Rumtek

One main attraction for most visitors of Sikkim is Rumtek Monastery. The constantly growing complex is sited on the slope right opposite Gangtok. The ride down into the valley and on narrow zigzags back up, lasts about one hour.
Rumtek Monastery is the seat of the Karmapa, the head of a splinter group of the Kagyupa Order, founded by Marpa in the 11th century. Especially Yoga and Mahamudra is cultivated in this tantric Red Hat Sect...
...The last, the 16th, Gyalwa Karmapa fled from the Chinese People's Liberation Army to India in 1958 with many of his monks and the holiest of the ritual objects. At the invitation of the Royal Family of Sikkim he transferred his headquarters to Rumtek where he built the present monastery in 1962...
...After the death of the 16th Karmapa a frantic search for his reincarnation began. Clemens Kuby has documented the search and the circumstances that led to the discovery of the Tibetan successor in his film 'Living Buddha'. The Dalai Lama, who is regarded as the highest authority by all Buddhists, regardless of what school they may belong, recognised the identity of the boy...

Changu Lake, Tseten Tashi Cave

In May, after the thaw it is possible to drive up to Changu Lake again. Since recently foreign tourists have been allowed to visit this lake which is very popular with Indians. It lies surrounded by alpine vegetation at an altitude of 3600m. You have to join an official tour because special permits are necessary as the zone is under military control...
...Changu is considered a holy lake. Lamas used to study the changing colours of the water, fed by melted snow and ice, to predict the future. A simple Hindu Shiva temple with beautiful little bells ringing softly in the wind is on the edge of the lake. Numerous Buddhist prayer flags flap next to it...
...We had started out early to the lake because the wind usually brings thick clouds up here in the afternoon. After a cup of tea with our picnic, we head for home. We made a short stop at the Tashi Tseten Cave. The rock overhang was named in memory of a Sikkimese naturalist who established a rhododendron nature reserve here...