Gangtok, Sikkim

 Gangtok is the capital city of the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. It is situated in the eastern Himalayan range at an altitude of 1,650 meters (5,410 feet) above sea level. Gangtok is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and cultural diversity.

Some of the popular tourist attractions in Gangtok are:

  1. Enchey Monastery: This 200-year-old monastery is located on a hilltop and is known for its architecture and religious significance.
  2. Tsomgo Lake: This glacial lake is located at an altitude of 3,753 meters (12,313 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
  3. Rumtek Monastery: This is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim and is known for its stunning architecture.
  4. Nathu La Pass: This is a high-altitude mountain pass that connects Sikkim with Tibet and is known for its scenic beauty.
  5. Banjhakri Falls: This is a beautiful waterfall located on the outskirts of Gangtok and is known for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere.

Apart from these, Gangtok is also known for its vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and colorful markets. The best time to visit Gangtok is from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.

Gangtok Sikkim Tour Packages

There are numerous tour packages available for Gangtok, Sikkim, depending on the duration of the trip, the number of destinations covered, and the budget of the traveler. Here are some of the popular tour packages for Gangtok:

  1. 3-day Gangtok tour package: This package includes a visit to popular tourist attractions in and around Gangtok such as the Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, and Nathu La Pass.
  2. 5-day Gangtok and Darjeeling tour package: This package includes a visit to both Gangtok and Darjeeling, covering popular tourist attractions such as the Tiger Hill, Ghoom Monastery, and Batasia Loop.

  3. 7-day Gangtok, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong tour package: This package includes a visit to Gangtok, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong, covering popular tourist attractions such as the Rumtek Monastery, Japanese Temple, and Durpin Dara.

  4. Customized tour packages: Many tour operators offer customized tour packages based on the specific requirements and budget of the traveler.

  5. 10-day Sikkim tour package: This package includes a visit to Gangtok, Pelling, and other popular destinations in Sikkim, covering tourist attractions such as the Khecheopalri Lake, Yuksom, and the Khangchendzonga National Park.

The cost of the tour packages varies depending on the duration of the trip, the destinations covered, the type of accommodation chosen, and the mode of transportation. It is recommended to compare the prices and services offered by different tour operators before choosing a package.

Which is the best month to visit Gangtok? 

The best time to visit Gangtok is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear, offering great views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

March to May is the spring season in Gangtok, and the weather is mild and pleasant with occasional rain showers. The temperature during this time ranges from 15°C to 22°C, making it an ideal time for sightseeing, trekking, and outdoor activities.

September to November is the autumn season in Gangtok, and the weather is dry and sunny with cool temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. This is the best time to witness the natural beauty of Gangtok as the skies are clear and the surrounding mountains are covered with vibrant colors of autumn foliage.

However, it is important to note that Gangtok experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season from June to August, which can lead to landslides and road blockages, making it difficult to travel. Additionally, during the winter months of December to February, Gangtok experiences cold temperatures, and some tourist attractions may be closed due to heavy snowfall.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Gangtok Sikkim

  1. Tsomgo Lake: A stunning glacial lake located at an altitude of 3,753 meters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
  2. Nathu La Pass: A high-altitude mountain pass that connects Sikkim with Tibet, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  3. Rumtek Monastery: One of the largest monasteries in Sikkim, known for its stunning architecture and religious significance.
  4. Enchey Monastery: A 200-year-old monastery located on a hilltop, known for its architecture and religious significance.
  5. Tashi Viewpoint: A popular viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range and the surrounding valleys.
  6. Hanuman Tok: A popular temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located on a hilltop, offering stunning views of Gangtok city.
  7. Banjhakri Falls: A beautiful waterfall located on the outskirts of Gangtok, known for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere.
  8. Ganesh Tok: A small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, located on a hilltop, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  9. Flower Exhibition Centre: A popular tourist attraction known for its colorful flower displays and beautiful gardens.
  10. Himalayan Zoological Park: A wildlife park located on the outskirts of Gangtok, known for its rare and exotic animals such as the red panda and snow leopard.

How to Reach Gangtok by Train, Bus Service & Airport Transport

Gangtok does not have a railway station or an airport, so the best way to reach Gangtok is by road. Here are the different ways to reach Gangtok:

  1. By Bus: Gangtok is well connected by bus to major cities in Sikkim and neighboring states such as West Bengal and Assam. The Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) and other private bus operators run regular bus services to Gangtok from major cities.
  2. By Taxi: Taxis and private cars are available for hire from the airport and railway stations in nearby cities such as Bagdogra, Siliguri, and New Jalpaiguri. The drive to Gangtok from these cities takes around 4-5 hours.
  3. By Shared Taxi: Shared taxis are a popular mode of transport in Sikkim. Shared taxis run on a fixed route and are available from major cities and towns in Sikkim and West Bengal. They are a cheaper and more convenient option than private taxis.
  4. By Air: The nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, which is around 125 kilometers from Gangtok. Regular flights operate from major cities in India such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati to Bagdogra Airport. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gangtok.
  5. By Train: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) in West Bengal, which is around 125 kilometers from Gangtok. Regular trains operate from major cities in India to NJP. From NJP, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gangtok.

It is recommended to book transportation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Top 10 Hotels in Gangtok Sikkim

There are many hotels in Gangtok, Sikkim, that offer comfortable accommodation and great hospitality. Here are the top 10 hotels in Gangtok:
  1. Mayfair Spa Resort and Casino: A luxury resort located in the hills, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It has well-appointed rooms and suites, a spa, a casino, and a restaurant.
  2. The Elgin Nor-Khill: A heritage hotel located in the heart of Gangtok, offering a blend of traditional Sikkimese architecture and modern amenities. It has well-appointed rooms, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar.
  3. The Denzong Shangrila: A luxury hotel located in the heart of Gangtok, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It has well-appointed rooms, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar.
  4. The Royal Plaza: A luxury hotel located in the heart of Gangtok, offering well-appointed rooms, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar.
  5. Summit Golden Crescent Resort and Spa: A luxury resort located in the hills, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It has well-appointed rooms and suites, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar.
  6. Lemon Tree Hotel: A mid-range hotel located in the heart of Gangtok, offering well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
  7. Central Hill Resort: A mid-range resort located in the hills, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It has well-appointed rooms, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar.
  8. The Cherry Blossom: A mid-range hotel located in the heart of Gangtok, offering well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
  9. Orange Village Resort: A mid-range resort located in the hills, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It has well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
  10. Hotel Tashi Thendup: A budget hotel located in the heart of Gangtok, offering well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.

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