Gangtok Travel

Introduction

Gangtok means, aptly enough “hill top” and the little capital of Sikkim is perched at 5,500 feet, high on the ridge of a valley. It lies snuggled between the borders of Nepal and Bhutan at an altitude of 1547 m above sea level, and is famous for its numerous important monasteries and picturesque Himalayan views.

Gangtok is a beautiful hilly town, which spreads down the western side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipul River, and houses some of the most important Buddhist religious sites in India. The entire Kanchenjunga range is visible from the town and locals worship the range as a deity. It is a quaint mix of the old and the new, of modern structures and ancient Buddhist monuments, of bustling commercial centers and quiet monasteries emanating an aura of spirituality. Gangtok is also famed for its wonderful orchids and every spring, an orchid festival and flower show is held to celebrate this exotic bloom. The Kanchendzonga, considered to be Sikkim’s guardian, is visible from many parts of the town. Gangtok offers every traveler a unique traveling experience.


Tourist Attractions in Gangtok
» Namgyal Institute
The Namgyal Institute has world's largest collections of books and rare manuscripts on Mahayan Buddhism, in addition to the works of art and silk embroidered Tankhas. It was built in a traditional style in 1958 to promote research in Mahayan Buddhism and Tibetan language and traditions. It also houses relics of monks, samples of Lepcha scripts, masks and sacred objects like Kapali, a bowl made from a human skull, and the carku, a flute made from a thigh bone.

» Do Drul Chorten
The Do Drul Chorten is regarded as the most important ‘stupa’ of Sikkim. This highly revered Chorten has a sacred gold-topped shikhara with 108 prayer wheels, and is characterised by complete sets of Holy Books, mantrasand other religious objects. The Chorten also has two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche around it.

Ask For Suggested Tour

» Orchid Sanctuary
The Orchid Sanctuary is famous for its rare and extensive collection of almost 454 species of orchids.

» Tashi Ling
The Tashi Ling monastery is known for its 'Bumchu' or Sacred Pot that contains holy water and has never run dry in the last 300 years. It offers beautiful views of the Himalayas, as well as the Phodong and the Labrang monasteries located on the opposite hill. It’s scenery makes for a wonderful picnic spot.

» Tsuk la Khang
Tsuk la Khang is the main worshiping place for the local Buddhists. It also has a large collection of scriptures, and is characterized by beautiful mural covered interiors, lavishly decorated altars or images of Buddha, bodhisattvas and Tantric deities. It remains open for the general public and tourists during Losar, the famous dance festival.

» Enchey Monastery
Literally meaning the solitary temple, the Enchey monastery is worth visiting during the religious dances or 'Chaam' performed in January.

Ask For Suggested Tour

Excursions in Gangtok
You could visit some of the interesting places such as the Rumtek Monastery or Phodong Monastery that lie closeby.

» Rumtek Monastery
The Rumtek monastery is Located at a distance of about 24 kilometres from Gangtok. It is an ancient structure that was built in 1717, and resurrected later in 1960. It is covered with murals, Tibetan paintings, Tankhas and frescoes. It is also the largest monastry in Sikkim.

» Phodong Monastery
the Phodong Monastery is located at a distance of 28 kilometres North of Sikkim. It is regarded as the most beautiful monastery of Sikkim, and is home to around 260 monks and some old mural paintings.

» Tsongo or Changu Lake
The Tsongo or Changu Lake is located about 35 km towards the northeast of Gangtok, and for a visit to it, tourists need to take special permits. It makes for a good picnic spot.


How to Reach Gangtok
Gangtok is 721 km from Kolkata, 584 km from Patna, 140 km from Darjeeling and 589 km from Guwahati.

The nearest airport is at Siliguri, and the nearest railheads, are at Siliguri/New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. there are direct flights connecting Bagdogra and Kolkata, and by car Gangtok is five hours away from Siliguri.

We offer complete travel and tour packages to Gangtok that are inclusive of hotel booking, air booking services as well as cab and car hire services for the entire duration of your stay. Our Gangtok tour packages are convenient, cost effective and the choicest travel options you will come across.

Ask For Suggested Tour

Important Travel Information
Gangtok offers plenty of opportunities for adventure activities. There are trekkers’ huts along trek routes at Pemayangtse, Khechopalri, Yuksam, Tsokha, Dzongri, Thangshing, Zemathang, Chaurigang, Tashiding, Varsey, Yangang, Rabongla, Sang and Sikip. You could also indulge in white-water rafting, hang gliding, yak safari, and mountain biking in and around Gangtok.

There is abundant rainfall in Gangtaok, and the town is wet most of the time. The temperatures are otherwise usually mild.

Recommended Tours
» Golden Triangle Tour Duration : 04 Nights 05 Nights 06 Nights Destination Covered : Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi	» Classical North India Tour Duration : 10 Nights Destination Covered : Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Khajuraho - Varanasi
» Exotic South India Tour with Backwaters of Kerala Duration : 14 Nights Destination Covered : Mumbai - Bangalore - Mysore - Bandipur - Coorg - Ooty - Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Quilon - Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Kovalam - Trivandrum