Rumtek is known for its Tibetan Buddhist monastery situated in Gangtok in the Indian state of Sikkim that coordinates with 27.19’55” degree North Latitude and 88.36’07” degree East Longitude. The monastery was built in the 16^th century by 9^th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje and is known as one of the most spiritual centers in this part of the world. Rumtek monastery houses many Buddhist monks where they perform many rituals and follow strict Buddhist culture and tradition. The monastery lies at an elevation of 1500 meters above sea level and is approx 24 kms away from city of Gangtok.

Other places of tourist attractions near Rumtek:

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden:

This Botanical garden is situated near to Rumtek Monastery which has many varieties of medicinal plants, trees and Himalayan flowers. The Botanical Garden also houses a childrens park and a mini playground and the garden is maintained by the forest department.

Tsomgo Lake:

This lake is located at a distance of 60 kms from Rumtek is a popular tourist site that has a temple of lord Shiva on the banks of the river. The best time to visit the lake is during the months of March to May and from October to mid December.

Himalayan Zoological Park:

The Zoological Park is approx 27 kms away from Rumtek known for many endangered species of animals. The Park is spread over 205 hectares and is known for one of the best place to be for wildlife lovers where the tourists can spot animals in their natural habitat.

Deer Park:

Deer Park is located at close vicinity from Zoological Park which houses many species and breeds of deers which attracts many tourists coming to Gangtok.

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary:

This wildlife sanctuary is about 55 kms from Rumtek lying at an altitude of 3292 meters above sea level that boasts of variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is famous for musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, Himalayan Yak, Indian Bison and Goral. The sanctuary also has many fruit orchards and medicinal plants and is visited by large number of tourists.

Pemayangtse Monastery:

This monastery is located 164 kms away from Rumtek is a major Buddhist pilgrimage center. The monastery is well known for its exquisite carvings and example of fine architecture which attracts both local as well as international visitors.

Nathula Pass:

Nathula Pass is about 80 kms from Rumtek sited at a height of 14450 feet above sea level is a main access point to China. The tourists can view the magnificent Himalayan snow capped mountains and deep valleys from Nathula Pass.

Enchey Monastery:

This monastery is about 27 kms from Rumtek known for one of the ancient Buddhist monasteries. The monastery is 200 years old and preaches many Buddhist teachings and Buddhist principles by the monks who stay in this monastery.

Ganesh Tok:

Ganesh Tok is approx 31 kms from Rumtek has a temple dedicated to lord Ganesha that draws many visitors during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Other attractions in and near Rumtek are:

• Changu Lake
• Namgyal Institute
• Tashiding Monastery
• Do-Drul Chorten Stupa
• Saramsa Garden
• Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary
• Hanuman Tok
• Tashi Viewpoint
• Rabdentse Ruins
• Deorali Orchid Sanctuary
• Kabi Lungchuk
• Tsuk La Khang Monastery
• Tsuklakhang Palace
• Phensong Monastery

Best Season to visit Rumtek?

Rumtek can be visited all round the year, but the most ideal season to visit the place would be during summers as the region remains cool and pleasant and is an exciting and romantic holiday destination for many young married couples. Winters get too cold and chilly and must take necessary thick woolen clothes when they visit Rumtek during this point of time. At times Rumtek also experiences severe landslides due to which the tourists are not allowed to enter the region.

Accessibility to Rumtek:

Rumtek is easily approachable by road, rail and air modes of transport as many National Highways crisscross Rumtek. Frequent bus services are available from Rumtek to Gangtok and one can also hire a taxi or a cab from Gangtok to reach Rumtek. The nearest railway station and airport is Gangtok located about 24 kms from Rumtek.

Hotels in Rumtek:

Being a popular holiday and tourist destination in this part of the region, the department of tourism has come up with many multiclass luxury hotels to provide decent form of accommodation for the tourists visiting the place from time to time. The hotels range from 1 star rating to 5 star rating ranging from offering basic standard amenities to ultra class modern amenities. List of some of the hotels situated in and near Rumtek are:

• Hotel Golden Heights
• Hotel The Royal Plaza
• Sidlon Residency
• Hotel Sonam Palgey
• Hotel Mount Simvo
• Hotel Park Residency
• Hotel Samrat Residency
• Hotel Regent
• Hotel Mandarin Residency
• Hotel Heruka
• Hotel New Castle
• Hotel Natraj
• Hotel Shah Residency

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Aritar is a province in East Sikkim, India. It lies under Rongli Sub-Division. This beautiful area is brimming with lush green flora, condensed plantations, lakes and streams. Aritar is placed on the brink of the Himalayas and can be reached taking four hours of drive from Gangtok. It is an ideal destination for Nature lovers. Adventure lovers can do water rafting, hiking and paragliding.

History of Aritar

Aritar gained eminence after the apprehension of the Indo-Tibet trade settlement during 1904. A treaty under Lord Young husband got trading securities for the British. Col. Young husband was asked to voyage to Lhasa via Jelepa in the year 1904. The Tibetan militia opposed the expedition and attacked the troops which were later called a truce by Young husband and thus helping them to build a police outpost in the region. Lampokhari Lake at Aritar was a prominent channel that provided shelter to the merchants who travelled to Tibet with their goods. Merchandise was usually covered with sheets to gain shelter form snow and rain.

Tourist Attractions in Aritar

Aritar Gumpa

Aritar Gumpa is famous and the most ancient monasteries in Sikkim. Aritar Gumpa is the home to the agyuapa order of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is celebrated for its brilliantly engraved conventional structural design. Tourists can also come across the tinted murals, work of art and various earliest scripts in the monastery.

Parbateyswar Shivalaya Mandir

Parbateyswar Shivalaya Mandir is devoted to Hindu lord Shiva. The pilgrimage season is during the monsoon when the devotees traditionally tender water to the statue of Lord Shiva.

Lampokhari Lake

Lampokhari Lake is popularly known as Aritar Lake by the locals. It is one of the oldest natural lakes in Sikkim. Positioned at a altitude of 1,400 meters., the lake resembles human foot. Water rafting and paddle boating can be done in the lake. It is majorly used for the purpose of the tourists. The lake is bounded by lush green vegetation which looks harmoniously enchanting while boating.

Ever Green Nursery & Ram Gauri Sangrhalaya

Ever Green Nursery is positioned at Rhenock Bazar.  The nursery being privately owned has bounty of plantation. Ever Green Nursery & Ram Gauri Sangrhalaya are home to several anthology of woodland and horticultural plants.

Dak Bunglow

In the year 1895, Sir James Claude White the 1st political officer of Sikkim built the Dak Bunglow under British India. This antique bungalow is also distinguished as Ari-Bangla.

Other Interesting Places in and around Aritar

• Phushrey Lake
• Lungchok Valley
• Kali Khola Falls
• Mankhim Temple
• Changey Waterfall
• Nirmal Dham

Best season to visit Aritar

The best season to visit Aritar is during summer from March to May and winter from December to February. The summers are barely hot and have a cool refreshing weather. The winters are very cold and one can experience snowfall here. In the monsoon season there is heavy rain fall.

Accessibility to Aritar

By Road: It is well connected by road from Gangtok. The journey is mere four hours with one’s own private vehicle. The best way to reach the place is by means of taxis. The region is positioned approximately 60 km from Gangtok and 123 km away from Siliguri.

By Rail: The nearby railheads are Siliguri and Jalpaiguri station. They are well connected to the northern and southern parts of the country.

By Air: The nearest airport is at Siliguri.  One can arrive at situate from a few towns across India. Daily commercial flights are available from major towns such as Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. Flights from intercontinental destinations – Bangkok and Paro also arrive at Siliguri.

Accommodation in Aritar

Aritar is one of the eminent tourist destinations in Sikkim. Aritar has some fine renowned hotels, resorts, guest houses and lodges. The hotels endow with many conveniences and the tariffs differ from hotel to hotel. Many hotels undertake advanced booking and reservation for safe and comfy stay of the visitors. Some high end hotels offers host of world class amenities to the tourists like big ventilated rooms with room heaters, LCD TV’s, broadband facilities with Wi-Fi, intercom facilities, laundry facilities, swimming pool, clubhouse, gym, sauna and steam bath, spa, Pub & Bar etc. List of hotels located in and around Aritar are as follows:

• Lampokhari Village Resort
• White Conch Residency
• Orange Village Resort
• Hotel Sagorika
• Hotel the Royal Plaza
• Hotel Chittiz
• Hotel Tibet Gallery
• The Oriental
• The Soods Garden Retreat
• Hotel Aditya
• Mintokling Guest House
• Damsang Guest House
• Sonam Palgey Aritar Retreat
• The Elgin Nor-Khill
• Himalayan Heights Hotel
• Hotel Sonam Delek
• Hungry Jack Hotel
• Central Hotel

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among the deep woodlands in West Sikkim, Rinchenpong is well-known for its spectacular sights of peaks and its gorgeous environment. Rinchenpong is also branded for its stunning scene and peaceful ambiance. Tourists are fascinated by this site for the awe-inspiring standpoints of the Kanchenjunga terrains that it presents.

History of Richenpong

Richenpong has its implications in history. It is stated that Rinchenpong was the place where it witnessed the chronological encounter amidst the Chogyal (King) of Sikkim and the British forces were apprehended. It paved to the slaughter of several Britishers as the native people of Sikkim, the Lepcha had poisoned the solitary spring of water in that region which was a lake. Even at present the lake continues to’ be poisoned and is locally recognized as “bikh-pokhri” which deciphers as ‘poisoned lake’.

Tourist Attractions in Richenpong

Maggi Dara

Maggi Dara is a site positioned just about 8 km from Rinchenpong. It is home to a ethnic center with vast wall canvases and has become a prominent travelers landmark in Sikkim.

Rinchenpong Monastery

Rinchenpong Monastery is the most eminent landmark in Rinchenpong. The ethnic center houses a gigantic and stunning statuette of Lord Buddha which is prevalently identified as the Atibuddha figurine.

The Shrijanga Temple

The Shrijanga shrine is positioned just about 8 km from Richenpong and is frequently stopover by locals. The holy place of Shrijanga is adored by the Limbu clan. A gorgeous cascade also adds to the loveliness of the shrine.

Pemayangtse Monastery 

Pemayangtse Monastery is positioned just about 25 km away from Richenpong. The Pemayangtse monastery was primarily constructed for ta-sang lamas or the purest monks, but in due course developed into a magnitude and instituted in serving the society. The ethnic center is abode for famed compilation of primordial artifacts, Buddhist statues, inscriptions and statuette. On the first level of the ethnic center one can site an attractive wooden statuette of Sanghthokpalr.

People & Culture of Rinchenpong

Richenpong and its neighboring vicinity are abode to several ethnic groups and societies such as Marwar, Tamangs, Lepchas, Limboos and Bhutias is amongst others. These populaces have added to the assortment of Rinchenpong, especially its victuals and ethnicity. They are occupied in cattle rearing, farming to being entrepreneur and stalling small shops in the chief marketplace of Sikkim. The township also has a sacred experience to it as it is habitat to numerous Buddhist ethnic centers.

Places of interest in and around Rinchenpong

• Legship
• Rvangla
• Namchi
• Pelling

Best season to visit Rinchenpong

The best time to visit Richenpong is during the months of March to May. During the summer season the climate is pleasant with humidity and is the best time for tourists to visit this place. The monsoon season sees a heavy downpour and it is impossible for tourist outing. The winter season tends to be very cold and the temperature drops eventually to 1°C at Richenpong.

Accessibility to Rinchenpong

By Road: Rinchenpong is positioned close to Legship that is just around 16 km from Gangtok. One can hire cabs, taxis, jeeps or private vehicles to reach Richenpong.

By Train: The nearest railhead is at Siliguri and it connects the city to the major cities in and around the state.

By Air: the nearest airdrome accessible to Richenpong is the Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri. One can get direct flights from the major cities across the country to reach Richenpong.

Accommodation in Rinchenpong

There are enough hotels in Richenpong  to facilitate the tourists and hotels offers host of world class services to the tourists like big ventilated rooms with room heaters, LCD TV’s, broadband facilities with Wi-Fi, intercom facilities, laundry facilities, travel desk, local tour packages, wine and dine. List of hotels in Richenpong are:

• Richenpong Village Resort
• Hotel Rinchenpong Nest
• Aryan Regency The
• Elgin Mount Pandim Pemayangtse
• Rabdentse Residency
• The Tashigang Resort
• Norbu Ghang Resort
• Himalayan Hideaway
• Ifseen Villa
• Sonamchen
• Simvo Hotel
• Bon Farm House
• Aurora Hospitality
• Yuksom Residency
• Hotel The Panorama
• Hotel Snowview
• Windamere Hotel

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Lachung town is located in the state of Sikkim on the Indian continent in the North Sikkim district. It lies in the Northeast part of Sikkim state. The geographical coordinates puts the place at 27.61667⁰ N and 88.65⁰ E. Lachung is 2700 meters above sea level. During the summer season the temperature ranges from 10⁰ C to 20⁰ C and in winter season the temperature ranges from -2⁰ C to 10⁰ C.

October to May is the most preferable period to visit Lachung.

History of Lachung

The people residing in Lachung, during ancient, were known as Lepcha People. The 9^th century saw the arrival of Buddhism religion in the region. Many Tibetans migrated to Sikkim in the 11^th century. In 13^th century one of the prince of Kham located in the Eastern Tibet migrated to Sikkim and settled down in the Chumbi Valley in Sikkim. Many books were written during this era mentioning the events that took place. In the year 1642, Phuntsog Namgyal, who was one of the descendants of the prince who migrated from Kham, was made the King of the entire Sikkim state. Between the years 1670 to 1788, Sikkim was invaded by Bhutan and Nepal forcing the King to go to exile in Tibet. In 1793 the exiled King returned back to Sikkim after a signing a pact with Nepal.

People & Culture in Lachung

People of Lachung are known as Lachungpas.  Nepali, Lepcha, Bhutia, Hindi and English are the languages spoken by the people in Lachung, with Lepcha being the local language.

Cattle rearing are the occupation of the people in Lachung.

Food and Shopping Lachung

Restaurants in Lachung have a wide range of cuisines for hungry customers. The staple food in this region in Lachung is rice, potato and pork.

There are plenty of shops selling handicraft items, beautiful canvas paintings, Tibetan carpets and rugs and many more wonderful artifacts. There are also shops selling hand woven items and garments. Names of some well known shopping centers in Lachung are listed below

• Old Market
• Lall Market
• New Market at Mahatma Gandhi Marg

Tourist Places in and around Lachung

There are few places with amazing landscapes of interest in and around Lanchen. Some of them are listed below:

• The Lachung Monastery

This monastery provides a panoramic view of the surrounding hills covered by dense green forest.

• Lachung River

This river is formed by the meeting of two rivers flowing downstream. Rafting is one of the adventure sports conducted by some tourism agency.

• Mount Katao

Mount Katao is the most cherished place among tourist interest in sports activity that involves snow such as skiing, snowboarding etc.

• Yumthang Valley near Lachung

Also known as ‘Valley of Flowers’, this valley is famous for twenty one different species of Rhododendron plants.

• Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

Covering an area of 43 km², this sanctuary is home to a few endangered animals such as the snow leopard, tiger-civet etc.

Means of Commutation to Lachung

Lachung is well connected to various places in India via roadways, railways and airways.

The distance of Lachung, via road, from cities within the state of Sikkim and Neighboring cities are mentioned below

• Lachen is located at a distance of 20 km
• Mangan is located at a distance of 32 km
• Darjeeling is located at a distance of 168 km
• Kolkata is located at a distance of 759 km
• Patna is located at a distance of 477 km
• Aizawl is located at a distance of 664 km

Inter city transportation is facilitated by bus and taxis

The closest railway station to Lachen along with their distance are mentioned below

• Jalpaiguri railway station in West Bengal which is located at a distance of 187 km
• Siliguri railway station is located at a distance of 239 km
• Darjeeling railway station is located at a distance of 97 km

Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri connects Lachung to the rest of the places in India via airways. The airport is located at a distance of 134km. There are regular flights from New Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati to Sikkim.

Accommodation Options at Lachung

Lachung has many interesting tourist destinations. Hence to cater to the lodging facilities of tourist in Lachung there are three star hotels and resorts offering outstanding services with rooms such as luxury and deluxe priced at 2500/- onwards. There are hotels in Lachung where one can enjoy their stay at Rs. 450/- per day.

• Hotel Sagorika
• Hotel Tibet
• Himalayan Height Hotel
• Blue Poppy Hotel
• The Silk Route Residency Hotel
• Hotel Rendezvous
• Golden Heights Hotel
• Hotel Heruka
• Hotel Hungry Jack
• Hotel Mayfair
• Sonam Palgey Lachung
• The Fortuna
• Comfort Inn
• Hotel Iceland
• Snow Lion Resort

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