Gangtok
2 ToursGangtok is the capital and largest town of the Indian state of Sikkim.
Gangtok is located in the Shivalik Hills of the eastern Himalayan range, at an altitude of 1,437 meters (4,715 ft.). The town, with a population of thirty thousand belonging to different ethnicities such as Nepalese, Lepchas and Bhutia, is administered by various departments of the Government of Sikkim. Nestled within higher peaks of the Himalaya and enjoying a year-round mild temperate climate, Gangtok is at the center of Sikkim’s tourism industry. Gangtok is a bustling, friendly hill station, and the capital of the Himalayan state of Sikkim. The name Gangtok is derived from the Tibetan word for hillside and the city currently has a population of around 80,000 - a mixture of indigenous Sikkimese and people of Nepalese and Tibetan ancestry. Gangtok would be easily one of the most cleanest cities you would ever come across, highly organized and beautifully maintained it the Switzerland of the east. Tourists are of paramount of importance; hence rules have been laid in order to prevent tourists from being cheated. Fares of Cabs are mostly fixed for such reason. A really nice place to unwind.
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Best Time to Visit
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Key Attractions
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The scenery
There are beautiful views of the surrounding hills from the town itself, but the best views - dominated by Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain - are from Enchey Monastery and Ganesh Tok, both high above the town.
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Enchey Monastery
A two hundred year old monastery in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism - located above the town.
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Flower show
Near the White-Hall, flower show is at its best during the flowering season which is mid-March to end of May in spring and October to mid-December in autumn. But by far the annual Cymbidium Orchid Show which commences invariably from mid-March to mid-April is the best and the finest in the entire south Asian region. Rs. 10
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Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, established in 1987, is home to different varieties of botanical species. Located near Rumtek Monastery, this garden houses rare flowers, plants and trees including Orchids of Himalayan region. Maintained and managed by the Forest Department of the Government of Sikkim, this garden also includes dense temperate forests of Oak. There are more than 50 different varieties of tree species located inside this garden.
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Banjhakri Falls
It’s a lovely waterfall, surrounded by gardens and stairwells. Many beautiful sculptures can be seen there. A good picnic spot and a must watch for every Gangtok visitor.
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Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
An excellent collection of artifacts and manuscripts connected to Tibetan Buddhism.
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Ropeways Cable Car, Deorali market
Daylight. Can close due to weather. A cable car whose lowest point is Deorali Market, with three stops of varying altitude. Fantastic views of the town. This isn't included in official tours, so you'll have to make your way to Deorali Market to board. Rs 50, children Rs 30.
Nearby Places
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Rumtek Monastery,
Located 22 km from the town, One of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and head seat of the Karma Kagyu school in Sikkim. Originally built in 1740, it fell into disrepair. The current structure dates from 1959. Sangye Guest House, (near Rumtek) is a small, friendly, family run hotel.
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Yuksom
The small village, but a prominent place for trekking in Sikkim, all treks start in Sikkim starts from this tiny village.
Tours around Gangtok
