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A Local’s Guide to Gangtok

October 10, 2018 by John Telford

Gangtok is the capital of the mountainous state of Sikkim that shares its borders with Nepal and Bhutan. This dreamy and laid back town is the perfect travel destination for adventure lovers, trekkers and nature lovers who can catch the spectacular view of the Khangchendzonga. Its unique culture is well-represented by its serene Buddhist monasteries, colourful local festivals and a homogeneous blend of various religion, tradition and custom of ethnic groups of people living here. Gangtok March to May and October to December are the busiest tourist seasons of Gangtok.

After landing in the Bagdogra airport, tourists have the option of hiring Siliguri to Gangtok Cabs to travel a distance of 114 km over 4 hours to reach Gangtok. Taxi service in Siliguri is available to take travellers through a scenic journey through the winding hills in a hassle-free manner.

Gangtok has some interesting tourist places that should be a part of your travel itinerary.

Monasteries

Sikkim is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Hence one can find ancient monasteries which are Tibetan centres of learning and worship for lamas.

The Rumtek Monastery or the Dharma Chakra Centre is the largest monastery where one can find the golden stupa bearing the relic of the 16th leader.

The protecting deities of Khangchendzonga and Yabdean reside in the famous Enchey monastery that has been aesthetically built with elaborate carvings and architectural style to resemble a Chinese Pagoda.

The other monasteries like the Lingdum, Do Drul Chorten, Ranka and Gonjang Monastery are set in beautiful locations where you can rest, meditate and rotate the prayer wheels.

Nature

Gangtok has some exotic locations for sightseeing. Hidden away from the urban sprawl, The Bakthang Waterfall is a gorgeous natural spring that is a delightful place for photography.

Take a trip to the several viewpoints with your binoculars to catch the sunrise or sunset with the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas. Tashi View Point and Hindu Temples of Hanuman Tok and Ganesh Tok are strategic points from where you can watch the panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

The Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park is a recreational centre. The park’s display document Shamanic traditions of the people of Sikkim. Your kids will love playing around the artificial lake with dragon, gazebos, footbridges and museum hall.

The Flower Exhibition centre is another notable attraction where tourists flock to see rare orchids and flowers. The Himalayan Zoological Park is a wildlife lover’s paradise where a wide variety of animals and fauna species are nurtured in natural conditions.

Heritage

The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a museum and a research centre that is worth a visit to see rare photographers of old Sikkim.

Leisure Activities

Take a ropeway ride to get a bird’s eye view of the Gangtok city.

Casino Deltin Denzong is a gaming centre where tourists can spend their evenings playing poker, money wheel, roulette and other exciting games.

Visit the Nathula Pass of East Sikkim to see the China border that is an offshoot of the ancient Silk Road. The Changu Lake and Baba Temple lie on its way. You need to have a government pass to travel to the international border.

Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in outdoor activities like camping, whitewater rafting and rock climbing that are arranged by tour operators.

Food and Shopping

Gangtok has some delightful shopping hubs like the Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lal Bazaar and Kanchenjunga Shopping complex where you can pick souvenirs like Tibetan carpets, Sikkim tea, wooden dragon sets, Alpine cheese, black cardamom and handwoven jackets. Thangka paintings, semi-precious stone and silver jewellery items, handcrafted ‘Choksee’ are some of the indigenous products that can be purchased from Gangtok.

Exclusive treats of Sikkim are readily available at the roadside stalls and posh malls of Gangtok. Tibetan style momos with veg and chicken fillings and Thukpas are commonly available and must be tried if your visit the Denzong Inn, Cafe Tibet and Potala restaurant.

Filed Under: Asia, Travel Tips Tagged With: Asia, destinations, Gangtok, India, travel

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