Darjeeling
There are many restaurants and cafes, shops and a good bookshop. The principle attractions are:
Tibetan Refugee Centre – established in 1959 to provide care and employment for the influx of refugees following the Dalai Lamas flight from Tibet. It comprises a home for the aged, an orphanage, school, clinic and craft workshops.
The Himalayan Zoo and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute – established in 1958 to study and conserve Himalayan fauna the animals are well cared for by dedicated keepers. Probably your best chance to see a Red Panda or Snow Leopard. Within the grounds is the Mountaineering Institute founded by Tenzing which has an interesting display of Everest related material.
The Toy Train - one of the few hill railways still operating in India. Originally built to carry goods and people from Siliguri to the tea plantations the steam pulled tourist train operates from Darjeeling to Ghoom via the Batasia Loop. The small museum adjacent to the station houses a fascinating range of exhibits concerning the construction and operation of the railway.
Ghoom Monastery – the Yiga Choling Gompa is probably the most famous in the region and houses a large and impressive statue of the Maitreya (Future) Buddha
Pelling
A small village that has developed into a base for visiting the many sites of interest nearby including:
Pemayangtse Monastery – one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. Most famous for the seven tiered wooden model of creation housed on the top floor.
Sangachoeling Monastery – set on a hill high above Pelling. Founded in 1697 it is a very atmospheric spot with some fine murals and friendly monks.
Rabdentse Palace – the ruins of Sikkim’s former capital are currently being excavated and restored.
Khecheopalri Lake – this unusually tranquil lake, surrounded by verdant forest, is considered one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim by both Buddhists and Hindus. No water sports or other activities besides prayers are allowed around it. Local people believe that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface.
Tashiding Gompa – considered to be Sikkim’s most sacred monastery is perched on a hill top above Tashiding village. The main monastery was built by Pedi Wangmo in 1716 ,during the reign of Chakdor Namgyal, and some of the statues built then still exist. Fabulous views.
Gangtok
The State capital and only large town is a good base for trips into North Sikkim as well as for visiting the local attractions and catching up with a bit of shopping. Local highlights include:
Rumtek Monastery – on the other side of the valley from Gangtok this is a huge complex. Mainly modern but housing an interesting collection of old relics and artworks and home to the Institute of Buddhist studies.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology – houses a large collection of manuscripts, statuettes and thangkas (Tibetan cloth paintings).
Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a bustling bazaar town set at an altitude of 1250 m among the rolling foothills and deep valleys of the Himalayas. Its attractions include three monasteries, lovely churches, orchid nurseries and fine views over the countryside. A flower festival is held in Kalimpong every October.
Trongsa Gompa - also known as the Bhutanese Monastery. Originally founded in 1692 the present structure dates from the 19th C. with some fine murals.
Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa is the largest and most modern in Kalimpong. Situated on Durpin Hill, in the military district, with splendid panoramic views and is famous for its Tibetan wall paintings. If you go early in the morning you may be treated to a display by the marching bagpipe band!
