Capital of Sikkim, known for natural beauty, scenic mountains, Buddhist monasteries, tribal Handicrafts, and local delicacy called "Momos"
Video: Journey to Sikkim
Background:
Gangtok, meaning lofty hills is the capital of Sikkim, the least populated state of the India.
Sikkim is a mountainous region with many high peaks and is the base for the worlds third highest peak, Kanchenjunga (8585 m).
Gangtok is known for its natural beauty, pagodas, houses with painted roofs and colorful bazaars.
The population consists of three ethnic groups Napalese, Lepchas and Bhutias.
Video: Helicopter ride from Bagdogra to Gangtok
What to see:
Ridge Garden
Location: Above Gangtok town, 15 mins from the main market.
A flat road lined with trees and colourful flowers. On one end is official residence of the Chief Minister and on the other end is the beautifully designed Palace Gate with Pagoda roof top. The famous Sikkim flower show is held just below the ridge
Institute of Cottage Industries
The Institute of Cottage Industries is a government institute where one can see women weaving woolen shawls, blankets, carpets and craftsmen making colorful tables called Choktse.
Orchid Sanctuary
Location: Below the Namgyal Institute
The garden is known to have 500 species of exotic orchids, making a beautiful sight when in full bloom.
Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa)
Built by Trulshi Rimpoche in 1945, the stupa houses holy books, relics, mantras and is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels.
Enchey Monastery
Location: 3 km from Gangtok
It is 200-year-old monastery housing icons related to Nylingmapas Buddhist sector.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
The institute houses rare collection of Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscrpits.
Tashi View Point
Location: 8 km from Gangtok
Tashi View Point provides a fine view of the Kanchenjunga range and Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most graceful peaks in the world.
Video: View of Gangtok market in evening
Sites nearby
Rumket Dharma Chakra Centre
Location: 24 km from Gangtok
The seat of the Kagyu order, one of the 4 major Tibetan Buddhist sects. Its traditional in design and is almost an identical replica of the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet.
Tsomgo Lake / Changu Lake
Location: 40 km from Gangtok on Gangtok Nathu La Highway
Meaning "Source of Lake" in Bhutia language, the 1 km long oval shaped Changu Lake is situated amidst beautiful surroundings at an altitude of 12,000 ft. This serene lake is frozen from winter till mid-May.
Kanchenjunga National Park
Established in 1977, Kanchenjunga National Park is spread over an area of 850 sq. km and houses almost 500 species of birds, over 600 species of butterflies and 500 species of orchids.
Video: View of Gangtok from Ropeway
Reaching there:
Air: Bagdogra Airport (124 km) is the nearest airport. It has regular flights from Kolkata.
Rail: New Jalpaiguri (127 km) is the nearest broad guage railway station. It is well connected to Kolkata by over night train.
Road: NH 31A (Sivok - Gangtok) is the National Highway passing through Gangtok.
Excellent roads passing through scenic mountains, jungles and along the river Tista are maintained by the Indian Army and Border Roads connect Sikkim to gateway city of Darjeeling.
Video: Monks at Rumket monastery
INFORMATION OF FOREIGN TOURIST INTEREST
With a view to promote tourism in Sikkim, restrictions on the entry for foreigners into restricted areas of Sikkim have been relaxed.
Foreigners can now visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodong, Pemayangtse and the Yuksom -Zongri trekking route on the basis of restricted area permits which can be obtained from any one of the following offices:
All Indian missions and posts abroad.
F.F.R.O s Delhi, Bombay, Kolkatta and C.T.O. Chennai.
Immigrations officers at the airports at Bombay, Kolkatta, Chennai and New Delhi.
Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok.
Home Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok.
Inspector General of Police, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok.
Assistant Director (Tourism),Government of Sikkim, Siliguri.
Deputy Director (Tourism), Government of Sikkim, New Delhi.
Resident Commissioner, Government of Sikkim, New Sikkim House, 14 Panchseel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
Asst. Resident Commissioner,
Government of Sikkim, 4c, Poonam, 5, Russel Street, Kolkatta.
Deputy Commissioner, Darjeeling.
Deputy Secretary, Home Department, Government of West Bengal, Kolkatta.
After obtaining the restricted area permit, bonafide foreign tourists, individuals as well as groups, can visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodong and Pemayangtse for a period of fifteen days.
For visiting Pemayangtse, Zongri, Changu and Yumthang valley the rules are slightly tight. Organized foreign tourist groups consisting of not less than four persons, sponsored by recognized Indian travel agencies will be issued permits up to fifteen days for trekking in the Zongri area of West Sikkim.
Permits for visiting Zongri will be issued only by the representatives of the Sikkim government in New Delhi.
The foreigners should follow the following routes for Zongri:
Pemayangtse - Yoksum - Zongri
Rangpo - Gangtok - Yoksum - Zongri
The return journey can be performed by either of the above routes. The groups would be accompanied by a liaison officer provided by the government of Sikkim.
Similarly for visiting Changu lake and the Yumthang valley foreigners have to be in a group of four or more.
Areas other than those mentioned above can also be visited, for which a special permit, which is relatively difficult to get, has to be obtained from the ministry of home affairs, New Delhi, the travel agents can help.
Video: The beautiful Tsomgo (Changu) Lake
Video: Yaks on the road
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