GANGTOK

Wreathed in clouds, Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim is located on a ridge at a height of 5500 metres. With a spectacular view of the Kanchenjunga, the town provides the perfect base for travel through the state. Once an important transit point for traders traveling between Tibet and India, it is today a busy administrative and business centre and presents an interesting mix of cultures and communities. Gangtok is a cosmopolitan town which offers the tourist all possible amenities.

Interesting to See at Gangtok :

Rumtek Monastery : The largest monastery in the Eastern Himalaya, built by the Gyalwa Karmapa in strict accordance with the traditional designs of the monastery in Tibet. Rumtek is the seat of Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. This magnificent gompa is only 24 km from Gangtok.

Tsomgo Lake : Lying 40km northeast of Gangtok, it means `Source of the Lake` in Bhutia language. This placid lake is located at an altitude of 3780m and held to be sacred by the local people. 

Nathula : At an altitude of 14200ft, Nathula pass is the border between India and China in the Tibetan plateau. Only 56 km away from the Gangtok, tranquility of this place is very charming. Waving Chinese soldiers and Chinese tourists on the other side of the border is an added attraction. 

Himalayan Zoological Park : This Park exhibits a wide species of Himalayan faun like the Black Beer, Barking Deer, Snow Leopard, Civet Cat, Red Panda and the Spotted Deer.

 

Enchey Monastery : This 200 year old monastery is famous for the mask dance called 'Cham' performed in the month of January. An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary temple, was originally built with the solace that no other construction would be allowed near it. 

Do-Drul Chorten (stupa) : This chorten houses the complete mandala sets of Darjee Phurba, a set of Holy Books, complete 'Zung' (mantras) and other religious objects. The Stupa was built by the venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Around this Chorten are 10 Mani-Lhakor (prayer wheels).

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden : 24km away Gangtok, this garden is consist of temperate forest of Oaks and as many as 50 different kinds of trees species.

Tashi View Point : Built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal this viewpoint is at a distance of about 8km away from the town and offers good view of Mt. Siniolchu and Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Ganesh Tok : This spot, 7km away from Gangtok, offers a bird's eye view of Gangtok. There is a small temple of lord Ganesh at this place. It is on a hillock on Gangtok - Nathula Road.

 

Hanuman Tok : Just above Ganesh Tok lays this viewpoint offering nice view of the mountains along the horizon and the Gangtok town, there is a Temple of Hanuman here.

Note : Being a border state and for some other reasons special permission is to be taken for Indian ( to some areas of Sikkim ). Foreign tourists visiting Sikkim needs to have an Indian Visa. In addition they need a special Inner Line Permit.

How to Reach :

By Air : The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB), which is at a distance of 124 km from Gangtok.

Helicopter services are available from Bagdogra to Gangtok, only once during a day. It takes about 20 minutes one way flight

By Rail : The nearest rail is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is nearly 148 km away from Gangtok.

By Road : Gangtok is connected to the rest of the world through NH31A which connects Gangtok to Siliguri. There are regular buses and taxis connecting Gangtok to all other towns including Siliguri and Darjeeling.

Accommodation : “Eco Trails” deals with some of the best Hotel and Resort in Gangtok. Gangtok provides a delightful alternative in the form of its numerous tourist resorts and hotels. Depending on your budget you can chose Deluxe, Super Delux and Standard Hotel. Many budget hotels are also have available offer in suites, deluxe/ semi-deluxe/ budget rooms and make you enjoy a reasonable and comfortable stay.

Food : You can choose your own Food Plan in your trip to Gangtok. There are 04 optioned are available – i) European Plan ( EP ) – Room Only Basis. ii) Continental Plan ( CP ) - Room including with Breakfast only basis. iii) Modified American Plan ( MAP ) – Room including with breakfast and either lunch or dinner. iv) American Plan ( AP ) - Room including Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Activities : Heritage Walk, Gangtok  Sight seeing, Tsomgo Lake Visit, Nathula Pass Visit, Bird Watching, Nature Walk, Shopping Experience.

Attraction : Rumtek Monastery,Tsomgo Lake,Nathula Pass,Himalayan Zoological Park,Enchey Monastery,Do-Drul Chorten (stupa),Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden,Tashi View Point,Ganesh Tok,Hanuman Tok,Bird Watching,Nature Walk,Local Culture,Local Market