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 Perched atop a ridge at
a height of 1520 mts. 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 gay bazaars. Undoubtedly modern times have wound
their way into this picturesque town, but the gently swaying and elegant
costumes of the local people, their smiling faces, the unhurried pace of
their life-style and the towering beauty of Kanchenjunga, all 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.
PLACES OF INTEREST
- Research Institute of Tibetology
- Orchid Sanctuary
- The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom
- Phurba-Chorten at Do-Ta-Pu
- Deer Park
- Tashi View Point
MONASTERY MAGIC
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 Thangkas. Also preserved here, are ancient
Tibetan manuscripts, exquisitely carved wood work and icons of silver and
gold.
RUMTEK 24 kms from Gangtok, a drive through beautiful
countryside takes one to Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre built in 1960's by His
Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa when he took refuge in Sikkim after the
Chinese attack. It is an excellent replica of the original Kagyu headquarters in
Tibet. It houses some of the world's most unique art objects, ancient
manuscripts and icons. About 2 kms away from Dharma Chakra Centre is the
recently rebuilt 300 year old Rumtek Monastery which was originally built by the
fourth chogyal. His Holiness late Gyalwa Karmapa lived in this monastery till
the completion of the Rurntek Dharma Chakra Centre.
Today it is the residence of His Holiness and the headquarters of
the Dharma Chakra Religious Centre.
The annual dances are held here on the 28th and 29th day of the
tenth month of the lunar calendar.
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