The capital and largest city of the Indian state of Sikkim is the city of Gangtok, located in the southern foothills of the Himalayas. It is located at an altitude of about 1,800 meters and is home to about 40,000 people. It is also the most economically important place in the state. It is believed that the name Gangtok means something like “excellent hill”.
There are many places of interest in Gangtok that make a visit to the city worthwhile, including Mahatma Gandhi Road, Lal Bazaar, Himalayan Zoological Park and Enchey Monastery. A special attraction is the colorful and impressive Rumtek Monastery, located just outside the city. Do-Drul Chorten, a stupa built in 1945, also enchants its visitors, especially with its unique and unusual architecture.
Rumtek Monastery
About 24 kilometers from Gangtok, the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim, is the Buddhist monastery Rumtek, also known as Dharma Chakra Center. Currently it is the largest monastery in the state. It is already a very impressive building and its picturesque surroundings make it even more attractive. The colorful facade creates a wonderful contrast with the dark green forests that surround the monastery.
In front of the actual coaster is the Karma Shri Nalanda Institute, which is used for Buddhist studies. The monastery itself can witness a very eventful history. After being built and ruined over the centuries, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje and his entourage fled Tibet to Sikkim in 1959, settled in Rumtek Monastery, and have been teaching Tibetan Buddhism here ever since.
Enchey Monastery
The city of Gangtok is located at an altitude of 1780 meters in the foothills of the Himalayas in the state of Sikkim in northern India. Located almost between Bhutan and Nepal, this place was annexed to India only in 1975. During a trip to this fascinating country, you should visit the center of Tibetan Buddhism and visit the Enchey Monastery. This nearly 200-year-old monastery houses 90 monks. It is considered one of the most important Buddhist centers in the city and is also its oldest monastery, built in the Baroque style. Enjoy the calm and almost contemplative atmosphere that surrounds Enchey Monastery, especially in the morning. Many religious objects and images of deities can be seen here, and the artistically carved and painted windows are also worth seeing. If you wish, you can climb the hill to reach Enchey Monastery and then immerse yourself in the calm atmosphere.
