Sikkim, located in the north-eastern part of India, is the most underrated state when it comes to tourism. While Sikkim is full of jaw-dropping places to visit, its most prized possession is the fantastic city of Gangtok. Sikkim’s capital city is one of India’s most picturesque and beautiful hill station destinations. It is beautifully placed by nature on a ridge between two rivers, Rangeet and Teesta, and is surrounded by Himalayan ranges, which are home to some of India’s most pristine wildlife sanctuaries and beautiful mountain peaks like Mt. Kanchenjunga (third highest peak in the world)

The year-round mild weather makes Gangtok a perfect holiday destination. It serves as a gateway to Sikkim, and tourism is the city’s primary income source. Eco-tourism, which includes activities like trekking, river rafting, and mountaineering, has emerged as a critical aspect of tourism.

Today, Gangtok has become a cosmopolitan city with all kinds of modern facilities one would like. Also, with so many religious and educational institutions, monasteries, and Tibetology centers, Gangtok has emerged as a hub for Tibetan Buddhist culture and learning.

How to Reach Gangtok for a Splendid Hills Tour?

Bagdogra Airport is closest to Gangtok. The airport is well-connected to Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. You can hire a taxi from the airport to Gangtok or take a shared cab from Siliguri and then to Sikkim. You can also avail of helicopter services from Bagdodara to Gangtok.

The nearest rail station to reach Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri. It is connected to all the major cities of India. All trains from Guwahati pass through New Jalpaiguri.

Gangtok is also well-connected by road to all major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and more. Buses are available every time to Gangtok from major nearby cities. Those coming by train can either take a taxi, an auto, or a bus to reach the Siliguri bus station, from where you have many bus options to reach Gangtok.

To travel within the city, you can take taxis from the authorised Taxi stand. You will get taxis at standard rates.

Places to visit for your Summer Gateway Gangtok Tour

Gangtok is one of the lesser-explored places in India. Below are some of the places which are worth visiting when in Delightful Gangtok.

The Rumtek Monastery

It is one of the most prominent monasteries in the country. The monastery houses several art objects and some of the world’s unique sacred scriptures. Foreign nationals must obtain a permit from the government office at Siliguri and Sikkim to visit the Rumtek monastery.

Mahatama Gandhi Road (MGR)

MGR is the heart of Gangtok and a pedestrian-only zone. The buildings on both sides of the road are painted green, in line with the government’s green initiative. You can stroll over the road and buy souvenirs for back home. This place is also famous for the Food and Culture Festival, an extravaganza held in December every year.

Nathu La Pass

Nathu La Pass is situated on Indo- Tibetan border. Nathu means ‘listening ears', and La means 'pass'. It is one of the highest motorable roads and a mountain pass co-joins Sikkim and China. This place has heavy snowfall during winter.

Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake gets its water from the melting snow of the mountains. The lake is famous for its colour-changing waters. In the winters, it freezes into a limpid cover of ice, whereas monsoons see a bright aquamarine color. And as the summer approaches, more than a thousand blossoming flowers make the boundary of the lake and lend the waters a riot of vibrant colours.

Another spectacular monastery is the Pemayangtse monastery meaning ‘perfect sublime lotus’, the word pemayangtse symbolizes one of the four retes or network of cells in the human body. The second oldest monastery in Sikkim, you can see the amazing view of snow-capped mountains and valleys with dense forests.

Another excellent place worth seeing is the ruins of Rabdentse. It is famous for being the erstwhile royal capital of Sikkim, and these ruins have been declared a monument of national importance. A visit to the ruins is perfect for history enthus who like returning in time.

You can also visit Kalimpong, located around 75 km south-west of the Rumtek monastery. It is a beautiful hill station with tranquil Buddhist monasteries, olde churches, and famous temples.

And just 100 km southwest of Rumtek is the famous hill station of Darjeeling. It is located at 7000 ft amidst the snow-clad Himalayan peaks. The world’s third-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga, can be seen from here when the sky is clear.

 It is a pleasing experience for anyone to be part of the splendid hills tour to Gangtok.

 

Packages for all!

IRCTC Tourism offers various packages to visit Delightful Gangtok. All you have to do is log in to www.irctctourism.com and start looking for the package that suits you the best!

Disclaimer: All information provided on this website is in good faith. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we suggest everyone refer to the official website www.irctctourism.com for updated packages and offers.

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