EAST SIKKIM – Rumtek Monastery, Ipecac Garden, Do-Drul Chorten and Gompa, Enchey Monastery

Rumtek Monastery : A drive through the picturesque terraced rice fields will bring you to the head quarters of the Dharma Chakra Centre, the present seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Kargyupa Sect. The main monastery is a recent structure, built by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in strict accordance with the traditional designs of his monastery in Tsurphu in Tibet.

Ipecac Garden : These botanical gardens dedicated to the nature and display of the flora of Sikkim is an ideal picnic sport on your way back from Rumtek.

Do-Drul Chorten and Gompa : An impressive Stupa encircled by prayer wheels. Close by there are two giant statues of the lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava.

Enchey Monastery : Built in 1909 this sit on a spectacular ridge with views across Gangtok and as far as Mount Khangchendzonga Surrounded by prayer flags this 19th century Nyingma pa Gompa is a heaven of tranquility.

The Ridge : The Ridge is a small stretch of plain and flat road above the town of Gangtok. It is just about five minutes walk from the main market. The Ridge has the White hall and the Chief Minister’s official residence on one end and the beautifully designed Palace Gates on the other. The ridge is lined with plants and trees when in bloom are a riot of colour.

Tashi View Point : Worth visiting in pre-dawn hours to catch the awe-inspiring sight of the sun rising on the snow capped peaks of the Mount Khangchendzonga

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden : Very close by to Rumtek Monastery, and maintained by the parks and Gardens unit of the Forest Department of the Government of Sikkim, the Garden is an enchanting and soothing experience among the lush green vegetation, rare plants and trees and certain species of Himalayan flowers and Orchids.