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Mount Everest

Mount Everest (Nepali: Sagarmatha; Tibetan: Chomolungma; Chinese: Zhumulangma) is Earth's highest mountain above sea level, located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas. The international border between Nepal (Province No. 1) and China (Tibet Autonomous Region) runs across its summit point. Mount Everest. Mount Everest can be seen here from the Bagdogra - New Delhi flight (2h 10m). See also Khangchendzonga National Park Source Mount Everest - Wikipedia Location

The Elgin Silver Oaks, Kalimpong

The Elgin Silver Oaks was built in 1930 and once belonged to the prominent architect Frederick Desraj who built the old Teesta Bridge. It is now converted into a luxury hill resort in the Himalayas. Lounging in the landscaped gardens in a profusion of colour, one is treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The natural decor is characteristic in the imposing Kanchenjungha which can be seen on a clear day, blooming petunias and asters, the serrated violet edges of iris, iridescent butterflies flitting through colourful azaleas, drooping geraniums, proud orchids and heaven, temporarily descends on earth. Sitting in one of the quaint gazebos, the tea seems to be flavoured by the refreshing winds of the Himalayas. The hotel seen from the garden. The Elgin Silver Oaks, Kalimpong, was the home of a famous Jute magnate. The property has now been converte...

Rumtek Monastery, Gangtok

Rumtek Monastery, also called the Dharmachakra Centre, is a gompa located in the Indian state of Sikkim near the capital Gangtok. It is a focal point for the sectarian tensions within the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism that characterize the Karmapa controversy. Originally built under the direction of Wangchuk Dorje, 9th Karmapa Lama in the mid-18th century, Rumtek served as the main seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage in Sikkim for some time. But when Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, 16th Karmapa, arrived in Sikkim in 1959 after fleeing Tibet, the monastery was in ruins. Despite being offered other sites, the Karmapa decided to rebuild Rumtek. To him, the site possessed many auspicious qualities and was surrounded by the most favorable attributes. For example, flowing streams, mountains behind, a snow range in front, and a river below. With the generosity and help of the Sikkim royal family and the local folks of Sikkim, it was built by the 16th Karmapa as his...

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT) is a Tibet museum in Gangtok, Sikkim, India, named after the 11th Chogyal of Sikkim, Sir Tashi Namgyal. The institute employs researchers and one of its new research programs is a project which seeks to document the social history of Sikkim's approximated 60 monasteries and record this on a computer. Another project seeks to digitize and document old and rare photographs of Sikkim for knowledge distribution. Khempo Dhazar served as head of the Sheda, a Nyingma college attached to the Institute, for six years. The foundation stone of the museum was laid by the 14th Dalai Lama on 10 February 1957. On October 1, 1958, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India, inaugurated the Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology. Sir Tashi Namgyal, the then Maharaja of Sikkim, changed its name into the "Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology". Poster adve...

Do-drul Chorten, Gangtok

Do-drul 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. Inside this stupa, a complete set of Dorjee Phurba, Kangyur (Holy Books) and other religious objects. Around the stupa are 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer wheels. The stupa is surrounded by Chorten Lakahang and Guru Lakhang, where two statues of Guru Rinpoche are present. Poster advertising Do-drul Chorten. Do-drul Chorten is situated 2.5 km (1.5 mi) south of Gangtok. Walking uphill to Do-drul Chorten. Weisang stove. At the top of the slope is a Weisang stove. Weisang is an ancient and widespread Tibetan custom. According to the traditional Weisang ritual: first cyp...