Locations :
Best Time to Visit : October – March / March - June
Gangtok is one of the favorite tourist destination places and a dynamic paradise of the northeast. Located on a ridge at a height of 5500 feet, Gangtok is the capital city of the state of Sikkim. When it comes to tourism, Gangtok is a stunning and excellent tourist place in Sikkim. It is the Gateway to Sikkim. Gangtok is an excellent place for holiday spot which is nestled within higher Himalayan peaks. It is a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty and striking views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world that represents the perfect image of India’s great and diverse landscape. The history of Gangtok is bit mystery as the earliest records date from the construction of the hermitic Gangtok monastery in 1716. It is said that British defeated Tibetans and after that Gangtok was made as a major stopover in the trade between Tibet and British India. It is also a pilgrimage center for Buddhism because of the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840. Gangtok offers innumerable scenic beauty and other major tourist attraction places such as – MG road, The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Do-Drul Chorten, Enchey Monastery, Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Ban Jhakri falls and lots more. Apart from this, tourist can also go for varieties of adventurous activities like mountaineering, nature trek, river rafting and so on.
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Lingdum Monastery, Gangtok: Lingdum Monastery is one of the major attractions in Gangtok, set amid serene forested hills, is a specimen of sacred architecture. It is a Buddhist pilgrimage place best for every devotee. Lingdum Monastery is a Buddhist centre in the tradition of the Zurmang Kagyud lineage which is under spiritual direction of Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche, who is the 12th unbroken successor of the lineage. The traditional architecture attracts a lot of tourist from all over India.
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Ganesh Tok, Gangtok: Ganesh Tok is one of the major tourist attraction place in Gangtok set at a height of 6500 m and offers spectacular sights of the snow-capped peaks. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. From here one can also have a spectacular view of entire Gangtok city from the top. Here, you can get the opportunity to take some collective pictures with the traditional dresses of Sikkim.
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Do Drul Chorten, Gangtok: Do Drul Chorten or Stupa is one of the finest monasteries of Gangtok. This monastery was constructed by Trullshi Rimpoche in the year 1945. There are 108 Mani Lhakor (Prayer Wheels) around the Chorten chanting ‘Om Mane Padme Hum’ (O Jewel in the Lotus) to invoke the Bodhisattva. It is a best place for people seeking for nirvana.
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Ban Jhakri Falls, Gangtok: It is another popular tourist attraction in Gangtok lies amidst the lush green valley surrounded by trees and mountain river. It is also known as Energy Park. It is a recreation centre. This falls also includes a park. The Park has a shamanistic theme. It is a must visit place.
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Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Gangtok: It is a famous global centre for the study of Buddhist philosophy and religion. This Institute was built in 1958. This institution is regarded as the highest seat of learning amongst the Mahayana scholars. Here, one can find more than 200 Buddhist icons, antique paintings, thangkas, statues, shrines and other religious works of Tibetan Art. There are some rare manuscripts on the theme of Mahayana Buddhism.
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Rumtek Monastery, Gangtok: Rumtek Monastery is one of the most important monasteries of the Kagyu lineage outside Tibet. It is 24km from Gangtok. It is one of the largest monastery in Sikkim originally built by the Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje in 16th century. Here, the monk’s community perform the rituals and practices of the Karma Kagyu lineage. The Rumtek Monastery appears very serene in the beautiful background of majestic hills and beautiful waterfalls. One can witness the decoration of splendid murals, statues and 'tangkhas'.
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Hanuman Tok, Gangtok: Hanuman Tok is another popular place in Gangtok. This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is maintained by Indian Army. It is said the when Hanuman was hunting for Sanjeevani Booti (herb), he rested at this spot for some time. The environment is very pleasing where tourist can also witness the sight of the third highest peak of the world, Kanchenjunga.
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MG Marg, Gangtok: MG Marg is also known as Mahatma Gandhi Road. It is one of the focal attraction of Gangtok City. This place is best for hangouts and one can collect some unique antiques from the shops. The entire area is free of litter, smoke and vehicle. Visitors can take recreation walk or simply sit and unwind on one of the numerous seats.
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Enchey Monastery, Gangtok: The Enchey Monastery is 200 years old belongs to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. Literally, Enchey Monastery means ‘the solitary temple’. It was built during the reign of Sidkeong Tulku (1909 1910). The site is blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo. One can also get a wonderful view of Kanchenjunga from here. During the Chaam festival, it attracts the attention of many tourist from all over India.
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Tashi View Point, Gangtok: Tashi View Point is one of the major tourist attrction in the city of Gangtok. It was constructed by the erstwhile King of Sikkim named Tashi Namgyal. From here, one can see the beautiful scenic view of panoramic Tashi Viewpoint. This is the perfect to enjoy the natural bounty of Sikkim. It is also an ideal place for picnic spot.
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Big Bazaar, Gangtok
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Local bazaars and shops
Places of Worship:
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Ganesh Tok, Gangtok
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Hanuman Tok, Gangtok
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Do Drul Chorten, Gangtok
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Enchey Monastery, Gangtok
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Rumtek Monastery, Gangtok
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Tsuk La Khang Monastery, Gangtok
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Tashiding Monastery, Gangtok
Places of Entertainment:
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By Air – Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to reach Bathinda, located around 125km away from Gangtok city. This Airport is well-connected with other major cities.
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By Railway – Siliguri Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station to reach Gangtok which is located at 113km from Gangtok city. It is well-connected to some major railway station in India.
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By Road – Gangtok is well linked by State transport buses from all parts of Sikkim.
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