Gangtok is a popular friendly Himalayan hill station. Gangtok is also
the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim. Gangtok Travel is highly
enjoyable.
The prime attraction of Gangtok travel is the dazzling Himalayan scenery-dominated by the majestic stunning Kanchenjunga,the planet earth's third highest mountain.
It is the capital of Sikkim. Gangtok is one of most serene and captivating cities in the world. Gangtok offers a lot of adventure thrilled activities. The scenic view of the five peaks of Kanchenjunga makes its topography really breath-taking.
By Air
The nearest airport to Gangtok is in Bagdogra, West Bengal. The distance between the two is around 124 km. The airport is connected with major cities in India. One can also avail helicopter services operated by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation daily from Bagdogra to Gangtok, which takes about 20 minutes.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Gangtok is at New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal which is about 117 km from Gangtok. The New Jalpaiguri railway station is well connected with major cities and towns in India.
By Road
Gangtok is well connected by road with Siliguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong by the National Highway 31A. There are regular Sikkim state transport buses between Gangtok and Siliguri. Private buses, jeeps and taxis can also be hired from Siliguri and Bagdogra. Gangtok is well linked with cities and towns in Sikkim and other neighboring states.
Distance to Gangtok
The central attraction is a Chinese Pagoda styled edifice built in 1901. The Gompa (monastery) offers a stunning view of the Kanchenjunga.
Palace of the Chogyal
If you visit Gangtok in December then the place to visit is the Palace of the Chogyal (Monarch).
The palace is open to the public during Pang Lhabsol festival.
Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake is located 35 km away from the city on the Gangtok-Nathula highway. This highway is also a part of the old route that links India and China.
Worshipped by Sikkimese, this holy lake is approximately 20 km away from the Nathula Pass, while located at a distance of around 400 km from Lhasa.
Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass, located at a distance of 56 km from Gangtok, is a pass on the Indo-Chinese border. Serving as a trade link between India and China, this park also once served as the main access for Sikkim-Tibet trade.
Popularly known as the Silk Route, this pass is at an elevation of 14,450 feet and is rich in diverse alpine flora and fauna. The Nathula Pass is divided into terms 'Nathu' and 'La', which mean 'listening ears' and 'pass' respectively.
Himalayan Zoological Park
Himalayan Zoological Park, located at a distance of 3 km from Gangtok, is one of the best places for wildlife lovers.
Situated in Bulbuley, the park has been established with the aim to preserve wildlife in natural habitat. Sprawling over an area of 205 hectares, the Zoological Park is at an altitude of 1,780 metre from where beautiful view of Mount Kanchenjunga can also be enjoyed.
Hanuman Tok
Hanuman Tok, dedicated to God Hanuman, is one of the most renowned temples located in Sikkim.
Managed and maintained by a division of Army department of India, this temple is located at a distance of 5 km from Gangtok.
With a total height of 7,200 ft, from the top of this hillock, tourists can enjoy beautiful view of Gangtok town along with the nearby hills.
Seven Sister Waterfalls
Seven Sister Waterfalls in Gangtok is located 32 km away from the city. It is a must see place in Gangtok. All the seven waterfalls aligned sideways one after the other is a wonderful sight to catch and during the Monsoon season these falls come to a fierce life.
Since most of the tourists stop at this place to enjoy the flourished nature Tourism and Civil Aviation Department has set up a waiting shed and cafeteria for people to take a break and shoot pictures.
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, established in 1987, is home to different varieties of botanical species. Located near Rumtek Monastery, this garden houses rare flowers, plants and trees including Orchids of Himalayan region.
Maintained and managed by the Forest Department of the Government of Sikkim, this garden also includes dense temperate forests of Oak. There are more than 50 different varieties of tree species located inside this garden.
Deorali Orchid Sanctuary
Deorali Orchid Sanctuary, located next to the Namgyal Institute, is known for its wide collection of orchids. Of 454 species of orchids, 200 species are found in this sanctuary.
The best time to visit this orchid sanctuary is during the blooming season extending from months of April to May, July to August and October to November.
Shopping in Gangtok
Gangtok, the beautiful Himalayan hill resort is nestled against the elegant Himalayan ranges. Apart form the serenity and peace that you can carry home, this town offers beautiful shopping items, which you can pick up while shopping through the main markets of Gangtok.
The main shopping areas in Gangtok are the Old market, New market and Lal market from where you can buy curios and gifts bearing a typical Sikkim touch. Handicrafts are popular gift items, which you can buy at reasonable rates from the Government institute of Cottage Industry.
Canvas wall hangings depicting paintings on Sikkim like religious processions, face profiles of tribals make beautiful souvenirs. Traditional items like thangkas or religious scrolls and choktsees or collapsible wooden tables with intricate local Tibetan designs are popular. Tibetan wollen carpets with beautiful patterns and designs are also available. Exquisite jewelry carved and inlaid with precious stones and brilliant gold and silver work are fascinating. These ornaments come in the forms of earrings, pendants and finger rings. The big cardamom or bari klachi will be a nice spicy remembrance from Sikkim.Sikkim Tea with its exotic taste and flavor are ideal gifts to carry home from Gangtok.
Glenery’s is another fast-food restaurant. Try the famed 'momos' at any of the street cafes - they are to die for!
Gangtok’s nightlife has also sprung up with the increasing number of tourists. The people of sikkim prepare a wide range of liquor with traditional recipes. You will find bars, pubs, lounge bars and hotels lined up at MG Marg which is the main street of Gangtok and a great place to chill out.
Tourist Map of Gangtok
The prime attraction of Gangtok travel is the dazzling Himalayan scenery-dominated by the majestic stunning Kanchenjunga,the planet earth's third highest mountain.
It is the capital of Sikkim. Gangtok is one of most serene and captivating cities in the world. Gangtok offers a lot of adventure thrilled activities. The scenic view of the five peaks of Kanchenjunga makes its topography really breath-taking.
How to Reach Gangtok
Gangtok is the capital city of the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim.
The city is located at an elevation of 5,800 feet and has a total
population of 208,658 as per the 2011 census. Belonging to different
ethnicities, Gangtok is a famous as a hill station and the centre of
tourism industry in Sikkim.By Air
The nearest airport to Gangtok is in Bagdogra, West Bengal. The distance between the two is around 124 km. The airport is connected with major cities in India. One can also avail helicopter services operated by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation daily from Bagdogra to Gangtok, which takes about 20 minutes.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Gangtok is at New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal which is about 117 km from Gangtok. The New Jalpaiguri railway station is well connected with major cities and towns in India.
By Road
Gangtok is well connected by road with Siliguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong by the National Highway 31A. There are regular Sikkim state transport buses between Gangtok and Siliguri. Private buses, jeeps and taxis can also be hired from Siliguri and Bagdogra. Gangtok is well linked with cities and towns in Sikkim and other neighboring states.
Distance to Gangtok
- From Kalimpong- 74 km
- From Darjeeling- 98 km
- From Siliguri- 115 km
- From Kurseong- 115 km
- From Bagdogra- 124 km
Places to Visit in Gangtok
The Ranipool river flows by the west side of Gangtok. Gangtok Tourism
thrives in its spectacular setting and offers stunning views of the
Kanchenjunga from various points in its neighboring areas.
Gangtok city can be accessed only by road from Siliguri. The nearest airport is Bagdogra (124 kilometers). The nearest railway station is New Jaipalguri (NJP). Buses and share taxis ply regularly from Siliguri to Gangtok.
Gangtok city can be accessed only by road from Siliguri. The nearest airport is Bagdogra (124 kilometers). The nearest railway station is New Jaipalguri (NJP). Buses and share taxis ply regularly from Siliguri to Gangtok.
Enchey Gompa
Enchey Gompa should be ideally visited during the months of august and
January. Dances and festivals are held during that period.The central attraction is a Chinese Pagoda styled edifice built in 1901. The Gompa (monastery) offers a stunning view of the Kanchenjunga.
If you visit Gangtok in December then the place to visit is the Palace of the Chogyal (Monarch).
The palace is open to the public during Pang Lhabsol festival.
Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake is located 35 km away from the city on the Gangtok-Nathula highway. This highway is also a part of the old route that links India and China.
Worshipped by Sikkimese, this holy lake is approximately 20 km away from the Nathula Pass, while located at a distance of around 400 km from Lhasa.
Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass, located at a distance of 56 km from Gangtok, is a pass on the Indo-Chinese border. Serving as a trade link between India and China, this park also once served as the main access for Sikkim-Tibet trade.
Popularly known as the Silk Route, this pass is at an elevation of 14,450 feet and is rich in diverse alpine flora and fauna. The Nathula Pass is divided into terms 'Nathu' and 'La', which mean 'listening ears' and 'pass' respectively.
Himalayan Zoological Park
Himalayan Zoological Park, located at a distance of 3 km from Gangtok, is one of the best places for wildlife lovers.
Situated in Bulbuley, the park has been established with the aim to preserve wildlife in natural habitat. Sprawling over an area of 205 hectares, the Zoological Park is at an altitude of 1,780 metre from where beautiful view of Mount Kanchenjunga can also be enjoyed.
Hanuman Tok
Hanuman Tok, dedicated to God Hanuman, is one of the most renowned temples located in Sikkim.
Managed and maintained by a division of Army department of India, this temple is located at a distance of 5 km from Gangtok.
With a total height of 7,200 ft, from the top of this hillock, tourists can enjoy beautiful view of Gangtok town along with the nearby hills.
Seven Sister Waterfalls
Seven Sister Waterfalls in Gangtok is located 32 km away from the city. It is a must see place in Gangtok. All the seven waterfalls aligned sideways one after the other is a wonderful sight to catch and during the Monsoon season these falls come to a fierce life.
Since most of the tourists stop at this place to enjoy the flourished nature Tourism and Civil Aviation Department has set up a waiting shed and cafeteria for people to take a break and shoot pictures.
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, established in 1987, is home to different varieties of botanical species. Located near Rumtek Monastery, this garden houses rare flowers, plants and trees including Orchids of Himalayan region.
Maintained and managed by the Forest Department of the Government of Sikkim, this garden also includes dense temperate forests of Oak. There are more than 50 different varieties of tree species located inside this garden.
Deorali Orchid Sanctuary
Deorali Orchid Sanctuary, located next to the Namgyal Institute, is known for its wide collection of orchids. Of 454 species of orchids, 200 species are found in this sanctuary.
The best time to visit this orchid sanctuary is during the blooming season extending from months of April to May, July to August and October to November.
Shopping in Gangtok
Gangtok, the beautiful Himalayan hill resort is nestled against the elegant Himalayan ranges. Apart form the serenity and peace that you can carry home, this town offers beautiful shopping items, which you can pick up while shopping through the main markets of Gangtok.
The main shopping areas in Gangtok are the Old market, New market and Lal market from where you can buy curios and gifts bearing a typical Sikkim touch. Handicrafts are popular gift items, which you can buy at reasonable rates from the Government institute of Cottage Industry.
Canvas wall hangings depicting paintings on Sikkim like religious processions, face profiles of tribals make beautiful souvenirs. Traditional items like thangkas or religious scrolls and choktsees or collapsible wooden tables with intricate local Tibetan designs are popular. Tibetan wollen carpets with beautiful patterns and designs are also available. Exquisite jewelry carved and inlaid with precious stones and brilliant gold and silver work are fascinating. These ornaments come in the forms of earrings, pendants and finger rings. The big cardamom or bari klachi will be a nice spicy remembrance from Sikkim.Sikkim Tea with its exotic taste and flavor are ideal gifts to carry home from Gangtok.
Eating Out in Gangtok
There is no dearth of restaurants in Gangtok. Some of the
famous eateries in Gangtok include Hotel Golden Pagoda (serving Indian
cuisine), Parivar Restaurant (South Indian) and Bakers Café (famous for
its Viennese coffee and luscious pastries).Glenery’s is another fast-food restaurant. Try the famed 'momos' at any of the street cafes - they are to die for!
Gangtok’s nightlife has also sprung up with the increasing number of tourists. The people of sikkim prepare a wide range of liquor with traditional recipes. You will find bars, pubs, lounge bars and hotels lined up at MG Marg which is the main street of Gangtok and a great place to chill out.
Hotels in Gangtok
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This is a great text on Gangtok a Himalayan region tourist destination in North East India. Very impressed to read it. Once you reach there you can hire car rental services in Gangtok by clicking here.
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