Sunday, October 25, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
GANGTOK IS CALLING !!
Sikkim is arguably the little package that all good things come in.
It’s where nature’s bounty comes together with a gracious people to give its guests a memorable experience.
Here we bring you a collection of things to do in this small state; things that make Sikkim as unforgettable as it is unique.
1. Get spiritual
The Sikkimese are spiritual in nature and their secular faith is reflected by the presence of countless monasteries that co-exist with temples. While the majestic Rumtek monastery, home of the Golden Stupa, is one the most revered monasteries in India, the Enchay monastery is Sikkim’s oldest. Amongst Hindu temples, the Hanuman Tok and Ganesh Tok are frequented by visitors and locals. They’re also popular amongst tourists because of their locations, which offer splendid views of the Kanchenjunga range and the city below. But for a truly rare and unforgettable spiritual encounter take a two-day expedition towards North Sikkim. There, you will come across the revered Gurudongmar Lake, which is considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus. It is one of the highest lakes in the world and is believed to have mystical and curative powers. Parts of it remain unfrozen, even in the harshest winters.
A two-hour drive from the capital will take you to the famed Khecheopalri Lake. Originally known as Sho Dzo Sho, meaning “Oh lady, sit here,” the lake is venerated as a wish-fulfilling lake. While Lake Khecheopalri is in East Sikkim, in the Southern district you’ll find Samdruptse, which means ‘Wish Fulfilling Hill’ in the Bhutia language. Here stands the 135 feet high statue of Guru Padmasambhava, made of concrete and copper.
En-route to the Nathu-La Pass you will come across one of the most splendid landscapes in the world. The popular destination is famous for its enchanting drive as well as its snowy carpet. The picturesque Lake Tsomgo offers a short stop for those heading for Nathu-La. Between posing with yaks, travelers can also grab a bite to eat or shop for local handicrafts.
From food stalls set on pavements to five star dining halls, Sikkim is a virtual smorgasbord of remarkable dishes, which are not only unique and delectable but also easy to master. If you are staying in a local homestay then it’s a strong possibility that your hosts will eagerly teach you the basics. Otherwise easily available cookbooks can guide you though the process.
5. Be adventurous
Laid-back Sikkim isn’t all about rest and recuperation. It is also popular for adventure sports like white water rafting on the River Teesta, mountain biking through testing but negotiable terrain, and mountaineering on the snow-clad Himalayas. Campers and bikers are known too bump into groups of ‘Bulletwalas’ quite frequently – the name given to motorcycle tourists.
India’s North-East is famous for its musical young people. You’ll frequently come across friendly college students who are inseparable from their guitars. Gangtok’s pubs, restaurants and cafes are a good place to find these passionate and talented youngsters playing live.
While the four hour drive from the Baghdogra airport to Gangtok offers a splendid view of the Sikkimese landscapes, it is a truly spectacular experience to soak in the scenery from a helicopter. At a meager Rs. 1,500 (approx. $30) per person, the daily helicopter service gives you a bird’s eye view of the region and takes you to your destination in just 45 minutes.
8. Join the celebrations
In Sikkim there is a festival almost every month. The celebrations for each year begin with Losoong in December/January and conclude in October/November with Teohar. April and July are the only times when people take a break from the festivities, perhaps to rejuvenate themselves for the following months of feasts and revelry.
It’s where nature’s bounty comes together with a gracious people to give its guests a memorable experience.
Here we bring you a collection of things to do in this small state; things that make Sikkim as unforgettable as it is unique.
1. Get spiritual
The Sikkimese are spiritual in nature and their secular faith is reflected by the presence of countless monasteries that co-exist with temples. While the majestic Rumtek monastery, home of the Golden Stupa, is one the most revered monasteries in India, the Enchay monastery is Sikkim’s oldest. Amongst Hindu temples, the Hanuman Tok and Ganesh Tok are frequented by visitors and locals. They’re also popular amongst tourists because of their locations, which offer splendid views of the Kanchenjunga range and the city below. But for a truly rare and unforgettable spiritual encounter take a two-day expedition towards North Sikkim. There, you will come across the revered Gurudongmar Lake, which is considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus. It is one of the highest lakes in the world and is believed to have mystical and curative powers. Parts of it remain unfrozen, even in the harshest winters.
2. Make a wish
A two-hour drive from the capital will take you to the famed Khecheopalri Lake. Originally known as Sho Dzo Sho, meaning “Oh lady, sit here,” the lake is venerated as a wish-fulfilling lake. While Lake Khecheopalri is in East Sikkim, in the Southern district you’ll find Samdruptse, which means ‘Wish Fulfilling Hill’ in the Bhutia language. Here stands the 135 feet high statue of Guru Padmasambhava, made of concrete and copper.
3. Have coffee up high
En-route to the Nathu-La Pass you will come across one of the most splendid landscapes in the world. The popular destination is famous for its enchanting drive as well as its snowy carpet. The picturesque Lake Tsomgo offers a short stop for those heading for Nathu-La. Between posing with yaks, travelers can also grab a bite to eat or shop for local handicrafts.
4. Eat well
From food stalls set on pavements to five star dining halls, Sikkim is a virtual smorgasbord of remarkable dishes, which are not only unique and delectable but also easy to master. If you are staying in a local homestay then it’s a strong possibility that your hosts will eagerly teach you the basics. Otherwise easily available cookbooks can guide you though the process.
5. Be adventurous
Laid-back Sikkim isn’t all about rest and recuperation. It is also popular for adventure sports like white water rafting on the River Teesta, mountain biking through testing but negotiable terrain, and mountaineering on the snow-clad Himalayas. Campers and bikers are known too bump into groups of ‘Bulletwalas’ quite frequently – the name given to motorcycle tourists.
6. Have a sing-along
India’s North-East is famous for its musical young people. You’ll frequently come across friendly college students who are inseparable from their guitars. Gangtok’s pubs, restaurants and cafes are a good place to find these passionate and talented youngsters playing live.
7. Hover above it all
While the four hour drive from the Baghdogra airport to Gangtok offers a splendid view of the Sikkimese landscapes, it is a truly spectacular experience to soak in the scenery from a helicopter. At a meager Rs. 1,500 (approx. $30) per person, the daily helicopter service gives you a bird’s eye view of the region and takes you to your destination in just 45 minutes.
8. Join the celebrations
In Sikkim there is a festival almost every month. The celebrations for each year begin with Losoong in December/January and conclude in October/November with Teohar. April and July are the only times when people take a break from the festivities, perhaps to rejuvenate themselves for the following months of feasts and revelry.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Gangtok and East Sikkim
GANGTOK- Sikkim's capital sprawls over a forested hill that overlooks Mt. Khangchendzonga, guardian deity of the land to the Sikkimese Buddhists. Since 1894 to 1975 it served as the royal and administrative headquarters to the former kingdom, and even today it still bears a regal character around the areas that have not been affected by urbanization.
In the Sikkimese Bhutia language ‘gang’ means flat and ‘tok’ means hill. Today, the ‘flat hill’ is better known as ‘the Ridge’, which then apparently was the area of choice to erect the king’s Palace, 'Tsuk-La-Khang', the Sidlon's (dewan's) quarters, 'Mintokgang', and the state secretariat, ‘Tashiling’.
Every spur extending off Gangtok’s hill is the setting of a significant site. Above the Ridge of the palace grounds is the Enchey Monastery, and around a hundred meters below is the main bazaar and commercial hub, the half-kilometer long straight and flat street. On the next spur below is the Lall Bazaar, which used to be an open-air grocery market but has since 2006 acquired new trappings, a concreted enclosure housing the original market plus several more layers that include shops as well as a parking lot. Further below on a saddle leading to next spur is Deorali, now a busy street on the road to Gangtok bustling with shops on both sides, and crowning the tip of its hillock is Sikkim's most revered shrine, the Dodrul Chorten.
Sites Around Gangtok
Cottage Industry Institute
The Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom was established with the aim of keeping alive the traditional arts and crafts of Sikkim. It is a repository of exquisite hand woven carpets, blankets, shawls including hand carved furniture.
Dodrul Chorten
The Dodrul Chorten is one of the largest stupas in Sikkim and a very sacred icon to the Buddhists. This chorten was built in 1945 by Trulsi Rimpoche to commemorate the victory of good over evil.
Enchey Monastery
This 200-year old monastery is an important seat of the Nyingmapa Order, and is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his flying prowess. Its annual chham (masked dance) is performed with great fanfare once every year around January.
Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
This is Gangtok’s nearest wildlife sanctuary, only 25 kilometers away from the town with a designated area of 51.76 square kilometers. A tranquil area especially recommended for bird watching and for nature lovers, the forest cover include oak trees, chestnut, mulberry and thick bamboo groves.
Ganesh Tok
At a road distance of 7 kilometers above Gangtok, Ganesh Tok offers a spectacular birds-eye-view of the town below and a spectacular panorama of the Khangchendzonga range in the horizon.
Hanuman Tok
Higher up, and 11 kilometers from the town, this is yet another view point for a majestic gaze into the valley below and the horizon ahead.
Snow leopard inside Bulbuley
Himalayan Zoological Park
Also known as Bulbuley, this is a recently established zoo of Sikkim’s native faunal species. Situated 8 kilometers above Gangtok and spread over a sprawling expanse of 205 hectares, its inmates can roam around almost freely in a semi-natural habitat. Species in captivity include the Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bears, Spotted Deer and Barking Deer.
Gangtok Flower Show
Flower Show
The Flower Show venue is located near the White Hall below Mintokgang. Exhibitions are held during flower blooming seasons with the Spring Orchid Festival being the grandest among all.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Renowned worldwide as a premier study center for Buddhist religion and philosophy, this institution houses some rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, thangkas, and over 200 rare icons.
Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery
Also known as the Dharma Chakra Center, the monastery is situated on a hill opposite Gangtok at a distance of 24 kilometers, a 45 minutes drive. Built as a replica of the original Karmapa monastery in Tsurpu, Tibet, this monastery replaced the seat of the Kagyupa sect from 1959 when the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa came into exile.
Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery
Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery
Situated in Lingdum at a distance of 20 kilometers from Gangtok, this monastery is the seat of the 12th Gharwang Rimpoche, a place worth visiting for its exquisite architecture.
Tsomgo Lake (Tsangu)
This serene lake lies in the heady highlands towards the Tibet/China border 40 kilometers northeast of Gangtok at an altitude of 3,780 meters. The vantage height of this lake also offers a splendid view of the high Himalayas in the not too distant horizon.
Tashi View Point
Prior to the construction of road-heads to Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok, Tashi View Point was where one went for an early morning view of the sunrise over the mountains.
Winter sunrise over Mt. Khangchendzonga from Gangtok
Friday, July 31, 2009
GUIDE TO GANGTOK
THE TOWN: Gangtok is a bustling, friendly hill station, and the capital of the Himalayan state of Sikkim. The name Gangtok is derived from the Tibetan word for 'hillside,' and the city currently has a population of around 80,000 - a mixture of indigenous Sikkimese and people ofLepcha,Bhutia Nepalese and Tibetan ancestry along with people rom across India settled and engaged in trade and business activities.HOW TO REACH GANGTOK:
By air
Gangtok does not have an airport yet and the nearest one is Bagdogra airport at Siliguri .From Bagdogra one can either take a taxi( 120 Km, 4 hours) or a helicopter ride to Gangtok. Gangtok does have a helicopter service provided by Pawan Hans. The cost of the ticket is Rs 2000 per person and it is a 35 minutes ride to Gangtok Helipad. The helicopter is a five seater single engine helicopter and allows only 10 Kilos of luggage per passenger.
Gangtok does not have an airport yet and the nearest one is Bagdogra airport at Siliguri .From Bagdogra one can either take a taxi( 120 Km, 4 hours) or a helicopter ride to Gangtok. Gangtok does have a helicopter service provided by Pawan Hans. The cost of the ticket is Rs 2000 per person and it is a 35 minutes ride to Gangtok Helipad. The helicopter is a five seater single engine helicopter and allows only 10 Kilos of luggage per passenger.
By Helicopter
For the more discerning travelers, Sikkim Tourism is proud to present the Sikkim Helicopter Service from Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport and back. The five-seater Helicopter offers an exclusive mode of transport not merely enabling connecting flights, but also to see Sikkim from an entirely new view.Sikkim Helicopter Service also conducts, besides the regular runs to Bagdogra Airport and back, special mountain flights. Come and see the majesty of the Himalayan peaks from close up like never before, Feast your eyes on the grandeur and the sheer size of the great Mount Khanchendzonga, the third highest peak in the world, or check out the symmetrical beauty of Mount Siniolchu, considered by many as the most beautiful peak in the entire Himalayan range, or fly over Gangtok and get a comprehensive view of the layout of the town with its winding roads and many alleys.Special flights are also conducted over West Sikkim and North Sikkim for a bird's eye-view of the monasteries and the exotic Valley of Flowers, Yumthang.All passengers on these sight-seeing flights are awarded official Certificates of Participation by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) as Souvenirs.Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC)
Mr. John (Assistant General Manager) 94341-27252
Ms. Deo Maya – 9943630349
Mrs. Tshering Wangmo – 9434484617
Official No.: 281372/281316 Fax No.: 280325 Email: stdcsikkim@yahoo.com
Bagdogra to Gangtok : Mr. Baba Chakraborty
Tourist Service Agency 0353-2531219
Bagdogra Sikkim Tourist Counter 0353-2698030 0353-2698036
Bagdogra Sikkim Tourist Counter 0353-2698030 0353-2698036
By train
The nearest train station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri which has direct connections to New Delhi, Kolkata, and other major cities in India. It is a 10-12 hour journey from Kolkata.
Once you arrive in New Jalpaiguri, you can either hire a taxi from the station itself or take an auto-rickshaw to the Siliguri bus stand. From there, you have the option of travelling to Gangtok by state bus, roughly a 5-6 hour journey.
Dozens of jeeps travel to Gangtok daily from Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and other mountain locales.Rail Ticket reservation facilities are available from Sikkim Nationalized Transport office in all working days.
Once you arrive in New Jalpaiguri, you can either hire a taxi from the station itself or take an auto-rickshaw to the Siliguri bus stand. From there, you have the option of travelling to Gangtok by state bus, roughly a 5-6 hour journey.
Dozens of jeeps travel to Gangtok daily from Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and other mountain locales.Rail Ticket reservation facilities are available from Sikkim Nationalized Transport office in all working days.
By Road
The lifeline of Sikkim, which is National Highway 31A connects gangtok with Siliguri and this picturesque highway runs through the lush green forests along the bank of river Teesta on one side and sky touching mountain ranges of Eastern Himalaya on other side. This unique ride of almost two hours will gives you the opportunity to enjoy the valley carpeted with numerous wild flowers. Regular bus service operated by S.N.T. and adequate number of private buses, jeeps and taxies are available from morning to evening at reasonable rate and you can have a very comfortable journey. From Siliguri you can catch jeeps and taxies to reach almost all the important tourist destinations located in both South and West Sikkim. You can also hire taxies and jeeps to travel to your destination of choice at reasonable rate. Most of the reputed destinations of siikim are interlinked by motor able all seasons roads.
Getting around Gangtok
Taxis ply routes around the city, and there are standard charges within the main areas: 40rs for a private service and 8rs for a shared. NB: Taxis can only be hailed from designated taxi stands.
See The scenery - there are beautiful views of the surrounding hills from the town itself, but the best views - dominated by Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain - are from Enchey Monastery and Ganesh Tok, both high above the town.
Enchey Monastery - a two hundred year old monastery in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism - located above the town.
Do-drul Chorten - a large and impressive stupa complex constructed in 1945.
Dodrupchen Monastery. A large monastery in the Nyingma tradition. Famous for its large chorten. When in residence, Dodrupchen Rinpoche receives devotees to offer blessings from around 8AM to 9:30AM.Ban Jhakri Falls-Located en route to Ranka and 4 kms away from Gangtok, the Ban Jhakri Falls Energy Park, lies amidst a lush green valley spread over two acres, surrounded by trees and a gushing mountain river. The Park has a shamanistic theme. Hence, while the location of the Park penetrating the forest spreads seeks to enhance the essence of the occult and the unknown, the place itself is littered with ethnic sculptures and figurines of the jhakri culture. The park includes a waterfall and has well laid out trails to wander along with gazebos placed at convenient spots to soothe weary legs while the eyes can continue to marvel over the gushing streams and falls. Sikkimese styled foot bridges add more colour to the myriad hued park adorned with exotic flowers of wide variety. A dragon-adorning splash pool beckons longingly at children who can splash about, while the exhibition centre also doubles as a cafeteria. Designated fishing spots along the stream further offer visitors a chance to dwell over life matters while waiting for a bite of the local trout.
Do
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. An excellent collection of artifacts and manuscripts connected to Tibetan Buddhism.
Buy
Sikkim is famous for its fruit processing and tea aside from the local handicraft.Passion fruit Squash, Alpine Cheese, Temi Tea & Maha Gurudev Tea are some of the local products.
Rachna, Development Area. Tel: 91 3592 204-336 (www.rachnabooks.com). Also organises events and exhibitions on The First Floor upstairs. By far the best bookstore in town. A wide selection of titles and knowledgable owner. Rachna is located about a ten minute walk from the main bazaar.
Curio Craft Gallery Curio City, below Hotel Mayur, PS Road (just above the main hospital). Tel: 91 3592 220-551. One of the better quality handicraft stores in town. Excellent selection of Buddhist artwork.
There are many great and cheap places to eat in Gangtok.
Parivar's, on MG Marg down a short flight of stairs, serves some of the best food in town, and is very popular with locals.
The Roll House, tucked on the side of a stairway between MG Marg and the main market, serves up Veg Momos & hot chapatis (Roll)with various fillings (paneer, egg, veggies). This place is always packed with both tourists and locals and deservedly so.
Quick Bite, and numerous other sweet shops up and down MG Marg, serve up everything from samosas to momos
Tangerine Restaurant, Chumbi Residency, Tibet Road, Gangtok-737101, Sikkim., ☎ +91(0)3592-226618/226619/226620 , fax: +91(0)3592-222707),.Stunning food, some unusual options and far cheaper than it ought to be.
Drink
Baker's Cafe, MG Marg. The only place in town to sell cappuccino, latte and offer a wide selection of Western-style pastries. Check out the pizzas.
Pub 25, MG Road, Gangtok. Till 11 pm. An upscale pub right in the heart of MG Road. Great drinks, tasty food (especially the Malai Tikka and Sauted Mushrooms), and an amazing ambience. The price is higher than other pubs on the street, but its definitely worth it. High.
Sleep
Teen Taley Eco Resort, Rumtek, Gangtok, # 9832052995, . Situated near the holy Rumtek Monastery about 20 Kms from Gangtok town, this Eco resort spread over 6 acres has its own garden and organic farming. The flowing streams, mountain below, snow range in the front and the river below.... providing a picture perfect setting. There are 12 well maintained rooms spread over 6 cottages. Type:- Eco Garden Resort with cottages Rooms:- 12 rooms spread over 5 cottages. 4 Suite Rooms and 8 Deluxe Cottages, Theme:- Ethnic Nepalese
Budget
Hotel Sonali International, Phone: (033) 2552 3432 / 2584 0080 (Cell: +91 98302 87429, E-mail: sonalihotel07@yahoo.com), . A nice place for budget tourists and a good base to meet other travellers - recently relocated to the main town near the Tourist Information Centre. It also organizes tours throughout Sikkim.
Central Lodge - a nice place for Budget tourists and a good base to meet other travellers - recently relocated to the main town near the Tourist Information Centre. It also organizes tours throughout Sikkim.
Green Hotel, Mahatama Gandhi Road. One of the oldest budget hotels in Gangtok. Rooms are clean, some with attached bath. Hot water in buckets (unless recently upgraded). Rs. 200-500.
Mid-range
Bamboo Grove Retreat, Kazi Road. A Boutique 2 star hotel. Theme = Sikkimese design with modern amenities. Available = Car Parking, Peaceful Environment, Internet, Mountain View from Rooms, Mountain Biking,Bar & Restaurant. Bamboo Grove Special Offers:- 20% discount on direct online booking, Off season rate from 15 June to 15 August.
Hotel Tibet, Paljor Stadium Road. Clean and comfortable rooms with an excellent restaurant. Rs.1500-2500.
Hotel Rigwa International Libing Complex, M.G.Marg & Nam Nam Crossing, above Star Cinema Hall.
Hotel Delamare, Church Road, . Conveniently located, warm, elegant decor and excellent service. 1,200rs+ per night
Hotel Golden nest & Hotel Hill View Near mall 600 to 1500 Kolkata cont 033 2249=2716 , 329=53360
High-End Luxury hotels
The Nor-Khill, Gangtok. Unit of Elgin Hotels and Resorts. Colonial decor and luxury at its best. Rs.6000 +.
The Royal Plaza at Syari offers luxury as well as casino for visitors.
The MayFair Resort & Spa ,Ranipool is latest offering in a luxurious and comfortable stay in Gangtok,.
Respect
Littering and spitting are fineable offenses.
Contact
There area no internet cafes along the main thoroughfares and the rate is compatible with other centers of commerce in India. However, the infrastructure is weak, and the mantra of most internet cafes is 'server down.' Travelers who need to work extensively on the internet are advised to do so in Siliguri, where the server connection is much more reliable.
Softect Enterprises, tucked away just after the first pedestrian bridge up from the old taxi station, this internet cafe offers two rooms filled with computers with fast connections. Get out
Gangtok serves as an excellent base for visiting places like Chomgo Lake, Lachung, and the Yumthang Valley.
Rumtek Monastery, located 22 km from the town. One of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and head seat of the Karma Kagyu school in Sikkim. Originally built in 1740, it fell into disrepair. The current structure dates from 1959.
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