Places to visit in Gangtok
Places to Visit in Gangtok
Situated in the eastern Himalayan range, Gangtok is home to people from different ethnicities such as Tibetan, Nepali, Lepchas and Bhutias. The climate of Gangtok is pleasant for most part of the year and this has made the city a popular location for tourist activities.
In the early 20th century, Sikkim has emerged as a major stop over on the trade route between Lhasa and Kolkata. Post independence, Sikkim was added to the Indian sub-continent as the twenty second capital of the country.
The city of Gangtok is situated at an elevation of 5,800 feet. It is situated in the lower Himalayas and is flanked by two rivers the Roro Chu and Rani Khola. The city is rich in flora and fauna and abounds in deciduous forests consisting of poplar, oaks, birches and elms. Wild orchids in myriad colours grow in abundance and lush green thickets of bamboos can be found growing in plenty here.
The culture in Gangtok is unique and colourful. Festivals such as Losar, Maghe Sankranti, Chotrul Duchen and the birthday of Dalai Lama are celebrated in Gangtok. The popular food items of Gangtok are momo, wai wai, Thukpa, chowmein and shah phaley.
The city has a number of popular local attractions such as the famed Nathu la pass, 16th century built rumtek monastery, and the picturesque Tsomgo lake. Another attraction located close to Gangtok is the scenic viewpoint of Yumthang that is a 3 hour drive from Gangtok is a picture perfect place with lush green grasslands bounded by snow capped peaks on all sides.
Gangtok is connected to the rest of India by the National Highway 13A. The highway connects Gangtok to Siliguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong. The nearest railway station is the New Jalpaiguri and the nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport. The air facility can be availed through a chopper that operates only once and carries only four passengers at a time.
Hanuman Tok is a sacred place, located in the pristine hills of Gangtok, that attracts both pilgrims and tourists. The temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is about 11 km away from Gangtok's centre, offering a beautiful blend of spirituality and natural surroundings. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the temple is situated roughly 11 km from the heart of Gangtok and is an exceptional combination of spirituality and natural beauty.
Tashi View Point in Gangtok, Sikkim, offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Kanchenjunga mountain range. This popular tourist spot provides visitors with stunning views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers seeking a glimpse of the Himalayan beauty.
Located just 5 km from Gangtok city center, the Bakthang Waterfall is a beautiful natural escape that is hidden amid the lush greenery along the North Sikkim Highway. The waterfall gets its flow from the pristine Retey Chu stream, and it gracefully cascades over a wide rock face covered in moss and creepers. The waterfall is easily accessible and offers a refreshing pause from city life. Bakthang Falls provides scenic beauty, and gentle water flow makes it a favorite among nature lovers, families, and photographers.
Nearby vendors provide traditional Sikkimese attire and vibrant food options to the visitors. Whether you are on a short city tour or heading towards the north of Sikkim, the Bakthang waterfalls are a quick and rewarding detour.
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Nathula Pass, perched at 14,140 feet in the Himalayas, connects Sikkim with Tibet. This historic pass was once a bustling segment of the Silk Route. It now offers visitors stunning views of snow-capped mountains and lush valleys. Open for trade and tourism, it embodies a mix of natural beauty and geopolitical significance.
Ganesh Tok is a small but important Lord Ganesha temple in Gangtok, located 6,500 feet above sea level. The temple is very small, so only one person can be there at a time, but it is a peaceful place to pray.
Ganesh Tok is also known for its stunning views of Gangtok city and the beautiful Kanchenjunga range. The viewing deck, colourful prayer flags, and peaceful mountain setting are all things that visitors can enjoy. It's a great place for photography, meditation, or just enjoying the Himalayan air, a great mix of spirituality and natural beauty.
Embark on a spiritual journey at Do Drul Chorten, a famous Buddhist stupa in Gangtok, Sikkim to experience the rich Tibetan Buddhist tradition. The word "Chorten" means "stupa" in Tibetan, which is dedicated to peace and harmony. The classical chorten shape is based on the ancient Indian form of a stupa.
More Gangtok Packages
Highlights of North Sikkim | FREE Visit to Bhim Nala Falls
Splendid Sikkim | Group Tour Package
Getaway to Sikkim with FREE Yak Ride
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The Sa Ngor Chotshog Centre is a peaceful Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Upper Tathangchen, Gangtok, the only one of its kind representing the Sakya sect in Sikkim. The monastery was founded by His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche in 1961. It welcomes visitors into a peaceful space filled with colourful thangkas, detailed murals, and a grand statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Prayer flags flutter overhead and soft chants echo as you walk through the peaceful courtyard, making it a very meditative place. Tourists can go to teaching sessions, talk to the monks who live there, or just enjoy the beautiful views of the hills around them. It has a lot of cultural and spiritual value, and it's a great place to relax and think without the noise of the city.
Gangtok Reviews
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