Gangtok is the capital and the largest town in the northeast Indian state of Sikkim. It is situated in the lower Himalayas, at a height of 5,500ft. This serene hill station is the centre of Sikkim’s tourist industry.Gangtok, is also known as the “Lofty Hill” or the “Hill made flat to build the Gangtok monastery in 1716”. The peak of the snow-clad Himalayan range, including the world’s third tallest peak ‘Kanchenjunga’, can be seen to the east of the city.
The town lies on one side of a hill, with “The Ridge”, a promenade housing the governor’s residence at one end and the palace at the other end. The city overlooks the Ranipul river in the valley below. Most of the roads are steep, with several concrete buildings built alongside. As Sikkim is a frontier state, the Indian Army maintains a large presence in the vicinity of Gangtok.
Gangtok was a small hamlet until the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840 which made it a pilgrimage center. In 1894, Thutob Namgyal, the Sikkimese monarch under British rule, shifted the capital from Tumlong to Gangtok increasing its importance. It became a major trade stopover between Tibet and British India at the end of the 19th century. In 1975 the monarchy was abrogated and Sikkim became India’s twenty second state, with Gangtok remaining as its capital.
Gangtok is the centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture and learning with numerous monasteries and religious educational institutions. The presence of the peaceful Chortens or Stupas, old monasteries and the unspoilt natural beauty provides a beautiful experience.Bamboo grows in abundance along the slopes of Gangtok providing a perennial source of spring water which originates from the roots of the trees.The Languages commonly spoken here are, Nepali, Sikkimese, Bhutia, Lepcha, Hindi & English.
Littering and spitting are offenses which are heavily fined here.
Because of its sheltered environment, Gangtok enjoys a mild temperate climate round the year. The best time to visit would be October to March. However, Gangtok promises exhilarating holiday experience anytime during the year.The temperature ranges from 13° to 25 ° C in summer and between 7° to 14° C in winter. Snowfall and temperature below freezing are rare, the last snowfall being in 2005. It is advisable to carry an umbrella and warm woolen clothing for a comfortable stay.
Gangtok is often enveloped in fog during the monsoon and winter months. Between June and September, the rain often causes landslides in the area, which result in the town being cut off from other parts of Sikkim. The lower Himalayas in general are composed of labile rock formations and therefore prone to landslides even in dry seasons.
Gangtok is mainly famous for its stunning views of the Himalayas , orchid gardens, flora and medicinal plants, natural springs and the awe-inspiring monasteries. Trekking on the mountainous terrains is a major attraction of Sikkim. Tourists can obtain 15 days permission in Gangtok, Rumtek, Tashigang trekking circuits. Most popular trekking routes are Nayan Bazar - Pemayangtse - Yaksum - Dzongri or Rangpo - Gangtok - Yaksum - Dzongri.
While Indian tourists require no special permit, it is mandatory for foreign nationals to obtain Inner Line Permit to visit Sikkim. This permit is obtainable for 15 days & known as Restricted Area Permit (RAP). It can be obtained from the Indian mission abroad and also from the Deputy Director, Sikkim Tourist Information Center in Delhi or from the Assistant Director, Sikkim tourist Information Center in Siliguri.
Re-entry into the state is not permitted for three months even if one returns before the completion of the first 15 days
There are no direct Flights or Trains to Gangtok. The nearest airport to Gangtok is the Bagdogra airport and the nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri. The place is well connected by roads.
By Air: Gangtok does not have an airport of its own. But one may reach Gangtok after flying to Siliguri or Bagdogra. Flights from Bagdogra can be booked at the Indian Airlines office on Tibet Road, Gangtok. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra is about 124 km away. It takes 5 hours to reach Gangtok from Bagdogra.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations are at Siliguri 120 km away and New Jalpaiguri at about 117 km. New Jalpaiguri is directly connected by rail to all important towns and cities in India.
By Road: Gangtok is well connected by a network of roads with all important cities and towns. The excellent road links make traveling through the beautiful countryside, an exhilarating experience. Some of the road distances (in Kms.) from Gangtok are: Darjeeling-100, Kalimpong-75, Pelling-117, Tsongo Lake- 34, Siliguri-114, Kolkata- 720.
The Sikkim Nationalised Transport (S.N.T) operates regular bus services between Gangtok and Siliguri and within Sikkim. Private/Luxury coaches, bus/taxi and jeep services are also available on regular basis
The Saramsa Garden, the Temi Tea Garden, the Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden and the Water Garden are worth visiting.
As Buddhism is the predominant religion in Sikkim, about 200 monasteries are situated in and around Sikkim which are famous all over. Most of these are easily accessible from Gangtok. Each monastery bears a unique special historical or religious significance. Enchey Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, Phentsang Monastery, Phodang Monastery, Ralong Monastery, Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, Tsuk-la-khang Monastery are most popular tourist attractions.
The is an Important place to visit. This internationally acclaimed centre of Tibetan Studies & Research houses a vast collection of rare Buddhist books, a collection of traditional and old artifacts, rare Lepcha tapestries, masks and Buddhist statues. An orchid sanctuary, where one can see many of the 454 species of Orchids is also an added attraction here.
Do-Drul Chorten Situated at Dotapu Chorten, is again an important stupa of Sikkim. White Hall, Tashi Viewpoint also can be added to the list of tourist attractions in Gangtok.
Khecheopalri lake is one lake, which has the belief of making wishes come true. Tourists can try their luck here.
Deer Park (Rustomji park) is the home for the red Panda & Himalayan Bear. The park has a huge statue of Lord Buddha commemorating his preachings of the noble truths. In front of the Buddha statue burns a butter lamp, which is surrounded by flowers of exotic variety.
Where To Eat: There are many great and cheap places to eat in Gangtok. The Roll house, a specialist in vegetarian Momos and hot chapattis with various fillings serves some of the best food in town and is very popular with locals. Quick Bite & Parivar's are also good places where one can find a variety of snacks like samosas to filling Momos. Most places are easily accessible from M.G road Where To Stay: This hill station offers plenty of accommodation choices to the tourists. Gangtok has star category hotels as well as economic hotels. Some of the Good hotels to stay are, Central lodge, Green Hotel, Hotel Aleya, Hotel Flora Fountain, Hotel Tibet, Hotel Rigwa International and the most recommended is the Royal Plaza Hotel (Sarovar group of hotels).
Mahatma Gandhi Road is the hub of commercial activities of Gangtok. This road bustles with activity except on Tuesday. The bronze and silver jewelry shops are worth a peek.
Lal Bazaar is the main market and a must visit place at the end of M.G. Road where on every Sunday, the market is crowded with varied ethnic groups from different villages who gather to buy or sell their wares. The chiming bells of the sweet shops, the advertising of the Sikkim lottery and the blaring Hindi love songs are all a part of the revelry.
At the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom (Govt. Establishment to promote and preserve the rich arts & crafts of Sikkim) on the National Highway , tourists get an opportunity to watch carpet making, handloom fabrics, thangka paintings and exquisite wooden objects. It is ideal to shop for souvenirs and gift items here.
Gangtok is best enjoyed when clubbed with a combined tour of northeast. For tourists wanting to learn Buddhist culture, Gangtok is an ideal place for a stand-alone visit too, as there is a lot that can be learned about the Tibetan-Buddhist culture here.
Yumthang valley, Chungthang, the Sikkim countryside, Lachung and Kangchendonga National Park are a few close by places to Gangtok
Tsongo Lake ( Changu lake) is 40 kms from Gangtok. It is 1 km 50 feet deep & remains frozen from January to April. The Red Panda can be often spotted roaming around. It is also a favorite stopover location for various migrating birds. Tourists need special permits to travel to this lake.
Rumtek Gompa is the biggest and one of Buddhism’s holiest monasteries located on the outskirts of Gangtok. This is the abode of the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. There is a large number of tourist inflow throughout the year.
