Location: Gangtok (altitude: 1,676 M or 5500 ft), situated in the Shivalik Hills of the eastern Himalayan range, is the state capital and largest town of Sikkim. It has a population of about thirty thousand belonging to various ethnic groups such as Nepalese, Lepchas and Bhutia. Gangtok remained a small hamlet prior to construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840. The Monastery has enhanced it's prominence as a popular Buddhist pilgrimage place. Thutob Namgyal, the ruling Sikkimese Chogyal, shifted the capital from Tumlong to Gangtok in 1894. In the early 20th century, Gangtok became a major stopover on the trade route between Lhasa in Tibet and cities such as Kolkata (previously known as Calcutta) in British India. The precisely the most popular meaning of the name Gangtok is "hill top. Now, Gangtok is a center of Tibetan Buddhist culture and learning, with the presence of several monasteries, religious educational institutions, and centers for Tibetology. General Description: The city is bounded on east and west by two rivers, namely Roro Chu and Ranikhola respectively. These two rivers divide the natural drainage into two parts, the eastern and western parts. Both the streams meet the Ranipul and flow southward as the main Ranikhola before it joins the Teesta at Singtam. Most of the roads are steep, with the buildings built on compacted ground alongside them. The areas under Sikkim state are covered by the Precambrian rocks and are much younger in 1 / 9
age. These rocks contain phyllites and schist and the slopes are prone to frequent landslides. Surface runoff of water by natural streams (jhora) and drains have contributed to the risk more. According to the geologists, the town falls under seismic zone-iv, (on a scale of I to V, in order of increasing proneness to earthquakes) near the convergent boundary of the Indian and the Eurasian tectonic plates and is subject to frequent quakes. The hills are nestled within higher peaks and the snow-clad Himalayan ranges tower over the town in the distance. Mount Kanchenjunga (8,598 m or 28,208 ft), the world's third-highest peak is visible to the east of the town. The existence of steep slopes, vulnerability to landslides, large forest cover and inadequate access to most areas has been a major impediment to the natural and balanced growth of the city. There are densely forested regions around Gangtok, consisting of temperate, deciduous forests of poplar, birch, oak, and elm, as well as evergreen, coniferous trees of the wet alpine. Orchids are common, and rare varieties of orchids are featured in flower shows in the city. Bamboos are also abundant. In the lower reaches of the town, the vegetation gradually changes from alpine to subtropical and temperate deciduous. Flowers such as sunflower, marigold, poinsettia, and others bloom especially in November and December. Demographics The population of Gangtok "Notified Town Area" was 29,354 (Census data of 2001), of which Males constitute 54% and females 46% of the population of Sikkim. Gangtok has an average literacy rate of 69.7%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. The literacy rate of male is 77.9% and that of female is 61.5%. More people live in areas that depict slum-like characteristics but have not been notified as slums yet because they have developed on private land. Of the total urban population of Sikkim, Gangtok Notified Town Area has a share of 55.5%. East District including Gangtok, has a share of 88% of the total urban population. The quality of life, the pace of development and availability of basic infrastructure and employment prospects are the major cause for rapid migration to the city. With this migration, the urban services are under pressure, intensified by the lack of availability of suitable land for infrastructure development. Ethnic Nepalese, who had settled in the region during British rule, comprise the majority of Gangtok's residents. Lepchas and Bhutias also constitute a sizeable portion of the populace. Additionally, a large number of Tibetans have immigrated to the town. Immigrant resident communities not native to the region include the Marwaris, who own most of the shops; the Biharis, who are employed in mostly blue collar jobs and the Bengalis are in varieties of professions and services. Hinduism and Buddhism are the most popular religions in Gangtok. It has also a sizeable Christian population and a small Muslim minority. The North East Presbyterian Church, Roman Catholic Church and Anjuman Mosque in Gangtok are places of worship for the religious 2 / 9
minorities. The town has remained secular and never witnessed any sort of inter-religious strife in its history. Nepali is the most widely spoken language in Sikkim as well as Gangtok. English and Hindi being the official language of Sikkim and India respectively are also widely spoken and understood in most part of Sikkim. Other languages spoken in Gangtok include Bhutia (Sikkimese), Tibetan and Lepcha. Climate Due to its altitude and sheltered environment, the town remains a mild, temperate climatic zone all year round. Temperatures range from an average maximum of 22 C (72 F) in summer to an average minimum of 4 C (39 F) in winter. Summers (lasting from late April to June) are mild, with maximum temperatures rarely crossing 25 C (77 F). The monsoon season from June to September is characterised by intense torrential rains often causing landslides that block Gangtok's land access to the rest of the country. Rainfall starts to rise from pre-monsoon in May, and peaks during the monsoon, with July recording the highest monthly average of 649.6 mm (25.6 in). In winter temperature remains between 4 C (39 F) and 7 C (45 F). Snowfall is in the town is occasional but foggy weather is very often. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Avg. monthly Rainfall in mm 31 79 116 Avg. monthly temperature 12 in C (Max.) 14 18 Avg. monthly temperature 4 in C (Min.) 5 9 3 / 9
Transport: Gangtok cable car is one of the tourists' attractions. The 1 km (0.6 mi) long cable car with three stops connects lower Gangtok suburbs with Sikkim Legislative assembly in central Gangtok and the upper suburbs. Generally, taxis are the most commonly available as principal mode of transport within the town. The most of the local people have their own vehicles such as two-wheelers and cars. The share of personal vehicles and taxis combined is 98% of Gangtok's total vehicles, a high percentage when compared to other Indian cities. City buses comprise less than one percent of vehicles. Those traveling longer distances generally make use of vehicle on sharing basis i.e. shared taxi. Many 4 wheel drive vehicles are also available to navigate the steep slopes of the roads easily. Gangtok is connected to the rest of India by an all-weather metalled highway, National Highway 31A, which links Gangtok to Siliguri at 114 km (71 mi) away in the neighboring state of West Bengal. The highway also provides a link to the neighboring hill station towns of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, which are the nearest urban areas. Regular jeep, van, and bus services link these towns to Gangtok. Gangtok is a linear city that has developed along the arterial roads, especially National Highway 31A. The steep gradient of the different road stretches coupled with a spiral road configuration constrain the smooth flow of vehicular as well as pedestrian traffic. Sikkim Nationalised Transport (A Govt. undertaking) has a large number of buses which runs between Gangtok and various places in Sikkim and also to Siliguri. The tourists arriving at New Jalpaiguri Rail Station (NJP) may avail of the shared taxi service from the rail station car parking. Otherwise, the buses including North Bengal State Transport buses and many private services are available from the Main bus stand at Siliguri. The main bus stand is situated close to Siliguri Jn. Rail station. Now, in order to avoid traffic congestion in the town, the taxi/ bus services from different directions are terminated at a point away from the town center The tourists may get local vehicles (3 wheeler) to reach their destinations in Gangtok from the respective transport terminus 4 / 9
The nearest railhead connected to the rest of India is the station of Siliguri Jn. and New Jalpaiguri. The most convenient trains to NJP station from Kolkata is Darjeeling Mail, Kanchan-Kanya Express which reaches in the morning. There are 3-wheeler service besides taxis to travel to and fro main bus stand at Siliguri. The car takes about 4 hours to reach Gangtok from Gangtok. The closest airport is Bagdogra Airport, 16 km (10 mi) from Siliguri. Although Gangtok does not have an airport, it is linked to Bagdogra airport via a daily helicopter service. Air service connects Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati airport with Bagdogra. There are some hotels at bagdogra also. Due to frequent traffic dislocation caused by agitations or political problems in the hill areas or delayed arrival of flights, the stranded air-passengers may avail of these hotel accommodations instead of proceeding to wards Siliguri. There are plenty of taxis available for Gangtok from Bagdogra town / Airport. Travelers Entry permit: The Indian tourists need not to take permit to visit the principal tourist destinations viz. Gangtok, Pelling, Rumtek, etc. Carrying of a photo ID card is advisable while traveling. However, the permit is required to obtain locally for traveling to interior places beyond the limit. The foreigners are required to obtain necessary permit. Clic k here Travel Agents in Sikkim: The tourists may require the assistance of the travel agents to visit the places outside the town due it's timings, obtaining of traveling permit, where ever required, arrangements of vehicles, etc. Click here to access the chart showing the details of travel agents who have provided their contact details. Places of interest in and around Gangtok: Gangtok Ropeway - The ropeway takes passenger from lower terminal situated at Deorali Market, the intermediate terminal at Nam Nang and the upper terminal is below the Secretariat (Tashiling). 5 / 9
Enchey A famous gumpha of the Nyingma-pa sect built in 1840, is situated 3km away from the main bus stand, to its N-East, at the peak of the hills of Siniyolchu. It is believed to be the holy site of Lama Druptab Karpa, the legendary flying lama of the Tantric cult. The Monastery that stands now was in fact reconstructed in 1909. Enchey literary meaning: the place of solitude, has a rich collection of masks for the famous Lama Dance. Chaam or the Lama Dance festival (for festivals in Sikkim, Click here ) is held in December. Lungtas or colourful prayer flags with mantras inscribed on them. Beyond the Govt Press and the Secretariat, on a slope is the Deer Park, made as a replica of Saranath, also has an image of Saranath Buddha and a museum. The Chogyal Palace (1894 1975) or Tsuk-la-thang is a few distance away, it open to the public only during the Pang Lhabsol festival in the last week of December. Just beyond it is the Royal Chapel with its rich murals. There is also Royal Assembly or Durbar Hall. There is Sai Baba Temple on the way, and further 8km north from Enchey is Tashi View Point (6,100ft) on the north Sikkim highway. It offers you a view of Kanchenjunga and Siniyolchu. The Sunrise between the two peaks is an unforgettable sight. Gonjang Monastery, near Tashi View Point was established in the year 1981, the monastery follows Jangter tradition of Nyingma-pa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Sa -Ngor Monastery is a Tibetan refuge monastic institution established in 1961 by Eminence Luding Khen Rimpoche at a beautiful hill top which is 5km from Gangtok town, Head of Ngorpa. This is the only Monastery of the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim. 3km away from Gangtok is DO-TA-BU or the stone house ( Do Drul Chorten) is one of the largest stupa. It is part of a pilgrimage to the Nyingma-pa Buddhists. The stupa was built by Trullshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma-pa order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Inside this stupa, a complete set of Dorjee Phurba, Kangyur relics (Holy Books) and other religious objects. Around the stupa are 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer wheels. The stupa is surrounded by Chorten Lakahang and Guru Lakhang, where two statues of Guru Rimpoche are present. There are 108 Mani Lakhang or Prayer wheels surrounded the towering chorten. The adjacent monastery has an image of the Indian guru Padmasambhava. Very near is Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology (Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology), Worlds third largest collection of Tibetan texts and scriptures. The foundation stone was laid by Dalai Lama on 10 Feb1957. There is an Orchid Farm beyond it, where more than 400 species of orchids. There is also a huge image of Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche who Introduced Lamaism in Tibet in the 8 th century. The forest department has built an Orchidorium 14km away from Gangtok on the way to Rumtek, with more than 500 species of tropical trees and plants. On a small hillock, 7km away is a small temple named Ganesh Tok (6,100ft) (2,031 m).just 6 / 9
above it, 11km away from the town is another view point, Hanuman Tok (7,000ft), the temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple has a panoramic view and a short distance before the stair case leading to the temple is the burial ground of the royal family. A hot spring flows out from the 1.5ft long footprint of Guru. White hall was built in 1932 in memory of Claude White, the first British Political Officer in Sikkim, it is also the place foe Gangtok flower festival. Himalayan Zoological Park is 8km away from town which covers an area of 205 hectares, is the home of elusive Red Panda, Barking deer, Himalayan black bear and others. India 's only Butterfly Park (1992) with not less than 400 species is another attraction of Gangtok. Tsango Lake is about a mile long and a half mile wide, and 50ft deep, 35km N-East of Gangtok, on the way to Nathu-la at China(Tibet) border, Tssango lies in its snowy splendor at a height of 3774m. 17km away at 14,400ft is Nathu-la Pass or Tibet / China border. Nathula straddled 56km away from the city at 14,450ft is one of the highest motorable roads which are lush in exotic alpine vegetation. The way to Nathu-la is on your left, the right goes above Tssango and reaches the temple of Baba Harbhajan Singh, i.e. a Gurdwara in the beautiful Kupup Valley (12,400ft). The mausoleum was built in 1997 in the name of brave soldier who died in the water of Teesta. Snowy mountains form a wall around the lake. Tssango had a record snowfall of 125 cm in a single day during 1988-89. Tsomgo (Tso in Bhutia: Lake, Mgo: Head) Lake is 40km from Gangtok on the old trade route to Tibet. One km long oval shaped lake at 3,780m (3,700 m) has rich jungle all around. There is a small Shiva temple by the side of lake and the area around it is a riot of colour in spring when the primulas and rhododendrons bloom, with numerous waterfalls and mountain torrents breaking the breath taking green. Stretches across an area of 4 Sq. km, the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is a breath taking store house of junipers, silver firs, rhododendrons and many orchids and varied species of animals. Matimkhola water garden (31 km from Gangtok) 16km from Gangtok is a popular picnic spot in a natural environment and sight within the wildlife park include the Tseten Tashi cave. Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery located at Lingdum village about 20km from Gangtok was 7 / 9
built by Gharwang Rimpoche who is the 12 th incarnate of Zurmang Gharwang. The Aritar Lake (Lampokhari) near Rhenock, about a 3 hour drive from Gangtok where you can explore typical Sikkimese village and get recharged in its tranquil locales. Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary is 20 km (25 km) away from Gangtok and is spread over an area of 5,280 hectares (51.76 sq km). From Pang Thang it is a 6 km trek to the sanctuary. The 7,000 ft high wooden watch tower offers you a chance to see the Red pandas, Himalayan black bears and many more animals. Market: The State capital Gangtok is the prime place for shopping various items attractive to the visiting tourists. This apart, various other places are also important for purchasing some of the items produced in the nearby areas. The main emporium out of 28 centers of Directorate of Handloom & Handicrafts is located at a convenient place at 'Zero' Point in the capital city. Most of the handloom and handicraft items produced in the state are beautifully showcased here. These are than ka paintings, carpets, handlooms, wooden carved and painted items, wooden masks, cane and bamboo works, traditional hats and caps, multi-craft items, embroidered products and stuffed dolls. The private shops on M.G Road in Gangtok also keep varieties of handicrafts. Many shops accept payments through credit/debit cards. There are a good numbers of ATMs in the market area of the town. What to buy: Temi tea, Sikkim Liqueur, Gingerina (Ginger paste), Alpine cheese, Dansberg beer, handmade paper, Handicrafts, Black cardamom, Thankas, Carpets, Choksee, Fruit juice, Orchid, Glass beads, Semi-precious stones, Silver jewellery, Hand woven jackets, etc. Safety: Safe as no major criminal activity found. Roads: All weather motorable highway. Delay may occur for road blockage due to land slide in rainy season. Road traffic: 8 / 9
Careful and slow driving in hill roads suggested. There may be occasional traffic jam at the entry point of Gangtok. Transport : Plenty of taxis and buses for different places of the state and also to and fro Siliguri, Darjeeling, etc. Medical support: Available. Fuel Pumps: Available. Car repairing: Facilities are available for common brands. Market & Shopping Centre: Small to medium shops on both sides of the main road at the centre of the the town. Tourist Information Centre: Available. Railway & Air Ticket: Booking Office near the market. Hotels & Restaurants: Many. Sports & Game Centers: Yes. 9 / 9