One Day Private Tour - 7 points trip
ORCHID SANCTUARY - Gangtok
The Orchid Sanctuary makes a must visit in Gangtok. The sanctuary is famous for its rare and extensive collection of orchids. The sanctuary’s collection also varies depending on the seasons. However, the wide spread orchid sanctuary has almost 454 species of orchid found in Sikkim. An interesting place to visit especially for nature lovers.
ENCHEY MONASTERY – Gangtok
Gangtok Enchey monastery is another place you must visit in Gangtok. The Enchey monastery literally means the solitary temple. At the time it was constructed, it was the only building in the entire area. This place especially attracts attention during the religious dances or \’Chaam\’ performed in January. The relatively small monastery was built 200 years ago and the present building was constructed in the year 1909. The site where the monastery is built is supposed to be blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his flying powers. You can also get wonderful view of Kanchenjunga from here.
GANESH TOK - Gangtok
A small Ganesh temple just next to the television tower on the hill is popularly known as Ganesh Tok. It is just 7 km from the heart of the Gangtok city at an altitude of 6,500mt. The temple can only accommodate one persona at a time but is well known through out the state. It is also the best place to get a view of Raj Bhawan, Kanchunjunga and the surrounding valley. Close to it is Smriti Van, where one can plant saplings for their loved ones.
BAN JHAKRI FALLS - Gangtok
Gangtok Located en route to Ranka and 4 kms away from Gangtok, the Ban Jhakri Falls, lies amidst a lush green valley spread over two acres, surrounded by trees and a gushing mountain river. The Park has a shamanistic theme. Hence, while the location of the Park penetrating the forest spreads seeks to enhance the essence of the occult and the unknown, the place itself is littered with ethnic sculptures and figurines of the Jhakri culture. The park includes a waterfall and has well laid out trails to wander along with gazebos placed at convenient spots to soothe weary legs while the eyes can continue to marvel over the gushing streams and falls. Sikkimese styled foot bridges add more colour to the myriad hued park adorned with exotic flowers of wide variety. A dragon-adorning splash pool beckons longingly at children who can splash about, while the exhibition centre also doubles as a cafeteria. Designated fishing spots along the stream further offer visitors a chance to dwell over life matters while waiting for a bite of the local trout.
ROPEWAY – Gangtok
If you are at Gangtok you must visit ropeways or cable car located at Deorali market. This rope way of about 1 km long has three entry points or stops. The lowest point is at Deorali market and the highest point is at Tashiling (below the state secretariat). There is a mid point stop at Nam-Nang. One can enter from any point and return to same point after touching other two points. Cable car journey provides spectacular view of Gangtok market, valley and assembly hall of state of Sikkim on its 15 to 20 minutes journey.
NAMGYAL INSTITUTE OF TIBETOLOGY - Gangtok
A visit to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a great way to get acquainted with Tibetan culture. Regarded as the highest seat of learning amongst the Mahayana scholars, this Institute was built in 1958 and is a famous global centre for the study of Buddhist philosophy and religion today. It houses the world’s largest collected works and rare manuscripts on the theme of Mahayana Buddhism. Apart from this collection, the museum has more than 200 Buddhist icons, antique paintings, thangkas, statues, shrines, tapestries, masks and other religious works of Tibetan Art. The Institute also has in its keep around 30,000 volumes; most of them in the form of xylographs. Xylographs are document prints on wooden slabs with matter imprinted on them. It also has translations of the original teachings of the Lord Buddha and discourses by eminent Buddhist scholars from all parts of the world. Visitors can also buy Buddhist religious books and Tibetan crafts from the Institute.
TASHI VIEW POINT – Gangtok
Constructed by the erstwhile King of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal, panoramic Tashi Viewpoint is set in the midst of beautiful scenic views, and is the perfect place to look at the abundant natural panoramic bounty of Sikkim. On clear days, Kanchunjunga is clearly visible and visitors can also see the Labrang Monastery and Phodong Monastery on the opposite hill. A small shed and café serves the visitors and over a period of time, has become a popular picnic spot.