Best Places to Visit in Kalimpong – Hills, Monasteries & Naturev

1. Rumtek Monastery

Situated at the top of a hillock in Gangtok’s heart, Rumtek Monastery reflects them as well as the Tibet art style and is of a high spiritual value. At the monastery, you can view wonderful paintings, old sculptures, rare ornaments, and a golden chorten, with the ability to understand how Tibetan Buddhists live their lives. The large courtyards and the impressive design of the praying halls represent all the reasons to visit the Rumtek Monastery for architecture students and thinkers. As the incarnation of the Karmapa Lama stays there, Rumtek is an important institution to promote Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism. The monks have therefore attracted a huge number of Buddhist devotees and researchers who are from other countries who come to visit the monastery.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entry Fee: Fee payable to Indians is INR 10 and to others is INR 50.

Distance from 7th Mile View Point: 84 km

2. Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass at 4,310 metres above sea level enters India and China. Besides its natural beauty, the area holds a lot of political significance. They get to see two major powers in an opposition and experience the quiet, slightly tense surroundings at the boundary. Arriving at Nathula, most of the way is in the hills covered by fog;<< therefore, this setting is ideal for the Eastern Himalayas”. On the other hand, this secluded pass has visible traces of the Silk Road trade era and it is a representative example of both countries’ cooperative tendencies in international affairs.

Timings: Admission is allowed within the hours of 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Wednesday till Sunday.

Entry Fee: Admittance to the park can only be received with a special permit, costing around INR 200 per traveler.

Distance from 7th Mile View Point: 98 km

3. Tsomgo Lake

Also known locally as Changu Lake, Tsomgo Lake is seasonal and the water level varies between winter and summer occasion. The winter lake is a pristine, uninhabited plane frozen-over ice, but come summer, this lake is surrounded by bright flowers. The lake is believed to satisfy any wish or dreaming for the local people of Sikkim. There are Yak rides along the lakeside that will give you a chance to taste traditional Sikkimese meal or to enjoy the perfect picture of snow-covered peaks reflected on the water. This place belongs in a list of recommended tourist destinations for visitors in Kalimpong, near 7th Mile Viewpoint.

Timings: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Distance from 7th Mile View Point: 86 km

4. Tashi Viewpoint

From another scenic spot worth visiting, Tashi Viewpoint also attracts many tourists seeking to gaze at the beautiful scenery of Kanchenjung even as others embrace wildlife lovers and photography hobbyists as well. It takes a little more than an hour and a half drive to get to this viewpoint from Gangtok from where you can see marvelous views of the mountain range and the valleys below. Not for all visitors, but part of the experience involves seeing the sun rise first from the spa again, especially upon shining ahead the snow caked barren mountains with magnificent shadows across the terrain. There are service for gardening and leisure seating in abundance for visitors’ pleasure and viewing safety is provided in abundance.

Timings: Open 24 hours

Entry Fee: Free

Distance from 7th Mile View Point: 73 km

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