Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim is located on a ridge at
a height of 5500 feet. With a spectacular view of the Khangchendzonga, the town
provides the perfect base for travel through the state. Once an important
transit point for traders traveling between Tibet and India, it is today a busy
administrative and business centre and presents an interesting mix of cultures
and communities.
Gangtok is the famous capital town of Sikkim. This beautiful
land is well-known as the land of monasteries. It has large area bounded by
lush green forests located on the Shivalik Hills.
Gangtok has been a major pilgrimage center for
Buddhists.
Gangtok combines tradition with modernity. It is one of the
few hilly towns in the region that can boost of a Casino and Discotheque, yet
the traditional Rumtek monastery, one of the most important monasteries for
Buddhists, is also located here.
For a view of Gangtok and all its surrounding, one can got
to Ganest Tok situated on a ridge at a distance of 7 kms from Gangtok. From
this Spot one can get a view of sprawling Gangtok town, while across the hills
Mt. Khang-chen-Dzonga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon.
Gangtok could easily be one of the cleanest cities that you
have ever come across. It exhibits a colorful fusion of balanced ethnic
culture.
Gangtok is the prime tourism destination in the state. The
identity of this town is largely depended upon natural beauty and ethnic
people, which combine with the modern city life.
Gangtok is home to almost everything that the cuisine of
this area has to offer in its most rich, splendid, authentic form with a
flattering variety of options. What is impossible to miss in Gangtok
includes Momos, Thukpa, Wonton, Gyathuk, Thenthuk and more, along
with a Sikkim style meat patty called Shah-Phaley.
Over the years Gangtok has experienced booming economy and
advancement of lifestyle. However it has remained as a peaceful place with a
mix of different cultures & ethnicity.
Breathtaking views from high-altitude mountain passes,
crystal clear glacial lakes, adventurous trekking trails and beautiful Buddhist
monasteries - Gangtok does bring you all the ingredients to prepare a
refreshing recipe.
How to Reach
By Air
The airport nearest to Gangtok is about 124 kilometres away
in Bagdogra, West Bengal. From the airport, you can hire a shared taxi or a
private vehicle that will get you to Gangtok in a matter of two hours. The
drive from Bagdogra to Gangtok is absolutely stunning with gorgeous mountains
and River Teesta as your backdrop.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Gangtok is about 148
kilometres away in New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri. The station is well-connected to
major cities like Kolkata and New Delhi. From New Jalpaiguri you can take a
taxi to Gangtok or go to Siliguri Bus Station and catch a state-run bus to
Gangtok, which will take you about 5-6 hours.
By Road
Gangtok has a well-developed network of roads. National
Highway 31A connects Gangtok to Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and other
mountain locales. Keeping in mind the weather conditions, the road has been
touched up with metal. Regular tourist buses, coaches, taxis and jeeps commute
daily to and fro from Siliguri, Bagdogra, Darjeeling and Kalimpong to Gangtok.
From Gangtok, Bagdogra, Siliguri, Kalempong and Jalpaiguri lie at a distance of
124 Kms, 114 kms, 75 Kms and 125 kms respectively.
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