Location: The capital
of Sikkim, located in the east district, one of the popular hill stations,
overlooking the river Ranipool.
Tourist attractions: Deer Park, Dul-Dul Chorten, Kabi
Longstok, Rumtek Monastery, Kechopari Lake, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok,
Tsuklakhang-The Royal Chapel, Research Institute Of Tibetology, White hall,
Yaksey, Tsomgo Lake, the Ridge, Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs, Kangchendzonga
National Park, Lachung, Enchey Monastery and many more.
Best Buys: Furniture, dresses, Lepcha weave bags,
Carpets & Durries, handicrafts and handloom, masks, bright Choktse
tables, Thanka hangings, wooden and bamboo artifacts.
Best Hangouts: The Ipecac Garden, Tashi View Point,
Yumthang Hot Springs, Jawahar Lal Nehru Botanical Garden, Ganesh Tok,
Hanuman Tok, Flower Exhibition Center, Tsongo Lake, Nathula.
Best Activities: Mountaineering, Trekking and River
Rafting.
Best Hangouts : The monasteries and Lakesides.
Nearby tourist destinations:Changu Lake, Yumthang,
Changthung, Phoodang Monastery, Labrang Monastery, Tashi View Point.
When to Visit: Mid February to May end and mid September
to December
About Gangtok
Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, situated 110 kms from Siliguri and at
an altitude of 1547 metres above the sea level, is filled with different
cultures, religions and people existing in perfect harmony. Gangtok presents
a perfect example of harmony between traditions and modernity. There are
discotheques, posh markets, fast food outlets and many other modern
amenities, at the same time Gangtok also owns some of the important Buddhist
religious sites. Beautiful hills, lovely valleys, intriguing temples and
monasteries spreading spiritualism and the natural beauty invites one and
all.
Major Tourist Attractions in Gangtok
Deer Park
Deer park also known as the Rustamji Park, adjacent to the new secretariat,
it is named after one of the Dewans of the Chogyal of Sikkim. The park is
home to some animals like the Red Panda and the Himalayan Bear. There's also
a big statue of Lord Buddha in the park premises, in front of which a butter
lamp burns perpetually, surrounded by exotic flowers. The park provides some
mesmerizing view of the hills of Gangtok.
Dul-Dul Chorten
Dud-Dul Chorten has a set holy books, mantras and other religious objects.
The Stupa was Built by Trulshi Rimpoche head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan
Buddhism in 1945. There are around 10 prayer wheels called Mani-Lhaskar
around this Chorten.
Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery is the largest monastery in eastern Himalayas, built by
Gyalwa Karmapa strictly according to the designs of the Tibetan monastery,
just 24 kms away from Gangtok.
Research Institute Of Tibetology
The Namgayal Institute of Tibetology is a center of research into Mahayana
Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet. The institute has some
rare collection of Tibetan, Sanskrit and Lepcha manuscripts, statues,
Thankas ( tapestry used in Buddhist liturgy) as well as more than 200
Buddhist icons.
Tasuklakhang-The Royal Chapel
This Chapel is situated in the Palace grounds and is the used as a place of
worship and assembly and is also a repository of vast collection of Buddhist
scriptures.
Getting There
Air: The nearest airport from Ganktok is Bagdogra airport, which is
124 kms from Gangtok, connected by air with all the metros of India.
Rail: New Jalpiguri railhead is 125 kms from Gantok and is the
nearest railhead. It is connected with all the major cities of India.
Road: Gangtok is well connected to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri
by the national highway 31 A. Regular bus service is provided by Sikkim
Nationalized Transport between Gangtok and Siliguri and within Sikkim.
Private buses and taxis are also available.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not a problem in Gantok. One can get quite good hotels as
well as hostels and various lodges that provide a comfortable stay.
