EastSikkim
Sikkim
Gangtok:
The capital of the Sikkim state, Gangtok, is also the tourism capital of the state. Most visited tourist destinations in the state, the Gangtok is located at an altitude of 5500 ft on the ridge of the hilly landscape and offers an outstanding view of the Mt. Khangchendzonga. The city of Gangtok is the best option to make the base for your Sikkim tour as the city is commendable tourist-friendly place with all the tourism facilities available within the city. The capital city was once the important connecting point between India and Tibet for the cross-border traders. Today, the city is the hub of the administrative, tourism, cultural, religious and community activities. This cosmopolitan town of Sikkim offers all possible amenities for the tourist- be it luxury hotels and resorts, economical lodges, multi-cuisine costly restaurants, inexpensive canteens, shopping complexes, roadside shops, cyber cafes, tourism service providers, many road transportation options. The city offers you the glimpse of the modern infrastructure and advanced living standard, along with the ancient religious, traditional and cultural activities which exist in the perfect harmony
Nathula :
Nathula Pass is one of the most famous passes that connects the Sikkim to the Tibet. The Nathula pass is around 56 km from the capital of Sikkim and thus can easily be visited and get returned the same day. As there is no any accommodation facility available near the Nathula pass, the overnight stay is not possible. Located at an altitude of 14450 ft., the pass was the major trade corridor between India and Tibet, which was closed in 1962 at the time of India China war. The road connecting the Gangtok and Nathula pass is among the highest altitude motorable roads in the world and the trip is the most exquisite trip with the picturesque landscape adorned with the alpine orchards and pristine mountain views. The road also passes through the famous Tsomgo Lake. Only Indian tourists are allowed to go close to the international border on the specific days of the week after getting the required permit. Foreign tourists are not permitted to visit the Nathula.
Rumtek Monastery :
Most revered and largest Buddhist Monastery in Sikkim, the Rumtek monastery holds the great religious importance for the people of the Buddhism faith in all over the world. The monastery is located around 24 km from the city of Gangtok in the quiet, peaceful and beautiful village of Rumtek. The monastery is the seat of His Holiness, The Gyalwa Karmapa of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Apart from the Buddhist religious tourists, other tourists also visit this beautiful and serene place as a day sightseeing trip from Gangtok. The culturally inclined tourists or Buddhism followers stay in the night at the accommodations available in the monastery or nearby the monastery. The hilly terrain adorned with the lush greenery and snowy mountain peaks offer the breathtaking view of nature and the tranquility in the ambiance make it an ideal place for spending some peaceful and refreshing time. Apart from the monastery visit, tourists can indulge in the trekking and local sightseeing in the Rumtek.
Changu Lake :
Also known as Tsongo Lake, the Changu lake is a very famous tourist attraction in the east Sikkim. Located at an altitude of 12200 ft.and around 38 km from Gangtok, the Tsongo or Changu lake is on the way from Gangtok to Nathula. Tourists choose to visit the Changu Lake, Nathula and Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple (commonly known as Baba Mandir) all together as all these three destinations fall on the same route and are closer to one another. Tsomgo means ‘source of the water’, the lake got the water from the melting snow of the adjoining mountains. A snaky road which passes through the rocky and hilly terrain and the sharp cliffs connect the Gangtok to Tsongo lake and further takes you to the Nathula.In the winter season, the lake gets covered with the white ice which enhances the pristine beauty. The lake is considered as sacred by the Sikkimese people and many legends follows this lake. The Tsomgo lake can be visited by foreign tourists too, but they have to get the permits from the responsible authority.
