 Gangtok
the capital of Sikkim, is a unique
hill resort of northeast India and undoubtedly one of the
most oft-visited ones. Perched on the ridge of a hill at an
altitude of 1700 mt, Gangtok is famous for its scenic beauty
and spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga, their highest mountain
in the world. The town offers a mild temperate climate with
a temperature of around 23 degree centigrade in summer and
around 6 degree centigrade during winter.
This hill resort is 110 km from Siliguri
and well connected with other major places of the region.
The official population of Gangtok is below
1 lakh according to 2011 census. The actual number is probably
around 1,50,000. The principle language in Gangtok as in other
parts of the region is Nepali. But Hindi, English, Bengali
and Tibetan are also spoken and understood by a large part
of the population. The town covers an area of approximately
25 square kilometres.
Getting There
Gangtok is connected to the rest of the world through NH31A
which connects Sikkim to Siliguri. The NJP rail station (125
km) at Siliguri is the nearest station. Bagdogra airport (130
km) is the nearest major airport although there is a small
helipad in the outskirts of the town. Helicopter flights connecting
Gangtok to Bagdogra is also available.
There are regular buses and taxis connecting Gangtok to all
other towns including Siliguri and Darjeeling.
Foreign tourists visiting Sikkim needs to have an Indian Visa.
In addition they need a special inner line permit. Details
about the inner line permit can be found here.
 Sight
Seeing
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 the town.
Tsongo 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. more
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, tranquillity of this place is very charming.
Waving Chinese soldiers and Chinese tourists on the other
side of the border is an added attraction. more
Namgayal Institute of Tibetology:
Built in 1958, this is a unique institute for research into
Mahayana Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet.
This is a common destination for tourist itinerary in Gangtok.
A renowned centre for Buddhist study, the institute houses
a rare collection of Tibetan, Sanskrit and Lepcha manuscripts,
statues, Thankas (tapestry used in Buddhist liturgy) as well
as more than 200 Buddhist icons.
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. Monasteries
in Sikkim.
 Flower
Exhibition Centre: Located near the White Hall Complex
of Gangtok this place houses a variety of orchids, seasonal
flowers as well as bonsai. It is open between April to June
and September until the end of November. In recent years,
this show has become quite popular and famous, as there are
flower exhibitions throughout the year in accordance with
the seasons and the flowers in bloom.
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 the town.
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.
Our Services
Package Tour - naturebeyond organises regular
package tours to Gangtok. Our tours are customised according
to guest preferences. You may check Leisure
tours section for ideas about package tour options in
Gangtok.
Hotel
Booking - naturebeyond deals with some of the
best hotels in Gangtok. Hotel Booking through naturebeyond
has two advantages. First you don't need to deal with individual
hotels, we know which is the best hotel in each place suiting
your budget. Secondly since we are based locally, you always
have someone to look after your needs in case of any travel
related problem.
Adventure
Tours - Whether you want to go for a trek or
a biking tour in Sikkim, we have unmatched expertise in this
region.
Car-Rental
- naturebeyond owns its own fleet of transport cars
and lends them on hire.
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