The capital town Gangtok appears to be the most visited place in the northeast Indian state of Sikkim, flaunting its jaw-dropping views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Formed as a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the 1840s, Gangtok, aptly called the Land of Monasteries, is home to wide-ranging sacred sites. Rumtek Monastery is the most famous Buddhist temple in the region.
Sacred sites nestled all over the state make Sikkim a popular destination for spiritual tourism. Besides iconic Buddhist Temples, there are several Hindu Temples in Gangtok. Book a spiritual or religious trip with a budget-friendly Gangtok Lachen Lachung tour. Talk to a reputed travel agent and experience the best of the Sikkim trip.
Here are the five best-sacred sites in Gangtok:
#1 Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre
Settled 23 km from the city of Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery is an exceptionally beautiful Tibetan Buddhist temple surrounded by luxuriant green mountains. Serving as one of the most significant seats of Karma Kagyu of Tibetan Buddhism, Rumtek is the seat-in-exile of Gyalwang Karmapa, inaugurated by the 16th Karmapa. The ambiance is culturally enriched and the surrounding is visually awe-inspiring, perfect for seeking and experiencing peace.
#2 Enchey Monastery
Established in the year of 1909, Enchey Monastery is an important monastery belonging to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. The meaning of Enchey Monastery is the “Solitary Monastery” and the Buddhist temple nestles around 3 km northeast of the capital. This was the site of a tantric master known for his flying power, Lama Dhrupthob Karpo more than 200 years ago.
#3 Do Drul Chorten
Built by Trulshik Rinpoche, Do-drul Chorten is a stupa with one main stupa along with six or seven small stupas around it. Inside this Buddhist monastery, there is a complete set of Dorjee Phurba, various religious objects, and Kangyur, lying in Gangtok in the Deorali area. It takes a walking distance to reach from the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.
#4 Ganesh Tok
A famous Hindu temple, Ganesh Tok, is settled at a distance of 7 km from Gangtok and was built between 1952 and 1953 by Shri Appa B Pant. Located on a hilltop, this sacred place stands out as a popular viewpoint in the capital, offering jaw-dropping sights of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the city of Gangtok. Tok means Temple. Devoted to Lord Ganesha, Ganesh Tok is regarded as a wish-fulfilling temple.
#5 Hanuman Tok
Situated in the upper reaches of the capital, Hanuman Tok is another most-visited sacred site in the state of Sikkim, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Imprinted with scenic beauty, this temple is maintained by the Indian Army. Tucked at an elevation of 7200 feet, Hanuman Tok is around 11 km away from the capital. Devotees from all over the country come to witness the beauty of this temple. Explore the best spiritual trip with an affordable Gangtok Lachen Lachung tour.
Its mind-stirring view of the city and vistas of valleys and hills are spectacular. Further equally iconic and significant sacred places in Gangtok involve Ranka Monastery, Thakurbari Temple, Shiv Mandir, Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple, Dubdi Monastery, etc.
Some famous monasteries in North Sikkim are Lachung Monastery, Phensang Monastery, Lachen Monastery, and Phodong Monastery. The distance between Gangtok to Lachung is around 117 km by road. Although you can spend more days in Lachen and Lachung, 2 nights and 3 days are sufficient to explore these destinations. Avail of ease of transport and accommodation from your travel agent.
