Eastern Sikkim

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, has a population of approximately 55.000, which is approximately 10% of Sikkim's total population. Gangtok has emerged as a relatively modern city with shops, universities, a fully equipped hospital and fast food outlets. Though it has lost its quaint charm, it is still an attractive city where different cultures and religions get together in good harmony. And away from the bustling centre, the city is home to many lovely areas and small back alleys where the authentic Sikkimese culture can be seen and experienced.

From the town itself one can enjoy beautiful sceneries of mountaintops covered in snow. Gangtok is a excellent place for shopping. Laal Bazar is known for its exotic fruits and handicrafts along with dairy products including cheese made out of Yak's milk.

When the Communists began to occupy Tibet during the 1950's His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa, establisher of the Tsurphu Monastry in Central Tibet, realized he would have to leave the country to preserve the accumulated spiritual legacy of the Karma Kagyu.

On hearing about his arrival on the Indian border, The King of Sikkim His Majesty Chogyal Tashi Namgyal send Karmapa an invitation to establish a new seat in his Kingdom. The Rumtek Monastery is now the largest Buddhist monastery in Sikkim and is the place where the monks perform sacred rituals and practices. Many sacred objects are housed within the complex, and one of the most magnificent is the Golden Stupa, which contains the precious relics of His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa.

More information on the monastery can be found at: www.rumtek.org

The idyllic village of Pastanga is located less than 60 minutes from Gangtok, yet it seems a world away. The village is very rich in culture and folklore; and is surrounded by hills covered with dense forest and cascading streams with rivulets cutting through the landscape and appealing orchids blooming on tree tops.

The name "Pastanga" comes from the fact that many types of bamboo thrive in the forests that surround the village. Visitors to Pastanga will be able to see traditional Bhutia and Rai houses that have remained virtually unchanged for 150 years. Pastanga is the home to a unique community of animist Nepalis known as Kirat Rai's as well as Bhutias and Lepchas.

The hospitality of the local communities and their authentic rural lifestyle along with the serene natural setting forms the major attraction for visitors coming to Pastanga.

The village also has a herbal garden where medicinal plants common in the area arte grown. The more adventurous visitors can trek from Pastanga to Khedi, a sacred site two days walk from Pastanga.

Khedi is renowned for its two sacred lakes, the Bhale Pokhari and the Pothi Pokhari where a festival is celebrated every year attracting hundreds of pilgrims from all over Sikkim. A trek to Khedi takes you through Magnolia and Rhododendron forests carpeted with medicinal plants and flowers. The rich biodiversity is home to the endangered Red Panda, the great Himalayan bear, Tahr, barking deers and flying squirrels. Historical sites and breathtaking viewpoints at Ramitey, Gorujurey and Uttaray fall on this trail as you trek higher into the Alpine region. This route was also an ancient trader's trail to Tibet.