Attraction

SRI SIDDHESWARADHAM

The Sri SiddhesvaraDham (Char Dham) Complex with a towering 108 ft high statue of Lord Shiva presiding over it. Its is situated in south Sikkim, close from Namchi The HQ of South Sikkim.

RUMTEK MONASTERY

The monastery is at a distance of 23 kilometers from Gangtok. In fact it is located on the hill facing Gangtok. The present monastery was constructed by His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960s. Gyalwa Karmapa was the sixteenth Karmapa and came to settle in Sikkim in the late fifties when the Chinese invaded Tibet.

CHANGU (TSO-MGO) LAKE

This Holi Lake is situated at 3,753m ( 12,310ft ). Changu Lake is situated 35 km from Gangtok (capital of Sikkim). Its cool, placid water harmonies with the scenic beauty and other alpine vegetation grows around the lake. During the winter months the lake becomes frozen.

NATHULA PASS

Nathula is a border between Sikkim and China, Itis situated at the height of 4,320m (14,400ft) and 51km from Gangtok. There are active talks taking place between China and India to resume full-fledged trade between the two countries through this pass.

TIGER HILL

Situated at an altitude of 2,590m (8,482 ft.) and 13-km from the town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over "Kanchenjunga" and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here.

Mirik

Mirik-a nest in the hills is West Bengal’s one of the hill resort at an altitude of 1767 metres with its own special charms – 49 km. From Darjeeling and 52 km. From Siliguri. 1.25 km. Long lake is fed by perennial streams. A floating fountain in the middle of the lake is a joy for ever and very often you may find the glory of Kanchenjungha reflected in the lake waters. A rich forest with thousands of Cryptomaria-Japanica trees clothe the slopes on the west. A 3.5 km. zig-zag footwalk takes you along the lake – a sleek foot bridge connects the garden on the east with the woods on the west. Alone or in company, you are sure to enjoy a boat-ride in the lake.

THE MALL

The Mall is Darjeeling's popular commercial street. It is lined with Tibetans selling hand-knitted sweaters and souvenir shops chock-full of Himalayan artifacts and both real and imitation antiques. Photo shops carry turn-of-the-century photos as well as specialising in hand-painted black and white prints with glowing oil colours. The Mall leads to Chaurasta, a square, which doubles as a bandstand, a pony riding arena for children and a haven for lovers.

HIMALAYAN MOUNTAINEERING INSTITUTE

A spot not to be missed is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute created by the late Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who conquered Mt Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary on 29 May 1953. A display of equipment used on the climb is one of the highlights. A zoological garden nearby has an assortment of wildlife such as yaks, Siberian tigers and red pandas who call the region their home.

ROPEWAY

At North Point about 3-km from the town, this is the first passenger ropeway in India. For reservation of ropeway seats please contact - officer in-charge, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Ropeway Station, North Point, Darjeeling. Regular share taxi service is available from Market Motor and Taxi Stand is to the Ropeway Station.

LLOYD'S BOTANICAL GARDEN

Lloyd's Botanical Garden displays a fine collection of Himalayan fauna for those with an interest, and for punters there is horseracing at Lebong, the smallest and highest racecourse in the world.

St. Teresa Church

St. Teresa Church was built by local craftsmen to resemble a Gompa. It has wood carvings adorning the walls, depicting biblical scenes, in which personalities resemble Buddhist monks. It is an interesting example of Tibetan influences.

MANGAL DHAM

Mangal Dhaam was recently constructed as the place of worship. This is a marvelous piece of architecture. The temple has been built in the Colonial Bungalow Kalimpong.

THARPA CHOLING MONASTERY

Tharpa Choling Monastery belongs to the Gelukpa sect and is on the way to Dr. Grahm Homes. Tharpa Choling Monastery was built in 1937 and is the repository of old scriptures and documents.

THONGSHA GOMPA

Thongsa Gompa is renowned as Bhutanese Monastery. The oldest monastery situated in the region of Kalimpong, Thongsa Gompa offers a perfect place for mediation and is the site where the Buddhist monks offer their everyday prayer. The present Gompa is the renovated form of the original one as it was demolished by the Gurkhas in Sikkim.

NATURE INTERPRETATION CENTRE

Nature Interpretation Centre is operated by the Forest Department. Nature Interpretation Centre focuses on flora, fauna and local people interacting with ecology.

DEOLO VIEW POINT

Deolo View Point is situated at the top of Deolo Hill at 1914 metres, overlooking the town of Kalimpong. The top of which is the highest point in Kalimpong. There are excellent views of snow peaks, Kalimpong town and the Teesta Valley. Two big reservoirs here are the source of water supply to the town of Kalimpong below.

DURPIN DARA

Towering over the town of Kalimpong is the Durpin Hill, the top of which offers breathtaking views of rolling plains of Siliguri and the Tista and Rangit valley. On the northwest horizon can be seen the panoramic Kanchendzonga range and on the east the Chola range on which lies the Nathula pass. On the southern horizon looms the Tiger hill. On the Durpin Dara Hill is nestled a beautiful golf course with gently rolling slopes.

ZANGTHO PELRI LHAKHANG ZANGTHO

Situated in city centre, this small temple represents the heaven of Guru Rinpoche. Zhangtho Pelri Phuentsholing Bhutan on ground floor there are statues of eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche and paintings on Buddha's life while the next floor contains eight Bodhisattavas and statues of Avalokiteshvara and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. On top floor, there is a main statue of Amitabha.

TA DZONG

One time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dozng during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.

DRUKGYEL DZONG

This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when its was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.

DUNGTSE LHAKHANG

To the west of the road is Dungtse Lhakhang, a chorten-like temple. This unusual building was built in 1433 by the iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. It has three floors representing hell, earth and heaven and the paintings inside are said to be some of the best in Bhutan.

TAKTSHANG LHAKHANG

It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries, Tiger's nest Paroperched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called "Tiger's Nest". This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.

KONCHOGSUM LHAKHANG

This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when its was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.

KATHMANDU CITY

Kathmandu is known as Kantipur, the kingdom of Nepal. Here you will visit the temple of the living Goddess, who acknowledges the greetings of her devotees from balcony of her temple residence, Kathmandap-the source of the name Kathmandu. It was allegedly made from the timber of a single tree. Next, on to the Durbar Square area with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient palace of the Nepalese Royalty.

PASHUPATINATH

Lying 6 Km from central Kathmandu, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple, which was built in pagoda style, has a gilded roof and beautifully carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of the Bagmati river, as entrance into the temple is strictly forbidden to all non-Hindus.

DAKSHINKALI

Literally meaning the Kali of the south, this temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kali, the Hindu goddess of power. Goats, chickens, ducks etc. are sacrificed on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The temple itself is located in a forested canyon and lies 19 Km. from Kathmandu.

BOUDANATH

This stupa, situated 11 Km. from the center of Kathmandu, is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal directions, keeping a lookout for righteous behavior and human prosperity. This Buddhist stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base and is contains inset prayer wheels. The shrine is surrounded by the homes of Lamas, or Buddhist priests.

BHAKTAPUR

Also known as BHADGAON meaning the city of devotes, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14Km east of kathmandu city. This place was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. The city is at the height of 4600 ft. Above sea level. In Bhaktapur you will visit the Durbar Square with its array of temples overlooked by the palace of 55 Windows built by King Bupatindra Malla, the Nytapola Teple.

NAGARKOT

It is situated about 35Km. east of Kathmandu city and from here one can see Mt. Everet and other peaks of the Himalayas. Nagarkot is located between Kathmandu valley in the west and Indravati in the east. The top of Nagarkot commmands accelerating views in all direction. The altitude of Nagarkot is 2229Mt. Above from sea level. It is also very popular for the viewing sunrise and sunset.