Gangtok

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Overview		Tourist Attraction		How to Reach

Introduction Gangtok is the capital city Sikkim, the second smallest state of India. Famous for its many important monasteries, and for the picturesque views of the Himalayas, Gangtok is one of the important hill-station of the country. In Gangtok you can see a smooth blend of both tradition and modernity. Located at an altitude of 1547 m above sea level, Gangtok houses some of the important Buddhist religious sites too. The existence of the peaceful Chortens or Stupas, old monasteries and the un-spoilt natural beauty of Gangtok offers you a truly unique traveling experience. The list of attractions in Gangtok is endless. The small town itself is a beautiful place to move around. Kanchenjunga National Park Access to the heart of Kanchenjunga National Park, including the vast Zemu Glacier, is generally only permitted to mountaineering expeditions or experienced trekking parties. Many peaks are off limits because they are regarded as sacred; climbers have always stopped short of the very top of Kangchenjunga for this reason. Gezing The road from Legship leaves the river and ascends high up above the village for 15 km to Gezing. On Friday, villagers from outlying regions bring their produce into town and a colourful and busy market dominates the main square. Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at the Central Bank of India, down a lane behind the town square. Jorethang Set in the forested Rangeet Valley, the pleasant market town of Jorethang lies 30 km north of Darjeeling. Across the river in West Bengal is Naya Bazaar. Pelling Pelling is perched high on a ridge, 2.5 km from Pemayangtse Gompa, and is rapidly developing into a Bengali hill resort. There are great views north to Kanchenjunga and also to the south when the weather is clear. Khechepari Lake Pronounced 'catch a perry', and sometimes spelt Khechepari, Khecheopairi or Khechupherei, this place is a popular objective for trekkers. The sacred lake lies in a depression surrounded by prayer, flags and forested hills. Phodong Phodong Gompa, north of Gangtok along a winding but largely tarmac road, belongs to the same order (Kagyupa) as Rumtek, but is much smaller and less ornate than that gompa. The gompa sits high up above the main road to Mangan and there are tremendous views down into the valley below. Phodong is a fairly recent structure, although the original gompa here was founded, like Rumtek, in 1740. Yumthang Valley The Yumthang Valley lies 140 km north of Gangtok, at an elevation of 3564m. This region has recently been opened to foreigners, but trekking is still prohibited. The best time to visit is in April and May, when the rhododendrons are in full bloom. There are hot springs, covered by a wooden shelter. Rumtek Gompa Rumtek, on the other side of the Ranipul Valley, is visible from Gangtok though it's 24 km away by road. This huge and wealthy monastery is the seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa, the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Tsongo Lake Foreigners have recently been permitted to visit this lake (also known as Changu Lake), which is 35 km north-east of Gangtok; technically you should be in a group of four, and need to join a tour. Permits are valid for a day visit only. Yuksom Yuksom (also spelt Yoksum and Yuksam), 35 km by road from Pemayangtse, is the farthest north you can get by road in West Sikkim and is the trailhead for those intending to trek to Dzongri. It's a very peaceful village surrounded by cardamom plantations on a wide shelf above the valley of the Rathong. Dubdi Gompa An hour's walk uphill from Yuksom, was the first capital of Sikkim, and was where the first monarch of Sikkim was crowned in 1641. It's worth a visit (if you can brave the leeches), but there are no monks here and it's only opened during special Buddhist festivals. The police check permits at the start of the Dzongri to Goecha La trek, so don't try setting off without. Introduction Gangtok is the capital city Sikkim, the second smallest state of India. Famous for its many important monasteries, and for the picturesque views of the Himalayas, Gangtok is one of the important hill-station of the country. In Gangtok you can see a smooth blend of both tradition and modernity. Located at an altitude of 1547 m above sea level, Gangtok houses some of the important Buddhist religious sites too. The existence of the peaceful Chortens or Stupas, old monasteries and the un-spoilt natural beauty of Gangtok offers you a truly unique traveling experience. The list of attractions in Gangtok is endless. The small town itself is a beautiful place to move around. How To Reach Air Nearest airport to Gangtok is in Bagdogra in North Bengal. The distance between the two cities is around 124 Km. There is a helicopter service provided by Sikkim Helicopter Services which connects Gangtok to Siliguri. Road Gangtok is connected to Siliguri, New Jalpaiguri and other important cities by NH 31 which is an all weather metaled highway. State owned buses, private coaches, taxis and jeeps run between Gangtok and nearby cities. Rail New Jalpaiguri is the closest railway station to Gangtok at a distance of 125 km from here. There are regular trains to New Jalpaiguri station that connect it to all Indian cities.