Snuggled in the lap of the North east Himalayas, Gangtok is the capital of the East Indian State of Sikkim. Truly magical, the hill station is one of the must-visit places in India. The backdrop of the Himalayas, the view of the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga makes the hill town a charming locale to spend memorable holidays. If the breath-taking vistas, Buddhist shrines, exquisite flora and fauna, including hundreds of varieties of butterflies, adventure pursuits are your style, then Gangtok tours is the best option for you!
The unexplored gem of Sikkim and its capital Gangtok has a huge list of places to visit and things to do. Tourist attractions in Gangtok include The Do Drul Chorten, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim and India, solitary temple of the Enchey Monastery, the marvelous collection of orchids in the Orchid Sanctuary, etc. The Namgyal Institute of Research and the Tsuk la Khang, are a depository of a large collection of scriptures and the principal place of worship for the local Buddhists, are definitely worth visiting. The Rumtek Monastery is one of its kind in Sikkim and the Phodong Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in the region, are also well worth visiting.
For a bird’s eye view of Gangtok there is ropeway, which on clear weather days offers a great view of the Khangchendzonga range, the town and the valley below. The picturesque Tashi Ling provides an astounding view of the Kanchenjunga range. Ganesh Tok, 7 km from the town offers truly breath-taking views of the snow-covered peaks. Hanuman Tok, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman set at an altitude of 7200 ft. is also a blissfully calm and quiet hilltop. Lukshyama, the royal cremation grounds have stupas and chortens that have the mortal remains of the erstwhile royal family members of Sikkim. Besides the tourist attractions, there is much more to do. A visit to the Nathu La Pass, the Tsogmo Lake, hill towns of Lachung, Lacheng, Pelling, Yumthang Valley, etc.
Gangtok is also equipped with all possible tourist amenities. MG Marg is the chill-out hub of the town. The clean policy and the no vehicular traffic brings all the people in the town here. Lined with shops, eateries and more, shopping is an added pleasure as is the taste of the north-eastern dishes, especially Tibetan momos, which must definitely be a part of a visit to Gangtok.
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Getting to Gangtok By Air
Gangtok has its own airport, the Pakyong Airport, 12 km from the city centre. Recently opened, the domestic airport has flights from Delhi and upcoming flights from other parts of India. Another nearby airport is at Bagdogra, 120 km away from Gangtok. The international air terminal is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati, Kolkata and even Bhutan and Bangkok.
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Getting to Gangtok By Rail
To get to Gangtok by rail, New Jalpaiguri, 120 km away is the nearest mainline railhead.
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Getting to Gangtok By Road
120 km from Bagdogra, and a little over 100 km from Darjeeling and Kalimpong, Gangtok is well-connected to the other East India’s hill-stations.
Best Places to Stay in Gangtok
The Elgin Nor-Khill
Built by the King of Sikkim in 1932, The Elgin Nor-Khill is the oldest heritage hotel in Gangtok. Guests served here include His Holiness The Dalai Lama, celebrities from over the globe, movie stars etc. A tribute to the royal roots of the mountain kingdom of Sikkim, the hotel is resplendent. Brought to life by the bright folk art, design motifs depicting dragons and flame symbols to thankas, the ornate bachu and chocsue and traditional jewellery, it is a lavish beauty. Many of the rooms at the Norkhill, as well as its gardens, have wonderful views of the Kanchenjungha. Reflecting typical Sikkimese ambiance, the hotel is elegant and serenely blissful.
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