State : | Sikkim, in the north eastern state of India. |
Weather Conditions : | |
Best time to Travel : | March to late May, October to Mid-December. |
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.
AROUND GANGTOK |
Perched at an altitude of 5,500 feet above sea level, Gangtok in the East has a population of about 50,000. Places that are a must be in any tourist?s itinerary include:
The Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre |
About 45 minutes drive from Gangtok along the beautiful countryside atmosphere will bring you to Rumtek. Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre is the most important seat of Kagyukpa order of Tibetan Buddhism. The Centre houses some of the world?s most important religious scriptures and rare objects.
The Government Institute of Cottage Industry |
The government institute of Cottage industry, a premier government institute for promoting authentic Sikkimese arts and crafts where beautifully designed carpets and hand carved Choktses is up for sale
Research Institute of Tibetology |
Research Institute of Tibetology, the internationally acclaimed center for Tibetan studies and research, it houses a vast collection of rare Buddhist books. There are over 200 Buddhist icons and manuscripts written in gold.
The Enchey Monastery |
The entry to this 200-year-old monastery premise is lined up beautiful prayer wheels amidst a silent and peaceful environment. Enchey Monastery is an important seat of the Nyingmapa order, the Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary temple, was originally built with the solace that no other construction would be allowed near it.
The Do-Drul Chorten |
The Do-Drul Chorten was built by the by late Trulsi Rimpoche in 1945-46. It is one of the most important and biggest stupa found in Sikkim and is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels.
Flower Show |
The Department of Tourism hosts an annual flower show at the ridge park, where one can see a spectrum of colorful orchids and other rare varieties of flowers.
The Lingdum Monastery (Ranka Monastery) |
Ranka Monastery, which is situated on the Rumtek - Ranka - Gangtok road at Lingdum; about 45 minutes drive from Gangtok. The Lingdum Monastery is the seat of Zurmang Charwang Rimpoche. The present Gharwang Rimpoche is the12th successive incarnation of this lineage. Also known as Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery/ Lingdum Monastery and is been established in 2000.
Nehru Botanical Garden |
The Nehru Botanical Garden is located half-a-kilometer away from the Rumtek monastery. It is the home to well tend tropical and temperate plants and trees with huge greenhouse containing many species of orchids.
Tashi View Point: |
It offers a breathtaking view of the Mt. Khanchenjunga and its ranges. Recommended for an early morning visit to witness sunrise amidst the majestic peaks sipping a hot coffee.
Shanti viewpoint |
On the way back from Rumtek, you take a brief stop at Shanti View point. An enchanting viewpoint that offers magnificent panorama of Gangtok town.
Gangtok Ropeway: |
Located close to Tibetology, this ropeway offers a small thrill ride from Deorali to Tashiling and back providing 20 minutes of bird?s eye view of Gangtok town. The Ropeway has 3 terminals ? Deorali, Nam-Nang and Tashiling usual boarding point is Deorali and Nam-Nang. Timings: 10 am to 5:00 Pm
Ganesh Tok |
Located on the top of the hill about 7 Kms from Gangtok town, a small Hindu temple of Ganesh also has a view point that provides a panoramic view of Gangtok town.
Hanuman Tok |
About 11 Kms above Gangtok Town, Hanuman Tok is a Hindu temple of Lord Hanuman situated at an altitude of 7000ft. being the highest point around Gangtok; it offers a majestic view of Mt Kanchenjunga and its ranges