Gangtok, Sikkim

         Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, lies on a ridge overlooking the Ranipool River. Its name means 'High Hill'. The setting is spectacular with fine views of the Kangchendzonga range, but the town itself has lost some of its quaint charm. New buildings dominate the urban landscape. Some parts of the town still has old 5-6 storey wooden buildings with traditional doors and window frames. It is a heavily forested region bounded by the rivers Tista and Tolung, and surrounded by the mountain ranges of Kangchendzonga, Pandim, Narsing, Simvo and Siniolchu. 

        There are a number of small,medium and large sized hotels and to suit individual budgets. Visitors are advised to book their accommodation well in advance, specially during the peak season.

How to reach there:
Air: Nearest airport is Bagdogra (Siliguri) in the state of West Bengal, which is 124 km and approximately 5 hrs drive from Gangtok. Bagdogra has regular Indian Airlines services from Calcutta and Delhi and also North-East. Private airlines also operate in this sector. 

Rail: The two closest railway stations are Siliguri (114 km) and New Jalpaiguri (125 km) connecting Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati, Lucknow and other important cities in India.

Road: Gangtok is connected by road with Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and other centres and also with all the District Headquarters within Sikkim. The Transport Wing of the Department of Tourism, Government of Sikkim, has a number of cars, luxury coaches and jeeps for hire to the tourists at reasonable rates. The Sikkim Nationalised Transport plies regular bus services linking the capital with all the above mentioned places. Private taxis are available at Bagdogra for Gangtok and also for SNT Booking Office, Siliguri.

Best time to visit: Mid-February to late May and between October and December is the best period to visit Gangtok.

Suggested clothing: Clothing include light woolens in summers and heavy woolens in winters.

What to see:
         The Palace of the Chogyal opens only once in a year in the last week of December for the Pang Lhabsol festival.  Below this is the Tsuklakhang or Royal Chapel, standing on high ridge. This is the major place of worship and has a large and impressive collection of scriptures. It had been the site for the royal marriages and coronation ceremonies. The interior is lavishly decorated with wood-carving and murals and houses a number of Buddha images. 

        The Do-drul Chorten has the sacred gold-topped Stupa with 108 prayer wheels.  Nearby is a monastery for young lamas. 

The White Hall: The White Hall only has historical value and is situated on the Ridge. It is a 2 storeyed structure and has typical British architecture and was built in 1932 . It is so called not because it is painted white but because it was built in memory of the first political Officer of Sikkim, Claude White.

Ganesh Tok & Pinetum: Ganesh Tok is located on the hill adjoining TV Tower. A small temple of God Ganesh nests on the hilltop at an altiude of 6,5000 ft. The temple is so small in size that is can hardly accommodate one person and one has to crawl to get inside it. A panormic view of Gangtok town and the Raj Bhavan Complex can be obtained from here. All the snowy peaks on the western border including the mighty Kanchendzonga are visible from here and present a breathtaking scene. During the tourist season, a small cafeteria is opened for the convenience of the visitors. Just adjoining the Ganesh Tok is a pinetum garden containing pine trees.

Hanuman Tok: Situated about 5 km uphill from White Hall on a bifurcation road of the Gangtok-Nathula Highway, is a temple of God Hanuman at an altitude of 7200 ft. From the temple itself, the snowy peaks of Kanchendzonga present a panoramic picture.

Enchey Monastery: is 3 km from the main bazaar.  It is believed to be 200 years old, though the present building was made on 1909.  It hosts religious dance performances in January. 

The Research Institute of Tibetology on a hilltop: About a Kilometre downhill from the main market of Gangtok , amidst a small forest of Oak, Magnolia and Birch trees stand the Institute of Tibetology. The building accommodating the Institute is an example of tibetan architecture. It is world renowned and is one of the few of its kind. Its library is well stocked with rare books and documents on Buddhism. There are about 30 thousand volumes, mostly xylographs are documents that are printed using wooden slabs that have the matter embossed on them in the reverse) translations of the origanal teachings of the Lord Buddha, and treatises by distinguished Buddhist scholars from different parts of the world. The museum at the Institute consists of rare collection of antiques like statues, coins and Thankas which are scrolls with paintings on them. This institute is a premier institute in the world that conducts research in the language and culture of Tibet. The library and museum of the Institute are open to the public on all days including holidays and sundays An entry fees of Rs 2/- in charged. 

Phurba-Chorten: Just adjacent to the Research Institute of Tibetology, a few hundred feet away, on a small hillock is located this huge and towering religious monument which is in the from of a stupa. The periphery of the chorten is surrounded by 113 small prayer wheels with the mystic mantra "om mane padme Hum" in Tibetan inscribed on them . The chorten was built by Late Chogyal of Sikkim Tashi Namgyal in the mid forties to invoke the gods to keep peace and tranquility in the state. Placed inside the chorten are a complete set of Kanjur holy books, relics, complete mantras and other religious objects. A small chorten known as Jhang Chub Chorten was built besides the Phurba Chorten in the memory of trul Shik Rimpoche who passed away in 1962. 

The Deer Park: This park is located adjacent to the new Secretariat and is also called the Rustomji park so named after one of the Dewans of the Chogyal of Sikkim. The park has a big open enclosure in which different types of deer can be seen. There are also a few cages in which some native to Sikkim have been kept. A big statue of Lord Buddha commemorating his preaching of the noble Truths in the Deer Park at Sarnath adorns the park premises. A butter lamp perpetually burns front of the statue which is surrounded by flowers of the most exotic variety. The park which commands a good view of the hills surrounding Gangtok is perched on top of a hillside that plunges almost vertically deep into the valley. 

Himalayan Zoological Park: The park is located exactly across the road opposite Ganesh Tok and covers and area of 205 hectares. This area is also known as Bulbuley and extends an almost upto Hanuman Tok. Although a 3 kms long jeepable road runs right through the park, vehicles are not allowed in. There is a paved cement path that passes by fenced open air enclosures housing the red pandas, barking deer, bears in a semi natural habitat. As the enclosures encompass a huge area the animals are sometimes not easily visible and one has to be patient to get a sight of them.

Tashi View Point: Situated about 6 km away from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway, this place offers an astounding view of the Kanchendzonga snowy range. On the Opposite hill, the Phodong and the Labrang monasteries can be seen. A resting shed and a small cafeteria situated at Tashi View point provides shelter and other amenities to the tourists. A park above the view point is a good place to enjoy a picnic.

What to shop:
Handicrafts: A wide variety of handicrafts is available for the tourist to take back as souvenirs, showpieces and even items of daily use in the Government Institute of cottage Industry and the many curio shops in Gangtok. Canvas wall hangings depicting paintings on different aspects of sikkim can cost from Rs 20 to Rs 200. Most of these paintings portray face profiles of tribals, 8 lucky signs, dragons, religious processions etc. Thankas or religious scrolls can also be purchased but these are very expensive and cost above Rs. 500. Choksees are small wooden tables about one and half to two feet in height with intricate local Tibetan designs on the sides. They are collapsible and can easily be carried.

Carpets: Tibetan woolen carpets are very expensive and are adorned with intericate designs and patterns reflecting the art and culture of this state. Made of pure sheep wool, these carpets use brilliant vegetable dyes.

Jewellery: The exquisitely carved Dragon sets of silver and gold inlaid with precious stones are unique to Sikkim. These consist of finely designed dragons on earrings, pendants, finger-rings etc and can be ordered either in silver or gold .

Tea: Sikkim tea, which is mainly grown in Temi Tea Estate, is famous the world over and carries a big premium in the world market. The tea is characterised by its exotic taste and flavour and costs about Rs.100 per kg. It sells by the brand name of "Solja" and "Kanchendzonga" and is it a good idea to carry a few packets back home.

Big Cardamom or Bari Elaichi: Cardamom or Elachi grows in abundance in sikkim and costs about Rs 100 per kg. A few hundred grams should be purchased.

From where to buy:
Government Institute of Cottage Industry: It is located at about a kilometre uphill from the main market of Gangtok. An emporium at the institute sells handicrafts, Thankas which are scrolls with paintings, hand carved foldable wooden tables known as Choksess and exquisitively woven woollen carpets, masks and dolls. Hand made paper is another unique novelty of the Institute and is made from the bark of a tree Algeri. The paper is used extensively for invitation cards and letter pads.

M.G.Marg Main Market: Slightly less than a kilometre in length, the road is flat and is lined with shops which constitute the Main Market and downtown of Gangtok. Market has hotels, restaurants and shops selling all types of consumer goods. The shops are open by 8 am and close by 7 pm. This market is closed on Tuesdays.

Lal Bazar: Located just below the Main Market a few minutes walk away, is an open space market encircled with shops. If you are interested in seeing how different cultures old and new as well as diverse blend together here in Sikkim than a visit to the Lal Bazar is a must. The wares on sale are equally diverse - from local cottage cheese, incense sticks to the latest electronic gadgets.

Tourists Info:
Further information & assistance can be obtained from

• Sikkim Tourist Information Centre, Gangtok. Tel :- 22064
• MG Marg, Gangtok Bazar.  Tel. No. 2064 
• Sikkim Tourist Information Centre, 4C, Poonam Building, 5/2, Russel Street, Calcutta-700017. Tel :- 297516, 296717, 298983
• Sikkim Tourist Information Centre, SNT Colony, Siliguri. Tel :- 432646
• Sikkim Tourist Information Centre, Bagdogra Airport, Bagdogra.
• Tourist Office, 14, Panchsheel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.  Tel. No. 3015346 

Around the city:
Nathula Pass: The tourists travelling to Sikkim now will get a chance to visit Nathula Pass on the Indo-China border due to a initiative taken by the Army and State Tourism Department for allowing tourists to visit this place. Nathula Pass at a height of 14,500 ft, is about 2 hrs ride from Gangtok. Visits to Nathula will be allowed 4 days a week and the Army has stipulated that each group should not comprise more than 25 people. Each group will be allowed half-an-hour at the border pass between 8 am and 12 pm. Given the strategic location of Nathula Pass, cameras will not be allowed but the Army has consented to keep Polaroid cameras. The tourist groups to Nathula will be escorted by a liaison officer. A fee of Rs 100 per head will be charged from tourists, apart from transportation charges and escort fees. The Sikkim Tourism department will provide a single-window permit system, where tourists to Nathula can collect the required documents.

Changu Lake:  It is situated 35 kilometres from Gangtok on the Gangtok - Nathula highway, at an altitude of 12,400 ft. Changu Lake which is hardly 20 kms away from the famous Nathula Pass and about 400 kms from Lhasa, falls in the restricted area and hence an Inner Line Permit is required. A small temple of Lord Siva is constructed on the lakeside. Primula flowers and other alpine vegetation grow around the lake which has an average depth of 50 ft. During the winter month the lake becomes frozen.

The Department of tourism conducts package tours by bus to this lake at selected months of the year. A bus ticket to Changu Lake and back costs Rs 150. A small cab in which not more than 3 passengers are permitted can be hired for Rs 550, jeep which can accommodate 7 passengers cost about Rs 900 to Changu. Private vehicles are not permitted to the lake. Rides on Yaks and mules are also offered at the lake site. Because of the high altitude, heavy woollens are required to be worn here troughout the year. There is no facility of accommodation for the tourist. 

Phodong Monastery, Labrang Monastery and Tumlong Palace:  All these three are located within an area of 1 sq km and about 40 km from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway. Phodong Monastery which belongs to the Krgyupa Sect (Karmapa), is situated about kilometre uphill by a jeepable road that bifurcates from the North Sikkim Highway. Phodong monastery was built by the Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal. Puja is performed on the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar. Another Kilometre uphill from Phodong Monastery on the same Jeepable road is the Labrang Monastery which was built about one hundred years later but belongs to the Nyingmapa sect. Just below the road between phodong Monastery and Labrang Monastery are the ruins of the third capital of Sikkim Tumlong.

Pemayangtse: is about 140 km from Gangtok.  It was built in 1705 and is Sikkim's second oldest monastery.  Its walls and ceilings have innumerable paintings and there is an exceptional collection of religious artworks, including an exquisite wooden sculpture depicting the heavenly palace of Guru Rimpoche, on the top floor. 

Yuksom: about 42 km from Pemayangtse, is where the coronation of the country's first ruler took place in 1641.  The wooden alter and throne and a Stupa are still here in this beautiful peaceful and picturesque pine forest with a lake.  Sikkim's oldest monastery, the simple Hermit's cell, Dhubdi, is uphill. 

Tashiding: is the gold topped monastery and believed to be built in 1716 on a spot consecrated by Guru Rimpoche.  It is considered to be the most sacred chorten in Sikkim.  Pilgrims come during the spring time for the Bumchu or water-pot festival in February to drink water from the sacred pot which has never run dry for over 300 years. 

Kangchendzonga National Park: offers trekking through picturesque terraced fields, orchards and forests of pines.  Animals in the park include Himalayan brown bear, black bear, sambar, barking deer and the endangered musk deer, flying squirrel, Tibetan antelopes, wild asses and Himalayan wild goats.  The red panda can also be seen in the altitude of 3000 to 4000 m, mostly on the treetops.  It also has 600 species of birds. 

Saramsa Garden: About 14 km from Gangtok is the Saramsa Garden, the home of Sikkim's many exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants. Formed and maintained by the Department of Forests. It is an excellent recreation and picnic spot.

Tsongo Lake: It is literally known as the "Source of the Lake" in Bhutia language. Between May and August, it is possible to see a variety of flowers in bloom - the Rhododendrons, Primulas, Poppies and Irises. One can also enjoy Yak and Pony ride around the Lake. This place is 40 km from Gangtok. It is situated at an altitude of 12,210 ft. The lake is about 1 km long, oval in shape,15m deep and is considered sacred by the local people. The lake remains frozen during the winter months upto mid-May. It is an ideal habitat for the Red Panda and various species of birds.

Singhik: The place offers one of the most spectacular views of Mount Khangchendzonga and it's ranges. A well located tourist lodge provides accommodation for visitors. The area also has a number of interesting short nature trails for 1 to 3 days along the higher ridges of the surrounding hills.

Chungthang: On the confluence of Lachen and Lachung Chu and the starting point of river Teesta, has emerged as a major sub-division settlement in North Sikkim. It is the nodal junction for the two passes, Lachen and Lachung. The valley is believed to have been blessed by Guru Rimpoche and one can visit the Holy Guru Lhedo to see the foot and palm prints left behind by the Patron Saint. The place, rich in biodiversity with a large variety of orchids, plants and wildlife, is 95 km from Gangtok, 23km from Lachung, 29 km from Lachen, and is predominantly a Lepcha region.

Lachung: A Bhutia village with a unique local self-governing body called the Zumsa which substitutes the Panchayat. Lachung has emerged as a tourist destination with soaring popularity of Yumthang valley which is just 25 km from Lachung. The village, spread out on either side of Lachung Chu, has managed to retain it's unique culture and tradition. The Lachung Monastery on the slope opposite to the highway is a focal point of all religious functions of local inhabitants. To get a glimpse of the religious functions performed on auspicious occasions a visit to the Monastery should form part of the tour itinerary.

Yumthang: At an elevation of 11,800 ft, and 140 km from Gangtok, is a paradise for nature lovers with fascinating blend of flora and fauna and breathtaking scenic grandeur. The valley is also the home for Shingbha Rhododendron Sanctuary with 24 species of Rhododendrons. Yumthang "Tsa-Chu" or the hot spring on the left bank of Lachung Chu is immensely popular for it's curative properties and healing power. Tourists require an Inner Line permit which can be obtained with the help of the travel agent to visit this place. During the tourist season, the Tourism Department organises package tours to North Sikkim and also has many resorts in the Lachung area. Visitors are not permitted to take their private vehicles to Yumthang.

Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located at a distance of 25 km from Gangtok and has an area of 51.76 sq. km. The main vegetation is Oak,Katus,Kimbu, Champ with thick bamboo forests and ferns. The Sanctuary is also home to a large number of wild orchids, rhododendrons etc. The richly forested area is known to be home for various species of wild animals and birds. This area,located close to Gangtok, is being developed as a short duration trekking trail. The best season is October and April. A log house with two rooms is available at Golitar and Tumin. Charges are Rs. 50 per person per night and entry fee to the Sanctuary is Rs 5 per head. Apart from this sanctuary there are others like Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Shingbha Rhododendrons Sanctuary,Menam Wildlife Sanctuary. For permission please contact Chief Wildlife Warden, Forest Secretariat, Deorali, Gangtok.

Kabi Lungchok: This historical place is 17 km from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway. This is where the historic treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepcha Chief Te-Kung-Tek and the Bhutia Chief Khey-Bum-Sar was signed ritually. The spot where the ceremony took place is marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forest.

Namchi: Meaning Sky High,nested among the hills at an elevation of 5500 ft, commands panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains and vast stretches of valley. It is also the HQ of the South District. The area is fast developing into a tourist destination with it's immense potential for all round tourist activities. It is about 78 km from Gangtok and 100km from Siliguri.

Kechopari Lake: It is considered as one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. Here a trekker's hut has been provided by the Tourist Department. The hut is presently managed by a local person and provides comfortable stay providing a taste of local cuisine which may include `Chang'- brew made of fermented millet. There is also a pilgrim's hut,managed by the Tourism Department, which is meant to provide accommodations to the people who come on pilgrimage tours.

Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs: These hot springs are located about 25 kms from Gyalshing near Reshi on the River Rangit. One has to walk about ten minutes from the highway across the river Rangit by a pedestrain bridge to reach the hot springs. The water of these springs has medicinal value as it contains sulphur and can cure some skin diseases. People from all over the state and neighbouring Darjeeling come here during the winter months and spend days together lying submerged in the soothing water of the hotspring. There are a couple of trekkers huts for the convenience of the tourists. These springs also considered very holy as one of the four holy caves is located here. This holy cave is called the Kadosang Phu or cave of the occult fairies and lies on the south of the four cardinal points.

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