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Gangtok Travel Guide
Gangtok literally means "Lofty Hill", and it is extremely apt for this lovely city perched high on the Shivalik Hills of the famed eastern Himalayan range. As well as serving as the capital of the Indian state Sikkim, it also stands as the center of the region's burgeoning tourist industry. Endowed with both natural beauty and cultural heritage, it is a popular tourist destination that offers plenty of sights to see and explore.
An unmistakable attraction in Gangtok is the famed Enchey Monastery that sits on an escarpment overlooking the town itself. Found in the midst of a lush forest, it is said to be at least 200 years old and was built on a sacred spot blessed by the Tantric master Lama Drupthob Karpo - who is believed by locals to possess the power of flight. Apart from providing a commanding view of the town and surrounding areas, it also hosts an annual religious masked dance festival called "Chaam" every January.
Another attraction is the nearby Tashi Ling Monastery, whose claim to fame is its bumchu, or "sacred pot", that is filled with holy water said to have never dried up for 300 years. One can also see the Do-Drul Chorten stupa, which is considered to be the most important of its kind in the entire state of Sikkim. Built in 1945 by the leader of Tibetan Buddhism's Nyingma Order, Trulshi Rinpoche, it is characterized by its distinctive spire adorned with a golden shikara (boat).
Nature-lovers can't go wrong heading to the Kangchendzonga National Park, which is recognized as the highest altitude park in all of India, being perched on the third tallest peak in the world - Kangchendzonga. In fact, it is strongly considered by UNESCO to be declared as a World Heritage Site. Sprawling over an area of around 1,784 square kilometers, it was established in 1977 and is home to a diverse collection of flora and fauna. There is also the so-called Deer Park, or Rustomj Park that serves as sanctuary to rare wildlife such as Himalayan bears, red pandas, and of course, deer.
Gangtok Landmarks:
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