Gangtok, Gangtok Tour, Gangtok Sikkim

Gangtok General Information

Population: 75,000
Altitude: 1,547 meters
Area: 2.54 square km.
Best season: Mid-Feb to Mid-June and Oct to Dec.
Clothing: Summer – light woolens and cotton, winter - heavy woolens.
Language: English, Nepali, Hindi and Tibetan

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. Gangtok lies on a ridge overlooking the Ranipool River. Its name means ‘High Hill’. It is situated at an altitude of 1547 meters and covers an area of 2.54 square km. The setting is

spectacular with fine views of the Kangchendzonga range, but the town itself has long since lost its quaint charm. It is now rather dusty and uninspiring, and sprawls over the hillside. New and invariably ugly buildings dominate the urban landscape. All the main facilities including hotels, cafes, bazaar, bus stand and post office are along the main road from Darjeeling which ultimately merges with the old Hindustan-Tibet road. The best season to visit Gangtok is from mid of February to Mid of June and October to December. English, Nepali, Hindi and Tibetan are the various languages which are spoken in Gangtok.

Tourist Attractions in Gangtok
The various tourist attractions in Gangtok are Research Institute of Tibetology, Phurba Chorten and the Ridge, Ganesh Tok, Pinetum, Tashi View Point, Changu Lake, Menmecho Lake, Yumthang Hot Springs. The Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology is a premier institute in the world that was established to conduct research on the language and traditions of Tibet as well as the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. The ridge is lined with plants and trees which when in bloom present a colorful picture. The Ridge has the White Hall and the Chief Minister’s official residence on one end and the beautifully designed Place Gate with a pagoda rooftop on the other end. More...

How to reach Gangtok

By Air:
The nearest airport is situated at Bagdogra, about 124 kms. from Gangtok, and has daily Indian Airlines connections with Kolkata and Delhi.

By Rail:
The nearest railway stations are at Siliguri (114 km) and New Jalpaiguri, which is about 125 kms. from Gangtok and well connected with all major cities of India.

By Road:
Gangtok has only a road connection with the rest of India. Gangtok is connected with Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Siliguri by the National Highway 31 A.

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