Gangtok

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is famous for its scenic beauty and spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga, their highest mountain in the world. This small town, lies atop a ridge, at an altitude of 5,800 ft, amidst a Himalayan setting, with the world's third tallest peak Kanchenjunga at its east, and overlooking the river Ranikhola. The town offers a mild temparate climate with a temperature of around 23 degree centigrate in Summer and around 6 degree centigrate during winter.

Getting there:

Gangtok is 721 km from Kolkata, 589 km from Guwahati and 584 km from Patna. The closest airport is at Bagdogra, 124 km and the nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri (125 km), with connections to all the major cities of India. You can drive to Gangtok from either of these West Bengal cities in 5 hours or from Siliguri 114 km away or Darjeeling, 139 km from Gangtok. The drive is facilitated by numerous taxis, shared jeeps and hired cars with chauffeurs.

Accommodation:

There is a wide variety of hotel accommodation available at Gangtok, ranging from luxury and deluxe to standard and economy, depending on your budget. Prices are in the vicinity of Rs 2500 for luxury, Rs 1300 for mid-rung and Rs 500 for basic accommodation.

Best season:

The best time to visit Sikkim is between October and mid-December when clear views of the Himalayan peaks are guaranteed or again between March and May when the flowers are in bloom. January and February means snow in the higher altitudes and visits to many of the tourist spots are not possible. June to September brings heavy rains causing landslides that often disrupt communication. Carry light woollens for summer and heavy woollens for winter. Rainwear is a must in any season.

Sightseeing:

Nathula : At an altitude of 14200ft, Nathula pass is the border between India and China in the Tibetan plateau. Only 56 km away from the Gangtok, tranquility of this place is very charming. Waving Chinese soldiers and Chinese tourists on the other side of the border is an added attraction.

Tsongo Lake : Lying 40km northeast of Gangtok, it means `Source of the Lake` in Bhutia language. This placid lake is located at an altitude of 3780m and held to be sacred by the local people.

Namgayal Institute of Tibetology: Built in 1958, this is a unique institute for research into Mahayana Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet. A renowned center for Buddhist study, the institute houses a rare collection of Tibetan, Sanskrit and Lepcha manuscripts, statues, Thankas (tapestry used in Buddhist liturgy) as well as more than 200 Buddhist icons.

Enchey Monastery: This 200 year old monastery is famous for the mask dance called 'Cham' performed in the month of January. An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary temple, was originally built with the solace that no other construction would be allowed near it. monasteries in sikkim.

Flower Exhibition Centre: Located near the White Hall Complex this place houses a variety of orchids, seasonal flowers as well as bonsai. It is open between April to June and September until the end of November. In recent years, this show has become quite popular and famous, as there are flower exhibitions throughout the year in accordance with the seasons and the flowers in bloom.

Do-Drul Chorten (stupa):This chorten houses the complete mandala sets of Darjee Phurba, a set of Holy Books, complete 'Zung' (mantras) and other religious objects. The Stupa was built by the venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Around this Chorten are 10 Mani-Lhakor (prayer wheels).

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden: 24km away Gangtok, this garden is consist of temperate forest of Oaks and as many as 50 different kinds of trees species.

Tashi View Point: Built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal this viewpoint is at a distance of about 8km away from the town and offers good view of Mt. Siniolchu and Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Rumtek Monastery: The largest monastery in the Eastern Himalaya, built by the Gyalwa Karmapa in strict accordance with the traditional designs of the monastery in Tibet. Rumtek is the seat of Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. This magnificent gompa is only 24 km from Gangtok.

Ganesh Tok: This spot, 7km away from Gangtok, offers a bird's eye view of Gangtok. There is a small temple of lord Ganesh at this place. It is on a hillock on Gangtok-Nathula Road.

Hanuman Tok: Just above Ganesh Tok lays this viewpoint offering nice view of the mountains along the horizon and the Gangtok town, there is a Temple of Hanuman here.