6 monuments found
Gurudongmar Lake is situated at a height of 17000 ft., which makes it the 15th highest lake in the world. It is considered to be a sacred lake by both Hindus and Buddhists and is believed to have miraculous properties. The spectacular milky color of this lake is absolutely beautiful. This lake lies in the North of the Khangchengyao Range and therefore is surrounded by snow clad mountains. Due to high altitude, tourists may experience breathing problems and thus it is advisable to come down to the valley soon. Despite the hardships of reaching this place, it is must visit place for all as the view is mesmerizing and the environment is calm and serene.
Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, one of the most popular Hindu religious journeys, begins at Rishikesh (in Uttarakhand), the holy city from where River Ganga enters the plains. Four destinations of the circuit are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Goddess Ganga and Goddess Yamuna respectively. Also known as Chota Char Dham Yatra, the journey is believed to remove all sorrows and sins of the pilgrims. Each of the four destinations has extremely picturesque natural splendour to its credit. Snow-topped mountains, luxuriant greenery, crystal clear rivers and streams and sprawling valleys are sure to spellbind every visitor. There is great quotient of spirituality in the environment and one can feel connected to the divine. Uttarakhand government and many affluent devotees ensure that the pilgrims enjoy facilities like accommodations, food and assistance. Char Dham Yatra begins at the April end and continues till November beginning. For the rest of the year, heavy snowfall makes each of the destinations inaccessible. Tourists must obtain useful information about weather conditions and things to pack for this trip.
At a staggering altitude of 12,400 ft. and 38 km. away from the town of Gangtok, Sikkim amidst craggy mountainous terrain is the picturesque Tsomgo Lake. This wondrous lake is a popular tourist haunt, and attracts visitors from all over the globe. The lake gets its cool and fresh waters from the melting snow that gushes from the surrounding foothills. In the local Bhutia language, Tsomgo means ‘the resource of water’. The Tsomgo Lake is linked with numerous legendary tales and greatly revered by the local people (Sikkimese). Visiting tourists are mesmerised by the beauty of the place and often find that the surrounding area of the lake is filled with colourful flowers during the late spring season, whereas winter finds it frozen as ice. In ancient times, it is believed that the Buddhist monks could actually predict future happenings by just gazing at the colour of the Tsomgo Lake. The lake holds special significance for certain sects of faith healers in Sikkim, who gather during Guru Purnima celebrations for prayer meetings. Tourists from India and abroad enjoy trilling rides on large mules and yaks, which are decorated with colourful cloths and made to stand near the lake site. The nearby areas of the lake are also populated by eatery stalls and other shops to attract tourists. All in all, the Tsomgo Lake is a place worth seeing for Sikkim tourists.
Known to be amongst the oldest (about 200 years old) and most important monasteries in Sikkim, Enchey Monastery is stationed on a hilltop in Gangtok. Also means Solitary Temple, Enchey Monastery houses about 90 monks. The uniqueness of the monastery is that it is built on the site that was blessed by Lame Druptab Karpn, an expert Tantrik who is renowned for his flying power. The monastery houses the images of Gods and Goddesses, but the main idols worshipped here are Buddha, Loki Sharia and Guru Padmasambhava. The monastery holds special prayers each year on the 18th and 19th day of the 12th lunar month of the Tibetan calendar. Tourists can enjoy the famous and most colourful “Chaam” or religious masked dance held at the Monastery in January. Visitors can choose to explore the nearby attractions like Nathula Pass, Changu Lake, Rumtek Monastery and Kanchenjenga National Park.
Counted among the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim, Pemayangtse Monastery was established in 1705 by Lama Lhatsun Chenpo. Perched on a hilltop at the height of about 2,085 m. and enjoying the grandeur of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the monastery is a three-storey structure with superlative architecture. One can relish the breathtaking views of Mount Kanchendzonga from the monastery. Each floor of the monastery unfolds the inimitable Buddhist exhibits like idols, sculptures, scriptures and paintings. Eight incarnations of Guru Padmasambhava and his heavenly abode are depicted through spectacular art. Another highlight is the statue of Padmasambhava, flaunting multiple arms and heads, placed at the prayer hall called Lhakhang. The monastery also marks the beginning of the thrilling 46 km. long Dzongri trek. It is also known for hosting the annual Chham Festival (in February) which is worth attending.
Earlier called the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, the world-famous Khangchendzonga National Park gets its name from the world’s third highest mountain peak. Spread over 1,784 sq. km. of area, the park covers more than one-fourth of the total area of Sikkim and enjoys the elevation between 6,000-28,000 ft. Apart from Mount Khangchendzonga (also called Kanchenjunga), there are numerous soaring peaks and some mesmerizing high altitude lakes and gushing rivers adorning the landscape. The park is famous for its exotic fauna which consists of snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, marbled cat, blue sheep, red panda, Himalayan black beer, wild dog, serow, goral and musk deer. In addition, there are beautiful bird species like osprey, pheasants, snow pigeon, sunbird, Asian emerald cuckoo, tragopan and others that find home at the park. Rich flora, including alpine grasses, oaks, maples, willows, rhododendrons and many fascinating flowers add wonderful shades to the park. Enthusiastic trekkers from all over the world throng the park area to scale some truly electrifying trekking trails. Foreign tourists must obtain restricted area permits and the domestic tourists must also obtain inner-line permits to access the park. Permission from the chief wildlife warden of Sikkim must also be obtained to gain entry into the park.
Explore Way to India
© 2026 Way to India. All rights reserved.