G.B. International ::- Sikkim
Sikkim
Long sequestered in the lap of the Himalayas, sandwiched between Nepal Bhutan and Tibet lies a small strech of rugged land just 40 miles by 70 miles, the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim - now a state of India. Sikkim provides a wide potential in tourism that has yet largely remained unexploited. The perennially snow-capped mountains, lush green tropical and temperate forests, gurgling streams and the rich flora and fauna - a true Shangrila or "Nye-mae-el" which simply means 'heaven'.
Excursions
Roomtek MonasteryFrom its perch on a hilltop facing the city of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, the monastery complex at Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre embodies the vision and aspiration of the Sixteenth Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, to establish his seat-in-exile to help spread the teachings of the Buddha throughout the world.
The monastery, the largest in Sikkim, is home to the monks community, the place where they perform the sacred rituals and practices of the Karma Kagyu lineage. .
Enchey Monastery
An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary temple, was originally built with the solace that no other construction would be allowed near it is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his flying powers. This 200-year-old Monastery 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 adjoining the Sinolchu Tourist Lodge, 3 kms from Gangtok Town.
Permanent Flower Show
White Hall, Close by the White Memorial Hall and just below the Palace Ridge park is the more recent Flower Show Hall. In recent years this show has become quite popular and famous as there are flower exhibitions throughout the year in accordance with the seasons and the flowers in bloom.
Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa)
The Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa was built by the Venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Inside this stupa, there are complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-gyur relics ( Holy Books), complete 'Zung'( mantras) and other religious objects. Around this Chorten, which is one of the most important stupas in Sikkim, are 10 Mani-Lhakor( prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting "Hail to the jewel in the Lotus", to invoke the Buddhisattva. The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava).
Saramsa Garden
About 14 kms from Gangtok is the Saramsa Garden, the home of Sikkim's most exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants. Established and maintained by the Department of Forest, it is an excellent recreation and picnic spot.
Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo lake is only 40 kms. from Gangtok town and is situated at an altitude of 12,210 ft. The drive from Gangtok takes about 2½ hours by bus. The lake is bout 1 km. long and oval in shape, 50ft. deep and is regarded extremely Holy. It is also a home of Brahmini ducks besides stopover for various migratory ducks.
Pemayangtse Monastery
Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the State. Orginally established by Lhatsun Chempo, one of the revered Lamas to have performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal ( Religious Monarch) of Sikkim. This ancient monastery belongs to the Nyingma Buddhism and has been considered as one of the premier monasteries in the State, having been entrusted with the task to perform all religious functions of the erstwhile monarch. The Monastery, located on a hill top at an altitude of 6840 ft. commands a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding hills and country-side.
Rabdentse Ruins
This was the second capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom and till the year 1814 AD, the Kings of Sikkim had ruled the State from this place. Today, the ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from the Pemayangtse Monastery. The scenic view from the top of the ruins scanning across the deep valley to the mystic heights of Khangchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished and etched in memory.
Sanga-Choling Monastery
This monastery is situated on a ridge above Pelling and the famous Pemayangtse Monastery. Built in 1697 AD, it is considered to be the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. In order to reach this Monastery one has to be prepared to spend at least 40 nminutes walking up the steep hilly slope which leads through rich forest covers.
Tashiding Monastery
This monastery is constructed on top of a heart shaped hill with the back drop of the sacred Mt. Khang-chen-Dzonga. Acoording to Buddhist scriptures, Guru Padma Sambhava (Guru Rimpoche) blessed the sacred land of Sikkim in the 8th century AD from the spot. The monastery, however, was built in the 18th Century AD by Ngadak Sempa Chempo, one of the three lamas who had performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal.
Phodong Monastery
One of the six major monasteries in Sikkim, Phodong monastery is located in the North approximately 38 kms from Gangtok, 4 kms beyond Phodong is the recently renovated Labrang Monastery unique in it architectural design.
Phensang Monastery
This monastery is situated on the gentle slope stretching from Kabi to Phodong with perhaps one of the best landscapes in the region. The Phensang Monastery, under the Nyingmapa Buddhist Order, was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme Pawo. It was gutted by fire in 1947 and rebuilt in 1948 hrough the efforts of the lamas. The annual festival of Chaam is performed on the 29th and 29th days of the tenth month of the Lunar calendar (Tibetan Calendar).
Fair & Festivals
Saga DawaOn this day in different years of his life, Lord Buddha took birth, achieved enlightenment and attained nirvana. These three important events are celebrated in Saga Dawa Festival of Sikkim. A procession carries the holy books of the teachings of Buddha from the Tsuklakhang monastery. Saga Dawa is held on the full moon of the 4th month of the Buddhist calendar in the end of May or early June.
Lhabab Dhuechein
Lhabab Duchen commemorates the Lord Buddha's descent from the deva (heavenly or angelic) realm after teaching his deceased mother, Mahamaya. Lhabab Duchen occurs on the 22nd day of the ninth lunar month each year.
Phang Lhabsol
Popularised by the third Chogyal of Sikkim, Chakdor Namgyal, the snow covered range of Kanchendzonga is worshipped for its unifying powers. This festival marks the signing of the treaty of brotherhood between the Lepchas and Bhutias by "Kye Bhumsa" and "Thekong Tek". On this day, masked Lama dancers portray the guardian deity as a fiery red-faced deity with a crown of the five skulls, riding a snow-lion. It is held on the 15th day of August.
Drupka Teshi
Falls on the fourth day of the sixth Tibetan month, around August, celebrates Buddha's first preaching of the four "Noble Truths" to his first five disciples in deer park at Sarnath. At Gangtok, it is marked by prayers at the Deer Park and at a secluded place called "Muguthang" in extreme north Sikkim, followed by Yak race.
Bumchu
Bumchu, an age old festival of Sikkim is celebrated at Tashiding Monastery in the month of January / February. During this festival, the lamas of the monastery open the pot containing the holy water. The level of water in the pot foretells the future for the future. If the water is to the brim, it prophesises bloodshed and disturbances; if the pot is almost dry it symbolises famine and if it is half full, it foretells a year in which peace and prosperity will prevail.
How to Reach
By AirBagdogra Airport is 125 Km from Sikkims capita, Gangtok. There are several flights by Indian Airlines to Bagdogra from Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati.
By Rail
Siliguri (114 Km), New Jalpaiguri (125 Km) are the railheads nearest to Gangtok. NJP is well connected with Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati and other major city of India.
By Road
Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) runs special snow lion bus services from Bagdogra to Gangtok (124 Km) Private taxis and busses also operate from Bagdogra, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, to Gangtok. The SNT at Siliguri has a number of cars, Lusury coaches and jeeps for hire to Gangtok.