Sikkim is nature's masterpiece painting - a sensory explosion
created by the sky hugging snow capped mountain peaks, lush
green meadows, numerous gurgling waterfalls, dense mystical
forests and raging rivers defiantly cutting their course
through mountains and valleys. The prevalence of spiritualism
all around, in the form of Buddhist monasteries lends this
land a divine aura, where God and nature seem to have united
into pure beauty. Join us on a journey of this land of beauty
and spirituality through our showcase of photographs.
Mt. Kanchenjunga
Kangchenjunga from Ganesh Tok, Gangtok - Photo Print
Kangchenjunga at Sunset from Ganesh Tok, Gangtok, India - Photo Print
Mt. Kanchenjunga is the third tallest mountain in the world,
with an elevation of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet). Located at
the border of Nepal and Sikkim, it is the tallest mountain of
India. The name Kanchenjunga refers to the "Five treasures of
snow", indicating the five peaks that make up the mountain.
The five treasures represented are gold, silver, gems, grain
and holy books. People across Sikkim and in Darjeeling have
worshipped this mountain through the ages. Though Darjeeling
in West Bengal offers some spectacular views of the mountain,
it can be viewed from almost all locations in Sikkim. During
sunrise and sunset, Kanchenjunga is washed in colors of
golden, orange and violet while in the daytime, it can be
viewed as a majestic white giant.
Teesta River
Confluence of Tista and Rangpo - Photo Print
River Rafting on River Tista - Photo Print
The Teesta river is the lifeline of Sikkim, originating from
the Pahunri (Teesta Kangse) glacier and flowing down south
through the Himalayan gorges, entering West Bengal at Sevoke,
22 kms from Siliguri. A visit to Sikkim usually involves road
journey from Siliguri to Gangtok and the river remains almost
a constant companion through the entire route. River rafting
is a common sport practised in the raging waters of the
Teesta. The Teesta is joined en-route by various tributaries,
like the Rangpo river and the Rangeet river. The points of
confluence of these tributaries provide a stunning view, with
the backdrop of the Himalayan mountains.
Flowers
Cymbidium Orchid - Photo Print
Magenta Rhododendron - Photo Print
Sikkim is home to almost 600 varieties of orchids - which are
a family of colorful and often fragarant flowering plants.
Orchids occur in almost all habitats except glaciers. Sikkim
frequently hosts orchid shows in Gangtok and Namchi and is
taking steps to develop hybrid varieties of orchids.
Rhodorendrons is the another prominent flower species in
Sikkim. It can be found all over Sikkim in various colors -
about 34 varieties of this flower can be found all over
Sikkim.
Waterfalls
Seven Sister Waterfalls - North Sikkim - Photo Print
Bhimnala Waterfalls - Sikkim - Photographic Print
Sikkim can be called the land of waterfalls. It boasts of a
large number of waterfalls, prominent among them being Rimbi
falls, Kanchenjunga falls, Seven Sisters falls and Bhimnala
falls.
Gangtok
Gangtok City from M.G Road - Photographic Print
M.G Road Market During Spring, Gangtok - Photo Print
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and is located at an altitude
of 1650 meters (5410 feet) from the sea level. Nestled within
the higher peaks of the Himalayas, this city enjoys a
year-round mild temperate climate. Gangtok is surrounded by
dense forests of temperate deciduous Polar, Oak, Birch, Elm
and other evergreen coniferous trees. The ethnic population of
Gangtok comprises Nepalese, Lepchas and Bhutias.
The old market, new market and Lal market are the primary
shopping areas in Gangtok. One can buy handicrafts, paintings,
woolen carpets and apparel of Sikkimese origin from these
markets. The new market on the M.G. Road is off-limits for
vehicles and one can enjoy shopping here as much as walking
through the flower bedecked street.
Gardens in Gangtok
Cactus at Saramsa Garden, Gangtok - Photo Print
Namgyal Memorial Park, Gangtok - Photographic Print
Saramsa Garden in Gangtok is a public garden , established in
1922. It is now an orchidatium and a recreational garden for
picknickers since 1970. It has hosted international flower
shows and promotes floriculture in the region.
Palden Thondup Namgyal Memorial Park is dedicated to the
memory of the last monarch (Chogyal) of Sikkim. He transfered
power to the people, abolishing monarchy and brought in modern
means of governance. The park was originally called the ridge
park. The chief minister's residence and the White hall are
located at one end of the park while a beautifully designed
palace gate with a Pagoda rooftop adorns the other end of the
park. The ridge is lined with flower plants and trees,
producing a riot of colors.
Palzor Stadium in Gangtok
Palzor Stadium,Gangtok - Sikkim - Photo Print
Palzor Stadium is the sole football stadium of Gangtok
and it houses around 30000 people. Originally a Polo
ground during the British rule, it was converted into
a football stadium in 2005, at a cost of 30 crores.
Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery - East Sikkim - Photographic Print
Dharma Chakra Centre, Rumtek - Photo Print
Rumtek monastery, also known as the Dharmachakra center, is a
Tibetan Buddhist monastery located near Gangtok, and is one of
more than 200 monasteries of Sikkim. It was built in the 16th
century by the 9th Karmapa, Wangchuk Dorje. It was rebuilt in
1966 by the 16th Karmapa with the help of the Indian
government and the Sikkim royal family. Rumtek is the largest
monastery in Sikkim and houses a college for higher Buddhist
studies.
Tsongmo Lake
Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok - East Sikkim, India - Photo Print
Tsongmo Lake, Sikkim - Poster
Tsomgo lake, or Changu Lake, in east Sikkim, 40 kms from
Gangtok, is situated at an altitude of 12,400 feet above sea
level. It is a glacial lake and remains frozen during the
winter months. This 1km. long, oval shaped lake is sacred to
the local people. A small temple dedicated to lord Shiva is
located by the lake. The Gangtok- Nathu La highway, which
crosses the border at Nathu La, passes by the north end of the
lake. The area around the lake is home to a variety of
Rhodorendrons, Primulas, Poppies and other varieties of
flowers.
Ranka Monastery
Ranka Monastery - East Sikkim - Photo Print
Ranka Monastery - East Sikkim - Photo Print
Ranka or Limgdum monastery is run by the Sikkimese Gharwan
Rimpoche and features a huge gold plated Buddha statue in the
sanctum. The monastery entrance has a long row of prayer
wheels which one can spin for good luck. This monastery is
known for its beautiful architecture and Thangka paintings
that adorn its inner walls.
Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim - Photo Print
Sarva Dharm Sthal at Gurudongmar - Photo Print
Gurudongmar lake is one of the highest lakes of the world,
situated at a height of 17103 feet, near the Indian border
with Tibet. It lies about 182 kms. north of Gangtok and can be
reached via Lachen and a small hamlet named Thangu. The view
of the lake is mesmerizing - especially the reflection of the
snow capped peaks in the clear blue water of the lake. The
lake remains frozen during winter.
Guru Nanak - the first Sikh Guru, is said to have visited this
place during his journey to Tibet in 1516 CE. Many locals
accepted Guru Nanak as their Guru and he began to be known as
Lama Nanak in these regions. A Gurudwara was built near the
lake by a few soldiers of the Indian army, which was later
converted into a prayer house for all religions (therefore
called, the Sarva Dharma Sthala).
Yumthang - Valley of Flowers
Snow Capped Himalayas, Yumthang - Photo Print
Valley of Flowers, Yumthang - Photo Print
Yumthang is a valley with rolling meadows, surrounded by the
Himalaya mountains, at an altitude of 11800 feet above sea
level. One can reach the valley by a two hour drive from the
nearest inhabited town, Lachung, which is 125 kms to the north
of Gangtok. The valley blooms with Primulas, Poppies, Iris and
othe flowers during the months of spring. The sweeping meadows
bloom in a riot of colors, thus lending this place the name
"Valley of flowers".
Katao Valley
Snow Covered Katao Valley - Photo Print
Road to Katao Valley, Sikkim - Photo Print
Situated at an elevation of 15000 feet above sea level, Katao
valley is 144 kms to the north of Gangtok. Katao remains
covered in snow during the winter season and provides a
fantastic panoramic view of the Himalayas. One can find the
valley covered in flowers during the spring season.
Phodong Monastery
Phodong Monastery - Photo Print
Phodong Monastery is one of the six most important
monasteries in Sikkim and was re-built in the 18th
century CE, replacing an older monastery. Phodong is
about 28 kms to the north of Sikkim. It is one of the
most beautiful monasteries in Sikkim and houses some
rare and old murals.
Namchi Monastery
Guru Padmasambhava - 12 x 16 inches - Photo Print
The Namchi monastery, located on the Samdruptse hill,
opposite to the town of Namchi. The town of Namchi is
situated about 78 kms to the south of Gangtok. The
Namchi monastery houses the world's tallest statue of
Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche. The statue
towers at 135 feet.
Solophok Chardham - South Sikkim - Photo Print
The Solophok Chardham mear Namchi is dedicated to Lord
Shiva and has a 108 feet main temple and a 87 feet
tall statue of Lord Shiva. It also houses the temples
at the four Hindu holy centers of India (Puri, Dwarka,
Rameshwaram and Badrinath). The Chardham is a recent
addition to the attractions in Sikkim and was
innaugurated in November, 2011.
Pelling and Pemayangtse
Himalayan View from Pelling
118 kms to the west of Gangtok is situated the haloed
monastery of Pemyangtse. This monastery is one of the oldest
monasteries of Sikkim and belongs to the Nyingma Buddhist
order. It prominently features statues of Padmasambhava. One
gets a stunning view of the Himalayas from Pemayangste.
Pelling is a small town, 2 kms from Pemayagtse, above the
river Rangit. It commands an excellent panoramic view of the
Himalayas.
Khecheopalri Lake
Khecheopalri Lake is situated 147 kms to the west of
Gangtok. It is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. It
is said that the water of the lake is so clean that
even when a leaf floats down to the lake, the birds
there pick them up as soon as the drop.
Singshore Bridge
25 kms from Pemayangtse, is the Singshore bridge which
is the highest bridge of Sikkim. It spans 198 meters
and is 220 meters from the ground below. It connects
two hills and is an engineering feat.
Artwork of Sikkim
We present below, some of the beautiful artwork that is
available in Sikkim. They range for sculptures, masks, lamp
shades, apparel, embrodered and painted wall hangings and
jewelry items.
Green Tara - Brass with Copper Statue
Wrathful Buddhist Deity Mahakala Mask for Wall Decoration
Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra - Stone Dust Statue
Hanging Foldable Handmade Printed Paper Lampshade
Embroidered Buddhist Mantras on Silk - Wall Hanging
Kumkum Red Brocade Silk Sikkimese Dress
Blue Stone Chips Tibetan Spring Necklace with Earrings
Hill Beauty of India - Painting on Cotton Cloth
Set of 6 Buddhist Lamas - Stone Dust Statues