Gangtok

Perched on steeply-tiered hills within the eastern Himalayas, the picturesque city of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is about against the backdrop of the majestic Mt Kanchenjunga (Khangchendzonga). A tourist hotspot, it invites adventure seekers for its well-laid trekking trails and avenues for mountain biking, hiking, paragliding and river rafting. the town allows you to set free your inner daredevil and explore the mighty Himalayas like never before.
One of the foremost frequented hill stations of Sikkim, Gangtok is additionally a well-liked Buddhist pilgrimage site and therefore the largest city within the state.

It rose to prominence after the Enchey Monastery was established in 1840. In 1894, the ruling Sikkimese Chogyal declared Gangtok the capital of the region. It grew to be a serious stopover on the trade route between Lhasa in Tibet by the first 20th century.Apart from being a centre for Lamaism , Gangtok may be a go-to destination for mountain and wildlife lovers. Magnificent views of varied monasteries, Mt Kanchenjunga, Siniolchu, Chumbi Valley and therefore the Chinese border will leave you spellbound. Uniqueness, vibrancy, colours, clouds and warm people all close to form Gangtok irresistible.The city is additionally a major destination for shopping-lovers. The government-run handicraft centre offers unique artefacts, while local hangouts like MG Marg are go-to spots for delicious Sikkimese food and artistic handicrafts. The Gangtok Food and Culture Festival held in December per annum draws tourists in hordes and may be a celebration of the heritage of the town .

How To Get There

By Air

Pakyong Airport in Pakyong village lies about 35 km south of Gangtok and is the nearest one.

By Road

Gangtok has well-connected motorable roads accessible from anywhere in India.

By Rail

New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri is 148 km away from Gangtok and well-connected to all the major cities in the country.

Attractions

Rumtek Monastery

Perched on a hillock, around 20 km from Gangtok, the Rumtek Monastery is additionally referred to as the Dharma Chakra Centre and is the seat of His Holiness Gyalma Karmapa the XVI, the top of the Karma Kagyu order of Lamaism . inbuilt the 16th century, it’s the most important monastery in Sikkim and displays the simplest of Tibetan architecture, along side rare Buddhist art pieces. the h...

Enchey Monastery

Set on a hilltop, on the outskirts of Gangtok, the Enchey Monastery is quite 200 years old. The word ‘Enchey’ means a solitary temple, and therefore the monastery may be a vibrant spectacle surrounded by rolling greens. While this structure was built during 1909-1910 under the rule of Sidkeong Tulku, Namgyal ruler of Sikkim in 1919, the first structure is far older and was installe...

Phodong Monastery

Set at a height of 4500 ft, giving a picture-perfect view of deep valleys and towering mountains, Phodong Monastery is one among the six most vital monasteries in Sikkim, inbuilt the 18th century, circa 1740, by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal, the then ruler of Sikkim. It belongs to the Karma Kagyu sect of Lamaism and houses beautiful paintings and murals. The original structure was destroyed in an e...

Seven Sisters Waterfall

A series of seven waterfalls, arranged sideways on a cliff, the Seven Sisters Waterfall is one among the foremost beautiful sites within the Northeast. It are often seen in three distinct tiers, very clearly distinguishable from a distance. you’ll only view four of the seven falls from rock bottom , since the opposite three are much above . alittle footbridge wounds its way across the str...