Gangtok

Location: East Sikkim District, Sikkim.
Climate:
Summers: 25⁰ C (Maximum), 14⁰ C (Minimum)
Winters: 16⁰ C (Maximum), -1⁰ C (Minimum)
Best Time to Visit: September to May
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest Railhead: New Jalpaiguri
Must Visits: Rumtek Monastery, Tsongo Lake, Nathu-La Pass, Namgayal Institute of Tibetology, Enchey Monastery
Language Spoken: Hindi, English, Bhutia (Sikkimese), Tibetan and Lepcha.
STD Code: 03592

Gangtok is the proud capital of Eastern Indian state of Sikkim. This twinkling town is nestled amidst the Shivalik hills and in the foothills of Majestic Himalayas. It is spread over an area of 25 square kilometers and is the largest town of the state, Sikkim. Sited at an elevation of 1,700 m above the average sea level, this city features a monsoon-influenced subtropical highland climate with pleasant summers, breezy cold winters and heavy monsoons with average annual rainfall of 3894 mm. Though, Gangtok is a round-the-year destination, the best time to explore the natural beauty of this town is from the month of September (after monsoons) to May. Perched on the ridge of a hill, this city is renowned for its picturesque natural beauty and pictorial views of glorious Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain peak in the world.

To be close to nature and its bliss, thousands of domestic as well as foreigner tourists visit this city yearly. In fact, tourism is a prominent industry for economy of Gangtok. There is not much evidence of Gangtok's early history, but this town rose as a major Buddhist pilgrimage centre after the establishment of Enchey Monastery in the year 1840. Later, in 1894 Thutob Namgyal (ruling king of Sikkimese Chogyal Monarchy) made it his capital. After few years, this city evolved as major stop over on the trade route between Lhasa in Tibet and eastern cities during British Raj. When India got independence from British, Sikkim chose to remain an independent monarchy. It was only in the year 1975, when Union of India took place that Gangtok was declared as the twenty second state capital.

The meaning of Gangtok is not clear but according to the locals, the popular meaning of it is "Hill Top". Gangtok is touched by River Roro Chu in the east and River Ranikhola in the west. Apart from being a major tourist destination, this city is an eminent centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture and learning for being home for several monasteries, religious educational institutions, and centres for Tibetology. Some of the tourist spots that one should never miss to explore are Rumtek Monastery, Tsongo Lake, Nathu-La Pass, Namgayal Institute of Tibetology, Enchey Monastery, Do-Drul Chorten (stupa), Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok. If you love to shop, the M.G. Road present in the main street of Gangtok is a shopper's paradise offering authentic handicrafts and artifacts.

Best Time To Visit Gangtok
As you journey through the winding roads towards Gangtok, the path ahead of you seems to be covered with cotton fleeces. This is because of the dewdrops that cover the roads on a chilly day.

History Of Gangtok
Unlike many cities in the sub-continent, Gangtok remained as an unknown hamlet. According to the epigraphists, not much is known about the early history of Gangtok. The region has never been

How To Reach Gangtok
Tucked away in the Himalayan Mountains, far from the hustle and bustle of urban India, Gangtok is a popular hill station in the state of Sikkim. Erstwhile, an important Buddhist pilgrimage today,

Places To Visit In Gangtok
Scenic beauty, colorful orchids and glorious monuments make Gangtok a fairyland attraction for the tourists. Being a land of diverse culture and religions, the city welcomes people from all walks of life.

Shopping In Gangtok
The hilly town of Gangtok, posited on the Shivalik Hills, with its pointy peaks, inspiring views and warm culture truly poses as an amazing getaway destination for the vacationists. Cuddled against the Himalayas,