Gangtok, Sikkim

For many mountains mountain freaks, a hill station is a place with pines, pointed cliffs and snow along with some gushing springs, waterfalls - all surrounded in fog and mist. But Gangtok, the "Lofty Hill" or the "Hill made flat to build the Gangtok Monastery" in 1716. The capital city fo Sikkim is the "Crested" Shangri-La is unlike any other hill station you have been to. Traveloearth promises it to be out of this world. Sprawling down the west side of a long ridge flanking the Raniput river, an enchantment hangs over the city, that became the capital in mid-19th century. With an areaof 2,500 hectares and a population of about 50,000. Gangtok is located at an altitude of about 1,600 metres (6,000 ft.)

It's the place, where mystery-laden prayer flags whip in the breeze; wheels spin in the hands of Lamas and in the distance are visible excellent views of the entire Kanchenjunga (Kancchen-dso-nga) range. Earlier, it was noted as a hill station resort for holidaying Bangalis and devout Buddhists. Howewver, the perception has changed now. The state is the perfect destination for vacations in the quest of enchantment, tranquity or adventure and Gangtok with spectacular scenery is the launching point for Traveloearth promised by the land.

General Information

Connectivity

Gangtok, the state capital, can be accessed from Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri by road as well as by helicopter services.

New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri are nearest railheads, some 120 km from Gangtok, Lucknow, Mumbai, Cochin, Trivandrum, Bangalore, Varanasi, Chennai and other important cities of India.

Delhi to Gangtok (via Jalpaiguri/Siliguri)

Airways

Though Gangtok has its own airport, linked with helicopter service, however, that is not dependable all the time. Bagdogra, the airport proper, is about 125km from Gangtok, and is approximately 5 hrs drive from there. Regular Indian Airlines and Private Airlines service operate between Bagdogra and delhi (as well as Guwahati and Calcutta).

Railways

Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri (114 km and 125 km respectively) are the nearest railway stations. Some important trains from Delhi are :

New Delhi - Guwahati Rajdhani Express (from New Delhi)

North-East Express (from New Delhi)

Brahmaputra Mail (from old Delhi)

Mahananda Express (from Old Delhi)

The Travel time is approximately 24 hrs or more, except Rajdhani Epress.

Roadways

Gangtok is connected by all weather road to Siliguri (on National Highway also Assam Road), Darjeeling, Kalimpong and also to all the District headquarters within Sikkim.

Bus
The Sikkim Naionalised Transport (SNT) plies regular bus services to & from Gangtok to all major cities and towns in North Bengal and within the state. Booking facilities are available at Siliguri and Gagtok.

Fares and travel time for some important destinations are :

Taxi & Jeep
Share jeeps are a a better aletrnative to buses. Charges for them are as :

Siliguri : Rs 80 - Rs 85 (takes 3 - 4 hrs)
Darjeeling : Rs 90 - Rs 95 (takes 4 - 4 1/2 hrs)
Kalimpong : Rs 80 - Rs 85 (takes app 3 hrs)

For destinations in West Sikkim - Jeeps are available from Children's Park taxi stand. Fares and Travel times are as :

For Phodong, in North Sikkim, it costs around Rs 40 and takes 2 1/2 hrs time.

Jeeps for Rumtek and Tsango (Chhango) Lake costs around Rs 30 and rs 150 respectively. Rumtek is at an hour's distance and Chhangu takes about 2 - 2 1/2 hrs. A taxi to Rumtek costa Approx Rs 400 for a return trip. For Chhangu, a return trip costs Approx. Rs 600. Otherwise, Rs 50 is waht you need to pay for anywhere around town.

Places to visit

Chhangu (Tsango) Lake : Situated some 35 kms from Gangtok, at an altitude of around 12,000 feet, the lake lies on the Gangtok-Nathu-La highway. It's a lake that is sinply cool with placid water and in perfect harmony with scenic beauty around. One can find Primulae flowers among other alpine vegetation growing in the wild around the lake. A small temple dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva lies on the lakeside. A few small shops selling MNC's products, viz, soft drinls, chips etc. come as surprise. Facilities for a Yak ride around the lake is also available.

Recently foreigner's have been permitted to visit the place. A number of Gangtok-based agents offer tour to the lake and arrangethe requisite permit. Even Indian nationals need an inner line permit, and the agents do the job for them.

Deer Park : Every aspect of Sikkim is deeply imprignated with religion and spirits. Be it Lepcha's malignant spirits 'Mung' or the various kinds of world's symbolized in the Buddhist 'Wheel of the life'. Not surprisingly, you sense this belief system even in the Deer Park, located nearby the New Secretariat. A big enclosure having different types of deer and animals native to Sikkim, e.g. the Red Panda and a big statue of Buddha with a butter lamp burning in front of it. All this is surrounded by flowers of exotic variety.

"Do-Drul Chorten" & Jhang Club Chorten" : These two exquisite stupas are located near the Deorati Bazzar. The first was build by Trulshi Rinpoche, head of Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1945, to commemorate the victory of good over evil. It contains complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-guur relics (Holy Books), complete 'Zung' (mantras) and 108 prayers wheels (Mani-Lhakar). The chorten is surrounded by the Chorten Lhkhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padma Sambhava). The second stupa was built to perpetaute the memory of Thrul-shik Rinpoche, an ardent devotee of Buddha.

Enchey Gompa : An important seat of Nyingama order, the monastery, about 3 km from Gangtok near telecommunication tower was built by the great tantric master Lama Druptab Karpo. Karpo was known for his flying powers. Do visit this place, particularly during January or February (18th and 19th of the twelfth tibetan month) when religious masked dance is performed here.

Ganesh Tok : Take 6-7 km stride from the downtown to this ridge offering sprawing view of Gangtok along with stupendous sights of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Sniolchu Looming over the horizon.

Government Institute of Collage Industry : Located some 500 metres uphill from Government's upmarket, it promotes the manufacture and sale of local handicrafts. Thankas, Chokseos, exquisitely wooven carpets with traditional motifs and many other gift items are on offer. Other than on second Saturdays and Govt. Holidays, Sales Emporium remains open throughout the year.

Hanuman Tok : Lying 4-5 km above Ganesh Tok, its attractions are a Hindu Temple and magnificent and mesmerising views of mountains along the horizon. Do visit on a clear sunny morning.

Ipecac Garden : Travelling 15 km downhill from Gantok, one reaches this gorgeous garden. It's an alluring attraction for plant lovers as well as picnickers. Other than Ipecac plant grown here locally, a wide variety of orchids and medicinal plants are grown here. One can buy seeds and saplings of choice to take back home also.

Kabi Langstok : This spot, located about 25 km from, just before Phodong, commemmorates the signing of the treaty of brotherhood between the Lepcha chieftan Tentong Tek and Tibetan chief Khye Bhumsa. A beautiful natural surroundings invites the visitors.

Kechopari Lake : Meaning "Wishing Lake", here you find mountains with dense forests and wildlife. Located on the point of bifurcation between Gyalsing and Koysum, the lake is placid and crystal clear.

Menmecho Lake : A great retreat for nature lovers with accommodation arrangement available in a Dak Bungalow and a tourist lodge. Located about 20 km ahead of Chhangu Lake, its the source of ranpochu river which meets the chanchala river Teesta at Rangpo.

Orchid Sanctuaries : Situated just below the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, and enclosed by a peaceful forest, this site offers an exotic sight of over 200 species of orchids. March to early May and end of September to the begining of December is the best time to visit.

Another orchidarium, maintained by the Dept. of Forests, lies off the main road to Rangpo, alongside the Rani Khola, a tributary of the Teesta.

Dhurchachu Reshi Hot Springs : These spring are framed for its medicinal properties, particularly for skin desease. About 25 km from Gyalsing, near Reshi, the springs are considered holy as one of the four holy caves, ie Kdasangphu (cave of the Occult fairies) is located here.

Ridge : Just a five minutes walk from the main market takes the visitors to this small and plain stretch of road, having the White Hall Complex, where flower exhibitions are organised round the year at the Flower Show Venue. Chief Minister's official residence on one end and the magnificent Palace Gate on the other, add to the attraction. One of the most popular shows organised in the state is the Orchid shows held during spring season.

Sikkim (Namgyal) Institute of Tibetology : Established and inaugrated by Pt.Nehru (the first PM of India), the institute is located in serene atmosphere surrounded by forests of Oak, ash and birch. It's a treasure trove of vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues & relics of monks from the time of Magadhan monarch Ashoka, finely embroidered silk thankas (Tibetan cloth religious paintings), and other prized objects of art. As of now, with one of the largest collection of books and rare manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism, it has become a renowned worldwide centre for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion. Traveloearth enthusiasts would never miss to have a look at a vast collection of religious chortens, brass belts, dorjis, rosaries and 200 icons and prized object d'art.

The institute sells a number of religious art and crafts works and books on Tibetan Buddhism. It's open Monday to friday and every second saturday 10 am to 4 pm. Footwears are not allowed.

Rumtek Monastery : It's the seat of Karmapa Lama who heads the Kamgupa sect of buddhism. Located on the other side of the Ranipul Valley, its about 25 km away from Gangtok. This monastery was found by his holiness XVI th Gyalwa Karmapa, holder of the sacred treasures of Vajradhara, as his main seat outside Tibet. Opposite the entrance is a small hall containing the ashes and bones of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. The style of the monastery is strictly traditional and embodies the ancient artistic traditions of Tibetan architecture. Surrounding the monastery are work's quarters and a spacious courtyard where the famous chaam sacred religious dance, known as Tse Chu is performed on the 10th day of the fifth lunar month (May). Another chaam, representing the battle between good and evil takes place two days before The tibetan New Year (late February-early March).

Tashi View Point : Located 7-8 km from the downtown, this point offers a breathtaking view of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu. Recommended for watching sunrise from here.

Tsuklakhang - The Royal Chapel : Located in the palace grounds, popularly known as Psuklakhang Riyal, is the principal palace of worships and assembly and the repository of vast collection of buddhist murals. The mind of every soul there seems to be pervaded by the air of peace and calm with fragrant jumper incense heightening the mysticism.

Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary : With an area of about 52 sq km, it's located at a distance of 24-25 km from the downtown. Oak, Katus, Kimbu, Champ with thick bamboo forests and ferns - are the main vegetation. The sanctuary is home to a number of orchids and other flora and fauna of wild animals and birds. October and April ar the best time to visit.