A paradise of natural beauty, land of monumental mountains that seems to touch the heavens. Sikkim lies-sandwiched with Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the East. The edge of the Tibetan Plateau more or less demarcates the northern border with Tibet. This small but beautiful land is towered by Mount Kanchendzunga, the third highest mountain in the world, "Houses of the five treasures".

Sikkim Himalayas is laden with a canopy of exciting, mysterious peaks like the Mt. Kabru, Mt. Narsing, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Sinoulchu, Mt. Rathong, Mt. Simvo, Mt. Jophuno, Mt. Talung and Mt. Kanglakhang which are above 6100m/20,000ft. The imposing peaks slightly below 20,000 ft also form an integral part of the eastern Himalayas which are Mt. Masthonangye, Mt. Yabukjackchen and Mt. Lamaongden. The Sikkim Himalayas are littered with sacred Lakes like the Lake Gurudongmar, Lake Cholamu, Lake Tschangu(Tsomgo) and others which are a treat to the onlookers. There are many glaciers in the Sikkim Himalayas the most important are the Zemu glacier, Rathong glacier and the Lonak glacier.

Religion forms an integral part of the daily lives of the Sikkimese, and Kanchenjunga is revered as their protective deity considering which it is still impregnable. With 200 Buddhist monasteries dotted across the tiny land, the influence of Buddhism is everywhere. Even in the remotest hamlet, the fluttering of prayer flags are a constant reminder of the teachings of Lord Buddha. Sikkim now welcomes a few visitors from around the world to share its rich heritage and natural bounty.

Tsomgo Lake :
Tsomgo lake is only 40 kms. from Gangtok town and is situated at an altitude of 12,210 ft. The drive from Gangtok takes about 2½ hours by bus. The lake is bout 1 km. long and oval in shape, 50ft. deep and is regarded extremely Holy. It is also a home of Brahmini ducks besides stopover for various migratory ducks.

Handloom and Handicrafts centre :
It is now known as the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms as well as the Government Institute of Cottage Industries. Started during the time of the Chogyals of Sikkim, as a venture to protect and propagate the craft and skills of local and village artisans, it has become on t of the major attractions for people visiting Sikkim where traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms carpets and other products can be viewed and also purchased . A word of caution to the innocent guest. It is better to check whether there is a government holiday or not as the G.I.C.I. is closed on Sundays, all government declared holidays, second Saturdays and the odd unforeseen holidays.

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre :
The seat of the 17th Gyalwa Karma, late His Holiness Rangjung Rigpae Dorjee, it is believed that the monastery, built in 1960 is a replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet. ( 24 kms from Gangtok).

Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies :
Initiated by the late 16th Karmapa, the institute in housed in the adjoining building of the Rumtek Monastery. The Jamyang Khang Primary School meant for 5 years of primary monastic studies is also located here.

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden :
Very close by to Rumtek Monastery, and maintained by the parks and Gardens unit of the Forest Department of the Government of Sikkim, the Garden is an enchanting and soothing experience among the lush green vegetation, rare plants and trees and certain species of Himalayan flowers and Orchids.

Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology(SRIT) :
Formerly known as the Namgyal institute of Tibetology, after the late Chogyal of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal whose brainchild it was, the Sikkim Research Institute of Technology(SRIT), has since become one of the most prestigious depository of Tibetan literature, rare manuscripts, paintings, thangkas, statues and religious objects and other works of art and history. Situated at Deorali, the SRIT is within a very walkable distance from the main town of Gangtok. Nestled closeby is the Dotrabu Chorten of Guru Padmasambhava and a small temple dedicated to the Guru Rimpoche which houses a 60 feet statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Sikkim. The outhouses of the monastery is occupied by monks and lamas of the Nyingmapa Sheda, a monks college which has students from Nepal, Bhutan , Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and other places apart from monks from Sikkim. Formerly known as the Namgyal institute of Tibetology, after the late Chogyal of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal whose brainchild it was, the Sikkim Research Institute of Technology(SRIT), has since become one of the most prestigious depository of Tibetan literature, rare manuscripts, paintings, thangkas, statues and religious objects and other works of art and history. Situated at Deorali, the SRIT is within a very walkable distance from the main town of Gangtok. Nestled closeby is the Dotrabu Chorten of Guru Padmasambhava and a small temple dedicated to the Guru Rimpoche which houses a 60 feet statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Sikkim. The outhouses of the monastery is occupied by monks and lamas of the Nyingmapa Sheda, a monks college which has students from Nepal, Bhutan , Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and other places apart from monks from Sikkim.

Permanent Flower Show :
White Hall, Close by the White Memorial Hall and just below the Palace Ridge park is the more recent Flower Show Hall. In recent years this show has become quite popular and famous as there are flower exhibitions throughout the year in accordance with the seasons and the flowers in bloom.

Enchey Monastery :
An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary temple, was originally built with the solace that no other construction would be allowed near it is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his flying powers. This 200-year-old Monastery has in its premises images of god, goddesses and other religious objects. Every year around January 'Chaam' or religious masked dance is performed with great fanfare for two days. it is situated adjoining the Sinolchu Tourist Lodge, 3 kms from Gangtok Town.

Hanuman Tok :
It is approximately 5½ km. from Gangtok town. A temple of God Hanuman, worshipped by the Hindus. Besides offering prayers, one can enjoy the scenic beauty of Gangtok town and have a satisfying glimpse of Mt Kanchendzonga, which is snow clad.

Tashi View Point :
Built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal, it is situated 4 km from Gangtok town from where one can have a clear view of opposite hills, besides Mt. Kanchandzonga. This site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Mt.Kanchandzonga and surrounding hills.

Ganesh Tok :
It is a very small temple of Ganesh, a God worshipped by Hindus. It is on a hillock on Gangtok-Nathula Road. A Sikkim Government nursery is just nearby.

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 Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-gyur relics ( Holy Books), complete 'Zung'( mantras) and other religious objects. Around this Chorten, which is one of the most important stupas in Sikkim, are 10 Mani-Lhakor( prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting "Hail to the jewel in the Lotus", to invoke the Buddhisattva. The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava).

Saramsa Garden :
About 14 kms from Gangtok is the Saramsa Garden, the home of Sikkim's most exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants. Established and maintained by the Department of Forest, it is an excellent recreation and picnic spot.

Water Garden :
Water Garden at Martam Khola is on the 31-A National Highway some 16 kms. south of Gangtok. It is an ideal spot for picnic with a small swimming pool for children.

Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre :
It is a Tibetan refugee monastic institution established in 1961 by his Eminence Luding Khen Rimpoche, Head of Ngorpa, sub-sect of the Sakya Order, with the blessing of H.H. Sakya Trizin and H.H. the Dalai Lama. This is the only monastery of the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim. It is located on a beautiful hill-top just 5 kms away from Gangtok Sikkim.