Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim has emerged into a prominent travel destination, with more and more tourist coming to this little Himalayan state every year, from throughout the world. Sitting on the lap of the majestic Himalayas, Gangtok has developed into a cosmopolitan town where old-world charm and hospitality exist along with the modern age of Information Technology. One can easily notice a harmonious blend of diverse cultures and religions in Gangtok. The people of Gangtok have a strong bonding with their age-old traditions, cultures, and customs. Gangtok is well equipped with all modern infrastructures and facilities of broad roads, flyovers, posh markets, state-of-art hospital, educational institutes, fast food outlets, discotheques, and all other modern amenities that one can ever ask for.
Airport :
Nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal( 124 km.), from where scheduled flights operates to and fro from Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati. The Bagdogra airport is connected to Gangtok by a helicopter service operating between Gangtok - Bagdogra - Gangtok.
Railhead :
Guwahati, Lucknow and other important cities in India.
Road Transport :
Gangtok is well-connected with all weather metalled road with Siliguri, Kalimpong, Gangtok etc. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is connected by all weather road to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and also to all the District headquarters within Sikkim.
Private Taxis, Jeeps and Landrovers ply regularly on the Gangtok- Siliguri Highway and are easily 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.
NOTE : Foreigners need a permit to enter Sikkim (available at Siliguri).
Staying in Gangtok:
Mid-range to the high-range accommodations are easily available in Gangtok. in its numerous hotels, tourist Lodges, tourist hostels and tourist cottages.
Dining out :
Gangtok has an extensive choice of restaurants serving from the Sikkimese food to the Indian food. Some of the prominent restaurants located on the M.G. Marg are Blue Sheep, Khoochi, House of Bamboo and Coks Inn. Porky's on National Highway, Yak's Restaurant & Bar on Tibet Road and Snow Lion in Hotel Tibet are some worth visiting. The local drinks called as 'Thongba' which is a hot drink from fermented millets and the 'Chhang'(rice-beer), are quite common in the state.
Tourist Attractions in Gangtok
LabrangMonastery :
Structured about 100 years ago is the Labrang Monastery, just 1 km further from Phodong. This monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the same as that of Pemayangtse monastery in West Sikkim. Its name translates simply as the dwelling place of the Lamas (Buddhist monks).
Tsomgo ( Changul )Lake :
Tsomgo(Changu) lake is situated 35 km from Gangtok on the Gangtok - Nathula highway which forms a part of the old trade route between India and China. The Tsomgo lake, a holy lake worshipped by the sikkimese, is hardly 20 km away from the prominent Nathula Pass. Its cool, placid water harmonies with the picturesque beauty around, which is increased by its reflection in the lake. A small temple of Lord Shiva is built on the lakeside. Primula flowers and other alpine plantation grow around the Tsomgo lake Sikkim, A footpath along the Tsomgo lake takes one to a resting shed - a walk of about half a kilometre. During the winter months the Tsomo Lake becomes frozen. The tourist also can visit Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary which is located on the route to this lake for seeing the Red Panda and the Blood Pheasant.
Tsomgo lake Sikkim falls under the restricted area and hence an Inner Line Permit, which can easily be obtained from the Police through the Tourism Department or travel agent, is indispensably required by the visitors to visit this place.
How and when to visit Tsomgo lake in Sikkim :
Tsomgo lake in Sikkim is easily approachable from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, India. Gantok is well connected to rest of India via air, road. Best time to Travel :the best season visit Tsomgo Lake is from March to late May, and from October to Mid-December.
Rumtek Monastery :
Just 24km from Gangtok, the historic and magnificent monastery is one of the paramount tourist attractions in Gangtok. It is the residence of 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, and houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures and religious art objects. Rumtek is the largest monastery of Himalayan region and belongs to the Kagyu order. It was originally built in 1730 by the ninth Karmapa but later reconstructed by 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960. There is a school inside the monastery complex teaching Tibetan language and various aspects of Buddhism.
Tasuklakhang - The Royal Chapel :
The Royal Chapel, Tsuklakhang, is within the palace premises, popularly called Tsulakhang Royal. It is the main place of worship and gathering, and the repository of a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures.
Deer Park:
This park is also known as the Rustomji Park named after one of the Dewans of the Chogyal of Sikkim. The park has a big open enclosure, and it shelters animals like the red panda and the Himalayan Bear. A big statue of Lord Buddha commemorating his preachings of the noble truths in the Deer Park at Sarnath optimally beautifies the park premises. A butter lamp continually burns in front of the statue, which is surrounded with flowers of impressive variety. The park commands a spectacular view of the hills, surrounding the Gangtok.
Khecheopalri Lake :
On bifurcation road between Gyalsing and Yoksum, is the limpid water Kechopari Lake (wishing lake) situated. Khecheopalri Lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim by the Hindus and Buddhists.The lake is surrounded by mountains with dense forests and diverse wildlife. It is so placidly located, and has crystal clear limpid waters. It is believed that the birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface.
Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs:
About 25 km from Gyalsing, near Reshi, after crossing the turbulent Rangeet River by a pedestrian bridge, is the Phurchachu springs with curative properties. These springs are considered holy, because of the presence of one of the four holy caves here, called the "Kadosangphu" or 'Cave of the occult fairies' and is located on the south of the four cardinal points.
