Gangtok at a Glance
Gangtok is the capital of the mountainous northern Indian state of Sikkim. Established as a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the 1840s, the city became capital of an independent monarchy after British rule ended, but joined India in 1975.
Its name meaning hill-top, Gangtok can be safely said to be one of the most beautiful hill stations in the country.
The best time to visit Gangtok is during the months of late September to mid-December and from March to May.
Bagdogra airport in West Bengal is the nearest Airport at 126 Kms. The national highway 10 or NH10 connects Gangtok to the rest of India. The closest Railway Station is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri which is around 117 km from Gangtok.
NATHULA PASS
This is a pass which connects Tibet with Sikkim at a height of 4310 m. Nathu La Pass was once the part of the ancient Silk Route. To visit this place, one need to collect a permit from Gangtok .
MG Road
MG Road - is the heart of Gangtok and its most happening place. It is the central shopping hub of this beautiful state capital .
RUMTEK MONASTERY
This Monastery is situated 24 km from Gangtok and is considered to be of the most sacred monasteries in Buddhism.
The Tsongmo Lake- is situated 35 km away from the main town of Gangtok. The lake has been considered as holy and been worshipped by Sikkimese people since years.
Ganesh Tok -is a Ganesh Temple located 7 km from Gangtok at an altitude of 6500 m.
Kanchenjunga-The third highest peak in the world, the majestic Kanchenjunga is one of the most stunning mountains in the world.
Baba Mandir-Situated on the road passing between Nathula and Jelepla Pass, Baba Mandir is the shrine which was built at the Samadhi of Baba Harbhajan Singh.
Do Drul Chorten-One of the most important stupas in Sikkim, Do Drul Chorten was built in the year 1945 under the supervision of late Truslshi and Rimpoche.
Hanuman Tok -is a very famous temple of Gangtok which is named after Lord Hanuman and is a maintained by the Indian Army.
Ranka Monastery -Also known as Lingdum Monastery, the Ranka Monastery which follows the Zurmang Kagyud lineage of Buddhism is situated at a distance of 20 km from Gangtok.