About East Sikkim

East Sikkim is focused around the urban hub of its capital Gangtok, and sees a higher tourist footfall than other parts of the state. The relaxed and casual grain of life, combined with a rush of cosmopolitan conveniences and points of touristy interest, makes this a nice place to kick back for a few days.

East Sikkim Major Place to Visit

Enchey Monastery

Enchey monastery is in the capital of Sikkim. It was first built in 1840s by the eighth Chogyal. The location was blessed by Lama Drupthob Karpo known for tantric power and it is rumoured to have flying power. It has religious significance among people of Gangtok. Cham dance festival is held in the monastery during on the 18th and 19th day of the 12th Lunar month of the Tibetan calendar (during January/February).

Flower Festival

Gangtok hosts the Flower Festival. A similar festival is also held at Namchi, South Sikkim every year. This Flower Festival is celebrated in April-May. This is the season for blossoming in Sikkim. The imaginative display of flowers in a large glass house at the Flower Exhibition Centre near the White Hall Complex. This flower festivals displays of around 600 species of orchids, 240 species of trees and ferns, 150 varieties of gladioli and 46 types of the world-famous rhododendrons.

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre which is a large monastery located about 24 kms away from Gangtok. This monastery was founded in 1962 by the XVIth Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorjee. Karma Kagyu Gurus imparted his precious blessings to the devotees of Sikkim. The Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre is the seat of the Kagyu order, one of the 4 major Tibetan Buddhist Sects. Since the late 1960’s , after the arrival of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, the centre houses some of the world’s most unique religious scriptures and religious rare objects. Mask Dances are being performed here during religious festivals like Saga Dawa (birth anniversary of Lord Buddha), Guru Trungkar Tshechu (birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava) and Gutor Chham on the eve of Losar (the Tibetan New Year)

Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake also known as Changu Lake, is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district. It is just around 40 kilometres far from Gangtok. Tsomgo lake is about 1 km long and 15mtrs deep. It remains frozen in winters. It is located 12,313 feet above sea level. Tourists need to procure permit to visit this lake.

Nathula

Nathu La is a mountain pass in the Himalayas in East Sikkim district. It is situated at an altitude of 14,200 feet. It connects the Indian state of Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Nathu La is one of the three open trading border posts between China and India. Nathula is open only for Indian nationals on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Firdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The visitors have to get the permit to visit the place by applying to the Tourism Department through a registered Travel Agency.