| The topographical location on the lower Himalayas | | | | the financial assistance of the fourth King of Sikkim, |
| makes Sikkim an ecological hotspot and one of the | | | | under the supervision of Wangchuk Dorje, the 9th |
| three eco-regions of India. It is tiny and enchanting | | | | Karmapa. The Golden Stupa in the monastery |
| state having wide variety of flora and fauna. The | | | | encompasses the relics of the 16th Karmapa. This |
| attributes of lush green forests, clear and frothing | | | | monastery hosts various Tibetan festivals throughout |
| river, steep valleys and snow capped mountain peaks | | | | the year and the popular one is Tse-Chu Chaam |
| make Sikkim one of the enchanting travel | | | | annual dance festival held on the 10th day in the |
| destinations of incredible India. This thumb shaped | | | | month of June. |
| state on the foothills of the Himalayas is also known | | | | Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: |
| for its diverse ethnic mix of people with rich cultural | | | | Also known as the Sikkim Research Institute of |
| tradition. | | | | Tibetology (SRIT), Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is |
| Fascinating Attractions: | | | | one of the leading institutes which has the world's |
| Gangtok: | | | | largest collected works and rare manuscripts of |
| It is the capital city of Sikkim, dotted with the | | | | Mahayana Buddhism. The museum of this institute |
| Buddhist monasteries where one can see beautiful | | | | houses more than 200 Buddhist icons, antique |
| prayer flags whipping in the breeze through out the | | | | paintings, thangkas, statues, shrines, tapestries, |
| city. This is a beautiful hill station whose spectacular | | | | masks and other religious works of the Tibetan Art. |
| location provides excellent views of the entire | | | | This Institute was named after Late Palden Thondup |
| Kanchenjunga. During the visit one can see the fine | | | | Namgyal (the Chogyal of Sikkim). |
| blend of traditional Buddhist culture and sprawling | | | | Gangtok has several places of tourist delight. Some |
| modern culture. This place is also renowned for its | | | | of these are famous for their scenic beauty and |
| wonderful orchids and during every spring an orchid | | | | some are known for their cultural importance. The |
| festival and flower show are held to celebrate the | | | | other famous places of tourist attractions include |
| exotic bloom of flowers. It is an eclectic place that | | | | Labrang Monastery, Deer Park, Phurchachu Reshi Hot |
| gives unique travels experience to visitors. | | | | Spring and many more. |
| Some other prominent attractions of the region are: | | | | The beauty of the mystic Gangtok can be enjoyed |
| Rumtek Monastery: | | | | throughout the year but the best time to visit is |
| It is one of the most cherished pilgrimage sites of | | | | between March to late May and October to |
| Buddhists. It is located 24 km from Gangtok amidst | | | | Mid-December. |
| lofty mountains and soothing waterfalls. The Rumtek | | | | The diversified beauty of nature and culture of |
| Monastery is known for the Kagyu school of | | | | Gangtok makes it one of the ranked tourist |
| Buddhism which was built in the 16th century, with | | | | destinations of Sikkim North East India. |