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The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, lies
at an altitude 1600 meters. It occupies the West side of a long ridge
flanking the Ranipool River. Gangtok has a very spectacular setting and
offers excellent views of the entire Kanchenjunga range from various points
in it's vicinity.
Accomodation
Gangtok has very few hotels to stay. But
whatever hotels are here provide you comfortable stay. The largest and
most elegant hotel is the Tashi Daleake. The government of Sikkim has
two good hotels- Mayur and Sinialchu. Apart from these there are hotels
like Orchid Green, Tibet, Nork Hill, Kanchan View, Shere-e-Punjab, Hungary
Jack etc. There are youth hostels and various lodges, which give tourists
a comfortable stay in Gangtok. Hotels & Restaurants of Gangtok City
Climate
As Gangtok is situated on the lap of Himalayas
it never experiences the hot weather as in the plains. The winters are
cold and there is rain through the year. Usually the upper reaches are
blocked by snow during winters and are accessible only during the mild
summer months.
How to reach
Gangtok does not have an AirField of its
own. The Bagdogra Airfield serves the needs of not only Gangtok but of
whole Sikkim. From Bagdogra it takes five hours by road to reach Gangtok.
The nearest railway stations are those of Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri.
But Gangtok is well connected by roads and one can reach here from anywhere
in India. But during the rainy seasons travelling by roads can be a bit
problem oriented as landslides are very common and frequent in the region.
Trekking
Trekking is allowed up to Dzongri for 10
days so long as you are accompanied by a travel agent recognised by the
Indian tourist Development Corporation and a liason officer or guide provided
by the Government of Sikkim. Trekking gears can be hired at Gangtok. The
well-known trekking routes are Nayan Bazar- Pemayangtse-Yaksum-Dzongri
or Rangpo-Gangtok-Yaksum-Dzongri.
Sight-Seeing:
Tusk-la-khang
A beautiful and impressive building which
is the principal place of worship and assembly for Buddhists.
Institute of Tibetology Orchid Sanctuary & Chorten
This institute is the only one of its kind
in the world and was established to promote research on the language and
traditions of Tibet as well as into Mahayana Buddhism. Adjoining the institute
is the orchid sanctuary where most of the 454 species of orchid found
in Sikkim could be seen, depending on the season.
Institute of Cottage Industries
Located high up on the main road above
the town, this multicraft institute specialises in producing hand-woven
carpets, blankets, shawls, Lepcha weaves, patterned decorative paper and
'Choktse' tables exquisitely carved in relief. In addition to the shop
here, there is a smaller display of craftwork on the ground floor of the
tourist office, which is worth a visit.
Deer Park
Next to the secretariat building is one
of the popular viewpoints. Here you will find deers and an image of Buddha,
which is a replica of that in Sarnath.
Enchey Monastery
This 200 old monastery stands three kms
from the city centre. One should visit this monastery during December
when the annual religious dances are performed.
Excursions
Rumtek Monastery
About on the same height, 24 Kms away from Gangtok, on the other side
of the Ranipool valley is the seat of head Kagyu-pa sect-Gyalwa Karmapa.
The sect, which was founded in 11th century, has its teachings transmitted
orally. The main structure which was built by Gyalwa Karmapa strictly
according to architectural designs from the monastery in Tibet, from where
he came.
The whole structure is covered with murals and if you are interested
in Tibetan paintings then Rumtek is a must for you. The old monastery
can still be seen just beyond the new structure though it's not obvious
as it is hidden by trees. Pemayangtse- It is the second oldest monastery
in Sikkim. Located at a height of 2085 meters, it belongs to the tantric
sect Nyingma-pa. It was established in the 8th century. There are two
more monasteries- Tashidingand, Phodang worth visiting.
Tourist Information Centres
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre - Department of Tourism, Gangtok, Sikkim,
India .
Tel. - 91-03592-22064 / 23425.
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre -New Sikkim House, 14 Panchsheel Marg,
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi -110021 India. Tel. - 91-011-3015346.
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre -4C, Poonam Building, 5/2, Ruseel Street,
Calcutta-700017, India. Tel. - 91-033-297416 / 296717 / 298983.
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre
SNT Colony, Siliguri, West Bengal, India. Tel. - 91-0353-432646.
Sikkim Tourist Information CounterBagdogra Airport, Bagdogra, India.
Hotels and Resorts
Hotel Tashi Delek
Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Gangtok 737 101, India Phone : +(91)-(3592)-22991/22038
Hotel Golden Pagoda
M. G. Marg, Gangtok 737 101, India Phone : +(91)-(3592)-26928/26929 Fax
: +(91)-(3592)-24591
Central Hotel , Gangtok
31-A, National Highway, Gangtok 737 101, India Phone : +(91)-(3592)-22553/22105/22573
Fax : +(91)-(3592)-22240
Hotel Nor Khill
Stadium Road, Gangtok 737 001, India Phone : +(91)-(3592)-23186/23187
Fax : +(91)-(3592)-23187
Hotel Tibet
Paljor Stadium Road, Gangtok 737 101, India Phone : +(91)-(3592)-23468/22523
Fax : +(91)-(3592)-23468
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