The magical lure of Gangtok winds up into a creation of the heaven. The city has its legendary mountains, landscape that defies imagination with its unity in diversity.
Gangtok, where different beliefs, cultures and religion stay in perfect harmony, has a strong bond with the timeworn traditions and customs. It has wide roads, flyovers, bustling markets, fast food outlets, discothèques, and everything that a tourist would desire for. Undoubtedly Gangtok is sheer magic.
Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Changu is a glacial lake at a height of 12,310 feet. With a fairytale beauty, the lake’s icy blue waters reflect the grand peaks of the Himalayas thus creating a spectacular sight.
Nathu La Pass
A breathtaking pass between Sikkim and China, Nathu La was known as the silk route as used for transport by the traders. Magnificent mountain views are guaranteed while travelling on a jeep. Gnathang Monastery and Gnathang War Memorial can also be visited.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
This is the place where Tibetan Buddhism is studied. The beautiful Tibetan building museum has statues, coins, scrolls with hand paintings, thangkas, Tibetan artworks and artefacts. One will also find ancient manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese and Lepcha.
Tashi Viewpoint
Famous for magnificent sunrises and sunsets, the viewpoint over the grand Himalayan mountain range will leave one awe-stuck.
Seven Sister Water Falls
One of the most awe-inspiring spots of Gangtok, it has seven different waterfalls flowing side by side as they marge into one powerful waterfall. Enjoy the falls from the ropeway above.
Kanchenjunga Mountain
Set foot on the mighty Kanchenjunga as you trek through the Green Lake to explore the Zemu Glacier.
Phodong Monastery
The 18th century monastery is among the most honoured monasteries in Sikkim. Spend some hours here while enjoying the ancient murals, sculptures and artefacts. In February, you can witness the famous Cham dance festival.
Do Drul Chorten Stupa
Built-in 1945-46 by Trulshik Rinpoche, the stupa is believed to drive away evil spirits. Its main feature is the traditional 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer wheels that fulfills all the wishes.
Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple
Salute a great soldier Baba Harbhajan Singh, who laid down his life in Sino war. People believe that his spirit continues to guard soldiers. This is the reason, the army here believes that he is still on duty and his retirement was announced some years ago.
Tashiding Monastery
Run by the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism, this is one of the oldest monasteries in Gangtok. The monastery is full of murals, paintings and also annual Bhumchu festival.
Gangtok being the capital city of Sikkim showers the vibrancy of the festivals in a way that leaves a lifetime impression on mind. The following festivals are the best in the city:
Flower Festival (March)
A Orchid Display calls for competitions in various sections inside a big glass house in the White Hall Complex. The festival is visited by foreigners as well as locals alike.
Saga Dawa (May-June)
The Buddhist pageant is celebrated in the monasteries as people light butter lamps and make offering to the Buddha. Monks take out a huge procession while carrying holy scriptures.
Phang Lhabsol (August)
The festival is an honour to the great Mount Khangchendzonga, the guardian deity and supreme commander of Sikkim.
Dasain (September-October)
Significant for both Hindus and Nepalis, this is the puja of Goddess Durga from the first day till the ninth day. It celebrates Her triumph over evil. On the tenth day, elders apply 'tika' to the young ones and also bless them. Next day Goddess Durga is taken for immersion with a huge procession.
Gangtok Festival (December)
Organised by the tourism department, it is a food and cultural festival that include traditional performances, music and food stalls.
Just like touring, shopping too is a fun activity in Gangtok. The city is full of shopping areas which would take you on a journey of a unique world. Best buys include passion fruit squash, Alpine Cheese and Darjeeling Tea, Masks, wall hangings, carpets, leather goods and Tibetan, Bhutia and Lepcha dresses. Some of the most popular shopping places are:
MG Road: souvenir & gift stores, clothing stores and handicraft items.
Lal Bazaar: dried fish, yak's cheese and yeast for producing local alcohol.
New Market: dry fruits and sweet mango peels.
Old Market: Dogra jewelleries and handicrafts. Also dry fruits like walnuts and almonds.
Winter
(October to March): Enjoy the spectacular view of the snowcapped mountains during this time as the temperature ranges between 2°C and 7°C.
Summer
(July – September): It is a good time to plan a tour here as the mercury goes upto 22°C, thus making it a moderate climate. Though the rains lend a blissful charm to the picturesque valley.
Monsoons
(June to September): A swift rainfall might create landslides, hence climbing would be difficult.
By Air:
Bagdogra airport in Darjeeling district is 124 kms away from Gangtok. From the airport, shared taxi or can be hired. TSA helicopter is also available, which takes 20 mins to reach Gangtok.
By Rail:
New Jalpaiguri Station in Siliguri is nearest to Gangtok at 148 kms. From here taxi/cab/state run buses are available.
By Road
Taxi and cab fecilities are available from Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kolkata. Buses are also easily available for Gangtok to go to Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong.
