 km away. Take time to breathe in the scented air and enjoy a few moments alone soaking in this serenity The crisp air charges you and the close-up views of the Khangchendzonga range mesmerise.

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Situated at an altitude of over 3962 m. it offers the most fascinating view of the Khangchendzonga mass if. Sunny, crisp mountain air or swirling mists it's magical up here anytime. Rhododendrons drench the glades. Just opposite is the Pandim Peak (6890 m) cloaked in thick snow. At Tsoka. before Dzongri, the villagers are prosperous and the fields well maintained: some of the villagers are said to have travelled to Switzerland to learn about high altitude farming. So now they've set up ginger, potato and cabbage farms - though the village may be short on power supply! About 7 km way from Dzongri is the Khangchendzonga base camp established by Darjeeling's Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

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Tashiding Monastery
Up a steep track, perched atop a conical hill, close to Pemayangtse. is Sikkim's most venerated shrine. the Tashiding Monastery, built in 1717. Countless prayer-flags whisper in the breeze as you approach this holiest of holies. Sikkimese believe that just a glimpse of the nearby, famous chorten (stupa) of the holy lama Thong-Wa-Rang-To (saviours by mere sight), is powerful enough to cleanse you. The sonorous repetition of 0m Mani Padme Hum fills the air. Every spring, thousands of devout Buddhists trek to Tashiding to participate in the Bhumchu Festival and sip the sacred water from a sacred bhumpa (water vessel), filled with waters collected from the Rahthong and Rangit rivers.

Yuksam
This was the first capital of Sikkim, where according to the historical records, the first Chogyal of the Kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 AD by the three learned lamas, and the evidence of the consecration ceremony can be seen at Norbugang Chorten in the form of stone seats and a foot-print of the Head-Lama on a stone.

Literally means the "meeting of three great lamas" who came from Tibet and established the Nymqmapa order of Tibetan Buddhism here. They also consecrated the first ruler of Sikkim here. It is also the entry point of the Khangchendzonga National Park. Yuksam is the base for mountain climbing course organised by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which also has its base camp at Chauriganj near Dzongri.

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Pemayangtse Monastery
Pemayangtse is situated in Pelling, West Sikkim and commands an impressive view of Mount Khangchendzonga. It was originally a small Lhakhang built by Lhatsun Chempo in the 17th Century. Later during the rule of the third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal, Jigme Pawo, Lhatsun Chenpo's third reincarnation extended it and rebuilt the structure. It is perched at a height of 2085 mts and is the second oldest and perhaps the most important monastery in Sikkim. This monastery belongs to the Nyigma order and all other Nyigma order monasteries in Sikkim are subordinate to it. The monastery houses numerous religious idols and other objects of worship, most of which are precious because of their antiquity. On the top floor of the monastery there is a wooden sculpture depicting the Maha Gurus Heavenly Palace "Sanghthokpalri". This master piece was completed by the late Dungzin Rimpoche, who took five years to craft it single handed.

The main festival of the monastery is on the 28th & 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar, normally corresponding to the month of February. During these two days religious dances are performed and pilgrims come from all over Sikkim to watch them. 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 Monastery and Rabdanste Palace in Ruins:
Around 6 km from Gyalsing town, this monastery originally built as an small temple in the last of 17th century by Latsun Chempo, later during the reign of third Chogyl Chakdor Namgyal, Jigme Pawa, the third reincarnate of Latsun Chempo extended and rebuilt the temple structure into a monastery.

The second oldest monastery, it is situated at a height of 6,840 ft is the head of all others and belonging to the Nyingma-pasect. Presenting a gorgeous view of the mountain ranges, it is now equipped with 50-bed Tourist Lodge catering to travellers who want to visit this ancient and holy place which is an ideal base for those who would like to explore the unspoiled charms of the neighbouring spots and trek to Yuksom and Dzongri.

The main hall has an area of 1500 sq.ft. The monastery houses religious idols and priceless antiques. On the top floor of monastery there is a wooden sculpture portraying the Mahaguri's Heavenly Palace Sangthokpalri. The main festival is on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar, normally corresponding to the month of February.

Rabdanste, which is couple of kilometers from Gyalshing bazaar and near the Pemayangtse monastery, was the second capital of Sikkim and was established in the late seventeenth century by the second Chogyal of Sikkim. It was abandoned towards the end of the eighteenth century because of the threat posed by the Nepalese and the capital was shifted to Tumlong. The Rabdanste Palace is in ruins and one has to trek about two kilometres from the main road near Pemayangtse monastery through a thick forest to reach it. The chortens around the palace have however withstood the elements of nature. The ruins are now being preserved by the Archaelogical Surnvey of India and have been declared as a monument.

Just adjacent to the Pemayangtse monastery is Mount Pandim Hotel. Daily buses are available form Gangtok to Gyalsing.

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Tak-phu
Literally meaning "rock-cave" or cave hermitage. Although there are many such hermitages in Sikkim, there are four which are of special importance, one in each direction. The four are hallowed as caves where Guru Rinpoche and Lhatsun Chhembo are said to have halted and meditated.

These are:
Lha-ri nying phu: The north face of the four, Lha-ri nying phu is situated at a 3-day trek precarious trek from Tashiding, west Sikkim. Not only is this the most difficult to reach, it is also the holiest. Its name means "the Old Cave on God’s Hill".

Kah-do Sang phu: "The Cave of the Occult Fairies" is on the south gate and one of the easiest to reach. A five-minute walk across a pedestrian bamboo bridge from the Jorethang-Gyalshing highway just beyond Reshi hot-springs takes one to Kah-do Sang Phu where one can find footprints ascribed to fairies.

Pe-phu: Placed between Tendong and Maenam hills in south Sikkim, Pe-phu lies near Sangmoo Gumpa about 5 kms from Ravangla, south Sikkim, en route to Singtam. A huge cavern, believed to extend by a bifurcation to both Tendong and Maenam hill, visitors can still walk in about a quarter of a mile. As low as five feet at places, the cave opens up to a towering 100 feet at some sections.

De-chhen phu: "The Cave of Happiness" is accessible only in autumn when the snow that hides it, melts. Distanced from Rimbi, west Sikkim, by a 3-day trek, it lies in the snows above Dzongri.

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