Tourist Attractions
Ghoom Monastery is also known as the Yiga Choeling Monastery. It stands right next door to Sterling Darjeeling, at the quiet end of the Old Monastery Road. It belongs to the Yellow Hat sect, also known as the Gelugpa and houses a 15-foot statue of Maitreya also known as the Future Buddha.
According to Buddhist tradition, Maitreya will be a successor to Gautama Buddha and would appear on Earth in the future, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach pure Dharma (righteousness). The prophecy of the arrival of Maitreya refers to a time in the future when Dharma would be almost forgotten.
Lloyd’s Botanical Garden was established in 1878 when 40 acres (160,000 m2) of land was acquired at Darjeeling to form a botanic garden as a distant annexe of the Calcutta Botanical Garden.
The land was provided by William Lloyd, in whose name the botanical garden has been named.
Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling or Darjeeling Peace Pagoda is one of the Peace Pagodas designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds to help unite them in their search for world peace. It is located in the town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal.
The pagoda was designed by M. Ohka, and it took 36 months for constructing it. It houses the four avatars of Buddha including Maitreya Buddha. The height of the pagoda is 28.5 metres (94 feet) and diameter is 23 metres (75 Feet).
One of the most famous peaks in Darjeeling can be reached either by jeep or by foot which transverses through some of the oldest tea plantations in Darjeeling.
The place is best known as a trekking destination and its peaks offer some of the most marvelous views of the Kanchendzonga and the monolithic Mt. Everest.
Tourist Attractions
Located between Nathula and Jelepla pass at an altitude of 13,123 ft and about 52kms from Gangtok, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is a unique destination mainly due to the legacy attached with it. It is believed that his spirit protects every soldier in the inhospitable high-altitude terrain of the Eastern Himalayas.
It is believed that he himself led the soldiers to the site. The soldiers raised a Samadhi in his name and till date people in the area believe that Baba’s sprit protects the soldier posted here. The Indian Army treated Baba as a soldier who never died and he was retired with full honours in December 2016.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is an important Tibetan institute that promotes and carries on researches in the field of Tibetan language, art, religion and its culture. Its building boasts of traditional Tibetan architecture amidst lush greenery, which is a striking sight for the visitors.
However the center of attraction here is the majestic image of Manjushri ‘the Bodhisattva of knowledge’ that was brought from Tibet. The land on which the institute is built was donated by the late King of Sikkim Tashi Namgyal, because of which the institute bore its name.
Nathula Pass is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Gangtok. It is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. This mountain pass of the Himalayan Peaks is located at the Indo-Tibetan border famous for its breathtaking beauty of lofty Himalayan Peaks and beautiful ambiance that can make any toil weary soul’s heart dance with joy.
During winter the entire pass will be covered with glittery white snow, if you are a snow lover you must visit Nathula Pass during this time. The long winding roads with crispy mountain breeze, beautiful peaks, and picturesque waterfalls make Nathula Pass tempting for mountain biking.
Phodong Monastery comes under the Kagyupa Sect, and was founded by the fourth King Gyurmed Namgyalm. Amidst the construction of monastery, King Gyurmed Namgyalm heavenly aboded but, with the help of supporters, the construction of monastery was completed in 1740 AD. The monastery sits at an elevation of 4500 ft and is easily accessible via transports like cars, jeeps, taxis, etc. from Magan in Sikkim.
Currently, the Phodong Monastery is a major tourist attraction of Sikkim, and houses around 260 monks of the Kagyu lineage. The walls of the monastery are adorned with beautiful murals, paintings, and frescos which can astonish anyone.
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions to visit in Gangtok. It is named for its seven stages of fall. The scenic waterfall flows from a wide rugged cliff and you can witness this delightful waterfall from three different vantage points. Surrounded by the soul pleasing lush vegetation all around and amazing picturesque sights makes Seven Sisters Waterfall the best place to visit in Gangtok with family and friends.
It is one of the most preferred honeymoon destinations in Gangtok. If you are a couple, you can spend some quality time amidst the breathtaking views of nature and click romantic pictures for wonderful memories. Monsoon is the best time to visit here as during this time the waterfall looks more enticing and nature’s beauty is at its peak.
This charming little Tashi View Point is a perfect place to witness the brilliant surroundings like mountains, valleys and Gangtok itself. This famous tourist point is located at a distance of 8 km from the town and is mostly known for offering some of the best sunrise and sunset views. One can witness the changing of colours of the Kanchenjunga and Siniolchu Peaks as the sun slowly moves from this view point along with the glimpse famous monasteries of Gangtok, Phodong and Labrang.
Tourists can enjoy refreshing drinks while relishing the stunning panorama and can also buy souvenirs from the shops set up here.Tashi View Point is a noteworthy place for nature lovers as one get an opportunity to spend some peaceful time away from the bustling crowd amidst the resonating sound of birds and breeze.
The sheer brilliance of natural beauty is reason enough to visit Tsomgo Lake. Majestic silver firs and pine trees skirt the gorgeous glacial lake that is almost a kilometer long. Changing seasons bring new colors to the lake waters, from sapphire blue in springtime to a dark inky green as winter approaches.
Springtime ushers in a riot of colours to the pristine surroundings of the lake with a variety of flowers. The area is resplendent with birdlife; rose finches, yellow-bellied fantail flycatchers, golden eagles, and a host of migratory birds such as tufted pochards, brown-headed gulls, and the famed brahminy ducks.
Tourist Attractions
This place is located on a plateau surrounded by conifers around its edges and a pretty well maintained lawn and garden. This place is located at an elevation and overlooks the Teesta river on one side and the hills on the other side. This region is a birding site, upon which stands the tall statue of Lord Hanuman.
It is a recently constructed tall statue of the Lord, next to which is another Hindu Temple. Another impressive place of worship is the statue of Buddha in the lotus position, consecrated in the rock garden right in front of it. One must climb several flight of steps to reach the statue.
Tharpa Choling Gompa belongs to the Yellow Hat or Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The style of building of this monastery is simple but the images of Buddha and other deities are quite amazing.
The major attraction of the monastery is the museum which houses many old scriptures and artifacts showing the visit of Dalai Lama to this monastery.
At a distance of 1.5 km from Kalimpong Bus Station, Thongsa Gumpha is a Buddhist monastery situated in the hill town of Kalimpong. Located close to Mangal Dham, Thongsa Gumpha is the oldest monastery in the entire Kalimpong region and among the best places to visit in Kalimpong.
Every part of the Gompa is accessible to the tourists and this Gompa acts as an important attraction for the tourists. Buddha Purnima is the major festival celebrated at this Gumpha which attracts large number of tourists every year.
This is an ancient Buddhist monastery that was built in 1975 under the guidance of the Dalai Lama. This monastery is a fine sample of Buddhist architecture and an important site for Buddhists.
It houses close to 110 published texts on Buddhism. One can also witness the amazing view of the Himalayas from there.
Tourist Attractions
Looking for tranquil places to visit in Lachung, Sikkim- Head to the Lacung Monastery and get ready to soak in some peace and calm on your vacation.
This ancient monastery is surrounded by an apple orchard and the monastery is famous for its brilliant architecture. You must pay a visit to this monastery if you need a break from the crowded tourist attractions.
Famed as the Zero Point, Yumesamdong is located near Yamthang and is one of the most famous places to visit in Lachung.
You can even spot Yaks who often graze here. At this place, you can relish the serene view of three mesmerizing rivers located amidst the snow-clad peaks.
This valley is one of the best Lachung tourist attractions and it will be a sin to miss experiencing the hidden beauty in it. It is home to a variety of breath-taking Himalayan flowers, twenty-four species, to be precise; hence popularly known as the valley of flowers.
Each step on the magical and flower-spread grassy plains will give a unique feeling and has the potential to keep you in a state of peace and tranquillity for ages.
Tourist Attractions
As this Himalayan stream gushes down to the ground, it sings a song you'll want to put on repeat mode. Kanchenjunga Fall, being an important tourist attraction of Sikkim, is a must visit when you're in Pelling.
Its just an hour away and takes you through a truly scenic route. The rocky path leading to the fall lets you get closer to nature. For adventure-junkies, there is an option of rope sliding. Kanchenjunga Falls are a perennial waterfall and monsoon season is a heaven.
A serene and scenic attraction, Khecheopalri Lake holds religious significance as well. Buddhists and Hindus both consider this lake a divine one. Also, for trekkers and explorers, it is one of the best places to visit in Pelling, Gangtok.
You can spend a night in the nearby lodges that allow quick access to the lake. Try not missing Maghe Purne Festival celebrated by chanting hymns floating diyas on the lake and offering food. This 2-day festival is organized in March/April.
This three-storied aesthetic structure dates back to the 17th century and is among the most important places to visit in Pelling. Sculptures and paintings adorn the monastery, but the highlight is the seven-tiered model of Guru Rimpoche, made of wood and decorated with rainbows and fairies.
Perched at an altitude of 6840 feet, Pemayangtse Monastery is a treasure trove of various Buddhist scriptures, antiques, sculptures and other artforms youd want to glance at. To make the most of your time here, visit the Monastery during colorful Cham Festival (Jan-Feb)
Singshore, the highest bridge in Sikkim, has an elevation of 198 m above the ground. Assuring spectacular views and incredible clickable sights, it also happens to be among the highest gorge bridges in Asia.
Since it is encircled with lush green hills that are dotted with waterfalls, Singshore Bridge has become a popular attraction among tourist places in Pelling. Enjoying the mesmerizing views from Singshore Bridge is surely among the best things to do in Pelling.
