Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation
Tourist Destinations
Sikkim
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Eastern Heavens India – A Professionally Managed Eco Tourism Organisation
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Sl No.
Location
Description
1
Padamchen,
East Sikkim
– 116 kms
from
Siliguri
Perched on a hill slope at 7,000 ft and covered in dense
forests, Padamchen is a small village on the Silk Route
circuit just 14 kms from Rongli and 10 kms from Zuluk.
Padamchen experiences a very pleasant weather
throughout the year and this is one of the main reasons
for its popularity. If you are not used to biting cold and
snowfall but want to experience the mesmerizing sunrise
and winding roads and valleys of this Silk Route circuit,
then staying at Padamchen could be a choice. The forests
around Padamchen support a wide variety of bird
population and bird watchers would love to spend a few
days here. There is a heritage Forest Resthouse at
Padamchen where you can stay. The wooden floors,
fireplace, verandah and wooden furniture of this Forest
Bungalow in Padamchen offer a unique experience of the
forgotten days of the lonely Forest Officers and Sahibs
who used to travel this way. Dense temperate forests
surrounding the Padamchen village is home to a huge bird
population like Laughing thrushes, Fulvettas, Honey
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Buzzards, Steppe Eagles, Babblers, Tits, Wrens and
others. The deeper regions of the forest have occasional
visitors like Himalayan Black Bear and Leopards. While
staying at Padamachen, you can go to watch the sunrise
over Mt. Kanchenjungha range from Thambi View Point
(around 24 kms away) at 11,200 feet. The beautiful
Kuikhola falls is just a few minutes drive from
Padamchen.
2
Reshikhola
3
Nathang
Valley, East
Sikkim – 60
Kms from
Gangtok
Reshikhola is a riverside destination just 37 km from
Kalimpong and very near to Pedong. The little village of
Reshikhola received its name from the Reshi River
running along this small place. In Nepali language ‘Khola’
means ‘small stream’. The place falls in between West
Bengal and Sikkim creating a division between the two
states. Like all other rivulets crisscrossing the subHimalayan range, the Reshi river coast is strewn with
rocks and boulders with stream waters gushing around
them. The river valley is surrounded by forests which are
home to numerous birds and occasional bigger visitors
like bears. Some basic homestays with nice modern
facilities have come up along the Reshi riverside. These
homestays overlook the river and promote eco-tourism
where tourists can enjoy fresh caught fish and short treks
around the forests. Reshi River is also believed to be a
part of a popular travel route where, caravans used to stop
for water. However, any existence of the Old Silk Route
here is not proven. Take a dip in the Reshi River and
drown yourself in the sound of gushing water. At
Reshikhola, you can do some basic angling too. If you are
a birdwatcher, then you can take a walk in the
surrounding forests too. The nearest tourist destinations
of Reshikhola are Pedong, Sillery Gaon, Kaagey Village,
Mankhim, Aritar, Lingzey and Kalimpong. As Reshikhola
is a much warmer place just 2000 feet above sea level, it is
favoured by some tourists as the final retreat in the Silk
Route.
If you do not like Nathang Valley, you would not like
paradise. Located at an altitude of 13,500 feet, this lush
valley was the home to traditional yak herders who came
from Tibet. Few streams crisscross the valley, and prayer
flags flutter on the mountain edges on this vast plain of
nothingness. Nathang Valley appears in different colours
in different times of the year. In autumn it looks golden
when the grass dries up, in rainy season it’s covered in
flowers and in winter it is buried in 5 feet of snow.
Nathang Valley is also visited by migratory birds just
before the onset of winter. There’s a monastery, a temple
and a small bridge over a small stream in the distance
dotting the valley. There are some nice newly-built, well
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equipped modern homestays at Nathang Valley, which
offer basic but comfortable accommodation with the very
essentials like hot meals, hot water, comfy beds, room
heaters, attached western bathrooms, 24-hr electricity
and endless supplies of blankets. Nathan falls in the
middle of the Silk Route circuit and is the most scenic
place to stay. It is also nearest (just 20 mins) to the best
sunrise view points like Lungthung and Eagle’s Nest
Bunker. There are numerous trek routes from Nathang
too. You would find a Hindu temple and a small Buddhist
Monastery in the valley on the fringes of a small village.
You would also find few streams snaking through the
valley and makeshift bridges built on the stream. And
there is nothing more except endless stretches of
grassland, surrounded by high mountains. The valley is
devoid of any trees and it seems out of this world. Just 5
kms away, you would find the famous Eagle’s Nest Bunker
from where you can get a 360 degree view of the whole
range of Mt. Kanchenjungha, West Bhutan, plains of
Bengal, China, Tibet and the beautiful River Bramhaputra
meandering across in the horizon. Sunrise over Mt.
Kanchenjungha from Eagle’s Nest Bunker is beyond
human description. Another nearby sunrise point
Lungthung village is just 20 mins away from Nathang
Valley. While staying at Nathang you can cover
Padamchen, Genmochen, Thambi View Point, Kupup
Lake, Tukla Valley, Baba Mandir and all other spots in the
Silk Route circuit in day trips. Zuluk has high diversity of
Himalayan fauna. Other beautiful lakes like Jorepokri,
Green Lake, Changu Lake and Menmecho Lake are only
25 km away from Nathang Valley. For more sightseeing,
you can move ahead to Nathula Pass situated at a height
of 14,400 ft above sea level. You will be able to see the
border gate of China and India here. Interestingly, you
will also find a café at this high altitude offering you
piping hot tea and coffee.
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4
Gangtok
Gangtok is the capital and largest town of the Indian state
of Sikkim. Gangtok is located in the eastern Himalayan
range, at an altitude of 5,800 feet (1,800 m). The town's
population of 98,658 belongs to different ethnicities such
as Nepalis, Lepchas and Bhutia, is administered by the
"Gangtok Municipal Corporation". Nestled within higher
peaks of the Himalaya and enjoying a year-round mild
temperate climate, Gangtok is at the centre of Sikkim's
tourism industry. Gangtok rose to prominence as a
popular Buddhist pilgrimage site after the construction of
the Enchey Monastery in 1840. In 1894, the ruling
Sikkimese Chogyal, Thutob Namgyal, transferred the
capital to Gangtok. In the early 20th century, Gangtok
became a major stopover on the trade route between
Lhasa in Tibet and cities such as Kolkata (then Calcutta)
in British India. After India won its independence from
Britain in 1947, Sikkim chose to remain an independent
monarchy, with Gangtok as its capital. In 1975, after the
integration with the union of India, Gangtok was made
India's
twenty-second
state
capital.
Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology - The
Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology is a premier
institute in the world that was established to conduct
research on the language and traditions of Tibet as well as
the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. This institute houses a
museum, a Tibetan library and a general reference centre.
This research institute is situated at Deorali. The institute
contains a rare collection of the Tibetan literature,
manuscripts, paintings, coins, Thangkas and statues.
Phurba Chorten - Phurba Chorten is situated close to
the Research Institute of Tibetology on a small hillock.
This huge and towering religious monument is in the form
of a stupa. The periphery of the Chorten is surrounded by
108 small prayer wheels with the mystic mantra ‘Om
Mane Padme Hum’ in Tibetan inscribed on them. The
Chorten was built by Late Trul Shik Rimpoche, who was
the head of the Nyingama Order, and late Chogyal of
Sikkim Tashi Namgyal. Inside the Chorten are placed a
complete set of Kagyur holy books, relics, complete
mantras
and
other
religious
objects.
Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok - Ganesh Tok is
located on the hill adjoining the TV Tower. A small temple
dedicated to the God Ganesh is situated on the hilltop at
an altitude of 6500 feet. From the Ganesh Tok one can
have a panoramic view of Gangtok and the Raj Bhawan
Complex. The Pinetum garden is situated near the Ganesh
Tok. This garden contains pine trees and a walk on the
foothpath amongst the pine trees is refreshing. Hanuman
Tok is situated about five kilometers uphill from White
Hall on the Gangtok Nathula Highway. A temple
dedicated to the God Hanuman is situated at an altitude
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of 7200 feet. On the way towards the temple, one can have
a breathtaking views of Gangtok and the adjoining rolling
hills.
The Ridge - The Ridge is a small stretch of plain and flat
road above the town of Gangtok. It is just about fifteen
minutes walk from the main market. The ridge is lined
with plants and trees which when in bloom present a
colorful picture. The Ridge has the White Hall and the
Chief Minister’s official residence on one end and the
beautifully designed Place Gate with a pagoda rooftop on
the other end. A resting shed built on Tibetan architecture
is also situated on the Ridge. Flower shows which attract
tourists from all over the world are held just below the
Ridge.
Tashi View Point - Tashi View Point is situated about
six kilometers away from Gangtok on the North Sikkim
Highway. This place offers an astounding view of the
Kangchendzonga snowy range. The Phodong and the
Labrang monasteries can also be seen on the opposite hill.
A resting shed situated at Tashi View Point provides
shelter to the tourists.
5
Changu
Lake
6
Menmecho
Lake
The Changu lake is situated about 35 kilometers from
Gangtok at an altitude of about 12000 feet on the Gangtok
– Nathula highway. This lake is situated in the restricted
area and hence an Inner Line Permit is required by
Indians to visit this place. Foreign nationals are not
permitted to visit this lake. Its cool water, flowers and the
alpine vegetation harmonizes with the scenic beauty
around. A small temple of Lord Siva is also constructed on
the lakeside. Because of the high altitude, heavy woolens
are required to be worn here throughout the year. A
beautiful natural cave called the Tseten Tashi Cave is also
located near the lake which is about three storey high.
The Menmecho Lake is another beautiful lake that is
located about twenty kilometers ahead of the Changu lake.
This lake is very big in size, and lies cradled between the
mountains below the Jelepla pass and is also the source of
the Rangpochu river. The lake is known for its fish and a
farm to cultivate these fish is also situated nearby.
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7
8
9
10
Do-Drul
Chorten
Do-Drul Chorten at Dotapu Chorten, Gangtok was built
under the supervision of the late Most Venerable Trulshi
Rinpoche after due preparations in 1945-46, in
accordance with the prophecy made in 1944 by his
Holiness the Dud-Zom Rinpoche. Placed inside the
Chorten are a complete mandala set of Dorji Phurpa
(Bajra Kilaya), one set of Kagyur holy Books, relics,
complete 'zung' (mantras) and other religious objects.
This chorten is considered to be one of the most
important chorten of Sikkim. Around the chorten 108
Mani-Lhokor (Prayer Wheels) are installed. The Chorten
is surrounded by Chorten Lhakhang, Guru Lhakhang,
where two huge statues of Guru Rinpoche (Guru
Padmasambahava) are installed, Drupda (Meditation
Centre), Nyingma Shede (Institute of Nyingma Higher
Studies) and many smaller monuments including the
'kudung' of the latter most venerable Trulshi Rinpoche.
His Eminence Dodrup Chen Rinpoche of Sikkim has his
seat at the Chorten Lhakhang and guides the disciples,
including the inmates of the Drubda, in their search for
higher knowledge and practice of the tenets of the
Nyingma Order.
Rumtek
Rumtek Monastery is situated about 24 km. south west of
Monastery
Gangtok in one of the lower valleys. It is the headquarters
of the Kagyupa (Red Hat) sect of Tibetan Lamaistic
Buddhism. The 16th Gwalpa Karmapa took refuge in
Sikkim after the Chinese invaded Tibet. He and his
followers brought with them whatever statues, thangkas
and scriptures they could and at the invitation of the
Chogyal, the Karmapa settled in Rumtek and the lamasery
was built. The original monastery built by the 4th Chogyal
and destroyed by an earthquake, was rebuilt in the 1960s
in the traditional styles as a faithful copy of the Kagyu
headquarters in Chhofuk, Tibet and now houses Dharma
Chakra Centre. The important chham (religious masked
dance) of Rumtek is performed on the 10th day of 5th
month of the Tibetan calendar, and presents 8
manifestations of the Guru Rimpoche. This is highly
colourful and spectacular and draws many pilgrims and
visitors.
Kabi
Kabi Longstok is situated about 17 kms away from
Longstok
Gangtok. At this place, the Tibetan chieftain, Khey
Bumsar signed a blood brotherhood with the Lepcha
shaman Te-Kung-Tek. The spot is marked by a stone
amidst the shadows of a dense wooded area. The Statue of
Unity erected near the Thakurbari Temple in Gangtok is
in the memory of this event.
Chungthang Chungthang is situated about 95 kms. away from
Gangtok, enroute to Yumthang. This tiny hamlet of
Chungthang lies at the confluence of the two rivers, the
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11
Ravangla
12
Ralang
13
Bon
Monastery
14
Rangit
Water
World
Lachen Chhu (which later evolves into the Teesta) and the
Lachung Chhu. The main feature of this place is a
footprint atop a rock which is said to be that of Guru
Padmasambhava.
Ravangla is rapidly expanding and spectacularly perched
overlooking a wide sweep of western Sikkim. This is a
relatively new tourist spot in south Sikkim. Ravangla
reminds of a town from the Wild West and is a sleepy
town situated at a height of 8000 feet. This small
picturesque semi town on the Gangtok-Gaysiling highway,
is becoming a hot destination for its breathtaking
landscape and tranquility. The gompas of Old Ralang,
Tashiding, Pemayangtse and Sangachoeling, all distantly
visible against a horizon with snow-capped peaks. The
town itself is a modern creation of little aesthetic
distinction, but useful as a hub to visit Ralang. Ravangla is
among one of the few places in Sikkim to offer an
undisturbed view of the snow ranges of Greater
Himalayas. Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim, Mt.
Sinialchu, Mt. Kabru. Upper parts of Ravangla
experiences snowfall during winter. Thousands of known
and unknown flowers are in full bloom during April-May
and Ravangla gets a romantic look with the colours and
fragrance of the flowers. This town comes alive during the
Pang Lhabsol festival when the spectacular Warrior Dance
is performed at the Ravang Monastery by the locals.
Ralang is situated about 13 kms. below Ravangla. About
1.5 km downhill on the same road is peaceful Old Ralang
Gompa. The monastery at Ralang follows the Kagyupa
sect of Buddhism. The Old monastery was built in 1768
AD and legend has it that the 9th Karmapa, head of the
Kagyupa sect, blessed the site of the monastery with
grains of rice thrown from Tibet. Pang Lhabsol, the
worship of Mt. Khangchendzonga and Kagyed Chaam
(masked dances) is held in the monastery every year.
Besides the main Legship road, 5.5 kms. from central
Ravangla at Kewzing, small but fascinating Yung Drung
Kundrak Lingbon is the only Bon Monastery in Sikkim.
The Bon faith, preceded Buddhism in Tibet. It’s relevance
and impact on Buddhist philosophy is brought superbly
alive by the impeccable explanations of the monastery’s
joyful English teacher, Lama Yungdrung Tenzing.
Rangit Water World is situated 26 kms. downhill from
Ravangla. It is an ideal stopover place for the young ones.
The lake is formed by the Rangit Dam and offers boating,
fishing and swimming facilities.
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15
Maenam
Hill
16
Geyzing,
Tikjuk and
Legship
17
Rayong
Sunrise
View Point
18
Temi Tea
Garden
19
Yuksom
A steep three to four hour hiking trails leads from the
Ravangla – Ralang road to the top of Maenam Hill
through the thick forest of oak, chestnut, rhododendrons
and magnolia. The Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary is a
natural habitat of the Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear
and many species of deer. The views are wonderful and
you just might see rare red pandas and monal pheasants
(Sikkim’s state bird). A guide is useful to avoid getting lost
in the forest on return. Longer treks continue to Borong
village. A short distance away is the legendary Bhaley
Dunga, a kind of rocky spur which juts out from the ridge
top above Yangang village.
Geyzing is West Sikkim’s capital, but for permit
extensions you need Tikjuk, half way to Pelling. Apart
from its vaguely interesting Sunday market, Geyzing is
most useful as West Sikkim’s transport hub. However, for
a pleasantly peaceful accommodation alternative, go 2.3
km towards Sakyong.
Rayong Sunrise View Point is situated at a distance of 8
km from Ravangla on the road to Damthang. The
viewpoint offers spectacular view of the sunrise, as the
first few rays sun lightens up the snowy peaks of Mt.
Narsing, Jopuno, Kabur, Rathong and Pandim.
At a distance of only 16 km from Ravangla, it is one of the
most beautifully located tea garden of Sikkim. The
journey through the winding road via Dentham is even
more attractive. A 9 km trek from Dentham through the
Tendon sanctuary goes to a dormant volcano, an
unforgettable place to view Kanchenjunga and Singalila
range in the west and vast plane lands in the south. Even
Pelling in West Sikkim and Siliguri town is visible from
the view point of Tendong. Ralang hot spring is situated at
a distance of 26 kms from Ravangla. The monastery on
the way holds the famous kagiang festival in December.
Yuksom is a historical town in Geyzing subdivision of
West Sikkim district in the Northeast Indian state of
Sikkim. It was the first capital of Sikkim established in
1642 AD by Phuntsog Namgyal who was the first Chogyal
(temporal and religious king) of Sikkim. The coronation
site of the first monarch of Sikkim is known as the
"Throne of Norbugang". Yuksom is where there is the
Norbugang Chorten near the Norbugang throne, the place
Namgyal was crowned and several monasteries and a
lake. The dynastic rule of the Chogyals lasted for 333
years. The Chogyal established the first monastery at
Yuksom in Sikkim known as the Dubdi Monastery in 1701,
which is part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit
involving the Norbugang Chorten, Pemayangtse
Monastery, the Rabdentse ruins, the Sanga Choeling
Monastery, the Khecheopalri Lake, and the Tashiding
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20
Pelling
21
Lachung
22
Yumthung
Monastery. For the Bhutia tribal community of Sikkim,
Yuksom has special religious and cultural significance. It
has a number of famous Buddhist monasteries and
historical monuments. Being at the head of the
Khangchendzonga National Park and as the base camp for
trekking to Mt. Khangchendzonga, it has large influx of
mountaineers from all parts of the world. The village
people, as stake holders in biodiversity preservation of the
Rathong Chu valley, where the village is situated, have
played a significant role in trendsetting and promotion of
eco-tourism in the area. The inhabitants of this village
have most successfully adopted promotion of ecotourism
not only in the region but also for other similar areas in
Sikkim. Yuksom is thus considered a model village for
eco-tourism.
A small dwelling in about 118km from Gangtok is
gradually developing as an urban settlement, due to heavy
tourist inflow. Situated at an elevation of 2061m from the
sea level, Pelling offers a vista of snow capped mountains
ranges of Eastern Himalaya. Of all the monasteries of
West Sikkim Pemayangtse is considered special because
of its purity. The monastery is meant only for the “tasang” lamas (pure monks).The monastery is believed to be
coceptualised and designed by Lhatsun Chhembo, pioneer
of Buddhism in Sikkim . The three storied structure is
studded by numerous wall paintings, sculptures and
several antique idols. The most stunning feature of the
Monastery is the seven tiered painted wooden structure
on the top floor, painted single handedly by Dungzin
Rimpoche in duration of five years.
A small Bhutia village, lies at a distance of 115km from
Gangtok. The village is spread on either side of river
Lachung Chu. The place became a centre of activity with
the discovery of Yumthung Valley . The land resting at an
altitude of 2684metres is surrounded by hills and snow
capped peaks from all side. The Lachung Monastery on
the slope opposite to the state highway is the religious epicentre of the village. A visit to the cottage industry will
give you an insight into the local handicrafts.
Nestling at an altitude of 3782metres and at a distance of
25km from Lachung, Yumthung is considered to be the
paradise of nature lovers, with a fascinating blend of flora
& fauna. The valley offers a panoramic view of the alpine
scenery of the surrounding hills and snow capped peaks.
Shingbha Rhododendron Sanctuary with 24 species of
rhododendron, the view of gazing yak, ‘Tsa-Chu' or the
hot spring on the left bank of river Lachung, is immensely
popular among tourists, visiting Yumthung.
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23
Namchi
Namchi is situated at an altitude of 1,675 m (5500 feet)
above sea level. It is situated at a distance of 92 km from
the state capital Gangtok and 90 km from the town of
Siliguri, the nearest railhead and airport. Namchi lies off
the road between Melli and Jorethang. Namchi is well
connected to other towns in Sikkim and West Bengal.
Jeeps and buses regularly ply between Namchi to
Gangtok, Pelling, Jorethang, Kalimpong and Siliguri.
Namchi commands panoramic view of the snow capped
mountains and vast stretches of valley. It is also
headquarters of South district. The area is fast growing
into a tourist destination with its enormous potential for
all round tourist activities. Namchi is fast becoming a
major tourist spot and pilgrimage centre. The Namchi
monastery, Ralong monastery and Tendong Hill are
important Buddhist pilgrimage centres. The world's
largest statue (at 118 feet) of the Buddhist
Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the
patron saint of Sikkim, is on the Samdruptse hill (The
Wish Fulfilling well) opposite Namchi. It was completed
in February 2004. It is also said that the Samdruptse hill
is actually a Dormant Volcano. Myths say that the
buddhist monks have been going on top of the hill and
offering prayers to the volcano to keep it calm. There is
also a Rock Garden just few kilometers up from the town
on the way to Samdruptse. The Rock Garden displays a
wide variety of Flora and is a local recreation and picnic
spot. It offers a magnificent view of Mt. Kanchendzonga
(aka Mt. Kanchenjanga, the world's third highest peak).
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