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Gangtok
Gangtok welcomes the early morning rays of the sun and readies itself for another beautiful day. A laid back town this might be, but it offers all the trappings of a modern city juxtaposed against the breath-taking beauty of the majestic Kanchenjunga. A land teeming with monasteries, meandering trails, gushing waterfalls, serene lakes and jaw-dropping vistas, it is one of the most popular destinations in India, and Gangtok tourism attracts crowds from across the world even.
| Gangtok Tourism: A Quick View of the City | |
| State | Sikkim |
| Official Language | Nepali, English, Bhutia |
| Dial Code | 03592 |
| Population | 100,286 |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Time Zone | GMT +5:30 (IST) |
| Area | 5,223 square kilometres |
The city has a strong Buddhist presence and you cannot miss the monasteries when you visit. Most are thousands of years old and you could even get a glimpse of some of the residents, the oldest living disciples of Lord Buddha himself. Include Tsuk La Khang Monastery, Phodong and Labrang monasteries, Pemayangste Monastery and Rumtek Monastery in your itinerary.
Gangtok is a potpourri of religions and cultures, each one having its own festivals. Saga Dawa is the biggest Buddhist festival celebrated in Gangtok. The month-long festivities commemorate the birth of Buddha, his enlightenment and his subsequent salvation. Phang Lhabsol is celebrated in honour of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the reigning guardian deity of Sikkim. The festival of Dashain is celebrated by both Hindus and Nepalis. Other festivals to check out include Buddha Jayanti, Chotrul Duchen, Lhahab Duechen, Bhumchu and Drupka Teshi.
Gangtok is an adrenaline junkie’s dream destination. The weather is just right, the altitude is challenging and the air is brimming with energy. You can start slow with a cable car ride from Deorali to Tashiling, and back. Feast your eyes on the stunning vistas that this one-kilometre long thrill ride takes you on. If you want something slower, try a yak ride. Meander along the paths of Gangtok, going where the yak takes you, along rugged routes through the craggy terrain.
Want to up the ante a bit? Try mountain biking on the steep slopes. Or river rafting in the rapids of Teesta and Rangit. You can also try your hand at paragliding.
Other places to visit in Gangtok include the Seven Sisters Waterfalls, Nathu La Pass, Hanuman Tok, and the Tsongmo Lake.
Among Gangtok famous places is Lal Bazaar, your destination for souvenirs. Local artists set up shop here and the colourful items will always be cheaper than shops on MG Road. Gangtok is also famous for international branded winter wear that is 40% cheaper in summer. Carpets, leather goods, masks, wooden hanging artefacts, prayer flags, Thangka paintings, prayer wheels, singing bowls, dresses and jewellery of Tibetan, Bhutia and Nepalese origin and much more make up the complete Gangtok shopping experience. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of the local wine.
Ditch typical foods and go in for some traditional local Gangtok fare that blends cuisines from Tibet, China and Nepal. The first dish that you must try is the momo. Stuffed with minced vegetables, meat or cheese, this steaming hot dumpling is accompanied by a homemade sauce. Next on the menu is Thukpa, or Gya Thuk, a Tibetan-style soup with floating noodles and also loaded with vegetables or meat. Explore Gangtok and seek out Gundruk and Sinki, more homemade, local foods. Other dishes to try include fermented soybean, dim sums and the mushroom kachi.
The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok is nestled in the eastern Himalaya range, sitting at a height of 5,410 ft. The entire town is on one side of a hill, with the Raj Bhavan at one end and the palace at the other. Two rivers, Roru Chu and Ranikhola, skirt the town on its eastern and western boundaries, before flowing down south and meeting the famed Teesta. The area is prone to landslides, especially during the monsoon, so time your vacation wisely.
Click here to view Gangtok on Google Map
Pack your bags and head to Gangtok between October and December. It is the start of winter tourism in Gangtok and the region takes on a surreal tranquillity. Put on those walking shoes and allow your feet to take you on a journey of discovery. This land will relax you while also urging you to push your limits. Should you decide to plan for later in winter, be ready to brave temperatures below 0-degree Celsius. But there’s nothing like adventure and excitement to warm the spirit.
Summers are great too! This is when families and youngsters make a beeline for this tourist destination. The climate is just perfect and the time is right for sightseeing.
Avoid Gangtok during the monsoon. The landslide-prone land can get looser, creating road blocks and an uncertainty that is not a welcome holiday companion.
By Road - Gangtok is well-connected to the rest of India with a multi-lane highway and is linked to neighbouring cities of Siliguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong. You can get jeeps, vans, and buses from all these towns to Gangtok.
By Rail - Take the train up to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and then get yourself to Gangtok via NH10.
By Air - You can get a flight to Pakyong Airport, about 35 kms from Gangtok. You can easily find transport once you step outside the terminal.
Not much is known of Gangtok except early records that talk of the construction of a hermitic Gangtok monastery. It would have remained a quaint hamlet if not for the construction of the Enchey Monastery. For long Gangtok was the midpoint for all trade between the British and the Tibetans. It was during this time that the roads were built and telegraph lines laid down.
Sometime around 1890, the ruling Sikkimese monarch, Thutob Namgyal, transferred the capital of Sikkim from Tumlong to Gangtok. When India won its independence, Sikkim chose to remain an autonomous monarchy until 1975. After years of political uncertainty, struggle, riots and lack of development Sikkim decided to dissolve the monarchy and became India’s 22nd state, with Gangtok as its capital.
In Gangtok tourism is the biggest industry and every effort is taken to offer the discerning traveller a unique and memorable experience. When are you planning your vacation?
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