Major "Baba" Harbhajan Singh was an Indian army soldier. He is revered as the "Hero of Nathula" by soldiers of the Indian army, who built a shrine in his honor. He was accorded the status of saint by believers who refer to him as the "Baba" (saintly father).Many who come here leave a bottle of drinking water which they arrange to collect a few days later. It is believed that one can fulfill one's wishes by drinking that water. Although this temple is on a roadside, it is surrounded by mountains from all sides and the views all around is magnificent.

Nathu la, One of the highest drive able roads in the world, is a mountain pass in the Himalayan peaks that co-joins Sikkim and China. Nathu la Pass is situated on the Indo-Chinese border and is one of the biggest tourist attractions in India. Tourists flock here every year for trekking in the valley and enjoying the scenic beauty. It also offers an opportunity to see beautiful snow peaks encircling the area. It's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for public.

Tsomgo Lake, also known Changu Lake, is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district, some 40 kms from the capital Gangtok. Located at an elevation of 3,753 m (12,313 ft), the lake remains frozen during the winter season. The lake surface reflects different colors with change of seasons and is held in great reverence by the local Sikkimese people. Buddhist monks prognosticate after studying the changing colors of the lake.

The gurgling water of the fall plunges out of the lush green vegetation plastering the rugged cliffs, falls over the limestones making a thunderous sound. It is the perfect hot spot for those who are into photography. It is also an ideal picnic spot for the families with kids. Great place for everyone to just relax and enjoy the nature.

Tashi View Point is a perfect place to witness the brilliant surroundings like mountains, valleys and Gangtok itself. This famous tourist point is located at a distance of 8 km from the town and is mostly known for offering some of the best sunrise and sunset views. On a clear day you can see the Kanchenjunga and Siniolchu Peaks. Glimpse of famous monasteries of Gangtok, Phodong and Labrang can also be seen from the view point.

The Yumthang Valley is a nature sanctuary with river, hot springs, Yaks surrounded by the Himalayan mountains, located at a distance of 150 kilometers from Gangtok. The name Yumthang Valley means 'Valley of Flowers" and it doesn't disappoints. Other than the wonderful views of vast valley of flowers, Yumthang also offers lovely views of the mountain peaks such as Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa forming the backdrop of the river Teesta. Before entering the Yumthang valley, there is a hot water spring too with medicinal properties.

Dro-dul Chorten is a stupa in Gangtok in the Indian state of Sikkim. The stupa was built by Trulshik Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. ... The stupa is surrounded by Chorten Lakahang and Guru Lakhang, where two statues of Guru Rinpoche are present.

The Enchey Monastery was established in 1909 above Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim in the Northeastern Indian state. It belongs to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism.

The park's statuary and other displays the Ban Jhakri, or traditional shamanic healer who worships spirits living in caves around the falls. Ban means "forest", and jhākri means "healer". Banjhakri Falls is a natural waterfall sourced from springs at higher elevation. The cascade is approximately 30 metres

Namnang View Point/ Gangtok Ropeway: The Namnang Viewpoint is adjacent to the Gangtok Ropeway. Our driver suggested that if we were going for the ropeway, it is equivalent to viewing the city from Namnang viewpoint. Lasting only for a total of 7 minutes (to and fro journey combined), the Gangtok Ropeway is simply wastage of money. The ticket is priced at 117 INR. The trolley doesn’t halt on the other side it touches the base and comes back to the origin. Yes, it is true that the bird-eye view of the city can be enjoyed from the trolley, but it lasts only for a few minutes.We explored all these places in one day (beginning our day at 09:00 AM and finishing with the Ropeway by 4:00 PM). Gangtok Ropeway is less than a km away from MG Marg. Hence, after you finish the ropeway, you can walk your way down the road. Like we have been repeatedly writing that we spent three nights in Gangtok, every evening, we spent our time in MG Marg. Not that we are shopping enthusiasts, but we wanted to soak in the crowd, culture, food and milieu of the capital of Sikkim.

The institute employs researchers and one of its new research programs is a project which seeks to the social history of Sikkim's approximated 60 monasteries and record this on a computer. Another project seeks to digitize and old and rare photographs of Sikkim for knowledge distribution.

Nestled at an altitude of 7,200 feet above the sea level lies the spectacular Skywalk of Pelling along with the fourth tallest statue of Chenrezig. It was inaugurated in November 2018 and since then it has flourished to become one of the famous tourist attractions. It is the India's first Skywalk and home to a 137 feet statue of Chenrezig making it a Buddhist pilgrimage site. Chenrezig also known as Avalokiteshvara is the early manifestation of Buddha's compassion. Skywalk opening hours: The opening time of the Pelling Skywalk is 9 am to 6 pm, the 9 hours provided gives ample amount of time for the people to get a chance of enjoying this thrilling walk. Skywalk tickets: Though it is the India’s first Skywalk the entrance fee is very reasonable and affordable for everyone.The fee is Rs. 20 for local and Rs. 50 for non-local.

Being hidden due to thick forest cover, the Kanchenjunga falls were not known to people and remained untouched till the 90s. It only came into the limelight, when a local tour operator accidentally discovered it. It is believed that the pristine waterfall originates high up in the glaciers of Mount Kanchenjunga.

The lake is sacred for both Buddhists and Hindus located near Khecheopalri village. It is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake. An interesting feature of the lake is that leaves are not allowed to float on the lake, which is ensured by the birds which industriously pick them up as soon as they drop into the lake surface.

The unique feature of the monastery is that there is an intricately carved wooden structure located on the top floor displaying a heavenly sphere known as ‘Zangdokpalri’.

Rimbi Waterfalls is situated along the banks of Rimbi River, famous for the recreational activities like fishing. The waterfall is a great place to click pictures with your loved ones.

The Batasia Loop is a spiral railway created to lower the gradient of ascent of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. At this point, the track spirals around over itself through a tunnel and over a hilltop

The monastery was originally built at the time of Kyabje Thuksey Rinpoche in 1971. He was a well known religious Tibetan teacher. Dali Monastery belongs to the Kargyupa sect. Today it is the head quarters and residence of Drukchen Rimpoche the XII, who is the supreme head of the Kargyupa sect of Buddhists. As you enter through the arch gate and walk up along the ramp, you will be awestruck with the structure of the buildings. Soon you will need to climb flights of many steep stairs. On the way you will see a prayer room on your right. There are several huge cylindrical golden colored drums on one side of the room. During prayer time monks sit in front of the drums and offer prayers. The chants and humming sound creates a wonderful spiritual ambience.

Ghoom Monastery is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling. It has Magnificent views of the snow capped peaks including the Kanchenjunga. One of the key attractions inside the monastery is the 15-foot model of the Lord Buddha which is known as The Maitreya Buddha or the Gyalwa Shampa which means the Buddha of the future. There is a large collection of Buddha's manus inside, that includes a 108-volume Kangyur - The Tibetan Buddhist Gospel.

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was established in Darjeeling to encourage mountaineering as an organized sport in India. The first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary sparked a keen interest in establishing mountaineering as a well-respected endeavor for people in the region. Tenzing Norgay was the first director of field training for HMI.

There is a wonderful Japanese temple located at a 10 minutes driving distance from the Darjeeling town center. The temple is also known as the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple. ... Close to the temple is the Peace Pagoda that showcases four avatars of Lord Buddha.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a 67.56-acre zoo in the town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The zoo was opened in 1958, and an average elevation of 7,000 feet, is the largest high altitude zoo in India

The very appearance of the Peace Pagoda is an embodiment of Lord Buddha that radiates peace and non-violence. It purifies the land as well as the mind and soul of the people.

Tea planting in the Indian district of Darjeeling began in 1841 by Archibald Campbell, a civil surgeon of the Indian Medical Service. Campbell was transferred as superintendent of Darjeeling in 1839 from Kathmandu, Nepal. In 1841, he brought seeds of the Chinese tea plant (Camellia sinensis) from Kumaun and began to experiment with tea planting in Darjeeling.The British government also established tea nurseries during that period (1847). Commercial development began during the 1850s.In 1856, the Alubari tea garden was opened by the Kurseong and Darjeeling Tea company,followed by others.

Opposite to this is the Gombu Rock named after Nawang Gombu, nephew of Tenzing who was the first person to climb the Everest twice, once in 1963 and then in 65. He took over as the Director of Field Training at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute after Tenzing retired in 1976.One of a pair of large natural rocks used by people to practice rock-climbing, including beginners.

The Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre was started on October 2, 1959. Following the dramatic escape of His Holiness the Dalai Lama during that period of mayhem, thousands of our fellow countrymen, leaving hearth and home, fled into neighboring countries so they could live as free human beings. The overwhelming majority of the refugees had brought nothing with them apart from the clothes they wore and what little provisions they could carry with them as they began the long and difficult trek over the Himalayas.

Tiger Hill is located in Darjeeling, in the Indian State of West Bengal, and is the summit of Ghoom, the highest railway station in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Mirik is a picturesque tourist spot nestled in the serene hills of Darjeeling. The name Mirik comes from the Lepcha words Mir-Yok meaning "place burnt by fire". The lake has an arch footbridge called the Indreni Pull. A 3.5-km-long road encircles the lake and is used for walks with the view of Kangchenjunga on the far horizon. Boating on the quaint shikaras and horse riding are available.