In Pictures Exotic Tales Of Sikkim - II

Tucked away in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, remote and enchanting Sikkim is the gateway to the North-Eastern corridor of India. It would be hard to believe that as the second-smallest state in India, it has numerous tourist destinations filled with prismatic beauty and mesmeric charm, leaving one in awe of this state. In this second part of our photo essay, take a look at some more of Sikkim&rsquos best tourist hotspots which will make you want to pack your bags right now

Rumtek Monastery

Resting on top of a lush green mountain, the Rumtek Monastery is a perfect amalgamation of nature and spirituality. Built in 1960, this vibrant monastery is situated 23km away from Gangtok and is one of the largest in Sikkim. Rumtek plays an important role in Buddhism in Asia, as besides housing a golden stupa and several sculptures belonging to the 16th Karmapa, it also stores some of the rarest religious scriptures of the world. The monastery belongs to the Kargyu sect of Buddhism known to have originated in Tibet in the 12th century. Previously known as the Dharmachakra Centre, Rumtek is a great example of traditional Tibetan architecture. 

Pelling

On the foothills of the magnificent Kanchenjunga lies the picturesque town of Pelling. Nestled at an altitude of 6,800ft, Pelling is a hotspot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It is the second biggest tourist destination after Gangtok where you can catch unrivalled views of the Kanchenjunga during sunrise from the ridge.          

Ravangla

A scenic tourist town sandwiched between Gangtok and Pelling, Ravangla has our heart when it comes to breathtaking views. The town is well-known for its Buddha Park which features a 130-foot-high golden Buddha sculpture that is easily noticeable from far away. If you stroll around the monastery, you can hear Buddhist monks chanting their prayers.

Tsomgo Lake

One of the most popular tourist sites in the state, Tsomgo or Changu Lake in East Sikkim is a spectacular glacial lake at an altitude of 12,400ft. The lake provides marvellous views of the mountains surrounding it and remains frozen during winter season (until May). You can take a stroll around the place on the back of a yak.