Gangtok is knocking

View of Gangtok

Mt Kangchendzonga

Gangtok is situated at 5,047ft, in the Eastern Himalaya in the little state of Sikkim. It is 97km from Darjeeling, 114km from Siliguri. Gangtok offers much to do, there are many sightseeing spots like Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Tashi View Point but to truly enjoy the town, walk a lot. Take a walk from the main bazaar to the Ridge, stroll on the Ridge itself, or walk up from there towards Enchay Monastery. On a good day after the monsoons, one can see Mt Kangchendzonga and the rest of the range in all its majestic glory. The peaks change colour through the day. For the best views of Mt kangchendzonga in Gangtak, visit after monsoon, in the month of October.

The Ridge :- Just above the main town, and a few minutes walk up from the main bazaar is the Ridge, a small but delightful stretch of flat road lined with trees. Everyone, either local or tourist comes here for a stroll.On the end of the Ridge are the chief minister’s official recidence and the White Hall. Near the White Hall is the Flower Exhibition centre where there is a display of variety of orchids.

Enchey Monastery :- This Monastery is located a 10-minutes walk above the Ridge. In the morning here listening to the hypnotic chants of the monks during morning prayers.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology :- Every tourist must visit this place where there is museum that exhibits a rare collection of ancient manuscripts, statues, ritual objects and thangkas.

Himalayan Zoological Park :-This open zoo sprawls across an area of 205 hectares in mountainous terrain and is a delightful place for long undisturbed walking as well as spotting some rare animals. Asnow leopard, Tibetan wolves, red pandas, Himalayan palm civets, leopard cats and many colourful Himalayan pheasants are the main attraction of the park.

Rumtek Monastery :- It is the largest monastery of Sikkim which is located 24km from Gangtok on a picturesque road across the Rangeet River.

Getting There:-

Bagdogra  is thenearest airport which is connected to Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati by daily flight. Taxi to Gangtok is around Rs 1,500.

New Jalpaiguri is the nearest Rail station which is connected to Kolkata by Darjeeling Mail, Kanchankanya Express, Kanchanjunga express and Delhi by Guwahati rajdhani express. Taxi to Gangtok costs about Rs 1,500.

Accommodation :-

1.The Royal Plaza (Tel: 281571,280032; Tariff; Rs 6,500-20,000).

2.Hotel Tashi-Delek (Tel: 202991; Tariff; Rs 3,375-5,750).

3. Hotel Chumbi Residency (Tel: 226618-19; Tariff; Rs 2,950-3,450).

4. Hotel Sonam Delek (Tel: 202566; Tariff; Rs 1,000-3,000).

Besides these there are many hotels in Gangtok.