Mangan: The Cardamom Capital of Sikkim

Sikkim is the soul of India. Pure, gentle and serene are the most precise words to describe its charm and uniqueness. Amongst its numerous stunning options to visit, Mangan in Sikkim is one such unique destination that will make you fall in love with it.

Also called as the 'Cardamom capital' sometimes, Mangan is a district headquarters of North Sikkim. Travel to Mangan for picnicking, exploring flora and fauna and family holidays.

Mangan sightseeing involves visiting monasteries, museums, historic sites, wildlife spots and much more. The destination also serves as a base camp for trek to remote areas of Sikkim like Yumthang valley and Lachung.

History of Mangan reveals that this town was a small little village famous for its water wheels with bells. With the increase in the inflow of tourists coming to admire its beauty, the town slowly grew into a tourism hub.

Do not forget to carry your camera while visiting the rhododendron sanctuary especially during the spring season. The vibrant flowers will give an excellent backdrop for your selfies or groupies!

Following are the main travel attractions of Mangan

Phodong Monastery
Monasteries are not just any spiritual or religious centres; they are rather the lifeline of Sikkim's rich ethnic surroundings. Visit the Phodong monastery and you will realise how monasteries have become an indispensable part of the life of the indigenous population.

Built in the early 18th century by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal, this monastery is a sheer piece of beauty. There are 6 most important Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim and Phodong monastery is one of them. The monastery has been rebuilt for the second time and is appealing in its own way.

It is perched at a height of 4500 ft and offers breath-taking view of mountains. The Gompa homes delicate paintings, frescoes and a collection of antique murals. The monastery is a home to nearly 260 monks. Head to this destination if you are running after the peace of mind and want to breathe in a meditative ambiance.

There are several more credits given to this monastery like it is one of the 3 important monasteries of Kagyu sect in Sikkim and has also been rated as one of the most beautiful monasteries in the state.

An annual Puja is performed here on every 28th and 29th days of the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar. The famous traditional dance called Cham also is organised during this event.

Labrang Monastery
Unlike most of the other monasteries in Sikkim which have been rebuilt, this monastery still rests in its original form as it wasn't reconstructed after the damage like the other monasteries in the state.

Encircled by dense green forests, the white walls and golden roofs of the Gompa exhibit a mix of Tibetan style of architecture. It has 18 halls, 6 centres of learning, an area dedicated to debates on sutra, a golden stupa and homes over 60,000 sutras.

It was built by Gyalshe Rigzing Chempa in the 1814. It follows the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and was built to honour the Latsun Chembo of Kongpu in Tibet. He was the one to initiate and propagate this school of Buddhism in the state. The word 'Labrang' literally translates to ‘the lamas dwelling.’

It also has a Buddhist Museum housing statues, murals and Tibetan language books on history. You can also purchase medicines, art objects, calendars or music cassettes.

Rong Lungten Lee
This is a museum looking similar to a traditional house of the Lepcha sect. It was inaugurated in the year 2003 and consists of 3 rooms. There is an attic called 'phahong' which is used to store valuable items. Several other antique artefacts of Lepcha sect are also put to display here.

The museum is situated at the confluence of two rivers and hence, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding especially during the monsoons when the flowers growing around the Gompa are in full bloom.

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
This sanctuary is a home to about 40 species of rhododendron trees and is a nice way to explore the flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Spring is the best season to visit Mangan when the flowers are in full bloom and multitudes of colourful rhododendrons can be seen around.
Yumthang River passes through the sanctuary adding to the beauty of it. Other species of plants that are seen here are primulas, poppies, juniper, maple, and gentians, the wildlife includes tigers, civet cats, magpies and blood pheasants. Stay alert as you may spot some Kiang- the wild ass from Tibet.

Excursions from Mangan
Tourists can hop to nearby getaways like Singtam (33km) and Yumthang Valley (77km).

 

Shopping in Mangan
The town is famous for its production of large cardamom, mainly grown in Sikkim only. Jams, liquors, alpine cheese, horse saddles, bone trumpets, gold and silver trinkets can also be bought during your trip to Mangan.

It is also famous for its Food festival where the local handicrafts made of bamboo and papers are sold. Momos, thukpa, fakthu and wonton are some of the local cuisines that can be tasted in the festival.

When to Reach
July- September is the ideal time to trip to Mangan. Tourists can also plan their trip during the famous 3 day long Music Festival (December) held every year.

How to Reach
Air: Bagdogra Airport (103km) is the nearest airport to the town.

Rail: New Jalpaiguri Station (147km) is the closest railhead that connects the town to other parts of north-east India and West Bengal.

Road: Regular buses, jeeps and taxis run from Gangtok for the destination.

Travel to Mangan and explore one of the best, exotic, virgin and untouched destinations of Sikkim. Sikkim Tourism is going to leave you fulfilled, richer and relaxed.