Gangtok:Best Places Of The City

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is one of the most popular hill stations in India.at the height of 5600 feet above sea level, the town during its bright sunny days offers spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Gangtok is a base for adventure of trekkers and campers to the Himalayan mountain ranges. During the months of March to Mid-May, blooming of wild Rhododendrons transform the surrounding regions in vast fields of colourful carpets.

Its name meaning hill-top, Gangtok can be safely said to be one of the most beautiful hill stations in the country. With everything in just the right amount from a cultural identities to urbanisation, Gangtok is a breathing and dynamic bit of paradise of India. Gangtok and its surrounding regions are abundant in natural beauty and have various natural attractions such as Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, Tashi viewpoint and more. Other places to visit include famous religious sites the Ganesh Tok, Also, river Teesta is one of the best spots for white water rafting in India.

I have visted gangtok on last may of 2019.First I reached howrah , then new jalpaiguri (nearest railway station from gangtok) by train.

when I reach new jalpaiguri,most people start their journey by visiting darjeeling but I had allready visited similar places like munnar,assam tea garden,so I decided to visit gangtok first.finally reached gangtok by sharing cab from new jalpaiguri. I realy love the city because its very clean with nice people and stayed there for around 15 days.first two days stayed in hotel lhasa but it was little costy so I shift to backpakers hotel.

During that visit I have explore many places in gangtok and near gangtok.

Places that you should must visit when you are in gangtok:-

Nathula Pass

The mighty mountain pass of Nathu La is located at an astonishing height of approximately 4,310 meters above sea level and is considered to be one of the highest motor able mountain passes in the world. The pass is open to the citizens of India and a special permit is needed for the foreign tourists.

Tsomgo Lake

The glacial Tsomgo Lake is located at an altitude of 3,780 meters above sea level. It is also called as Changu Lake and is crossed by the Nathu la Pass on the north. The Chinese border is pretty close to this lake with a small distance of only 5 kilometers, but is however 18 kilometers by road. There is also a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva here and it is also a habitat to the brahminy ducks.

MG Road

From the Flower Exhibition Center, it's an easy walk down to MG Road, Gangkok's atmospheric main street. The street is refreshingly free of litter, spitting, smoking, and vehicles -- as all are banned there. It's a popular hangout place though, and can get very crowded and carnival-like in the evenings. Go there to shop, and to make travel arrangements with the many tour operators that have outlets there. The Golden Tips tea showroom is sought after for its boutique teas, including temi tea that's grown in Sikkim's only tea garden. The shops along MG Marg usually open by 9 a.m. and close by 8 p.m. In addition, many shops are closed on Tuesdays.

Tashi Viewpoint

If you want to experience some of the most breathtaking and awe inspiring views of the Himalayas you must come to Tashi View Point in gangtok. It is simply a circular viewing point where a maximum of four people can stand at a time. Nevertheless, the spot provides a brilliant panoramic view of the Kanchendzonga Mountain on a clear day.

Gangtok Ropeway

Close to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Do-Drul Chorten, board one of Damodar Ropeway's cable cars for a bird's eye view of Gangtok and the surrounding valley. It will take you high up the ridge to Tashiling Secretariat. The Ropeway runs daily from 9.30 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. Tickets cost 110 rupees per person, and there's a discount for children.

Ganesh Tok

Ganesh Tok is a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh; in fact it is so small that only one person can crawl into the temple at a time. However, the main thing to be notices here is its unique location which acts like a viewpoint. Located at an altitude of 6,500 meters above sea level and from here you can witness some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the town below.