Enchey Monastery
Enchey Monastery is approximately 200 years old and is located 3 km northeast of Gangtok. It belongs to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. The location was blessed by Lama Drupthob Karpo, a renowned exponent of tantric art adept in Buddhism with flying powers. It is believed that initially a small Gompa was established by him after which he flew from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim to this site. The literal meaning of ‘Enchey Monastery’ is ‘the solitary temple’. It is also said that the Monk built a small hermitage at the site of the monastery, after he came here flying from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim.
Hanuman Tok
Hanuman Tok is located 9 km from Gangtok. It provides a view point for a majestic gaze into the valley below and the horizon ahead with the formidable majestic mountain peaks of Khangchendzonga. Hanuman Tok is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Hanuman. The temple surroundings are peaceful and the view around the site is just breathtaking. Hanuman Tok is maintained by a unit of the Indian Army. Close to this spot, the royal cremation grounds called Lukshyama are located, where the mortal remains of the members of the former Namgyal dynasty were confined to the flames.
Rumtek Monastery
Rumktek monastery is situated at a distance of 24 km away from Gangtok, in a hillock, facing Gangtok. The Rumtek monastery is also known as the Dharma Chakra Center serves as the seat of His Holiness Gyawla Karmapa the XVI, the head of the Karma Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is the replica of the original monastery in Tsurpu in Tibet. The main monastery is a four storey structure building, fortified by the monk’s quarters. The drive to Rumtek monastery meanders through the terraced paddy fields sprawled over a slope overlooking Gangtok. The entrance of the monastery is decorated with murals and the beautiful paintings of the four guarding deities of the four directions.
Tashi View Point
Tashi View Point is approximately 8 kilometer away from Gangtok town situated along the North Sikkim Highway near Pangthang. The View Point offers splendid view of Khangchendzonga Mountain Range and the distant villages of North Sikkim. On a clear day mountains are seen in splendor, especially at dawn when the sun’s rays hits the mountain peaks, it displays glory in shades of pink, orange, gold and finally white. This panoramic site was built by the late King of Sikkim. The Tourism Department has constructed a resting shed, a park and a small cafeteria for visitors.
Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park
Ban Jhakri Falls is about 10-12 kilometers from Gangtok on the way to Ranka. Ban Jhakri Falls is a new sightseeing destination for tourists, its compound spreads on 2 two acres of land. The main attraction of the park is the waterfalls which cascades from a rocky height of almost 40 feet and plunges down with intense force. Around the waterfalls gardens have been beautifully landscaped and the place is further adorned with several statues of Ban Jhakri, Lyam Lymay, Mangpas and Lepcha ancestors. Other recreational activities and refreshment stalls are also placed at the entrance of the park. Entrance fee is levied for all visitors.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT), Gangtok, Sikkim is an important reference centre in the world of Buddhist studies. Housed in traditionally styled Tibetan architecture, this unique institute was established in 1958 to promote research into Mahayana Buddhism and Tibetan culture. It contains one of the world’s largest collections of Buddhist books and manuscripts, plus statuettes, thangkas (Tibetan cloth paintings) and sacred objects It houses a museum, a Tibetan library and a general reference centre on Tibet and the Himalayas. The Institute is located in beautiful sylvan surroundings.