Research Institute of Tibetology

This world-renowned centre for Buddhist philosophy and religion the Research Institute of Tibetology is the world's largest treasury of invaluable old Tibetan books and manuscripts on science, medicine, astrology etc. It attracts Buddhist scholars from around the world. The centre also has a wide range of Lepcha and Sanskrit manuscripts and scrolls of ancient vintage. The museum attached to it contains over 200 icons, old tangkhas and some ritual vessels amongst the various object d arts on display. Upstairs you can observe the cataloguing and restoration of these treasures. Open 10 am- 4pm.

Tsuklakhang

Numerous festivals and grand ceremonies take place at the royal chapel in the premises of the palace. It is a treasure house of monastic art, wall paintings, lavishly decorated altars holding the images of the Buddha, Bodhisattvas and the Tantric deities and handsome woodcarvings.

Khangchendzonga Viewing

The Deer Park (6 km), home to the Himalayan spotted and musk deer, offer fabulous views of the valleys around Gangtok. Tashi View Point (9 km) is a popular picnic spot offering grandstand views of Khangchendzonga. Enchey Ancient Monastery (5 km) has one of the best views of the entire mountain range.

Rumtek Monastery

The picturesque 37-km drive from Gangtok to the impressive Rumtek Monastery takes you through some of the prettiest areas around the city. This lavishly built monastery is said to be a replica of the Tsurphu Monastery of the Kagyupa order, in Tibet. It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, but visitors can imbibe of the tranquil air and beautiful location while soaking in the significant cultural elements, which make it a must-visit.

When the Chinese occupied Tibet, His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa, the ninth incarnate of the original Gyalwa Karmapa of Tibet and head of the Karguypa sect of Buddhism, took refuge in Sikkim. The Chogyal of Sikkim gifted him some land to establish a new monastery.

With its beautiful traditional architecture, carved and painted woodwork, magnificent murals and treasures of manuscripts and icons, Rumtek is a splendid example of the Tibetan monastic art in Sikkim. It is now the residence of His Holiness and the headquarters of the Dharma Chakra Religious Centre. The monastery also offers employment, education and medical help.

The old Rumtek monastery (now entirely renovated) was built in the reign of the fourth Chogyal, is a short distance away. A Sikkimese lad who learnt his trade from the lamas has embellished it with monastic paintings in the traditional style. Enshrined here is a stone slab marked with the footprint of Guru Padmasambhava.

Pemayangtse

The 17th century Pemayangtse Monastery (Perfect Sublime Lotus) of the Nyingmapa order is perched at a height of 2085 mts. surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Soak in the haunting beauty of Khangchendzonga and its retinue of peaks. It is Sikkim's second oldest monastery. Enshrined within are numerous ancient icons and objects of worship. Its walls and ceilings of are embellished with bright-hued frescoes of gods and demons. Pemayangtse is an ideal base for trekking to Yuksom (1630 mt) where the Nyingmapa order of Tibetan Buddhism was established and where Sikkim's first Chogyal was crowned in 1641.

Nearby, Rabdentse with its ruined palace was once Sikkim's capital.

Tashiding Monastery

Up a steep track, perched atop a conical hill, close to Pemayangtse, , is Sikkim's most venerated shrine, the Tashiding Monastery, built in 1717. Countless prayer flags whisper in the breeze as you approach this holiest of holies. Sikkimese believe that just a glimpse of the nearby, famous chorten (stupa) of the holy lama Thong-Wa-Rang-To (saviours by mere sight), is powerful enough to cleanse you. The sonorous repetition of Om Mani Padme Hum fills the air. Every spring, thousands of devout Buddhists trek to Tashiding to participate in the Bhumchu Festival and sip the sacred water from a sacred bhumpa (water vessel), filled with waters collected from the Rahthong and Rangit rivers.