Gangtok
Gangtok is situated on the ridge of a hillock at an altitude of 1600 metres. Gangtok meaning a hill made flat is the capital of Sikkim. Gangtok is emphatically not behind the rest of the places in the country in terms of modernization and urbanization. It is one of the most visited hill resorts of the northeast regions of India and it is undoubtedly one of the most frequently visited places in Sikkim. With various cultures and religions thriving in perfect harmony, Gangtok has proved that unity in diversity exists in Sikkim. Gangtok is widely acclaimed for its scenic beauty and magnificent views of Mt. Khangchendzonga and Siniolchu. It is 112 km from Bagdogra and NJP which are the nearest airport and railway station respectively.
Gangtok is the seat of governance and the commercial capital of the state and a prime tourist destination. Various star category hotels including homestays are located in and around Gangtok. The town has a population of more than 80,000 people and has integrated tradition and modernity defining a new culture.
Gangtok is also a prime attraction for people who love to shop. The government run handicraft centre offers exquisite local artifacts while the shopping complexes in the local market meets the other popular shopping needs of the visitors.
Gangtok is accessible by road 31 A National Highway and helicopter service from Bagdogra airport. The airport is located 124 km from Gangtok. The helicopter flight is a 30 minute joy ride while the overland journey by road takes approximately 4 hours by car. Helicopter service is available from STDC (Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation) booking counter located in Bagdogra and STDC Travel Division may also be contacted.
Source : sikkimstdc.com
Nearest Airport
Bagdogra (124kms.) is the nearest airport of Gangtok. There are helicopter services between Bagdogra and Gangtok @Rs.2200/head. Taxi and buses are also there.
Nearest Railway station
The nearest railway station to Gangtok is about 148 kilometres away in New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri.
Climate
Gangtok has five seasons: summer, monsoons, autumn, winter and spring. Temperatures range from an average maximum of 22 °C(72 °F) in summer to an average minimum of 4 °C (39 °F) in winter. Summers (lasting from late April to June) are mild, with maximum temperatures rarely crossing 25 °C(77 °F). The monsoon season from June to September is characterised by intense torrential rains often causing landslides that block Gangtok’s land access to the rest of the country. Rainfall starts to rise from pre-monsoon in May, and peaks during the monsoon, with July recording the highest monthly average of 649.6 mm (25.6 in). In winter temperature averages between 4 °C (39 °F) and 7 °C (45 °F). During spring and autumn the weather is generally sunny and mild. Owing to its elevation, Gangtok is often enveloped in fog during the monsoon and winter months.
Source : Wikipedia
Map of Gangtok
Restricted Area Permit and Protected Area Permit Regime in Sikkim
Places Of Interest
Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir
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Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir Major “Baba” Harbhajan Singh (August 3, 1941 – October 4, 1968) was an Indian army soldier who died in 1968 near the Nathu La in eastern Sikkim,India. He is revered by soldiers of the Indian army as the “Hero of Nathula” and the army men have also built a shrine Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir in his honour. He has … Continue reading Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir →
Ban Jhakri Water Falls
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Ban Jhakri Water Falls Gangtok, Sikkim 737101 Ban Jhakri Water Falls is about 10-12 kilometers from Gangtok on the way to Ranka. Ban Jhakri Falls is a new sightseeing destination for tourists, its compound spreads on 2 two acres of land. The main attraction of the park is the waterfalls which cascades from a rocky … Continue reading Ban Jhakri Water Falls →
Casino Mahjong
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Casino Mahjong MAHJONG Casino, Located in MAYFAIR Spa Resort & Casino, National Highway 31A, Lower Samdur Block, Ranipool, Sikkim 737135 Phone : 03592 250 126 Casino Mahjong at the Mayfair Spa Resorts & Casino is owned and managed by TRIO VENTURES, a company started by three visionary entrepreneurs from Gangtok. Though it may be an … Continue reading Casino Mahjong →
Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms
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Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms Zero Point, NH 31A, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101 In Sikkim major shopping opportunities are available in the capital city of Gangtok. Nevertheless, souvenir and craft shops are gradually coming up in the District headquarters as also some of the tourist spots. The main emporium of Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms is … Continue reading Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms →
DoDrul Chorten
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DoDrul Chorten M.P.Golai, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim 737102 DoDrul Chorten Stupa is located at a short walking distance from Namgyal institute of technology. The DoDrul Chorten or Stupa was built by the Venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Inside this stupa, there are complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba … Continue reading DoDrul Chorten →
Flower Show
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Flower Show White Hall complex, Gangtok The flower show exhibition complex is situated just below the Ridge Park and adjacent to the White Memorial Hall that draws numerous visitors during the annual flower exhibition. Located not very far from the main town, one can easily walk to the flower exhibition center or take a cab. … Continue reading Flower Show →
Ganesh Tok
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Ganesh Tok Gangtok, Sikkim 737103 Ganesh Tok is located at an altitude of 6500 ft., 6 kms, from Gangtok on the Gangtok – Nathula highway. This is the most famous Ganesh temple of Gangtok. The temple is situated on top of a small elevated hill. To reach the temple you have to climb up a … Continue reading Ganesh Tok →
Hanuman Tok
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Hanuman Tok Gangtok, Sikkim 737103 Hanuman Tok located at an altitude of 7200 ft. is a Hindu temple complex in the upper reaches of Gangtok, the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is situated 11 kms from Gangtok town on a road that branches off from the Gangtok-Nathula highway. The temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman, the Monkey God. According … Continue reading Hanuman Tok →
Himalayan Zoological Park
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Himalayan Zoological Park Bulbulay, National Highway 310, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103 Himalayan Zoological Park is certainly a place for wildlife lovers in Sikkim. The Park has been natural habitat. Located in Bulbuley, Himalayan Zoological Park is at a distance of 3 km from Gangtok. At an altitude of 1,780 mtrs, the Zoological Park also tenders a … Continue reading Himalayan Zoological Park →
Khangchendzonga National Park
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Khangchendzonga National Park Located 51 kms from Gangtok High altitude lake. This is a World heritage Site Khangchendzonga National Park (previously named Kanchenjunga National Park) also Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve is a National Park and a Biosphere reserve located in Sikkim, India. It was inscribed to the UNESCO World Herotage Sites list on July 17, 2016, becoming the first “Mixed Heritage” site of India. The park gets its name … Continue reading Khangchendzonga National Park →
MG Road
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MG Road MG Road Gangtok is the heart of Gangtok. Evening after dark is the best time to visit MG Road and you feel that you are in a foreign country. All the tourists and locals move around here. There are shops of local and international brands on both sides of the path. It is … Continue reading MG Road →
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
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Namgyal Institute of Tibetology Syari Rd, M.P.Golai, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101 Since its establishment in 1958, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology has sponsored and promoted research on the religion, history, language, art and culture of the people of the Tibetan cultural area which includes Sikkim. The NIT library holds one of the largest collections of … Continue reading Namgyal Institute of Tibetology →
Nathula Pass
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Nathula Pass Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101 Nathu La Pass is a mountain pass in the Himalayas. It connects the Indian state of Sikkim with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. The pass, at 4,310 m (14,140 ft) above mean sea level, forms a part of an offshoot of the ancient Silk Road. Nathu means “listening ears” and La means “pass” in Tibetan. On the Indian side, the pass is 54 km (34 mi) east of Gangtok, the capital … Continue reading Nathula Pass →
Paragliding
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Paragliding Paragliding Sikkim is becoming an increasingly popular adventure sport. The adrenalin rush to soar the skies is a memorable experience. Enjoy views of the magnificent Himalayan range in its snow covered glory from the sky as you fly like a bird. No experience or training is required to enjoy paragliding Sikkim. Paragliding operators here … Continue reading Paragliding →
Ropeway
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Ropeway Syari Rd, Deorali Bazar, Gangtok, Sikkim 737102 If you are at Gangtok you must experience ropeway Gangtok or cable cars located at Deorali market. This cable car journey is not included in local tour packages and this place can be easily reached by taking a local cab from any hotel. This ropeway Gangtok of … Continue reading Ropeway →
Rumtek Monastery
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Rumtek Monastery Rumtek Monastery, East Sikkim – 737 135 Phone : +91 3592 290254 From its perch on a hilltop facing the city of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, the monastery complex at Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre embodies the vision and aspiration of the Sixteenth Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorie , to establish his seat-in-exile to help … Continue reading Rumtek Monastery →
Tashi View Point
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Tashi View Point Tashi View point is one of the major attractions of Gangtok and is located at a distance of 8 km from the town. The place is a must visit for nature lovers as it offers great views of the imposing Himalayan mountains. It offers a sweeping view of snow capped kanchenjunga peaks on … Continue reading Tashi View Point →
Tsomgo Lake
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Tsomgo Lake Tsongmo Lake, Sikkim 737103 Tsomgo Lake, also known as Tsongmo Lake or Changu Lake, is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim of the Indian state of Sikkim, some 40 kilometres (25 mi) from the capital Gangtok. Located at an elevation of 3,753 m (12,313 ft), the lake remains frozen during the winter season. The lake surface reflects different colours with change … Continue reading Tsomgo Lake →