Gangtok

Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is blessed with stunning landscapes. From snow capped highlands to serene lakes to magnificent valleys, Gangtok looks like a magical collage of different hues attracting tourists from all over the country. This beautiful hill station with its irresistible beauty makes everyone yearn to explore more of this magical place.

Although over the years Gangtok has experienced significant growth economically, it still remains a peaceful place with a mix of different cultures and ethnicity. Gangtok spreads over a forested mountain that faces the Kanchenjunga snow peaks.

Attractions

The major attraction and the heart of Gangtok town is M.G. Marg (Mahatma Gandhi Road), which has been converted into a long stretch of walkway with mall like area. The interesting part about this place is that it is a pedestrian only zone and no vehicles are allowed here.

Another must visit place here is the Tsomgo or Changu Lake. This beautiful glacial lake is surrounded by hills, and is a stopover ground for migratory ducks. With Alpine vegetation and flowering plants surrounding it, the lake makes for a perfect picturesque setting.

Travellers also visit the Nathula Pass, which used to be the silk trade route between Indian and Tibet. The pass also shortens the distance between the major Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites, thus strengthening the economy of India whilst improving border relations with China.

Gangtok Zoo, which extends from lower to higher elevations in forested land area, is another must visit destination in Gangtok. A unique feature of the zoo is its collection of rare animals like Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolf, Black Bears and lot more that are all kept in large open enclosures almost like in their natural habitats.

Other popular attractions of Gangtok are

• Rumtek Monastery
• Ban Jhakri Waterfall
• Hanuman Tok
• Saramsa Garden

How to reach Gangtok
By Air: The nearest airport to Gangtok is the Bagdogra airport in West Bengal, which is about 124 Km away.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is the New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri. The station is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata and New Delhi.