| |
Sikkim, the small but beautiful kingdom is situated
in the eastern Himalayas. Sikkim is termed as the
Switzerland of the east, a heavenly paradise on
earth. It covers an area of 2818 square miles 7325
square kilometers. It is rectangular in shape with
seventy miles in the north to south and forty east
to west. Geographically it is 28 Degree 07' 48''
degree and 27 degree 04' 46'' north latitude, and 88
degree 00' 58' and 88 degree 55' 25'' east
longitude. In the north it is bounded by Tibetan
plateau to its east is Bhutan and Chumbi valley of
Tibet and in the southern side is bounded by West
Bengal India. There are two passes in the eastern
boundary with Tibet Nathula pass (4700 metres) and
Jelepla(4016 metres ). To the west lies Singalila
range which forms the most important boundaries
between Nepal and Sikkim with a pass named
Chiwabhangjang (3400 metres). There are two
important rivers In Sikkim Teesta which starts from
Tashidrag Glacier in the north and Rangit which is a
tributaries of Teesta river. |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Flora and Fauna |
| |
|
Sikkim is densely covered
by forest due to heavy rainfall. It can be
divided into three zones Tropical zone about
100 metres with its vegetation such as
bamboo, fern, pandanus, sal and orchid are
found. Dense undergrowth and bush vegetation
are found in sub-tropical zone. In the
temperate Zone in the northern valley is
covered by cherry, laurel, oak, chesnut,
Maple, pine and magnolia. Rhododendrons
which is abundant is found above (2000
metres ) there are about thirty species . In
the north different varieties of Primula is
found. There are roughly 4000 variety of
flowering plants and shrubs in Sikkim of
which orchids are about 700 species with
varieties of several in hundreds kinds of
butterflies. Regarding the records of Sikkim
in wild |
 |
|
animals Yeti is believed
to be still existing in the Himalayas of Sikkim
an expedition was also conducted , there are
local people and porters who still talk
about witnessing Yeti in the high trekking
areas. Snow leopard is found in 4000 metres,
Himalayan black bear is found in 2000 metres,
above this altitude Barking Deer, Musk Deer,
Sambar, Marbled Cat, Leopard Cat, Squirrel,
Tiger, Panda, Otter, Ovis, Nahura, ovismon
Goral and wild boar is also found. |
| |
|
About 500 species of
birds are found in Sikkim. Among them the
important birds are Pheasants, Partridges
Ducks, and Lammergeyer. Trout and Salmon are
the principal fish of Sikkim. |
|
| |
|
| |
GANGTOK |
| |
It is a perfect symbol of the
confluence of the past and present - the capital of
Sikkim. Built on the flank of the ridge, Gangtok is
1600 meters above sea level. The town's unique
ambience derives from the happy blend of tradition
and modernity. Alongside the deeply felt presence of
Stupas and monasteries, Gangtok also bustles like
any other town. But with many of these oasis of
quite, those unexpected pockets of peace exist. |
| |
 |
| |
PLACES OF INTEREST
IN & AROUND GANGTOK |
| |
|
| |
Enchey Monastery |
| |
 |
An important seat of the
Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery is built
on the site blessed by lama Druptob Karpo, a
tantric master known for his power of
flying. This 200-year-old Monastery has in
its premise images of gods, goddess and
other religious objects. |
|
| |
|
| |
Pemayangtse
Monastery |
| |
|
Pemayangtse Monastery is
one of the oldest monasteries in the State,
originally established by Lhatsun Chempo,
one of the reverend lamas to have performed
the consecration ceremony of the first
Chogyal (Religious) Monarch) of Sikkim. This
ancient Monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa
sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has been
considered as one of the premier monasteries
in the State. |
 |
|
| |
|
| |
Sangacholing
Monastery |
| |
This Monastery is situated on a
ridge above Pelling and the famous Pemayangtse
Monastery. Built in 1697 A.D., it is considered to
be one of the oldest monasteries in the State. In
order to reach this Monastery one has to be prepared
to spend at least 40 minutes walking up the steep
hill slope which leads through rich forest covers. |
| |
|
| |
Dubdi Monastery |
| |
This was the first
Monastery established soon after the consecration
ceremony of the first chohyal. The Monastery is
located on a hill top above Yuksam surrounded by
verdant forest. It can be approached by trekking
only, negotiating steep slope for something like 32
to 35 minutes. It is an ideal place for lamas
seeking meditation recluse. |
| |
|
| |
Tashiding
Monastery |
| |
This Monastery is constructed on
top of a heart- shaped hill with the backdrop of the
sacred Mt. Khangchendzonga. According to Buddhist
scriptures, Guru Padma Sambhave ( Guru Rimpoche )
blessed the sacred land of Sikkim in 8th Century
A.D. by one Nadak Sempa Chempo, one of the three
lamas who had performed the consecration ceremony of
the first Chogyal. |
| |
|
| |
Phensong Monastery |
| |
The Phensong Monastery, under the
Nyingmapa Buddhist Order , was built in 1721 during
the time of Jigme Pawo . It was gutter by fire in
1947 and rebuilt in 1948 through the efforts of the
lamas. The annual festival of Chaam is performed on
the 29th and 28th days of the tenth month of Lunar
calendar ( Tibetan Calendar ). |
| |
|
| |
Phodong Monastery |
| |
One of the six major monasteries
is Sikkim, Phodong monastery is located in the North
approximately 38 kms from Gangtok. At a distance of
4 kms beyond Phodong is the recently- renovated
Labrang Monastery unique in its architectural
design. |
| |
|
| |
Do-drul Chorten (Stupa) |
| |
The Do-drul Chorten or Stupa was
built by the venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the
Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1945. Inside
this Stupa, there are complete mandala sets of
Dorjee Jphurba ( Bajra Kilaya) , a set of kan-gyur
relics ( Holy Books), complete 'Zung' ( mantras )
and other religious objects, Around this chorten,
which is one the most important stupas in Sikkim. |
| |
|
| |
Namgyal Research
Instituteof Tibetology (NRIT) |
| |
The most prestigious of its kind
in India-this Buddhist Institute is a treasure grove
of vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and
Sanskrit manuscripts, Statues and rare Thankas
(Tapestries used in Buddhist liturgy ) and has over
200 Buddhist icons and other prized object of art.
Today , its is a renowned worldwide centre for study
of Buddhist Philosophy and religion. |
| |
|
| |
Rumtek Dhama
Chakra Centre |
| |
About 45 minutes drive from
Gangtok, 24 kms away, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra
Centre, the seat of the Kagyu order, one of the 4
major Tibetan Buddhist sects, since the late 1960s,
after the arrival of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa
Karmapa, the Centre houses some of the world's most
unique religious scriptures and religious are
objects, Traditional in design, it is almost a
replica of the original Kagyu headquarters Tibet. |
| |
|
| |
Tsomgo Lake |
| |
 |
It is literally known as the
"Source Of The Lake" in Bhutia language. Just about
40 kms. away from Gangtok, the capital of the State,
this serene lake is situated at an altitude of 3780
meter. The lake is about 1 km long. Oval in shape
,15 meters deep and is considered scared by the
local people.
This placid lake remains frozen during the winter
months up to mid - May . Between May and August it
is possible to see a variety of flowers in blooms,
including the rhododendrons, various species of
premolars, blue and yellow poppies, irises etc, it
is also an ideal habitat for the Red Panda and
various species of birds. |
|
| |
|
| |
Tashi View Point |
| |
Situated along the North Sikkim
Highway, it is only 8 kms from Gangtok. From this
point you get a breathtaking view of Mount
Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most
graceful peaks in the world. |
| |
|
| |
Ganesh Tok |
| |
It is situated on a ridge and is
only 7 kms from Gangtok . From this spot one gets
bird's eye view of sprawling Gangtok town down below
while across the hill Mt. Khangchendzonga and Mt.
Sinioichu loom over the horizon. A cafeteria serves
you hot tea/coffee and snacks. |
| |
|
| |
Khecheopalri Lake |
| |
|
Khecheopalri Lake is considered
as one of the sacred lakes of this State both by the
Buddhist and the Hindu. The lake remains hidden in
the rich forest cover. It is believed that birds do
not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake
surface. There is a motorable road from Pemayangtse
right up to the lake area. |
 |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
Associate Member |
Regd. & Recg. by: |
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
