Gangtok
Views
Gangtok (1,600m) is the Capital of State Sikkim of Indian Union. Today this unique town has grown into some giant peace of white blanket, which looks like mountain of houses from the opposite hill. But still this town holds numerous attraction for the tourists. View of Kanchanjunga is also splendid from Tashi view point of Gangtok in the dawn. There are many other places such as Ganesh tok, Hanuman tok, Banjhakri falls etc. Any traveler who had been to Gangtok, would tell you about the Gangtok's testy Momo, Thukpa, diversity of the cuisine, unique Sikkimese hospitality, cultures, streams, winding Tista river on the way to town, beautiful mountainous landscape etc.
Climate
Temperatures in Gangtok range from an average maximum of 28 °C in summer to minimum of 8 °C in winter. Rainy season usually starts in May and June and lasts up to August and September. Gangtok had experienced many snowfalls in the past, but unfortunately these days snowfall is very rare. To experience the snowfall, one may have to take a trip up to Tsomgo Lake
Places to see in Gangtok
At the first glance, people usually hate this town! to be honest. Too many vehicles rolling around, way too many concrete buildings for a small town, may be that is the result of its being the capital? But, if we look at the brighter side, Gangtok itself is a travel destination, most of the Buddhist monasteries are located here, such places are Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, Ganesh tok, Hanuman tok, Banjhakri falls and most important one is Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, where you get to see years old Buddhist arts and artifacts.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
The most prestigious Namgyal research Institute of it's kind in the World, Institute was founded by ruler of Sikkim of that time, the 11th Chogyal Tashi Namgyal in 1958 and it is a treasure of vast collection of rareLepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare Thankas (Colorful tapestries used in Buddhist liturgy). Apart from an attractive museum, it has over 200 Buddhist icons and other artifacts. As far as it's collections are concerned, it is only one in India, Other two are in "Institute of Peoples of Asia" in Moscow and Toyo Bunko, in Tokyo.
Do Drul Chorten
Do Drul Chorten at Dotapu Chorten, Gangtok was built by Trullshi Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Inside this stupa, a complete set of Dorjee Phurba, Kangyur relics (Holy Books) and other religious objects. Around the stupa are 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer wheels. The stupa is surrounded by Chorten Lakahang and Guru Lakhang, where two statues of Guru Rinpoche are present.
Enchey Monastery
Enchey Monastery (the Solitary temple) , Lama Durptob Karpo is said to have flown in here from Mainam Hill more than 200 years ago and he built a small hermitage at the spot of Enchey monastery. In 1901 during the regin of Sidkong Tulku, a monastery was built in the form of a Chinese Pagoda. It belongs to Nyingmapa order.The monastery is 2 kms away from the main Gangtok town, near Telecom tower. The main Puja is held here every year on the 18th and 19th day of the 12th month of Tibetan Calender.
Ganesh Tok
A Hindu deity temple is located uphill from Gangtok, this small temple is devoted to Lord Ganesha (Hindu Deity). Ganesh Tok was mainly known for its viewpoint in the past, but recently government has done a major renovation to it, keeping the its viewpoint intact and providing large rooms for Ganesha devotees as well. From its viewpoint one can see superb view of Gangtok town.
Hanuman Tok
Located 8 to 9 km away from Gangtok town (7,200 ft) is a temple devoted to Lord Hanuman (Hindu Deity) and one can also see the clear glimpse of Mt. Khangchendzonga from here. Hanuman Tok is maintained by a unit of the Indian Army.
White Hall
It was built in memory of first Political officer of Sikkim , Claude White in 1932. White hall is two storied structure and has typical British architecture, all the important functions used to held in this hall, till the 1960.
The Ridge
Few kilometers above the M.G marg of Gangtok, is a small stretch of plain called Ridge ( To be renamed to "Chogyal Palden Thendup Namgyal Park". ), just below is White Hall, and above Mintogang (Official residence of Chief Minister of Sikkim). Mintogang in English means "blossomed crowned hilltop". On the other end is Palace Gate.
Flower Exhibitions
Flower exhibitions are organized around the year at the flower show vanue near Whitel Memorial Hall Complex, Gangtok. Orchid shows held during the spring tourist season is one of the popular shows organized in the state.
Deer Park
Just near the Secretariat of Sikkim is located the Deer Park of Gangtok, a.k.a Rustomji Park, it was established in 1950s and as name suggest, different species of deer & red pandas are kept here.
Tashi View Point
About 6 or 7 kilometer from Gangtok town, Near Pangthang is Tashi View Point. It was built by the late Chogyal Tashi Namgyal and it is offers awesome view of the Khangchendzonga on a clear dawn. There used to be only one cafeteria, but nowadays there are more.
Himalayan Zoological Park
Park (a.k.a Bulbuley) is situated opposite to Ganesh Tok, extended about 205 hectares. The park is home of Red Pandas, Snow Leopard, Barking Deer, Bears and other animals.
M.G.Marg & Lal Bazar
Despite huge renovation and prohibiting vehicles into this zone, M.G. Marg becomes quiet, but it still remains the main market of Gangtok. Almost all the major Shops, Hotels, Restaurants are here in M.G. Marg. its the one busy place in town. Located just below is another local market is called Laz bazar (now known as Kanchanjunga Shopping Plaza ), This market was first built in 1956, named after J. Lal, a Dewan of the Chogyal. It was recently renovated and renamed to " Kanchanjunga Shopping Plaza".
Saramsa Garden
About 14 Kms from Gangtok, 1-2 Kms from Ranipool town is a picnic spot called Saramsa Garden, the home of Sikkim 's many exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants. To know more about Saramsa (a.k.a ipeaca ) garden, click here.
Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery or Dharma Chakra Centre is located at 24 kilometers away from Gangtok,East Sikkim. The Monastery is the seat of the Karmapa Kagyu lineage outside Tibet. The main monastery is surrounded by the monks dormitory. Roof peak of the monastery is comprised of four storied golden sculpture, known as ghanzira. Inside, the monastery is the paintings of the Kagyu lineage, the eight great Bodhisattvas, the sixteen Arhats, the Genduk Chogngi etc. Read rest of this entry...
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
Situated at an altitude ranging between 1800m. To 2200m, established in 1987, it comprises of virgin temperate forest of oaks and as many as 50 different kinds of trees species. The Garden is situated at a place which is only a scenic beauty for the tourists but also adjoins Rumtek Monastery and Fambongla Wildlife Sanctuary. It is open for the Visitors from 1000hrs. to 1600hrs.
Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery
Zurmang Kagyud Monastery is located at Lingdum, East Sikkim is at a distance of about 20 kms from Gangtok. The present Gharwang Rimpoche is the twelfth successive incarnation of the Glorious emanation of Zurmang Gharwang. A place worth visiting for it's religious and exquisite architecture.
Water Garden
Water Garden at Martam Khola is on 21 A National Highway , 16 Kms south of Gangtok. It is an Ideal spot for Picnic with small swimming pool for children.
Ban Jhakri Falls
About 10 - 12 KM from M.G Marg of Gangtok, Ban Jhakri Falls is a new sightseeing destination for tourist, fully operated by solar energy. Park features waterfalls, dragon statue, Lepcha statue, Jhakri statue etc.
Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake is one of the most popular destination for tourists, it is located at 35 km from Gangtok. On the way to the Lake, one can enjoy nice scenery and snowed hills. The Lake is situated at an altitude of 12,310 ft, has an average depth of 50 ft, and remains frozen during the winter months up to mid-May.
Tsomgo Lake, is cool placid water harmonies with the scenic beauty around which doubled by it's reflection in the lake. During the winter season the lake becomes frozen. A temple of Lord Shiva is constructed on the Lakeside. Lake has average depth of 15 meters, footpath along the lake takes one to a resting shed. Read rest of Tsomgo Lake...
Restaurants In Gangtok
All the restaurants in Gangtok provide various delicacies, usually Indian, Continental to local momos, gyathuks etc. The hotel you are going to stay probably offers the best of everything, but still if you want to experience something different in Gangtok, these are the few best places you can enjoy your meal.
- Flamboyance, Deorali. Ph.03592-645911
- Bakers Cafe, M.G.Road Ph: 03592-220195
- Taste of Tibet, M.G.Marg.
- Indulge, M.G. Marg.
- Buzz(Glenary's), M.G.Road Ph. 221643/ 221650
- Little Italy, Near Petro Pump, Deorali Ph. 281980
- The Square, Paljor Stadium Road Ph.227750
- Fusion Lounge Bar & Restaurant, Convoy Ground, Tadong Ph.270130
- Blue Poppy/ Dragon Hall, Hotel Tashi Delek Ph.222038/222991
- China Palate, M.G.Road Ph.227815
- Dragon Restaurant, Green Hotel, M.G.Marg Ph.225057/ 224439
- Eden Park, Hotel Park Residency Ph.228411/ 228410
- Hotel Sher-e-Punjab, 31A NH Ph.222823
- House of Bamboo, M.G.Marg Ph.229390
- Krishna Restaurant (Pure Veg.) Ph.228550
- Metro's Fast Food (Pure Veg.), 31A NH Ph.223245
- Moti Mahal, M.G.Road Ph.224430/ 223998
- Oberoi's Barbeque, M.G.Road Ph.223215/ 227884
- Parivar Restaurant (Pure Veg.), M.G.Marg Ph.227409/ 224088
- Risur Restaurant, Deorali Ph.222358
- Snow Lion, Paljor Stadium Road Ph.222523/ 223468
- The Blue Sheep Restaurant, M.G.Marg Ph.229028
- Wild Orchid Restaurant, Hotel Central, 31A NH Ph.222553/ 222105