Gangtok : Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim is located on a ridge at a height of 5500 feet. With a spectacular view of the Khangchendzonga, the town provides the perfect base for travel through the state. Once an important transit point for traders traveling between Tibet and India, it is today a busy administrative and business centre and presents an interesting mix of cultures and communities.
#Hanuman Tok
Hanuman Tok is a famous temple in Gangtok dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is situated at an altitude of approximately 7200 feet on the upper reaches of Gangtok and is known for its serene atmosphere and surreal vista of mighty Kanchenjunga. Visitors need to climb stairs to reach the top where the temple is perched.The legend about the place suggests that Lord Hanuman halted for a rest here while carrying Sanjeevni to Lanka from the Himalayas. Touirsts and pilgrims gather at the temple in large numbers to pray and wish fulfilment. The idol of Lord Hanuman was erected here in 1950 when an officer named Appaji Pant had a divine dream at this location. |
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#Enchey monastery
Enchey monastery was later rebuilt in the year 1908 by the 10th King of Sikkim – Sikyong Tulku. The monastery follows an unique architecture which is an artistic adaptation of Gyanak Riwo Tse-Nga or the sacred mountain with five peaks in China – which is the spiritual place of Jampalyang. He is known as the god of knowledge to the northern Buddhists. The monastery is therefore one of the most recognized ones in the whole of Sikkim. |
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#Do Drul Chorten
Arguably the most popular stupa (a dome-shaped Buddhist shrine) in Sikkim, Do Drul Chorten was built in 1945 by a Tibetan Buddhist named Trulshik Rinpoche. Surrounded by 108 prayer wheels on which Buddhist mantras have been engraved, monks and tourists swirl the wheels, which is equivalent to completing 108 beads . |
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#Ban Jhakri Falls Ban Jhakri Falls is a water fall located in Gangtok. This spectacular falls plunges from a height of 70 ft amidst lush green surroundings. Ban Jhakri Falls Energy Park, a well-maintained park has been built here. The ethnic tribes of Sikkim have a lot of faith in their local occults called Jhakris who have healing and magical powers and can influence the spirits to bring about good and evil. The park is filled with ethnic sculptures and figurines of the Jhakris who are seen healing the sick.A foot bridge built over the water stream and a dragon splash are other major attractions of this theme park. |
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#Research Institute of Tibetology
Perched on the top of a beautiful hill, the Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology was established in 1958 to promote research into the Mahayana sect of Buddhism and Tibetan language and culture. The institute was initially known as the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology after Late Palden Thondup Namgyal (the Chogyal of Sikkim). You can enjoy the views from the top of the hill as well as learn a lot about the norms and traditions of Mahayana Buddhism and Tibetans. The institute also plays host to one of the world’s largest collection of Buddhist books, rare manuscripts and Tibetan cloth paintings called thangkas. |
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#Tashi View Point
Tashi View Point constructed by the King of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal, is located at a distance of 4 km from Gangtok. Adorned with a park on its top, this view point is one of the best places in entire Sikkim to enjoy beautiful view of Mount Kanchenjunga. In addition, the Phodong Monastery and the Labrang Monastery located on the opposite hills can also be seen from the Tashi View Point.
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