Sikkim is a state in northeast India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. Part of the Himalayas, the area has a dramatic landscape that includes India’s highest mountain, 8,586m Kangchenjunga. Sikkim is also home to glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands of varieties of wildflowers. Steep paths lead to hilltop Buddhist monasteries such as Pemayangtse, which dates to the early 1700s
- Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre
Rumtek Monastery, also called the Dharma Chakra Centre, is a gompa located in the Indian state of Sikkim near the capital Gangtok. It is the seat-in-exile of the Gyalwang Karmapa, inaugurated in 1966 by the 16th Karmapa.Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre is a large monastery located about 24 kms away from Gangtok. It is a Centre of learning of the Kagyupa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The XVIth Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorjee founded this monastery in 1962.
The largest monastery in Sikkim it demonstrates the best of Tibetan architecture and is an almost replica of the original monastery in Tsurpu inTibet. The monastery houses some of the rarest Buddhist religious art objects found in the world and is also a world renowned centre for Kargyu teachings.
2.Yumthang
The Yumthang Valley or Sikkim Valley of Flowers sanctuary, is a nature sanctuary with river, hot springs, yaks and grazing pasture on rolling meadows surrounded by the Himalayan mountains in the North Sikkim district of Sikkim state in India.It is popularly known as ‘Valley of Flowers’ and is home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, which has over twenty-four species of the rhododendron, the state flower. The flowering season is from late February and to mid June, when countless flowers bloom to carpet the valley in multicolored hues of rainbow.
The best season for visiting Yumthang valley starts in late February and continues up to mid June, when thousands of colorful flowers are in full bloom. However, to enjoy a clear sky and brilliant view of snow-capped mountains, the September to December season would be ideal.
3.Ban Jhakri Falls Park
The Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park is a recreation centre and tourist attraction near Gangtok, in the state of Sikkim, India. The park’s statuary and other displays document the Ban Jhakri, or traditional shamanic healer who worships spirits living in caves around the falls. The theme park was conceived by Chief Minister of Sikkim Pawan Kumar Chamling, who had visited the falls during his visit to the Ranka Monastery on 28 September 2004. He intended to revive interest in the traditional shamanic beliefs of the people. Citizens were invited to suggest themes for the park.Ban Jhakri means ‘Jungle Priest‘ or in some definition ‘Jungle Magician’. The Nepali folklore says that the first Jhakri or Shaman acquired the power of mastering the evil spirits from the gods.
4. Buddha Park
The Buddha Park of Ravangla, also known as Tathagata Tsal, is situated near Ravangla in South Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim.This famous attraction serves as an important landmark to the Buddhist community; it was constructed on account of the 2550th birth anniversary of Lord Gautama Buddha in 2006. And to erect the 130 – foot high statue Ravangla was chosen.
Buddha Park was created in the 1960’s. It is interesting and peaceful. Climbing through the pumpkin at the beginning was a bit challenging, but worth it. Lots of cement statues and a nice flower garden.
5.Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world and in India, at an elevation of 5,430 m according to the Government of Sikkim. It is located in the Great Himalayas in the Mangan District in Indian state of Sikkim, and considered sacred by Buddhists and Sikhs.Nestled amidst snow-covered mountains, it is highly sacred for both the Hindus and the Buddhist. According to the local beliefs, it is said that one of the parts of this lake was blessed by Guru Rimpoche, so you will always find that particular spot never freezing no matter how hard the winter is.
6.Khangchendzonga National Park
Khangchendzonga National Park, also Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve, is a national park and a biosphere reserve located in Sikkim, India. It was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in July 2016, becoming the first “Mixed Heritage” site of India
Khangchendzonga National Park is home to nearly half of India’s bird diversity, wild trees, orchids and rhododendrons and one third of the country’s flowering plants. It contains the widest and most extensive zone of krummholz (stunted forest) in the Himalayan region.
