What is there in Gangtok/ Sikkim?
Gangtok , at an elevation of 5,410 ft is one of the most beautiful cities in India and is the capital of Sikkim. India’s highest peak Khangchendzonga of a height of 28,169ft (3rd highest in the world) is here and there is an amazing trek in Khangchendzonga National Park, which starts from Yuksom , 125km away from Gangtok. Gangtok is the base point of many beautiful places in Sikkim such as Nathula Pass, Gurudongmar Lake, Lachen, Lachung, Yumthang and many more. It has both the natural beauty and city appeal to it. MG road which is always full of people, has clubs, restaurants (it has some very beautiful cafes) and shopping stores. Sikkim has so much to offer, if you are interested in trekking or paragliding , or you just want to sit and relax or you want to visit second highest lake in India , this is the place to be. It is the place for solo travelers, family vacations, honeymooners, or a trip with friends.
We noticed two amazing things in Gangtok ,one, they have a small walking trail which is fenced on both sides, hence very safe for children to walk around the city (mountains) and two, they actually have a very operable government tourism centre on MG road. If you are going then do check this place to know more about trekking trips.
When to visit Gangtok?
Gangtok’s temperature varies from 22 degree C in summers to 4 degree C in winters. It does not get any snowfall but it does rain a lot there. We had visited Gangtok in April, and it was very pleasant. Summer(May-June) is the peak season hence prices are high and during monsoon(July –September) it rains a lot , so it is bit risky to travel in this season. The best times to visit Gangtok is October to December. During this time you can visit nearby places, but in Jan and Feb (depending on the snowfall), some routes might remain close. So if you are planning to travel then make a few calls to the hotels or information centres and then only book for vacation. Route to Gurudongmar closes in Jan and opens in March/ April depending on that year.
Where to stay in Gangtok?
Gangtok has many hotels, lodges and inns. So you can have a luxurious stay at Welcome Heritage Denzong Residency or a budget stay in Shilton Lodge. Check booking.com to book your stay.
How to reach Gangtok?
- By Train : The nearest railway station to Gangtok is about 148 kilometres away at New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri. From here you can take a private cab (they charge around 2k) or you can take shared cab (200 Rs pp).
- By Air : The airport nearest to Gangtok is about 124 kilometres away in Bagdogra, West Bengal. You have to take a taxi to reach the city.
What to visit near or in Gangtok?
You can’t cover all the places near to Gangtok in a short trip. So depending on the time you have in hand, you can plan which places you would like to visit. Below are few such places:
- Gurudongmar : Second highest lake of India. Only Indians are allowed here, foreigners are only allowed till Chopta valley. Lachen is the nearest place where nigh stay is possible. If going via Gangtok then night stay is necessary at Lachen, leave for this early morning.
- Chopta Valley: Foreigners are allowed till this point only, it is also a very great valley and trekking in Chopta valley is an experience in itself. The trekking is easy and for a day only.
- Yumthang Valley : A beautiful valley or wind tunnel. Lachung is the nearest place where nigh stay is possible. It is a three 3 day trip
- Zero Point : A complete snow ridden area with natural geysers and breathtaking views. It is above Yumthang valley and this can be completed along with the trip to Yumthang valley. It is a must go place
- Nathula Pass : A mountain pass that connects India to China. A beautiful destination. It’s a day trip. It requires permit so get the work done a day before (Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays are only visit able days)
- Lake Tsomgo : Is one of the magnificient lake at height of 12310ft. It’s a day trip. Permissions are needed to visit this lake.
- Pelling : A small town near Gangtok with beautiful view. There are hotels available here.
- Darjeeling : Hill station in West Bengal.
There are many such beautiful places near Gangtok which are must visits.
How to travel within Gangtok?
Near MG road there is a taxi stand from where you can get shared taxi or private taxi to move around Gangtok. For longer journeys check tourist information centre on MG road.
What are must carry things to Gangtok?
Umbrella, sunglasses, woollen wear and good camera. Though everything is available in Gangtok.
What was our experience at Gangtok?
The best thing about Gangtok is the people of Gangtok. They are all well dressed and very good in etiquette . We never felt that we are being cheated and most of the people were polite. We had really awesome experience at Gangtok. The journey to Sikkim was quite tiresome as we took the train and then shared taxi, There was too much dust on the way as there was construction of road going on but other than that It was good and we enjoyed our stay.
The food of sikkm was also very great, we tried once and we fell in love with it. If you are going there then do try their traditional food it is nice and different.
Also, a short trip wont do justice to Sikkim, we had gone to Sikkim for 9days and we still haven’t seen 10% of it. But we had prioritized the places we wanted to visit, hence we choose Gurudongmar (Cholamu is the highest lake of India, 1km ahead of Gurudongmar but civilians are not allowed to visit it).