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Sikkim: The Garden Of Lord Indra
The Kingdom of Sikkim was founded by the Namgyal dynasty in the 17th century. It was ruled by a Buddhist priest-king known as the Chogyal. It became a princely state of British India in 1890. After 1947, Sikkim continued its protectorate status with the Republic of India. It enjoyed the highest literacy rate and per capita income among Himalayan states. In 1973, anti-royalist riots took place in front of the Chogyal's palace. In 1975, the monarchy was deposed by the people. A referendum in 1975 led to Sikkim joining India as its 22nd state. Modern Sikkim is a multiethnic and multilingual Indian state. The official languages of the state are English, Nepali, Sikkimese and Lepcha. Additional official languages include Gurung, Limbu, Magar, Mukhia, Newari, Rai, Sherpa and Tamang for the purpose of preservation of culture and tradition in the state. English is taught in schools and used in government documents. The predominant religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Sikkim's economy is largely dependent on agriculture and tourism, and as of 2014 the state had the third-smallest GDP among Indian states, although it is also among the fastest-growing.
Explore the Surroundings
Ashtok
Foundation - 1992
Enchey Monastery, meaning 'the solitary temple', is a holy pilgrimage spot for the Buddhists situated in the magical wonderland of Gangtok surrounded by natural beauty. The presence of tall pine trees, flowery meadows and the beautiful view of the Kanchenjunga Hills, gives the devotees a feeling of being in the middle of a serene and blessed environment. Situated 3 km to the north-east of Gangtok, this monastery is about 200 years old. History has it that Lama Druptob Karpo, who was a very famous tantric with flying powers, flew down to the Maenam Hill and built a hermitage at this exquisite location which was later renovated under the rule of Sidkeong Tulku in the Chinese Pagoda style.
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Pemayangtse Monastery Pelling
Location - About 2km from Pelling
Foundation - 1705
Occupying a small section of beauty at the higher end of western Sikkim, a renowned monastery of Pemayangtse is located. The word Pemayangtse mean ‘Perfect Sublime Lotus’ and it is a famous tourist attraction and widely visited by many travellers all year round. With a mere distance of 2 kilometres from Pelling, this attraction is an easy walk. You can unravel Sikkim’s prime beauty by visiting during the spring-summer season when the sky clears. This is so, as you can not only enjoy the holistic site but also witnessthe enthralling beauty of the Himalayas as well. Pemayangtse Monastery offers a meditative environ quietly set amidst woods. It gives a perfect place to relax in solitary and listen to the sounds of nature as you explore this second oldest monastery of Sikkim.
Getting There
Pemayangtse Monastery is located near Pelling which is about 2 kilometres and 110 kilometres from the capital city, Gangtok. Plenty of taxi services can be available from these places.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Pemayangtse Monastery is from March to June.
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GANESH TOK
Ganesh a Hindu Elephant deity and Tok mening Hill situated at an altitude of 6500 feet (1981meters) at a distance of 7 kms from Gangtok. Adjoining the Temple is the Pinetum Pine forest. The Devotees after the earnest prayer offering can enjoy a bird’s eye view of sprawling Gangtok town, and across the Hills Mount Khanchendzonga and Mt. Sinolchu Loom over the horizon.
HANUMAN TOK:
Foundation - 1968
Hanuman Hindu Monkey God Tok meaning Hill. It is situated about 11 kms from Gangtok town established in the year 1968 at an altitude of 7200 feet (2194 meters ). Scrupulously maintained by resident units of the Indian Army.Popular belief has it that wishes made here will be fulfilled. The Devotees come an large numbers to offer prayers. Because of its advantageous location, the view of the mountain along the horizon is magnificent especially on a clear sunny morning.
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BABA HARBAJAN SINGH MEMORIAL TEMPLE:
Location - junction of Kupup Gnathang road
Between the Nathula and Jelepla passess lies Baba Harbajan Singh Memorial Temple built in the memory of Harbajan Singh (30th August1946-4th October 1968), a sepoy in the 23rd Punjab Regiment. The legend has it that he appeared to his colleagues in a dreams a few days after he went missing while patrolling the border, and informed them about way to find his body and expressed a desire that a Samadhi be built in his memory, which over the years acquired the status of a pilgrimage site, built near Chhokya Chho at an elevation of around 4000 meters, which gained popularity as the old Baba Mandir. Devotees leave a bottle of water, which they collect a few days later to take back home blessed by the spirit of this hardy soldier. This Samadhi is less visited by tourist. Visitors need to climb 50 stairs to reach the bunker, site were the Samadhi has been built. This was the place where Baba was posted during his service with Indian Army. However, for the tourists convenience, the Samadhi of Baba Harbajan Sing has been reconstructed at the junction of Kupup Gnathang road and the trail leading to Memencho Lake, the shrine is recognized by the tourist as new Baba Mandir.