Gangtok

GANGTOK:

The largest town as well as the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok is located at an altitude of 4,715 ft in the Shivalik Hills of the Eastern Himalayan range. The hill station has a total population of 80,000 people that belong to various ethnic groups like Lepchas, Nepalis and Bhutia. Gangtok offers fabulous views of Mt. Kanchenjungha, some exclusive day trips to nearby lakes and monasteries and all the facilities of a modern city. . Gangtok also acts as a base for trips to other parts of Sikkim like North Sikkim and the Old Silk Route (Nathang Valley, Zuluk and Lungthung). The accommodation options in Gangtok are varied. The Institute of Tibetology is one of the prime attractions of Gangtok, which is visited by tourists interested to know about Buddhism. The Institute stocks around 30 thousand books and documents on Tibet related to Buddhism. The beautiful Enchey Monastery is located near the TV Tower within thick vegetation with grand views of Mt. Kanchenjungha. Another nice place to visit is Ganesh Tok, which is a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha perched on a hill around 6500 feet above with a bird’s eye view of Gangtok and Mt. Kanchenjungha. Another similar spot with great views of Mt. Kanchenjungha and the surrounding areas is Hanuman Tok located at Gangtok-Nathula Highway at 7200 feet above. Few other attractions that should not be missed, when you are in Gangtok are Bakhthang Waterfalls and Ban Jakhri Waterfalls. Bakhthamg Waterfalls is located on the North Sikkim Highway towards Tashi View Point and Ban Jakhri waterfalls is around 7 kms from Gangtok on the road towards Ranka. The Rumtek Monastery located almost 22 kms from Gangtok was established in 1922. This is the largest monastery in Sikkim and certainly one of the most beautiful ones. The Sarmsa Garden previously known as Ipecac Garden located around 14 kms from Gangtok near Ranipool is one of the best gardens to spot orchids and Medicinal Plants in Sikkim. You can also visit one of the most picturesque lakes in Sikkim called Changu Lake (also known as Tsomgo Lake) around 35 kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 12310 feet. Tucked within hills which are covered with wild flowers in spring and 3 feet of snow in winters Changu lake is a treat to the eye. Nathula Pass located at 14400 feet is a major pass connecting Sikkim with Tibet. There is an Indian check post and Chinese check post located here. You can take a rope way ride at Gangtok between Sikkim Legislative Assembly and Deorali. You can also hang out for shopping and restaurant hopping at M G Marg, which is the main market area in Gangtok. One of the most popular pieces of attraction in Gangtok is the zoo, which is home to some animals like the Himalayan Bear and Red Panda that are native to the state. If you are traveling by plane, then the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, from where you can hire a taxi or a cab to reach Gangtok. By train, you need to get down at New Jalpaiguri station and then hire a taxi to Gangtok. You can avail state buses or jeep from Siliguri to Gangtok, which takes around 4 hours.