A short Gangtok travel Guide: Seated on the lap of the imposing Himalayas, Gangtok is famous for its scenic beauty and spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga, their highest mountain in the world. Enjoy the chilly climate, green countryside, clear mountain air and beautiful grazing land of this East Indian hill station. Here is a catalog stating the “must see” / “must do” profiles in one of the most popular summer retreats famed for its unspoilt natural beauty and peaceful Chortens/Stupas that offer a truly unique traveling experience. Recollecting the reviews and suggestions of numerous travelers we put forth a list of things no tourist can afford to miss. Enjoy reading! (Here are some hotels in Gangtok to consider for your next trip)
About Gangtok - Gangtok is synonymous with natural splendor and literary variety. With a harmonious blend of diverse culture and religion, Gangtok reflects the existence of “Unity in Diversity" in Sikkim. Flaunting nature in the purest form this serene hill town is far away from the turmoil of city life. Gangtok has urbanized into a cosmopolitan flavor where traditional charm and generosity survive along with the Internet Age. Gangtok is a city, which, till one sees, would believe subsists only in picture-story books.
A traveler relates his stay in the town as, ‘A Paradise on Earth - Amazing scenery, fascinating waterfalls, and frightening roads, thrilling altitudes with snow capped mountains and great disciplined local public!!!’ Another traveler states, ‘Gangtok gave us the illusion of a Switzerland country lane, waterfalls were exotic and plenty to enjoy.’ Yet another traveler defines his visit to Gangtok as being, ‘Heaven awaits you. Enjoy, relax and cut the stress.’
Gangtok is widely known as a ‘visitor’s paradise’ as it offers something new each day and hence is frequented by tourists. Here are some of the major things a traveler to this beautiful town can’t miss upon.
1. Rumtek Monastery, the glorious gompa is the largest monastery built by the Gyalwa Karmapa and is the seat of Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. This prehistoric monastery houses some of the world's most exceptional spiritual scriptures, manuscripts and religious art objects. The 200 year old Enchey Monastery is renowned for the mask dance called 'Cham' that is performed in the month of January. Originally built with the solace that no other construction would be allowed near it this monastery deserves an evening visit for sure.
2. Tsongo Lake lying 40 km northeast of Gangtok is held to be sacred by the local people. The placid lake is a treat for bird lovers as it shelters Blue Whistling Thrush, Redstarts and Fork tails around. A traveler puts forth, ‘seems like created by God's own hand.’ The way to the Tsongo Lake is renowned for numerous beautiful waterfalls.
3. Adjacent to the new secretariat the Rustomji Park or Deer Park has a big open enclosure where animals like the red panda and the Himalayan Bear enjoy living in their natural habitat. Perched atop a hillside that plunges almost vertically deep into a valley the park commands a good view of the hills surrounding Gangtok. A big statue of Lord Buddha adorns the park premises.
4. The Buddhist palatial monastery Tsuklakhang Royal Chapel is the main centre for prayers. The monastery comprises of altars that are orated with deities of Buddha, Tantric and Bodhisattvas besides being a venue for the annual Losar festival. Tsulakhang Royal is the principal place of worship and the storehouse of a vast gathering of Buddhist scriptures.
5. The Indo-China border in the Tibetan plateau serves as a trade link between India and China. The tranquility of Nathula, popularly known as the Silk Route is very charming. Note: Days for tourist visit is restricted and needs to be applied for at least 24 hrs in advance. The days permitted to visit Nathula are Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sundays only.
6. Sikkim’s local food is not to be missed. For the food freaks the hill town offers dried fish, yak's cheese (churpi), and yeast used in the making of the local beer (tomba).
7. Government Institute of Cottage Industries located about half a km uphill from the main market has on display Thankas, hand carved wooden tables - known as Choksees and exquisitely woven woolen carpets and gather a huge crowd. A must visit for shopaholics. Besides it the Gangtok markets also come forth with curios, bronze and silver jewelry, turquoise, coral jewelry and beads.
Other things to do in Gangtok
1. Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs is known for its medicinal properties, ideal for skim diseases. Considered holy the holy cave "Kadosangphu" or 'Cave of the occult fairies' is located on the south of the four cardinal points.
2. Built by the late King of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal the Tashi View Point the site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Mt. Khangchendzonga and the surrounding hills.
3. The Hanuman Tok devoted to Lord Hanuman bestows a bird’s eye view of Gangtok and the Selep waterworks.
Hotels in Gangtok
Gangtok offers good accommodation amenities to its discerned tourists that cater to both luxury and budget travelers. Hotel Sonam Delek (rates from Rs. 1300) and Hotel Soyang (rates from Rs.1800) extends a homely and relaxed stay at this serene hill town and is highly recommended. Hotel Golden Pagoda (rates from Rs.900) and Sagorika Hotel (rates from Rs.950) are some of the other best rated hotels in Gangtok that have occupied the preference list of tourists down the years. Read reviews of some of the best Gangtok hotels.
Tips from other Gangtok travelers
1. Indulge in adventure activities like trekking, white-water rafting, hang gliding, yak safari, and mountain biking. It is advisable to carry your own sleeping bags and the trekker must be prepared for all kinds of weather and high altitude mountain sickness.
2. The best time to visit Gangtok are the months from October to March.
3. Foreigners need consent to enter Sikkim (available at Siliguri).
How to reach Gangtok?
* The nearest airport is at Bagdogra that is connected to Gangtok by a helicopter service operating between Gangtok - Bagdogra - Gangtok.
* The two nearest railway stations are at Siliguri (114 km) and New Jalpaiguri (125 km) that are well connected with all the major cities of the country.
* Gangtok is connected with all weather mettaled roads with the nearest towns and cities.
More Traveler Reviews of Gangtok:
The review ‘Must visit in lifetime’ offers a clear picture of the serene hill town and enables you to plan your trip accordingly. Another review ‘Enchanting Sikkim’ urges you to rush the town at the earliest to get the best experience of a lifetime.
Here are a few other articles in the 7 Things to Do Series.
1. 7 Things to Do in Ooty
2. 7 Things to Do in Jaipur
About Gangtok - Gangtok is synonymous with natural splendor and literary variety. With a harmonious blend of diverse culture and religion, Gangtok reflects the existence of “Unity in Diversity" in Sikkim. Flaunting nature in the purest form this serene hill town is far away from the turmoil of city life. Gangtok has urbanized into a cosmopolitan flavor where traditional charm and generosity survive along with the Internet Age. Gangtok is a city, which, till one sees, would believe subsists only in picture-story books.
A traveler relates his stay in the town as, ‘A Paradise on Earth - Amazing scenery, fascinating waterfalls, and frightening roads, thrilling altitudes with snow capped mountains and great disciplined local public!!!’ Another traveler states, ‘Gangtok gave us the illusion of a Switzerland country lane, waterfalls were exotic and plenty to enjoy.’ Yet another traveler defines his visit to Gangtok as being, ‘Heaven awaits you. Enjoy, relax and cut the stress.’
Gangtok is widely known as a ‘visitor’s paradise’ as it offers something new each day and hence is frequented by tourists. Here are some of the major things a traveler to this beautiful town can’t miss upon.
1. Rumtek Monastery, the glorious gompa is the largest monastery built by the Gyalwa Karmapa and is the seat of Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. This prehistoric monastery houses some of the world's most exceptional spiritual scriptures, manuscripts and religious art objects. The 200 year old Enchey Monastery is renowned for the mask dance called 'Cham' that is performed in the month of January. Originally built with the solace that no other construction would be allowed near it this monastery deserves an evening visit for sure.
2. Tsongo Lake lying 40 km northeast of Gangtok is held to be sacred by the local people. The placid lake is a treat for bird lovers as it shelters Blue Whistling Thrush, Redstarts and Fork tails around. A traveler puts forth, ‘seems like created by God's own hand.’ The way to the Tsongo Lake is renowned for numerous beautiful waterfalls.
3. Adjacent to the new secretariat the Rustomji Park or Deer Park has a big open enclosure where animals like the red panda and the Himalayan Bear enjoy living in their natural habitat. Perched atop a hillside that plunges almost vertically deep into a valley the park commands a good view of the hills surrounding Gangtok. A big statue of Lord Buddha adorns the park premises.
4. The Buddhist palatial monastery Tsuklakhang Royal Chapel is the main centre for prayers. The monastery comprises of altars that are orated with deities of Buddha, Tantric and Bodhisattvas besides being a venue for the annual Losar festival. Tsulakhang Royal is the principal place of worship and the storehouse of a vast gathering of Buddhist scriptures.
5. The Indo-China border in the Tibetan plateau serves as a trade link between India and China. The tranquility of Nathula, popularly known as the Silk Route is very charming. Note: Days for tourist visit is restricted and needs to be applied for at least 24 hrs in advance. The days permitted to visit Nathula are Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sundays only.
6. Sikkim’s local food is not to be missed. For the food freaks the hill town offers dried fish, yak's cheese (churpi), and yeast used in the making of the local beer (tomba).
7. Government Institute of Cottage Industries located about half a km uphill from the main market has on display Thankas, hand carved wooden tables - known as Choksees and exquisitely woven woolen carpets and gather a huge crowd. A must visit for shopaholics. Besides it the Gangtok markets also come forth with curios, bronze and silver jewelry, turquoise, coral jewelry and beads.
Other things to do in Gangtok
1. Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs is known for its medicinal properties, ideal for skim diseases. Considered holy the holy cave "Kadosangphu" or 'Cave of the occult fairies' is located on the south of the four cardinal points.
2. Built by the late King of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal the Tashi View Point the site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Mt. Khangchendzonga and the surrounding hills.
3. The Hanuman Tok devoted to Lord Hanuman bestows a bird’s eye view of Gangtok and the Selep waterworks.
Hotels in Gangtok
Gangtok offers good accommodation amenities to its discerned tourists that cater to both luxury and budget travelers. Hotel Sonam Delek (rates from Rs. 1300) and Hotel Soyang (rates from Rs.1800) extends a homely and relaxed stay at this serene hill town and is highly recommended. Hotel Golden Pagoda (rates from Rs.900) and Sagorika Hotel (rates from Rs.950) are some of the other best rated hotels in Gangtok that have occupied the preference list of tourists down the years. Read reviews of some of the best Gangtok hotels.
Tips from other Gangtok travelers
1. Indulge in adventure activities like trekking, white-water rafting, hang gliding, yak safari, and mountain biking. It is advisable to carry your own sleeping bags and the trekker must be prepared for all kinds of weather and high altitude mountain sickness.
2. The best time to visit Gangtok are the months from October to March.
3. Foreigners need consent to enter Sikkim (available at Siliguri).
How to reach Gangtok?
* The nearest airport is at Bagdogra that is connected to Gangtok by a helicopter service operating between Gangtok - Bagdogra - Gangtok.
* The two nearest railway stations are at Siliguri (114 km) and New Jalpaiguri (125 km) that are well connected with all the major cities of the country.
* Gangtok is connected with all weather mettaled roads with the nearest towns and cities.
More Traveler Reviews of Gangtok:
The review ‘Must visit in lifetime’ offers a clear picture of the serene hill town and enables you to plan your trip accordingly. Another review ‘Enchanting Sikkim’ urges you to rush the town at the earliest to get the best experience of a lifetime.
Here are a few other articles in the 7 Things to Do Series.
1. 7 Things to Do in Ooty
2. 7 Things to Do in Jaipur
Gangtok is famous for its scenic beauty and spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga, their highest mountain in the world.
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Hey..Thanks for sharing such an informational post about Gangtok. The serene beauty of the Gangtok can be best viewed while staying at the hotels in Gangtok. Explore all good hotels in Gangtok.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful city to enjoy our life some moments, thanks for sharing gangtok tour guide with us, these all things really very interesting that we can do in gangtok. Golden Triangle Tour 4 Nights 5 Days
ReplyDeleteNice and interesting information and informative too.
ReplyDeleteCan you please let me know the good attraction places we can visit: Akbar Travels flight
Hi,
ReplyDeleteYour Blog is really amazing.Really nice information. I also like to share my hotel in your blog.
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Regards,
Hotel Jump In and Out
Gangtok it indeed a good place for tourists. There are a lots of car rental services in Gangtok to visit different places.
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