Located in the Eastern Himalayan range, the capital city of Sikkim is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the northeast India. In Gangtok the climate is mild temperate, people are of mixed ethnicity, history dates back to the early 18th century, monasteries aplenty and the view of Kanchendzonga is undisturbed and grand. All these make Gangtok a must-visit destination and rightly so. We bring you a list of five places to visit in Gangtok. One can't help but be touristy when in Gangtok.
Enchey Monastery
Enchey monastery in Gangtok[/caption]
It didn't take long for Enchey Monastery to become a religious centre. The 1909 monastery is strategically located overlooking the Gangtok city and also gives a breathtaking view of Kanchendzonga peak. Though a small monastery, it houses fantastic paintings and murals all over the monastery walls. Visit Enchey monastery during Losar, the Tibetan New Year and Losoong, the Sikkimese New Year for spectacular Cham dance.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology[/caption]
If you want to visit a place of knowledge, then this is it. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is an important museum depicting social history of Sikkim and ancient Tibetan culture. From old manuscripts to coins to paintings, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a storehouse of Tibetan history.
Do-Drul Chorten
Just a short distance away from Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is Do-Drul Chorten Stupa. The golden-top domed structure is one of the most important chortens of Sikkim. The stupa's 108 prayer wheels, holy books and relics among many other religious objects are the main atractions.
Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok
View of Kanchendzonga from Hanuman Tok[/caption]
Mere 4kms separate these two very famous temples in Sikkim. Ganesh Tok, as name suggests, is a Ganesh temple from where you get a stunning view of Gangtok city and mountain ranges. Hanuman Tok gives an unmatched view of Kanchendzonga Peak. These two are definitely temple with a view
Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms
A Sikkim Tourism undertaking, the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom is a place one must visit when in Gangtok. The emporium showcases beautiful handloom and handicraft items. Not only it trains the locals in art and crafts, but also plays an important role in making them popular by organising exhibitions and fairs.