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The Language Of Love 
Sikkim
is the land of the awesome mount Kanchendzonga
famous for its mesmerising scenic splendours, snow and mountain views,
rare varieties of flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth, and above
all, a set of warm and hospitable people who really make you feel wanted.
Every public building or park in Sikkim has something to do with either
lord buddha or kanchendzonga so much so that even the entrance to the
state secretariat- "Tashiding"
- is through a tibetan pagoda-styled roof.
Over the years Sikkim has witnessed a burgeoning
growth of adventure tourism and a vast majority of tourists come to visit
Sikkim in search of snow and mountain tourism
thereby missing out on the more aesthetic and sublime frontier - that of
Pagodas, monasteries and Gompas (monasteries) for which Sikkim is so
famous the world over.
Influence Of Tibetan Buddhism
In Sikkim, Tibetan Buddhism flourishes. Tradition has it that Buddhism
was introduced in Tibet in the 7th and 8th centuries and later on spread
to Sikkim and elsewhere. Buddhist texts and commentaries were translated
from the Sanskrit language. While in Gangtok, the state capital, make it a
point to visit the research institute of Tibetology (RIT) which happens to
be the melting pot of modern Tibetan Buddhism and a lot of high quality
research on Tibetan Buddhism goes on at this centre of excellence.
Tibetan Buddhism is different in that the dedicated Tibetan Buddhist
seeks nirvana, the popular religion retains Shamanistic elements and
includes hymns and prayers and the worship of many spirits.
What is especially remarkable is the gradual rediscovery of Buddhism in
all major cosmopolitan cities and towns of the west. Actor Richard Gere,
for example, converted to Tibetan Buddhism, which is prevalent in Sikkim
way back in 1984 and spends several months each year travelling and
speaking on behalf of his holiness, the Dalai Lama. He partially founded
the making of "Seven Years in Tibet". Steven Segal, the other
big time Hollywood celebrity, is recognised by Penor Rinpoche, the supreme
head of the Nyingma lineage as a reincarnated "Tulku" (lama).
Not only the powerful are attracted to Buddhism. According to Diana Eck,
Director of the pluralism project at Harvard University, who recently
visited Sikkim's fascinating Buddhist monasteries, adherents are packing
out the nearly 1,500 Buddhist temples and monasteries that are found
throughout the United States. In southern California alone, a Tibetan
Buddhist temple is erected every two months.
On A Monastic Trail
The best part of being on the monastic trail is that not only does one
get to experience first hand the exquisite Tibetan architecture but one is
also provided with the opportunity to explore the bewitching beauty and
the desolate landscape of the Sikkimese countryside where most of the
hill-top monasteries of Sikkim are located. What can be more rewarding
than getting to interact with the innocent Lamas and relishing the
hardened cheese made of Yak milk "Churpi" and watching the
simple mountain life pass by in India's Marlboro land?
Significantly enough, if you are an avid trekker, the monastic trail in
Sikkim will open up refreshing vistas of virgin trekking stretches where
one can embark on some absorbing sessions of trekking in the Sikkim
Himalayas, which is replete with stately Rhododendrons, forests of red
ripe Cherry, Oak and Chestnut and covered with beautiful Primulas and
Gentians; a slice of heaven, isn't it?
The Tour 
A
tourist' s monastic trail starts from the research institute of Tibetology
in Gangtok, which is a mere 3-km from the city centre. RIT is a unique
institution and one of its kinds in the world devoted to the advancement
of Tibetan language and culture. The interiors are distinctly Tibetan and
are made of lavishly decorated ornate woodcarvings and Murals. The altars
hold the images of Lord Buddha and other Tantric deities. The museum
section too contains a storehouse of information and Chortens, brass
bells, rosaries, rare Tankhas (also spelt as Thangkas), 200-year-old icons
and other priceless artefacts can be found carefully preserved. A visit to
RIT will open your eyes to the rich and fascinating realms of Tibetan art
and culture.
Souvenirs
For souvenir hunters, a must visit place is the Government institute of
cottage industries (CICI) which is a stone's throw away from the
Gangtok main market. Here you can lay your
hands on exquisite Sikkimese artefacts ranging from canvas wall hangings
(Thangkhas), small wooden "Choksees" and dragon sets made of
silver and gold, and above all, intricately designed Tibetan woollen
carpets at prices that can compare quite well with Christi's.
Gangtok
Gangtok is always brimming with activity and tourists flock there
throughout the year. One can find joyous trekkers lost in nostalgic
memories of their trail letting their hair down in dimly lit restaurants,
dancing away to the beat of non-stop hard rock numbers. An air of
enchantment envelopes the city at dusk and as the lights come on, Gangtok
wears a festive look. The lights, the stars above and the sound of prayers
being recited by the Lamas to with the accompaniment of trumpets being
blown in the distant hill-top monasteries in the valley makes for a truly
ethereal setting.
Being on the monastic trail in Sikkim is by no means an easy proposition
and one will be robbed for a choice since there are as many as 67
monasteries in Sikkim, each one carrying a piece of history and an
abundance of legends and folklore.
However, it is a good idea to reach out to the monasteries that are close
to Gangtok, the state capital which additionally should also serve as
one's base. Going through a travel agent is a better bet since he can take
care of your logistical needs. more...
Rumtek Monastery
By far the best bet out of Gangtok is the majestic Rumtek Monastery,
22-km away. The drive from Gangtok to Rumtek is beautiful as you
criss-cross hair pin bends at every half a kilometer, which brings one
fascinating vistas of Sikkim's awesome mountains on the one hand and the
laidback countryside life of the state on the other. Rumtek is the largest
and the most beautiful monastery in Sikkim and happens to be the seat of
the Karmapa Lama.
If one is a keen buddhist, a visit to the hermitage is a must where lamas
can be seen in grave meditation chanting "Om Mani Padmaham Om".
It is said that some lamas go into seclusion for as long as 3 years at a
time. There is an aviary too inside the Rumtek Monastery, which has a
large variety of exotic birds.
more...
Other
Monasteries
Other glorious specimens of Tibetan monasteries in Sikkim located near
Gangtok are the Phodong and Labrang monasteries, which are located 40-km
from Gangtok along the North Sikkim highway. While the Phodong monastery
happens to be the seat of the Kargupa Sect, the Labrang monastery is the
seat of the Nyingma-pa sect of Buddhism.
The best time to visit these two monasteries is during the annual Puja,
which is performed on the 28th and 29th day of the tenth month of the
Tibetan calendar when colourful festivals are celebrated with the
astounding performance of the Masked 'Chaam' dance of Sikkim.
more...
Trekking
Both Phodong and Labrang monastery areas have scenic trekking trails and
those who wish to enjoy nature without backpacks, can try leisurely jaunts
along the mountain paths criss-crossing the entire hodong-labrang area.
The locals are warm and friendly too. They like chatting with urban
visitors and don't be taken aback if offered a steaming cup of Sikkimese
country lad on a chill winter day in the mountains.
Time permitting; one can also visit the Cheoling monastery, the Dubdi
monastery, the Pemayangtse monastery and the Keochopalri monastery, all of
which provide fascinating insights into Tibetan Buddhism, colourful masked
dances, folk rituals, and virgin trekking trails. Always try to coincide
your visit to monasteries during the festival season, which is when the
monasteries are all geared up to provide lots of fun and excitement. This
is also the time when the Lamas celebrate with gay abandon.
Monasteries of Sikkim speak a language of their own. It is the language
of love and it's infectious. So get affected from it.
more...
TOURIST
INFORMATION CENTRESSikkim tourist information centres
are located in Gangtok, Delhi, Siliguri, Bagdogra and kolkata, from where
one can book hotels and guesthouses well in advance. The department of
tourism of the government of Sikkim runs tourist lodges and guesthouses in
the remote areas.
Forest bungalows run by the department of forestry are available too and
these are managed by Lachung, Chumthang, Singhik and
Mangan. In Gangtok,
a number of good hotels are available, providing American plan hospitality
and other travel related services like guided tours and sightseeing at
short notice.
For further information and reservations contact: