Gangtok, the popular tourists place, is the capital city of Indian state of Sikkim. Elevated at the height of 1437m, Gangtok is a popular hill town of the state. The town is blend of different culture as the People living there consist of Tibetans, Nepalese, and people of Sikkim. Surrounded by fascinating higher hills of Himalayan range, and gifted with pleasant weather, Gangtok has become the most important tourist place for the state. It has also become the learning and cultural center of Tibetan Buddhism with a number of monasteries and Buddhist educational institutions.
Places of interest: The city of Gangtok houses many places of inters in and around it. Himalayan zoological park houses many species such as Black Beer, Snow Leopard, Barking Deer, Red Pandas, Civet Cat and Spotted Deer. Nathula is another place of interest just 56 km away from Gangtok. It is situated at about 14200ft and adorned with numerous alpine trees. It is very beautiful and calm place to relax. Founded by the Lama Lhatsun Chempo, Pemayangtse Monastery is situated at the top of the hill and offers its tourist amazing natural sights of nearby hill of Himalayan range. Situated in the eastern part of the Sikkim Kecheopalry Lake is regarded as one of the most revered lake by Hindu and Buddhists as well. The lake is surrounded by the sense forest. Elevated at the height of 10300ft Menam Hill offers its tourists fascinating views of Kanchenjunga peaks. Located on a small hillock on Nathula Gangto road, Ganesh Tok is a temple of Lord Ganesha, one of the Hindu Gods. Enchey Monastery, Do-drul Chorten is beautiful and large Stupa, a kind of religious structure, built in 1945. Enchey Monastery and Dodrupchen Monasteries are other places of interest in Gangtok. A Bhanjhakri waterfall is very beautiful sight with fascinating gardens around it. Many wonderful sculptures are found there. It is one of the most popular picnic spot in Gangtok. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is another place worth visit in Gangtok. It houses beautiful collection of artifacts and manublockeds related with Tibetan Buddhism.
How to get there: Road connects Gangtok to other parts of the state and the country. Many state run buses and private luxury buses are available from other parts of the state and the country to reach Gangtok. Nearest airport to Gangtok is Siliguri Airport. The airport is connected by many domestic flights to major cities of the country. The nearest railway station for Gangtok is Jalpaiguri which is connected to many other cities of the state and the country.
Other details: Many festivals are celebrated in Gangtok. Saga Dava is a Buddhist festival. On the occasion people take out the spectacular procession in the city with number of Monks carrying holly books in the center of the procession. Food and cultural festival is also organized by the Sikkim Tourism Department every year in the month of December. Flower festival is also celebrated every year in the month of March. Losar, Loosong, Dasain and Maghe Sankrati are other important festivals celebrated in Gangtok.
