Rumtek
Monastery, a 24-km drive from Gangtok, is the seat of
the Gyalwa Karmapa Lama. The sacred Tsomgo Lake (elevation
3,780 m) is situated 38 km to the east of Gangtok amidst
picturesque mountains. The famed Nathula Pass (4,392
m) on the old caravan trail to Tibet is 20 km further
from Tsomgo Lake.
In north Sikkim, Yumthang (3,782 m) is a mesmerizing
scene with yaks grazing on flower-carpeted meadows against
a backdrop of towering peaks.
The 134-km drive from Gangtok to Yumthang takes you
through Kabi Longstok, where Sikkimese history began
in the 13th century with the signing of a treaty of
brotherhood between Lepcha and Tibetan chiefs; Phodong
Monastery, one of the six major monasteries in Sikkim;
Chungthang (1,586 m), a sacred place blessed by Guru
Sikkim MonasteryRimpoche; and Lachung (2,684 m), an
idyllic valley surrounded by mist-shrouded mountains.
In west Sikkim, Pemayangtse Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist
lamasery of the Nyingmapa order, is a 112-km drive from
Gangtok; Sangacholing Monastery, built in 1697, is one
of the oldest in the state; Khecheopalri Lake is sacred
to both Hindus and Buddhists; Yuksam is Sikkim's original
capital; and Tashiding Monastery, built in 1717, is
famed for its stupa.
In south Sikkim, Namchi, a 78-km drive from Gangtok,
offers panoramic vistas of the snow peaks; Tendong Hill
(2,623 m) and Menam Hill (3,141 m) provide unmatched
views extending from the Himalaya to the plains of Bengal;
and Temi tea garden is an opportunity to see how the
aromatic leaves are grown and processed.
