Gangtok Travel
 Gangtok,
the "Lofty Hill" or the "Hill made flat to build the
Gangtok monastery in 1716". Gangtok is a city, which, till one sees
it, one would believe exists only in picture-story books. In the
mystery-laden mists prayer flags whip in the breeze; wheels spin in the
hands of Lamas mumbling invocations to God, in the distance are the
snows, on the streets amidst brightly painted pagoda roofed houses,
lined with friendly smiling people are silver, silk and spice and
jewellery to gladden an maiden's heart, from across the seven seas are
gadget and goods to delight the collector of "imported goods',
while directly overlooking the city is the hill Lukshyma, the 'Mother of
Pearl' citadel of the magic mountain, Khang-Chen-Dzod-Nga. An air of enchantment hangs over the city, indeed the whole valley; the mysticism, the stupas, the monasteries reach out as soon as one has crossed the border. While across the hills and valleys comes the sounding of the long trumpets by robed lamas. |
Prime Attractions of Gangtok |
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Deer Park Adjacent to the new secretariat
and also called the Rustomji Park named after one of the Dewans of the
Chogyal of Sikkim, the park has a big open enclosure in which animals
native to Sikkim like the red panda and the Himalayan Bear are kept. A
big statue of Lord Buddha commemorating his preachings of the noble
truths in the Deer Park at Sarnath adorns the park premises. A butter
lamp perpetually burns in front of the statue, which is surrounded with
flowers of exotic variety. The park commands a fantastic view of the
hills, surrounding Gangtok. |
Dul-Dul Chorten Duddul Chortenat Dotapu
Chorten, Gangtok was built under the supervision of the late Most
Venerable Trulshi Rinpoche after due preparations in 1945-46, in
accordance with the prophecy made in 1944 by the Holiness the Dud-Zom
Rinpoche.Government Institute Of Cottage Industries This
institute is located at about half a kilometre uphill from the main
market of Gangtok. It was established with the purpose of promoting the
manufacture and sale of local handicrafts. Thankas (also spelt as
Thangkas), hand carved wooden tables - known as Choksees and exquisitely
woven woolen carpets. More than hundred student workers turn out cottage
crafts produced here, with textures, plush and exotic, the designs
varying from sophisticated simplicity to a brilliant riot of varmillion
pitted against intense blue, are durable and popular all over the world
second to carpets in popularity is Sikkimese Tankhas, variegated appliqué
work Batiks and exquisite dolls, in wood-work are available intricately
carved Sikkimese tables, hand-painted masks, lamp-stands, shades and
bamboo-craft. Esoteric masks, flashing silks, opulent brocades and
embroidered boots, clothe the Sikkimese dancers. Kabi Longstok 25-km from Gangtok, just
before Phodong is Kabi Longstok. There is a spot amidst tall trees,
where the treaty of brotherhood between, the Lepcha Chieftan - Tetong
Tek and the Tibetan chief Khye Bhumsa was signed. |
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Kangchendzonga National Park Crossing a
check gate where visitors entry permits was checked, one enters the
Kangchendzonga National Park. The climb is gradual but very interesting
as soon one is greeted by snow, lying white and pristine over the green
forest floor and covering a few treetops. The jagged, rocky slopes to
our left glistened in the sunlight at places forming glaciers where the
gradient was right. The mountains to our right were covered with dark
green pines; the snow line being much higher. |
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Kechopari Lake On bifurcation road between
Gyalsing and Yoksum, is clear water Kechopari Lake (means - wishing
lake). All around are mountains with dense forests and wild life. It is
so placid, crystal clear that not a leaf can be seen floating over it,
because it is immediately lifted by birds. |
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Labrang Monastery A kilometre further from
Phodong, the Labrang monastery was built about 100 years later. This
monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the same as
that of Pemayangtse monastery in West Sikkim. Its name translates simply
as the dwelling place of the Lamas (monks). |
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Lachung The road from Chungthang toward
Lachung takes one into another world. This is the area inhabited by the
Lachungpas, a hardy mountain people who consider themselves quite
different from the Bhutias and the Tibetans. The lush green, terraced
hillsides, even in winter, were a testimony to the grit and
determination of these people. Lachung is the last habitation on the
road to Yumthang a monastery; hidden high on the hillside overlooked a
settlement of Lachungpas and barracks of the Indian army. The mountains
on the other side of the valley rose up to snowy heights. In the
distance, one could see the impressions of a track that was once used by
traders to cross over from Tibet with their mules laden with Chinese
silk. |
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Pemayangtse Monastery Around 6-km from
Gyalsing town, this monastery originally built as a small temple in the
last of 17th century by Latsun Chempo, later rebuilt the temple
structure into a monastery. |
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Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs Around 25-km
from Gyalsing, near Reshi, after crossing Rangeet River (also spelt as
Ranjit) by a pedestrian bridge, hardly ten minutes from the highway is
Phurchachu springs with medicinal properties, ideal for skim diseases.
These springs are considered holy as one of the four holy caves is
located here. This holy cave is called the "Kadosangphu" or
'Cave of the occult fairies' and lies on the south of the four cardinal
points. |
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Research Institute of Tibetology In the
serene surrounding amidst forest of oak, ash and birch is an
organisation to advance the Tibetan language and its literature on the "Enlightened
one", the only one of its kind in the world of Mahayana Buddhism.
Ornate woodcarvings and murals decorate the lavishly decorated interior. |
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Rumtek Monastery A 24-km drive from
Gangtok, through the beautiful, bewitching countryside leads one to
Rumtek. Rumtek, is the seat of the Karmapa Lama who heads the Kagyupa
Sect of Buddhism. |
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Tasuklakhang - The Royal Chapel The Royal
Chapel, Tsuklakhang, is within the palace grounds. Popularly called
Tsulakhang Royal. It is the principal place of worship and assembly and
the repository of a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures. |
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The Ridge The ridge is a small stretch of
plain and flat road above the town of Gangtok. It is just about five
minutes walk from the main market. The ridge has the white hall and the
chief minister's official residence on one end and the beautifully
designed palace gate on the other. The ridge is lined with plants and
trees when in bloom are a riot of colours. Flower shows, which attract
tourists from all over the world are held just below the ridge. |
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Tsomgo Lake Tsomgo literally means "Source
of the Lake " in Bhutia language. ' TSO' means lake and ' MGO'
means head. At about 40-km away from Gangtok, this serene and holy lake
is situated at an altitude of 12,400 ft on the Gangtok - Nathu La
highway. |
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White Hall It was built in 1932 in memory
of the first political officer of Sikkim, Claude White. There is an
Officers Club and a Badminton Court in the white hall. |
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Yaksey Yaksey, a tourist lodge, 6-km from
Lachung towards Yumthang is an ideal place for tourists to this area.
Another 23-km leads to Yumey-Samdong hot springs near river Sebu-Chu at
the foot of Donkia-La pass, which connects Lachung valley to Lachen
valley. |
Excursions from Gangtok |
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Changu Lake (35Km.)With an average depth of 50 ft, this lake is situated 35 km from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,000 ft on the Gangtok - Nathu-la highway. Recently this lake has been opened for tourists. Its cool, placid water is in the perfect harmony with the scenic beauty around. A small temple of Lord Shiva is constructed on the lakeside. Primulae flowers and other alpine vegetation grow wild around the lake. The department of Tourism conducts package tours to this lake. Cameras are not allowed to carry on this route. A little distance from the lake is a beautiful natural three storeyed cave, the Tseten Tashi cave is a worth to visit. |
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Chungthang (95Km.)Another typical called "Tung" and then one will reach Chungthang. Chungthang is a small habitation in a cup like valley, surrounded on all sides by towering hills. Though its altitude is only 500 ft, it is much colder than Mangam. The heavy, cold air remains slumbering in he valley till late morning. It is only when the sun is high up in the horizon and its warm rays pierce deep into the valley that the lazy, cold wind and mist slowly depart. The main importance of this place is that it is at the confluence of two valleys and two main rivers of north Sikkim: the Lachung Cho and the Lachen Cho, the latter commonly known as the Teesta. We would be following the Lachung Cho for the next part of the journey. To the Sikkimese and the members of the Indian Army, Chungthang is a place of major religious significance. The Sikkimese believe that guru Padmasabhava had rested in this place and left three footprints for his devotees on a solid piece of rock. The guru also scattered some rice on an adjacent land, where till today, notwithstanding the height and the cold, paddy is grown efforts to replicate this phenomenon in adjacent fields have reportedly failed The Sikh members of the Indian army believe that the footprints are those of Guru Nanak and so also are the main figures in the wall paintings inside the nearby monastery. |
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Ganesh Tok (7Km.)It is situated on a ridge and is only 7-km from Gangtok. From this spot one gets birds view of sprawling Gangtok town down below while across the hills Mt. Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon. A cafeteria serves hot tea/coffee and snacks. |
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Hanuman Tok (11Km.)It is 11-km from Gangtok town, above Ganesh Tok with a Hindu temple where the devotees come and offer prayers. |
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Kabi Longstok (25Km.)25-km from Gangtok, just before Phodong is Kabi Longstok. There is a spot amidst tall trees, where the treaty of brotherhood between, the Lepcha Chieftan - Tetong Tek and the Tibetan chief Khye Bhumsa was signed. |
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Kabi Longtsok (17Km.)About 17-km away from Gangtok is Kabi Longtsok where the Tibetan chieftain, Khey-Bumsar signed a blood brotherhood with the Lepcha shaman Te-Kung-Tek, the spot is marked by a stone amidst the shadows of a dense wooded area. The statue of unity erected near the Thakurbari temple in Gangtok is in memory of this event. |
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Menmecho Lake (20Km.)Menmecho Lake lies 20-km ahead of Changu Lake, cradled between the mountains below Jelapla Pass, is the source of River Ranpochu, which meets Teesta at Rangpo. It is rich in trout. A Dak Bungalow and a tourist lodge are available for overnight stay. |
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Phoodong Monastery (40Km.)This monastery is located about a kilometre above the North Sikkim Highway about 40-km away from Gangtok. Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal built the monastery sometime in the first quarter of the 18th century. |
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Tashi View Point (8Km.)Situated along the North Sikkim highway it is only 8-km from Gangtok. From this point one can get a breathtaking view of Mount Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most graceful peaks in the world. |
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The Ipecac Garden (14Km.)This 6 acres garden is about 14-km downhill from Gangtok and 2-km from Ranipul. It is named after the plant Ipecac that is grown here. Besides this plant, it also contains a wide variety of other flora including numerous types of orchids and medicinal plants. It is a very good picnic spot with a swimming pool nearby. |
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Yumthang (149Km.)Yumthang is a valley at 12,000 ft. Its location is awesome. Nature is at her expressive best. Snow clad mountains all around looking down on this high valley full of colour. The valley floor is covered with wild, yellow flowers and violet Primulas, while the hill sides are vivid and glowing with multicoloured Rhododendrons. The best part about travelling in Sikkim is that even while one is travelling one is actually passing through beautiful places. Each place could be the destination for a lovely ethereal holiday. |
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Yumthang Hot Springs (135Km.)At an altitude of 12,000 ft, 135-km from Gangtok in north Sikkim, a few hundred metres off the road, after crossing river Lachung over a pedestrian bridge lies these Sulphur springs. There is a hut with two pools for bathing. |
Significance - GangtokCapital Of Sikkim. |
Leisure - Gangtok |
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Shopping The main markets for shopping are
Old market, New Market and Lal market. Here one finds shops of all kind,
which offer good range of items to be purchased. For tourists there are
many attractive items to be bought as carved furniture, the dresses,
Lepcha weave bags, Carpets & Durries with intricate designs and
colourful decorations. One can also buy wooden and bamboo artifacts. For
a collector of handmade decorative pieces Gangtok is a paradise. The
items from Gangtok leave a long lasting impression on the mind of the
visitor. The Hindi speaking Marwaris dominates many of the shops in the
Gangtok market. The handicraft and handloom directorate office and the showroom are on crossing of MG Marg and New market. The Gramin Vikas Agency showroom is also located here. In these showrooms one can buy carpets, masks, bright Choktse tables, Thanka hangings. |
 
Hill Stations Tour Packages | Hill Resorts in India | Himalaya Holidays How To Get There - Gangtok |
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By Air The closest airport is at Bagdogra,
which is 124-km from Gangtok (about 4 hours drive) and connected by air
with all-important Indian Metros. For all further details please contact
any one of the Sikkim tourism offices. |
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By Rail The nearest railhead is at New
Jalpaiguri, which is 125-km (about 4 hours drive) from Gangtok. NJP is
well connected with all major cities of India. Gangtok, railway bookings
can be made at the booking counter of the Sikkim nationalised transport
terminus. |
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By Road Gangtok is connected with
Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Siliguri by the national highway 31 A. the
Sikkim nationalised transport plies regular bus services between Gangtok
and Siliguri and within Sikkim. Private buses, jeeps and taxis are also
available from Siliguri and Bagdogra. Bookings can be made at the SNT
terminus, Siliguri.Places To Stay - GangtokGangtok has quite good hotels for a comfortable stay. There are youth hostels and various lodges, which give tourists a comfortable stay in Gangtok.General Information - GangtokIndian tourists require no entry permits into Sikkim, except for the restricted areas. Foreign tourists require a special permit, which is easily available at all Indian missions abroad who are authorised to issue a 15-day permit. The same can also be obtained from any of the Sikkim Tourism offices. The tourism officer at the border town of Rangpo is also authorised to issue a 2-day permit to foreign tourists to enable them to enter the state and acquire the full 15-day permit.Location East District, Sikkim.Altitude 1,870m.Best Time Mid- February To May End &
Mid - September To December. |
