Places of Interest
Mangan: Mangan is the district headquarters of North Sikkim, a little hamlet with flower patches, and the water wheels strung with bells set in exquisite miniature gardens more than compensate for the primitiveness of the region. The Mangan Bazaar (market place) is situated on the North Sikkim highway with around fifty odd shops. The district collectorate where the district collector and other government department function is situated around two kilometers uphill from market at a place called Pentok and is approached by a link road. On the sides of this link road while traveling towards Pentok lies a public ground and Mangan Senior Secondary School. Just opposite to Mangan, separated by river Teesta, is seen a sloppy villages namely Lingdong, Barfok, Hee-Gyathang falling under Dzongu area. From the Pentok area, the picturesque view of mount Siniolchu (a range of mount Khangchendzonga) is also seen.
The region is famous for the Phensong and Phodong Monastery, the latter being considered one of the six main monasteries of Sikkim.
Namchi: Namchi, meaning `Sky High`, nestled among the hills at an elevation of 5,500 ft commands panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains and vast stretches of valley. It is also the headquarters of the South District.
The area is fast developing into a tourist destination with its immense potential for all round tourist activities. It is about 78 kms from Gangtok and 100 kms from Siliguri.
Tendong Hill
Above Damthang, overlooking South District headquarter town Namchi, there is a small flat stretch of land at an altitude of 8,530 ft surrounded by lush green ancient forest which is popularly known as the Tendong Hill.
Tendong HillHistorically, this has been a place of recluse for Buddhist Lamas who spend years in meditation amidst the silent scenic grandeur. Legend says that the Tendong Hill saved the Lepcha tribe from the ravages of deluge when the whole world was flooded - legend similar to Noah`s Ark of the Bible.
Even today, the Lepchas perform pujas to pay reverence to the Tendong Hill. The view from the top of the Tendong Hill is something to be cherished and enjoyed as it spans across the plains of Bengal to the majestic heights of the Himalayan Ranges.
Trek to Tendong from Damthang Bazar, the nearest road head, is just about two hours of casual walk.
But one can also proceed to Namchi by trekking via Tendong Hill following the traditional route used in old days.
Gyalshing: Gyalshing or Gezing is the capital of the district of West Sikkim in the Indian state of Sikkim. The town is connected to the capital Gangtok by a metalled road. Gezing is also connected to the West Bengal towns of Darjeeling and Kalimpong via Jorethang. A few kilometres north are the town of Pelling. The town has a large Nepali population and the Nepali language is the predominant language of the region. The town is situated at an altitude of about 6500 feet (1900 m). The town enjoys a temperate climate for most of the year and snow sometimes falls in the vicinity.
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