States Sikkim East Sikkim

EAST SIKKIM TRAVEL GUIDE

East Sikkim is the most popular part of the state, confining Gangtok; the capital city of Sikkim in its arms, which also makes it the hub of all the administrative activities on the state. Being well connected to all the tourist hotspots of Sikkim and studded with the most popular destinations in itself, the tourists visit here in search of enchantment, trekking as well as solace. The list of must visit places in the Eastern region of Sikkim is unending. Amongst the top is the Nathula Pass, a beautiful mountain pass which connects India with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, is famous for its serving as a trade link between Indo-Chinese border. Tukla Valley; a treasure of scenic beauty, is another popular retreat for the nature lovers. Similarly, the Tsomgo Lake and Aritar Lake that equally succeed in attracting tourists who want to peaceful bliss amid the lush green trees and paddy fields.

Keeping an historical significance, Tashi View Point which was built by the King of Sikkim; Tashi Namgyal, is best place for witnessing the sunrise and the majestic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga that will surely keep you mesmerized and spellbound. Away from the crowd and urban development, the Bakthang Waterfall originating from dense vegetation offers a best picnic spot for the visitors. East-Sikkim is also famous for number of most popular monasteries like Enchey Monastery; said to be blessed by a renowned tantric Lama DrupthobKarpo, is sheltered amidst the well groomed trees and lush green vegetation, also serve as the vantage point for the magnificent view of the Kanchendzonga peak.

Also famous for the annual Cham dance festival. Another monastery is the largest in the Sikkim i.e Rumtek Monastery, is a gompa whose architectural designs varies from region to region and includes the stupas and Buddhist deities idols. The Gonjang Monastery, a prime centre for Buddhist learning in the state. The famous festiva ‘Saga Dawa’ is celebrated here on Buddha Purnima. Other than monasteries, it has few hindu deity temples to offer such as Ganesh Tok; that stands at an altitude of 6500 feet offering a mesmerizing view of valley and hills. The temple is too small to accommodate even a person, is one among the interesting facts about the temple. And the Hanuman Tok, a temple dedicated to Hindu deity Hanuman, is run and managed by the Indian army.

For the wildlife lovers there are Himalayan Zoological Park and Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary famous for their varieties of both flora and fauna. Other than these there are many man made popular places for the tourists to visit such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical garden, maintained by the forest department, the Water Garden , which is an excellent picnic spot for travellers with children, and Saramsa, that has state’s most exotic orchids and rare tropical and temperate plants. One’s visit to East-Sikkim will be incomplete without visiting the Gangtok ropeway to have a bird’s eye view of the city’s valley and vegetation.

Sikkim Travel Information at a Glance