GANGTOK

Tucked in the verdant Shivalik Hill range, this quaint little town has several vantage points that offer panoramic glimpses of lush green valleys and stunning views of the world’s third tallest peak, Kanchenjunga. Gangtok is a potpourri of cultures, owing to its assimilation of Buddhist, Nepali, Sikkimese and Bhutanese influences. Just 30km from Gangtok is the Tsomgo Lake. This glacial lake, locally referred to as Changu Lake due to its conch-like shape, remains frozen for most part of the year.

According to folklore, Gangtok was a sleepy hamlet of monks, till the tantric lama Dhrupthob Karpo came flying in. He set up a solitary hut on a hilltop, which grew into the much-revered Enchey or 'solitary' monastery. Built on a hill ridge above Gangtok city, the monastery offers great views of the Kanchenjunga peak. During January, this ancient monastery comes alive with the famed mask dance called the ‘Cham’.