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GANGTOK
Gangtok (means the 'High Hill') is the capital of Sikkim and a popular hill station. It lies on a ridge overlooking the Ranipool River. The backdrop is magnificent and there are exceptional views of the entire Kanchenjunga Range from many points in the neighborhood of the city. Most people suppose Gangtok to be a smaller version of Kathmandu which is not true.
History
Gangtok was a small hamlet until the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840 made it a pilgrimage center. It became the main stopover between Tibet and British India at the end of the 19th century.In recent years it has become a hill station resort for holidaying Bengalis. The influx of tourists peaks during the 10-day Durga Puja holiday period at the end of September or early October.
Places on Interest
The Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre (Monastery)
Is a well-known and conspicuous structure visible from Gangtok, though it is 24 km away (about 45 minutes by road) . It is the seat of the Kagyu Buddhist order and is a must see, the remarkable murals, religious art objects and the young monks go about their training. (Open from 8 am to 5 pm in summer & 10 am to 5 pm in winter).
Phodong &Labrang Gompa
Also called the Tibeto-Buddhist monasteries that lie some 38 km north of Gangtok, one of the six most important must see places. This monastery is smaller than the one at Rumtek, but has unique architecture and worth a visit for the splendid sight into the valley below.
Changu Lake
A visit to serene and sacred Changu Lake is an unforgettable experience, situated 40 km east of Gangtok. The lake remains frozen for most part of the year and comes alive during May to August when rhododendrons, iris, primulas and poppies burst into bloom on its banks and on the adjoining hill slopes.
Tendong Hill
Is a flat hill above Damthang and overlooks the town of Namchi. The story goes that it saved the Lepchas during the floods that inundated the world (like in Noah’s Ark), and so the Lepchas hold it in great respect and reverence. The stunning views of the plains to the south and snow-clad peaks to the north is a must see. Towering higher, and approached from Ravangla ( 13 km from Damthang), is Menam Hill (10,300 ft) that provides equally breathtaking views, not just of the plains on a clear day, but of the striking Kanchenjunga, which dwarfs everything around it.
General Information
Altitude: 5,480 feet above sea level
Climate: Max 25 °C (77° F) in summer to a low of about 3 °C (37 °F) in winter.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit.
Travel Info
Air: Nearest airport is Bagdogra (Siliguri) in the state of West Bengal, which is 124 km from Gangtok. Bagdogra has regular flights from Calcutta and Delhi.
Rail: The two closest railway stations are Siliguri at a distance of 114 km and New Jalpaiguri at 125 km connecting with Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati, Lucknow and other important cities in India.
Road: Gangtok is well connected by surface network with GANGTOK, Kalimpong, Siliguri and other important centers of Sikkim. The Sikkim Nationalized Transport flies regular bus services linking the capital with all the above-mentioned places.