Sikkim Touristic Area

Tsuklhakhang
This is the royal chapel situated within the palace grounds on the ridge. It was here the the Chogyals or Maharajas of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim were coroneted. Today entry to all and sundry is restricted except on religious days such as Kagey Thuetor - the worship of the snowy ranges and the Gungsar celebrations of the Tibetan New Year. The monastery houses a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures.

Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts
This directorate was setup to promote traditional Sikkimese art and handicrafts. Exquisitely carved wooden friezes, intricate bamboo work, along with beautiful hand woven carpets and handlooms are on exhibit here. Visitors can not only purchase these items but also see the artisans at work.

The Himalayan Zoological Park
Recently setup at Bulbulay, this park comprises of 205 hectares. Endangered animals of the eastern Himalayas are maintained in open enclosures amidst their natural habitat using the "immersion exhibit technique" for the first time in India. Wildlife enthusiasts and visitors can observe different species of Deer, Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep and other animals in this unique setup. You can also have a beautiful view of the massive Mt. Kanchenjunga from the Park.

Hanuman Tok
Scrupulously and appropriately maintained by resident units of the Indian Army, this is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, which is situated about 9 km uphill from Gangtok.

Rumtek Monastery
24 km from Gangtok is the awe-inspiring Rumtek Monastery, the World Dharma Chakra Center and the seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Behind the main monastery is the lavishly decorated Karmae Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies, which attracts students from all over the world.

Tsomgo Lake
35 kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,400ft is the beautiful Tsomgo Lake, which freezes over in winter. The lake derives water from melting snows off the surrounding mountains. Legends say that lamas could forecast the future by studying the color of the lake's water. Above the 15th mile Sikkim Police check point lies the unique high altitude Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, home of the Red Panda and the Blood Pheasant, which are the state animal and the state bird respectively.

Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery
The present Gharwang Rinpoche is teh XIIth successive incarnation of Zurmang Gharwang, This monastery is situated on the Rumtek- Ranka road at Lingdum, about 45 minutes drive from Gangtok. The complex is a fine example of Tibetan monastic architecture.

Pemayangtse Gumpa (Monastery)
2.5 km from Pelling and standing at 2085m is the Pemayangtse Monastery. The perfect Sublime Lotus, perched on a wooden hilltop, commands the most sublime view of the Khangchendzonga. Built during the 17th century, it is one of the oldest and most important monasteries of the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism in Sikkim. To the present day, it is only the monks of this monastery who enjoy the title of 'Tasang' or pure monks.

Sangacheoling Gumpa
About 2 kms from Pelling second oldest gumpa constructed by Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo.

Khecheopalri Lake
Past the ruins of ancient towns below monasteries tended by red robed lamas lie the crystalline, with fulfilling waters of Khecheopalri Lake, pronounces 'Catch a Perry.' The sacred lake lies in a depression surrounded by prayer flags and forested hills. Above 1.5 kms is the Khecheopalri Gumpa.

Yuksom (1700m)
The first capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim and site of the coronation of the first Chogyal. Evidence of the enthronement ceremony can still be seen in the form of stone seats and a footprints of the Head Lama on a stone. The stone throne constructed for the great event stands today at Norbugang and has been declared a Heritage site.

Located on a hilltop above Yuksom is the Dubdi Monastery (1701m), the first monastery established after the consecration of the first Chogyal. Surrounded by verdant forests, it is an ideal place for lamas seeking meditation and recluse. Dubdi means "the Hermit's cell" (hermit here, refers to Lhatsun Chenpo).
Yuksom is a trail head for trekkers to Dzongri. Kathok Tsho at Yuksom is a sacred lake.