Gangtok Holidays
Gangtok Hill Station
Sikkim,
land of the Yeti Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim, a garden state
lying at the foot of Kanchenjunga mountains. Rich in thick green forests,
Sikkim abounds in birds and butterflies, varieties of orchids, rhododendrons
and wild flowers and magnificent views of the Himalayas. Gangtok is
literally the "lofty hill" set amidst the clouds and mists of the
splendorous Himalayas. The simple, ever-smiling hill people, colourful
lamas, exotic monasteries and prayer flags fluttering in the world combine
to provide a fascinating holiday. The culture of Sikkim is rich in mythology
and legends. One is of the abominable snowman, the legendary Yeti. There are
many legends of the sacred mountains, Kanchenjunga, all of which bring forth
the divine nature of these mountains. Gangtok is particularly famous for its
flowers and over 500 species of orchids. The best seasons of flowers are
April to June and October to early December.
WHAT
TO SEE » Chorten, a stupa built in 1945, is a great
religious centre with valuable relics and two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche
(Padmasambhava).
» Deer Park with an image of the
preaching Buddha.
» Orchid Sanctuary with over 200
species of orchids.
» Tsukla-Khang, the royal
monastery of the former Chogyals or rulers of Sikkim. Has priceless Buddhist
treasures.
» Enchey Monastery with its exhibits of
images and religious objects.
» Research Institute of
Tibetology which has a large collection of icons, tankhas (tapestries)
and rare books.
EXCURSIONS »
Orchidarium (14 km.), of the Forest Department with a wide variety of
orchids and exotic plants.
» Rumtek Monastery (24
km.), noted fro its carved and painted woodwork, magnificent murals, icons
and rare manuscripts.
» Phodang (28 km.), the site of
one of the most beautiful monasteries.
» Pemayangtse
Monastery (137 km.) at the height of 2085 meters. It is the starting
point for visits to the holy Tashiding Monastery, pine-forested Yaksum,
Dhubdi (Sikkim's oldest monastery), and treks to Bakkhim and Dzongri (3962
meters).
FESTIVALS OF SPECIAL LOCAL INTEREST
»
Sikkim's festival, especially the masked dances performed by lamas in
gompa courtyard, are spectacular.
» Religious masked
dances are performed by Lamas for 2 days at Enchey (January), Rumtek
(February to June), Phodang (November and December) and Pemayangtse
(February).
» Losoong, Sikkim's New Year's Day
(November-December) when the dances of the Black Hat (denoting a triumph of
good over evil) is performed.
» Pong Lhabsol (August-September)
celebrated in worship of the mountains, Kanchenjunga. Colourful masked
dances are performed by Lamas in the courtyards of monasteries.
»
Harvest Festival celebrated in December.
» Dances by
the Lepchas, the original inhabitants of Sikkim (December).
SHOPPING
Hand-woven woolen carpets, blankets and shawls, Lepcha woven bags, choksies
(tables) exquisitely carved and painted, hand-made dolls, painted masks,
bamboo artifacts and hand-made paper. Sikkim also makes its local liqueur
out of paan (betel leaf).
ENTERTAINMENT
All the year round and especially during the winter months, there are music
and dance recitals and theatrical performances, including yoga
demonstrations, Indian and Foreign films etc.There is a regular week-end
theatre in winter and a play festival before summer. Music and dance
programme are held regularly during the autumn and winter. The Ram Lila
dance drama on the Ramayana is performed open-air during Dussehra.There are
two Sound-and light shows, one at the Red Fort and the other at Teen Murti
House.
TREKKING Sikkim, with its exotic
flora, is a paradise for trekkers. The most popular trek is from Gangtok to
Pemayangtse via Rumtek. Then on to Yaksum, Bakkhim and Dzongri. A
low-altitude trek is from Namchi to Pemayangtse and back. The Himalayan
Training Institute holds demonstrations in the season of mountain-climbing
etc.
There are many number of Himalayan Treks which can be
undertaken from Darjeeling as the base. A popular one is to Sandakphu by
different trekking routs. the best season for treks are April-May and
October-November.
