Gangtok India Travel Guide

“Gangtok” means “hilltop”, and that’s what most of the the city is like, as it clings tightly to the lower Himalayas. The city is the capital of the state of Sikkim and is located in the state’s southeastern region. Gangtok has always been influenced by countries like Nepal and China. When the British invaded India, they were very keen on taking over Gangtok, due to its strategic location for trade and war. After Indian Independence the Kingdom of Sikkim was given special status as an independent state, until 1975 when the monarchy ended, and the state was annexed into the territories of India.Gangtok today is famous its leather and textile exports. The city is also very renowned for its picturesque monasteries and hills.

Gangtok Things To Do and Attractions

The Enchey Monastery is a very famous faith magnet in the city. This two-hundred year old monastery is a must see for all tourists. Another place worth mentioning is the Do Drul Chorten. It is a stupa, which is encircled by one-hundred-and-eight prayer wheels. The Deer park situated inside the city is good place to visit, where endangered animals like the Red Panda can be seen.About twenty-five kilometers away from the city is a beautiful monastery known as the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre. Architecturally splendid, this edifice stands out of the surrounding landscape. Mountaineers and trekkers can head for Changu Lake, about forty kilometers from Gangtok, at a height of more than 3,700 meters.Shoppers in Gangtok should visit places like the Old Market, where high quality Tibetan rugs and Buddhist prayer wheels are abundant. Make sure you check out the Tankha paintings.

Gangtok Getting There

Reaching the city is a little bit of a hassle; the nearest airport is more than a hundred kilometers away in Bagdogra in West Bengal. The nearest train stop to the city is 125 km away in New Jalpaiguri in Bengal. The best way to get here is by roadways from these places.

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