Home India East India Sikkim Gangtok
The capital of Sikkim Gangtok also known as `the hill made flat’, lies at an altitude of 1640 m, facing Kanchenjunga. 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. Irreverent, cheerful and pleasantly boisterous Gangtok, rose to prominence as a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site after the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840. It is the seat of governance and the primary hub of commercial activity. The drive up the Teesta gorge to this prettily located first town of Sikkim is spectacular. The pile of white water rafting equipment near the river bank, at one point reminds how popular this tumultuous waterway is becoming for adventure sports enthusiasts. The city’s strategic location, a strong Buddhist presence and heady cultural offerings are tempting insight into this stimulating land. It perches along a precipitous mountain ridge, descending down the hillside in steep tiers.
One of the most important monasteries of Sikkim and the Nyingma order of Buddhism, the Enchey Monastery is constructed on a site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a revered tantric master reputed for his power to fly. Its large prayer hall is full of vibrant murals and images, representing the entire pantheon of Mahayana Buddhist deities. Enchey Monastery which is over 200 years old, has within its precincts many icons and religious artifacts of great veneration and antiquity.
With its rare collection of medieval Buddhist scriptures, bronzes and embroidered thangkas, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is the world-renowned centre for Buddhist philosophy and religion. It attracts Buddhist scholars from around the world. The centre also has a wide range of Lepcha and Sanskrit manuscripts and scrolls of ancient vintage.
One of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist sects the Gyalwa Karmapa, who fled Tibet in 1959 after the Chinese invasion built a replica here of his monastery. Especially splendid is the reliquary chorten of the 16th Karmapa. This lavishly built monastery is said to be a replica of the Tsurphu Monastery of the Kagyupa order in Tibet. When the Chinese occupied Tibet, Gyalwa Karmapa the 16th incarnate of the original Gyalwa Karnapa of Tibetand head of the Kagyupa sect of Buddhism took refuge in Sikkim. The Chogyal of Sikkim gifted him some land to establish a new monastery. With its beautiful traditional architecture, carved and painted woodwork, magnificent murals and treasures of transcripts and icons, Rumtek is a splendid example of the Tibetan monastic art in Sikkim.
Gangtok,India
The hotel is set in the magical environment of plush Himalayan forest and colossal mountains which enhance the skyline of this resort. Designed in Sikkim’s Monastic theme as well as impressive Colonial architecture. Nestled in the foothills of Himalayan Ranges and surrounded by green foliage, there lays a luxury sweet home...
Gangtok,India
The hotel is within 2 km of MG Marg Market and Royal Palace. Enchey Monastery and Ganesh Tok are also within 5 km. At a height of 6000 feet, situated within a 10 acre sprawling, century-old, wooded, family-owned property, which offers the finest views of the city and the pristine splendor of the undulating hills, valleys and a m...
Gangtok,India
The Elgin Nor-Khill ("the house of jewels") in the state of Sikkim in eastern Himalayas in Gangtok is known for its tradition and ethnic Sikkimese ambiance. Jewels here refer to the wealth of the natural beauty on display - the mountains, the valleys, the flowers and the fruits. The Elgin Nor-Khill hotel was built by the King of...
Population: 98,658
Average Climate:
Summer: 5 C – 14 C
Winter: -15 C – 5 C
Best time to visit: March to May
September to November