Whenever we talk about North-East India, Gangtok is very much liked in the name of visiting. It is the largest and capital city of Sikkim which is situated at an altitude of about 5410 feet above sea level. This place surrounded by clouds is very much liked as attractive and natural beauty. Gangtok city is full of many amazing natural wonders. Gangtok has always been an ideal destination for nature lovers, religious travelers, and tourists. Today in this episode, we are going to tell you about the major tourist places of Gangtok where visiting is fun. Let us know about these tourist places...
Tsomgo Lake
If you have to see just one place to visit in Gangtok, we believe you should visit Tsomgo Lake. Tsomgo Changu Lake is a glacial lake, located at an altitude of 12,310 feet, 40 kilometers from Gangtok. Surrounded by mountains, this lake collects its water from melting snow. A special thing about the lake is that it changes its color with every season. The lake remains frozen during winter, while in summer flowers bloom on the ice all around it. It is said that in ancient times, Buddhist monks used to predict the future by looking at the color of the lake.
Hanuman Tok
This Hanuman Tok is situated on a high peak of a hill at a distance of about 10 Km from Gangtok. Hanuman Tok is mainly dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This holy place is known as a religious place that fulfills the wishes of the people. This Hanuman Tok complex was also recently completed. The view of the surrounding area from this Hanuman Tok is quite attractive and is much liked by nature lovers.
Rumtek Monastery
Located just 23 kilometers from Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery is one of the largest and most important monasteries of Gangtok and is also known as the Dharmachakra Centre. This monastery Gangtok Valki is famous as one of the most attractive and magnificent tourist places in Sikkim which is built in the traditional Tibetan style. This three-storey monastery contains many beautiful sculptures, a huge prayer room with different paintings, and many unique objects and religious texts. This ancient monastery is known to have one of the finest architecture in the world and is one of the top tourist places to visit in Gangtok.
Nathula pass
If you are going to visit Gangtok, then there is a place here that you would never want to miss. We are talking about the international India-China border, to visit which you need a permit. You can easily get this permit after visiting Gangtok. Let us tell you that only Indian tourists are allowed to go to Nathula Pass- India-China border and foreigners are not allowed to go here. This border is a place where after going there you can see Chinese soldiers and their passing trucks along with Indian soldiers.
Reshi Hot Springs
Let us tell you that although there are many hot springs in Sikkim, this Reshi Hot Springs has some special importance and specialty, due to which it is quite famous. Tourists and pilgrims visiting here soak themselves in this hot spring for a long time. This is done because it is believed that this waterfall has many medicinal properties, which are very important in curing skin diseases.
Himalayan Zoological Park
Sikkim's first zoo, the Himalayan Zoological Park is home to Snow Leopards, Himalayan Palm Civets, Red Pandas, and Himalayan Black Bears. Due to the variety of animals, this place is considered different from most of the zoos in the country. The animals here are not kept in cages but are kept exactly in their natural habitat. Situated at an altitude of 1,780 meters, the zoo also offers spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga. If you want to see this zoo in Gangtok, then definitely bring aside at least 3 to 4 hours, especially if you are traveling with children.
Phodang Monastery
Located at a distance of about 40 kilometers from Gangtok, Phodong or Phodang Monastery is one of the six most important Buddhist monasteries of Sikkim and is considered to be one of the most attractive places to visit in Gangtok. This monastery is situated at an altitude of 4500 meters and is situated amidst natural beauty. It attracts everyone's attention. This monastery is one of the most prominent monasteries in Sikkim and offers tourists a chance to enjoy the spiritual depth of Sikkim at its best. Presently the Phodong Monastery is a major tourist attraction in Sikkim and houses about 260 monks of the Kagyu lineage. The walls of the monastery are decorated with beautiful paintings that can surprise anyone.
Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple
Baba Harbhajan Singh, situated at a distance of 64 km at an altitude of 4000 meters on the road passing between Nathula and Jelepala Pass, is a temple built on the Samadhi of Baba Harbhajan Singh. It is said that 35 years ago, during the division from Tukla to Deng Dhukla in East Sikkim, Sepoy Harbhajan Singh went missing while leading a herd of mules, after which a search was launched for him. But after searching for three days, the soldiers found his body. After this, many soldiers of the contingent told them that Baba was coming in their dreams and was asking to build a temple in his memory. After which 'Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple' was built in his memory. The tourists come here and after putting on their uniforms, circumambulate them.
(PC: Lifeberrys)