Gangtok, The Queen Of North East India

Quick Facts about the Gangtok
Population : 29,162
Altitude : 1,547 metres above sea level
STD Code: 03592
Area: 15 2 km (approx.)
Elevation: 5,480 ft (1780 m)

About Gangtok
Gangtok is the capital city Sikkim, the second smallest state of India. Famous for its many important monasteries, and for the picturesque views of the Himalayas, Gangtok is one of the important hill-station of the country. In Gangtok you can see a smooth blend of both tradition and modernity. Located at an altitude of 1547 m above sea level, Gangtok houses some of the important Buddhist religious sites too. The existence of the peaceful Chortens or Stupas, old monasteries and the un-spoilt natural beauty of Gangtok offers you a truly unique traveling experience.

The literal meaning of the word Gangtok is ‘hilltop’. The town is perched on a long ridge bordering the Ranipul River. In spite of the concrete structures that now brace even the borders of the ridge, Gangtok remains a picturesque place with an excellent view of the entire Kangchendzonga Range.

General Info & History
With different cultures and religion existing in perfect harmony, Gangtok has shown that "Unity in Diversity" exists in Sikkim. Sikkimese have strong bonding with their age-old traditions and customs. However, a quick survey of Gangtok shows that the bubble of modernization has burst with a bang in the town. The capital is definitely not behind the rest of the world in terms of urbanization - Broad roads, flyovers, posh markets, state-of-art hospital, educational institutes, fast food outlets, discothèques, and all other modern amenities that the heart can desire for. One imposing manmade landmark of the town is the 200 ft-high TV tower which overlooks the town and is situated near the Enchey Monastry below Ganesh Tok. A stroll along the Mahatma Gandhi Marg is shopper's delight- Hotels, restaurants, curios, footwear and almost everything is available. Be here to experience the magic.

Less than a decade ago, Gangtok was a sleepy little town, much unlike a state capital. People smiled at each other, and always had time to stop and talk. Today, urbanisation and the potential for tourism have distinctly changed the pace of the town. However, it is nice to see that in spite of the gargantuan tempo of progress and expansion, people still smile at each other and they always have time to stop and talk!

The warmth and the open friendly atmosphere is something that rarely goes unnoticed, even during a brief stay at Gangtok. More often than not, this is the most soothing balm that helps you ‘disentangle’ yourself from your buses and cars, after the rather ‘eventful’ journey to Gangtok from the plains.

Best Season to Visit
Gangtok experiences a lot of rainfall throughout the year and temperatures are mild. The best time to visit Gangtok is between the months of October and March.

Climate/Temperature
Located in the Himalayan laps Gangtok never experiences the hot weather as in the plains. The winters are cold
SUMMER:
Min: 13o C
Max: 21o C
WINTER:
Min: o C
Max: o C
Annual Rainfall: 3894 mm

Local Language
Nepali, Sikkimese, Bhutia, Lepcha, Hindi, English

How to get there
Foreigners visiting Gangtok must possess an Indian visa. In addition to an Indian visa, foreigners must obtain Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim. The permits can be obtained from all Indian missions, Tourism Office, New Delhi, Sikkim Tourism Office, Calcutta and Sikkim Tourism Office, Siliguri on the strength of an Indian Visa.

LOCAL TRANSPORT
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.The Indian city of Gangtok is easily accessible through air, road and rail from the other major Indian cities and states.
By Air
Gangtok does not have an airport of its own. But you may visit Gangtok after flying to Siliguri. Flights from Bagdogra can be booked at the Indian Airlines office on Tibet Road in Gangtok
By Rail
The railhead nearest to Gangtok is that of Siliguri. Siliguri in turn links various Indian cities with Gangtok through rail.
By Road
The busiest route in and out of Sikkim is the road between Gangtok and Siliguri, also the nearest airport and railway station. Siliguri (5 hours), Darjeeling (7 hours), Kalimpong (3 hours) and Bagdogra (4½ hours) are easily accessible from Gangtok through road.
HELICOPTER SERVICE - between Gangtok - Bagdogra - Gangtok

Accomodation
Accommodation is easily available in Gangtok.You may take your pick from the many hotels, tourist Lodge, tourist hostel and tourist cottages in Gangtok.
Few of the hotels to list are :
annapurna hotel
anola hotel
arjuna hotel
ben hotel
blue star hotel
canaan lodge
central hotel
central point lodge
cherry guest house
chumila hotel
delamere hotel
denzong inn
dhotapu guest house
dikki hotel
doma hotel
dongkheala hotel
golden heights hotel
golden nest
golden pagoda
grand hotel
green hotel
hidden forest retreat
hill view hotel
himalayan heights hotel
holiday hill hotel
asian heights hotel
bayul hotel
herukha hotel
himalayan retreat hotel
himali hotel
hungry jack hotel
kasturi hotel
lungta hotel
marigold hotel
midhvi hotel
mount simvo hotel
new castle hotel
orchid hotel
sai kripa hotel
sonam hotel
superview himalchuli resorts hotel
tashi tagey hotel
tibet hotel
venus hotel
vinayak hotel
wangdi hotel
juniper hotel
kanishka hotel
lhakar hotel
martam village resort
meylong hotel
migtin hotel
mintokling guest house
mintokling guest house
mist tree mountain hotel
mt narasing village resort
nahan hotel
netuk house
new orchid hotel
norbu ghang hotel
norkhill hotel
oriental hotel
palbheu hotel
palkhil hotel
pine ridge hotel
rendezvous hotel
rokas urban stays
senghiling resort
sernya hotel
sherepunjab hotel
shilton lodge
sidlon residencythe
sonam hotel
sonam palgey hotel
sonamala hotel
sukhim guest house
sunny guest house
sushanta awas
tashi delek
teen talay village resort
the bliss resort
the chumbi residency
the denzong shangrilla
the royal plaza
tibet gallery hotel
travel lodge
waterfall village resort
windsor hotel
woodlands hotel

Festivals
Fairs and festivals celebrated in Gangtok add to the charm of the hill resort. The Tashiding Gompa hosts the annual Buddhist festival of Bumchu in January. During January-February the dancing festival of Chaam is held in Enchey Gompa. The monthly mask dance of Kagyat is another attraction in the hill resort. Saga Dawa is held in Gangtok during May, and Drukpa Teshi is celebrated throughout Sikkim during July mark Buddha's first teaching.

Attractions In & Around
The list of attractions in Gangtok is endless. The small town itself is a beautiful place to move around. It houses sites like the most important 'stupa' of Sikkim, the Do Drul Chorten, the solitary temple or the Enchey Monastery, the marvellous collection of orchids in the Orchid Sanctuary and the picturesque Tashi Ling that provides an astounding view of the Kanchenjunga range. The Namgyal Institute of Research and the Tsuk la Khang, a depository of a large collection of scriptures and the principal place of worship for the local Buddhists, are some of the other places that are worth visiting.

Do Drul Chorten
Do Drul Chorten is one of the many important attractions of Gangtok. It is regarded as the most important 'stupa' of Sikkim. Built in 1945 by Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, this stupa also has sacred gold-topped shikhara with 108 prayer wheels. This highly revered Chorten is also characterised by complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-gyur relics ( Holy Books), complete 'Zung'( mantras) and other religious objects. The Chorten also has two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) around it.

Enchey Monastery
Enchey monastery is another place you must visit in Gangtok. The Enchey monastery literally means the solitary temple. At the time it was constructed, it was the only building in the entire area. This place especially attracts attention during the religious dances or 'Chaam' performed in January. Located above Siniolchu Lodge, about 3 km away from the town centre, the relatively small monastery was built 200 years ago and the present building was constructed in the year 1909. The site where the monastery is built is supposed to be blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his flying powers. You can also get wonderful view of Kanchenjunga from here.

Orchid Sanctuary
The Orchid Sanctuary makes a must visit in Gangtok. The sanctuary is famous for its rare and extensive collection of orchids. The sanctuary's collection also varies depending on the seasons. However, the wide spread orchid sanctuary has almost 454 species of orchid found in Sikkim. An interesting place to visit especially for nature lovers.

Tashi Ling
Tashi Ling is located at a distance of just 6 kilometres from the main town. The Tashi Ling is another important site to visit in Gangtok for it provides astounding view of the Kanchenjunga range. Here lays the Tashi Ling monastery mostly known for its 'Bumchu' (Sacred Pot). This pot contains holy water, which has never run dry for last 300 years. The place also provides view of the Phodong and the Labrang monasteries located on the opposite hill. Just a day's walk from Pemayangtse, this is also a wonderful picnic spot.

Namgyal Institute
A must visit in Gangtok, the Namgyal Institute was built in the year 1958 to promote research in Mahayan Buddhism and Tibetan language and traditions. Built in a traditional style, this institute has world's largest collections of books and rare manuscripts on Mahayan Buddhism, in addition to the works of art and silk embroidered Tankhas. Moreover, it also houses relics of monks, samples of Lepcha scripts, masks and sacred objects like Kapali, a bowl made from a human skull, and the carku, a flute made from a thigh bone.

Tsuk la Khang
Another place that must be included in your sightseeing is the Tsuk la Khang. A depository of a large collection of scriptures, this is the principal place of worship and assembly for the local Buddhists. The Tsuk la Khang is also characterised by the beautiful and impressive building with mural covered interior, lavishly decorated altars or images of Buddha, bodhisattvas and Tantric deities and the many fine works of woodcarving. The Tsuk la Khang remains open for the general public and tourists during Losar, the famous dance festival.

Shopping/Clothing
Gangtok is indeed a treasure trove for its tourists. Besides curios you may pick up bronze and silver jewelry, turquoise, coral jewelry and beads easily from Gangtok. For the food freaks Gangtok offers the dried fish, yak's cheese (churpi), and yeast for making the local beer (tomba).
Gangtok also offers several options for gift items and souvenirs. You may take your pick from carpets, handloom fabrics, thangka paintings and wooden objects.

Important Getaways
Gangtok has a number of interesting sites that you can include in your excursion. Some of the destinations are related to the Buddhist religion while others are simply picturesque, deserving an admiring look. However, the Rumtek Monastery, which is the largest monastery of its kind in Sikkim and the Phodong Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in the region, needs a mention here. These places are easily accessible from the Gangtok town.

Rumtek Monastery
Located at a distance of about 24 kilometres from Gangtok, the Rumtek monastery is one of the many must visit excursion points around Gangtok. The ancient monastery was built in 1717 but didn't survive for long. It was built again by Gyalwa Karmapa in the year 1960 and followed the architectural designs of the monastery in Tibet, from where the Karmapa had come. The monastery is also characterised by the structure covered with murals, Tibetan paintings, Tankhas and frescoes. The monastery is also the largest in Sikkim, sprawling over a wide area.

Phodong Monastery
Located at a distance of 28 kilometers North of Sikkim, the Phodong Monastery is another must visit in your excursion. This is regarded as the most beautiful monastery of Sikkim. It has around 260 monks and some old mural paintings. Many people come here to visit the temple during the festival time.

Travel Tips
All foreigners intending to visit Gangtok can obtain 14 days Restricted Area Permit (RAP), endorsed in their India visa from the Indian mission abroad. Tourists may also obtain the permit from the Deputy Director, Sikkim Tourist Information Center in Delhi or from the Assistant Director, Sikkim tourist Information Center in Siliguri.

Any tourist is allowed to visit Sikkim for a maximum of 15 days and obtain an extension of another fortnight only from the Home Office (Tashling Secretariat). Re-entry into the state is not permitted for three months even if one returns before the completion of the first fifteen days.

Tourist Information Centers(Govt)
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre - Department of Tourism, Gangtok, Sikkim, India . Tel. - 91-03592-22064 / 23425.

Sikkim Tourist Information Centre -New Sikkim House, 14 Panchsheel Marg,
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi -110021 India. Tel. - 91-011-3015346.

Sikkim Tourist Information Centre -4C, Poonam Building, 5/2, Ruseel Street, Calcutta-700017, India. Tel. - 91-033-297416 / 296717 / 298983.

Sikkim Tourist Information CentreSNT Colony, Siliguri, West Bengal, India. Tel. - 91-0353-432646.

Sikkim Tourist Information CounterBagdogra Airport, Bagdogra, India.

Dining out
Buzz(Glenary's), New Market 221643/ 221650
Little Italy, Near Petro Pump, Deorali 281980
The Square, Paljor Stadium Road 227750
Fusion Lounge Bar & Restaurant, Convoy Ground, Tadong 270130
Blue Poppy/ Dragon Hall, Hotel Tashi Delek 222038/222991
China Palate, New Market 227815
Dragon Restaurant, Green Hotel, M.G.Marg 225057/ 224439
Eden Park, Hotel Park Residency 228411/ 228410
Hotel Sher-e-Punjab, 31A NH 222823
House of Bamboo, M.G.Marg 229390
Krishna Restaurant (Pure Veg.) 228550
Metro's Fast Food (Pure Veg.), 31A NH 223245
Moti Mahal, New Market 224430/ 223998
Oberoi's Barbeque, New Market 223215/ 227884
Parivar Restaurant (Pure Veg.), M.G.Marg 227409/ 224088
Risur Restaurant, Deorali 222358
Snow Lion, Paljor Stadium Road 222523/ 223468
The Blue Sheep Restaurant, M.G.Marg 229028
Wild Orchid Restaurant, Hotel Central, 31A NH 222553/ 222105

SPORTS & RECREATION
Adventure Sports
For the adventure tourist Gangtok is the place to be at. While at the hill resort of Gangtok you may indulge in adventure activities like trekking, white-water rafting, hang gliding, yak safari, and mountain biking. Gangtok offers interesting treks to the Pemayangtse, Khechopalri, Yuksam, Tsokha, Dzongri, Thangshing, Zemathang, Chaurigang, Tashiding, Varsey, Yangang, Rabongla, Sang and Sikip. The state tourism department of Sikkim has been promoting the adventure tourism potential of Gangtok

Important Contact No

RAILWAY BOOKING
SNT Bus Stop Complex 222014/ 131
Railway Enquiry NJP 561555/ 561223

AIRLINES BOOKING
(Indian Airlines/ Jet Airways)
Josse & Josse 224682/ 225534
RNC Enterprise 228652/ 228653
Silk Route Tours & Travels 223354/ 229150

HELICOPTER BOOKING
Helipad( 9 kms.) 225277
RNC Enterprise 228652/228653

BANKS
Bank of Baroda 223216
Bank of India 224388
Canara Bank 223589
Central Bank of India 222649
Oriental Bank of Commerce
State Bank of India 226091/ 222224
State Bank of Sikkim 222255
UCO Bank 223164
UTI Bank
Vijaya Bank 222131

NURSERIES
Beyul Nursery, Rumtek 252213
Hidden Forest, Sichey Busty 223196/ 225197
Himalayan Flora & Biotech, Dev Area 222223/ 225438
Pushpanjali Nursery
Sunakhari Nursery
Wayside Gardens & Nurseries, 6th Mile 250706/ 250704

PHOTO STUDIOS
New Studio
Orient Studio 224114
Panorama Colour Lab 225098/ 222488
Photomedia P. Ltd.
Tse Ten Tashi & Company
Tashi & Sons

POST OFFICES
Head Post Office 222449/ 223085/
Deorali Post Office 223256
Raj Bhawan Post Office 223257
Tadong Post Office

COURIER SERVICE
Blue Dart 231374
DTDC 228652/ 228653
Elbee 229150
First Flight Couriers Ltd. 222376
Jayshree 223417
Overnight Express 223813

Police
Tel: 100/22033, 22042