GANGTOK

Nathula Pass

• Nathu La is a mountain pass in the Himalayas.
• Nathu La links the Indian state of Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous Region.
• The pass, at an altitude of 4,310 m (14,140 ft) above mean sea level forms a part of an side-shoot of the ancient Silk Road.
• Nathu means "listening ears" and La means "pass" in Tibetan
• At the Indian side, the pass is 54 km (34 mi) east of Gangtok. Only Indian citizens can visit the pass, and then only after attaining a permit in Gangtok.
• Nathu La is one of the three open trading borders posts between China and India.

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Kyongnosla

• Located in East Sikkim, the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary.
• It is situated at a proximity of the Tsomgo (Changu) lake.
• Located about 31 km (19 mi) east of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, this sanctuary covers an area of about 31 km(12 sq mi), and extends from the "5 Mile" police check point up to and along the ridges bordering the Rong Chu Valley and Lake Tsomgo.
• Rich in both rare, imperiled flora and fauna. ground orchids and rhododendrons interspersed among tall junipers and taller silver firs are among the important plants present.

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Baba Mandir

• It is in between Nathula and Jelepla pass at an elevation of 13,123 ft and about located at a distance of 52kms from Gangtok.
• Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is popularly known as Baba Mandir.
• One usually visits this temple along with a visit to Tsongmo Lake.

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Directorate Of Handicrafts & Handloom

• The Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms (DHH) situated at the end of Tibet Road and is a must visit during your visit to Gangtok.
• It encompasses of a huge Sales Emporium.
• DHH sells almost all kinds of customary Sikkimese handcrafted items and artwork made by local as well as well known artists.
• DHH offers authentic masterpieces from craftsmen of Sikkim.
• Some items worth purchasing here include Thankas (religious scroll paintings), woolen carpets, wood carvings, wall hangings, Lepcha weaves, Choktse (carved wooden foldable tables), and many more.

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Research Institute Of Tibetology

• One of the most important and premier institutes in the world that executes research in the areas of Tibetan language and culture.
• It also has in its premises a museum, a Tibetan library with rich collections and also a reference center about Tibet and Himalayas in general.
• It is located in Deorali within 2 kilometers from the main town of Gangtok
• This institute is rested in a small forest of birch trees, oak and magnolia ... a wonderful tranquil ambience.

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Do Drul Chorten (Stupa)

• Dro-dul Chorten is a stupa in Gangtok .
• Built by Trulshik Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945.
• Inside this stupa, a complete set of Dorjee Phurba, Kangyur relics (Holy Books) and other religious objects are preserved.
• There are 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer wheels around the stupa.
• The stupa is surrounded by Chorten Lakahang and Guru Lakhang, where two statues of Guru Rinpoche are present.

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Enchey Monastery

• This monastery is situated at a higher elevation, about a kilometer from the White Hall, adjacent to the TV Tower.
• In case you are staying at Hotel Mount Siniolcu, you can stroll up to this monastery.
• It is famous for its Chinese Pagoda style design.
• Almost two centuries ago, this was the site of Lama Dhrupthob Karpo, a renowned lama and tantric who accomplished extraordinary feats.
• Legend has it that he actually coasted in from South Sikkim to this site.
• The monastery is said to have been founded in the year 1840.

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White Hall

• Located within city limits ,White Hall is situated on the Gangtok's highest point.
• It is conveniently located at walking distance of 15 minutes from the main market of Gangtok.
• The White Hall of Gangtok is a monument with historic significance.
• A famous flower show is held in and around the White Hall complex.
• During the spring season every year, this event is attended by many people
• The exhibition displays Himalayan flowers, various orchids and also a variety of rhododendrons.

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Garden Ganesh Tok

• Situated at a proximity to Tashi View point is, a temple of Lord Ganesha, known as Ganesh Tok.
• It is situated at a height of 6,500 ft and at a hill next to the gigantic TV Tower.
• Similar to Hanuman Tok, tourists visit here not only to offer devotions to Ganesh, but also to immerse in the views from the viewing lounge and the circular balcony around it.
• One needs to climb a series of staircases to reach to the upper levels where the temple and viewing area are situated.
• Halfway along the staircase one is required to take off ones shoes.

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Hanuman Tok

• Tok means a temple, it is a temple of Lord Hanuman.
• In actuality, the temple is way more than that and well-known for its brilliant tranquil ambience and a viewing area that offers outstanding view of Kanchenjunga range.
• The point in the whole of Gangtok which offers the best views of Kanchenjunga, is the Hanuman Tok.
• It is located at an altitude of 7,200 ft.
• Situated at a distance of 11kms from Gangtok town.

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Tashi Viewpoint

• The View Point is situated in Tashi and at a distance of 8kms from the town of Gangtok.
• The point offers a all-encompassing view of Kanchenjunga snow peaks on a clear day.
• The stunning view of sunrise from here is unforgettable; you will see the peaks glittering with changing colors.
• One can see the Phodong and Labrang monasteries in the opposite mountains.
• At any point of time, it can easily lodge about 15-20 persons.

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Banjhakri Falls

• This 100-foot waterfall is located in a landscaped park with forested area at about 7kms from Gangtok town and close to Ranka Monastery.
• There are paved pathways and footbridge around the park which spreads across some 2-acres of land area with many trees and flowering plants in it.
• It's a popular picnic spot.
• There is also a manmade lake here with a dragon at the center.
• The entire park is themed on Shaman culture and you can see Sikkimese architecture visible all across the park. There are gazebos at several points where you can relax while soaking in the view of the flowing stream that forms at the bottom of the waterfall and the greenery all around.

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