Gangtok

The name itself means 'hill top'. The beautiful hilly town offers picturesque views of the Himalayas. A quaint blend of the old and the new.

Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim is an enchanting tourist destination. Ideally located in the heavenly Himalayas, Gangtok is the perfect amalgamation of tradition and modernity. The lofty hills in Gangtok are truly mesmerizing. Gangtok is beautiful, so much so that the place seems to exist only in fairy tales and story books. Prayer flags whipping in the breeze, wheels spinning in the hands of the Lamas, snow settling in the middle of the streets, silk, silver, spices and jewellery capturing the tourists' hearts ­ experience all this and much more on your Gangtok tour. An air of enchantment envelopes the place. The sound of long trumpets echoes loud amidst the hills and valleys.

Many tourists from across the world come here to spend memorable holidays. It is one of the most important commercial city in North East India. The culture of Gangtok is deeply rooted in its age-old traditions and beliefs. The fairs and festivals in this city are celebrated with great fervor. The annual Buddhist festival of Bumchu is celebrated at the Tashiding Gompa in the month of January. Another interesting attraction is the monthly mask dance of Kagyat.

Best time to Visit Gangtok
The weather in Gangtok is the best during March to late May and October to Mid-December, which makes it the best time to visit Gangtok.

Places of Interest in Gangtok
Labrang Monastery:
Ancient and beautiful, Labrang Monastery belongs to the Nyingmaoa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Rumtek Monastery:
It is a famous monastery located 24 kilometers from Gangtok. It belongs to the Kagyupa sect of Buddhism.

Pemayangste Monastery:
Originally built as a temple, Pemayangste Monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism. It was constructed in the 17th century by Latsun Chempo.

Deer Park:
Offering picturesque view of nature, Deer Park has wonderful attractions. It has an open enclosure housing interesting wildlife like Himalayan bear and red panda.

Phurchachu Reshi Hot Spring:
Endowed with medicinal properties, Phurchachu spring is considered holy. Four holy caves known as 'occult fairies' are located near this spring.

Khecheopalri Lake:
Popularly known as the wishing lake, Khecheopalri Lake is squeaky clean and not a leaf can be seen floating on it because it is immediately taken away by birds. It is a celestial lake surrounded by immense natural beauty – mountains, dense forests and wildlife.

Reaching Gangtok