State
: Sikkim, in the north eastern state of India. Best time to Travel : March to late May, October to Mid-December.
Weather Conditions :
Summer : Max- 21°C, Min - 13°C;
Winter : Max -13°C, Min - 0.48°C; Rainfall : 325 cm per annum.
Location : Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim is 148 km from New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, its neighbouring state.
Know Gangtok in Sikkim
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim has emerged into the mainstream travel destination of the Tourism Industry, with more and more tourist coming to this little Himalayan state every year. Sitting on the lap of the majestic Himalaya, Gangtok in Sikkim has developed into a cosmopolitan delicacy where old-world charm and hospitality exist along with the modern age of Information Technology. One can find a harmonious blend of diverse culture and religion in Sikkim Gangtok. The people of Gangtok have a strong bonding with their age-old traditions and customs. Despite of these, Gangtok is definitely not behind the rest of the world in terms of urbanisation - broad roads, flyovers, posh markets, state-of-art hospital, educational institutes, fast food outlets, discotheques, and all other modern amenities that the heart can desire for. Journey to Gangtok in Sikkim
Airport : Nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal( 124 kms.), from where scheduled flights operates to and fro from Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati. The Bagdogra airport is connected to Gangtok by a helicopter service operating between Gangtok - Bagdogra - Gangtok.
Railhead
: Two nearest railway station are at Siliguri (114 km) and New
Jalpaiguri (125 km) stabilizing link to Calcutta, Delhi,
Guwahati, Lucknow and other
important cities in India. Road Transport : Gangtok is connected with all weather mettaled road with Siliguri, Kalimpong, Gangtok etc. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is connected by all weather road to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and also to all the District headquarters within Sikkim.
Private Taxis, Jeeps and Landrovers ply regularly on the Gangtok- Siliguri Highway and are available for transfer of passengers between Gangtok and Siliguri/ New Jalpaiguri Junction/ Bagdogra, and also for local sightseeing at fixed rates and may be reserved through Tourist Bureau, Govt. of West Bengal, Gangtok. NOTE : Foreigners need a permit to enter Sikkim (available at Siliguri).
Staying in Gangtok
Accommodation is easily available in Gangtok. You may take your pick from the many hotels, tourist Lodge, tourist hostel and tourist cottages in Gangtok. Check out for the hotels that suits you the most.
Sightseeing
in Gangtok SikkimLabrang Monastery
Built about 100 years ago is the Labrang Monastery, just 1 km further from Phodong. This monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the same as that of Pemayangtse monastery in West Sikkim. Its name translates simply as the dwelling place of the Lamas (Buddhist monks).
Pemayangste Monastery
About 6 km from Gyalsing town is the Pemayangtse Monastery. This monastery was originally built as a small temple in the last of 17th century by Latsun Chempo. But, later the temple structure was rebuilt into a monastery.
Rumtek Monastery
A 24-km drive from Gangtok, through the beautiful, bewitching countryside leads one to Rumtek. Rumtek, is the seat of the Karmapa Lama who heads the Kagyupa Sect of Buddhism. Tasuklakhang - The Royal Chapel
The Royal Chapel, Tsuklakhang, is within the palace grounds. Popularly called Tsulakhang Royal. It is the main place of worship and gathering and the repository of a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures.
Deer Park
This park is also called the Rustomji Park named after one of the Dewans of the Chogyal of Sikkim. The park has a big open enclosure, sheltering animals like the red panda and the Himalayan Bear. A big statue of Lord Buddha commemorating his preachings of the noble truths in the Deer Park at Sarnath beautifies the park premises. A butter lamp continually burns in front of the statue, which is surrounded with flowers of amazing variety. The park commands a spectacular view of the hills, surrounding Gangtok.
Khecheopalri Lake
On bifurcation road between Gyalsing and Yoksum, is clear water Kechopari Lake (wishing lake). The lake is surrounded by mountains with dense forests and wild life. It is so placid, crystal clear that not a leaf can be seen floating over it, because it is immediately lifted by birds.
Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs
About 25 km from Gyalsing, near Reshi, after crossing Rangeet River by a pedestrian bridge is the Phurchachu springs with medicinal properties. These springs are considered holy, as one of the four holy caves is located here. This holy cave is called the "Kadosangphu" or 'Cave of the occult fairies' and is located on the south of the four cardinal points.
Some Important Destinations near Gangtok (Sikkim)
New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal is about 124 km from Gangtok and Siliguri in West Bengal is 114 km from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim in India.
