\
Gangtok

Gangtok

State

Sikkim

Country

India

Continent

Asia

Size

19 KM2

Population

100,290

Spending Budget

$25 - $134

Famous For

  • Buddhism

Best Time to Visit

  • January
  • February
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December

History

n 1894, Thutob Namgyal, the Sikkimese ruler under British guideline, moved the capital from Tumlong to Gangtok, expanding the city’s significance. Another great castle alongside other state structures was implicit the new capital. Following India’s freedom in 1947, Sikkim turned into a country state with Gangtok as its capital. Sikkim went under the suzerainty of India, with the condition that it would hold its freedom, by the settlement marked between the Chogyal and the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. This agreement gave the Indians control of outside issues in the interest of Sikkimese. Exchange among India and Tibet kept on thriving through the Nathula and Jelepla passes, branches of the old Silk Road close to Gangtok. These fringe passes were fixed after the Sino-Indian War in 1962, which denied Gangtok of its exchanging business. The Nathula pass was at last opened for restricted exchange 2006, fuelling any desires for monetary blast. In 1975, following quite a while of political vulnerability and battle, including riots, the government was revoked and Sikkim turned into India’s twenty-second state, with Gangtok as its capital after a choice. Gangtok has seen yearly avalanches, bringing about death toll and harm to property. The biggest debacle happened in June 1997, when 38 were murdered and several structures were decimated.

Present Day

Gangtok is a city, district, the capital and the biggest town of the Indian province of Sikkim. It is likewise the base camp of the East Sikkim region. Gangtok is in the eastern Himalayan range, at a height of 1,650 m (5,410 ft). The town’s populace of 100,000 are from various nationalities, for example, Bhutia, Lepchas and Indian Gorkhas. Inside the higher pinnacles of the Himalaya and with an all year gentle calm atmosphere, Gangtok is at the focal point of Sikkim’s travel industry. Gangtok rose to unmistakable quality as a mainstream Buddhist journey site after the development of the Enchey Monastery in 1840. In 1894, the decision Sikkimese Chogyal, Thutob Namgyal, moved the cash-flow to Gangtok. In the mid twentieth century, Gangtok turned into a significant visit on the shipping lane between Lhasa in Tibet and urban communities, for example, Kolkata (at that point Calcutta) in British India. After India won its autonomy from Britain in 1947, Sikkim decided to stay a free government, with Gangtok as its capital. In 1975, after the combination with the association of India, Gangtok was made India’s 22nd state capital.

Future

Gangtok’s economy doesn’t have a huge assembling base, however has a flourishing Cottage industry in watch-production, nation made liquor and crafted works. Among the handiworks are the handcrafted paper industry produced using different vegetable filaments or cotton clothes. The fundamental market in Gangtok gives a large number of the state’s provincial occupants a spot to offer their produce during the collect seasons. Most of the personal business network is comprised of Marwaris and Biharis. As a major aspect of Sikkim, Gangtok appreciates the status of being an annual tax exempt locale according to the state’s 1948 Income charge law. As Sikkim is a wilderness express, the Indian armed force keeps up an enormous presence in the region of Gangtok. This prompts a populace of semi-perpetual occupants who carry cash into the nearby economy. The Sikkim government began India’s first online lottery Playwin to support government pay, yet this was later shut by a decision from the Sikkim High Court. Agribusiness is a huge business in Sikkim and in 2003 the Sikkim state government proclaimed the objective of changing over the entire segment to natural creation. The objective of 100% natural was accomplished in 2016. This accomplishment offers new fare chances to develop the horticulture part, to accomplish premium costs and new open doors for agritourism. Gangtok is controlled by the Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) alongside the different divisions of the Government of Sikkim, especially the Urban Development and Housing Department (UDHD) and the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED). These divisions give metropolitan capacities, for example, waste disposal, water gracefully, charge assortment, permit portions, and city framework. An overseer designated by the state government heads the UDHD.
Must Visit Places ------------

Tsomgo Lake

One of the most important and magnificent places to visit in Gangtok, the Tsomgo Changu Lake is a glacial lake situated 40 kilometres from Gangtok at a height of 12,310 feet. A fairytale lake of breathtaking beauty, Tsomgo Changu should definitely be on your travel itinerary for Gangtok. The icy blue waters of the lake reflecting the grandiose peaks of the Himalayas make for a spectacular sight. The prayer wheels and the small Shiva temple on its shores are a testimony to the sacred nature of the lake in the eyes of the locals. Spend an entire day at this lake since it is a once in a lifetime experience. Picnicking on its shores will prove to be a memorable delight and it can be augmented with the help of the tea and snack sellers who sell mouth-watering treats near the lake. If you wish to enjoy additional attractions near the lake, a visit to the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary can be planned alongside.

Nathu La Pass

One of the most significant places to visit in Gangtok, the Nathu La Pass is a pass which connects Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. In the ancient days, this pass formed a part of the Silk Route, one of the most important trading routes in the world. Visiting Nathu La Pass is a must-do when in Gangtok because the views and experiences that you can have here are unlike any other. The beautiful pass can simply be enjoyed by driving or hiking around it leisurely. The height of the pass ensures magnificent mountain views, especially on clear days. Besides enjoying the pass itself, you can also visit the border trade market at Sherathang and indulge in a unique shopping experience. You can buy raw silk, butter, china clay, goat and sheep skins, horses and a lot more from this market. A trip to the second highest golf course in the world at Kulup should also form an art of your plans for Nathu La. The Gnathang Monastery and Gnathang War Memorial are two other attractions nearby.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

A place where Tibetan Buddhism is studied and preserved in depth, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a popular attraction in Gangtok. Since the region is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, understanding it is a great way to understand the motivations of the local population Namgyal Institute of Tibetology allows visitors to do just this. Beautiful Tibetan architecture defines the building and its museum houses several statues, coins, scrolls with hand paintings

Tashi Viewpoint

The Tashi Viewpoint is one of the popular places to visit in Gangtok. Famed for its sunrises and sunsets as well as its startling views of the entire grand Himalayan mountain range, Tashi Viewpoint is a place that will leave you with some great pictures and countless memories. Viewing both the sunrise and the sunset here is a great idea since it allows you to the experience the depth of Sikkim’s natural beauty in all its aspects. Try to plan your visit so that it falls on a clear day as clouds can really dampen the pleasure of the viewpoint. Combining the visit to the viewpoint with visits to the Ganesh Tok and the Bakthang falls is a good idea.

Seven Sister Water Falls

One of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring spectacles of Gangtok, the Seven Sisters waterfalls should definitely be visited when you are in Gangtok. The Seven Sisters waterfalls reflect the unique creativity of nature- seven separate waterfalls, originating from different sources and flowing side by side, marge into one powerful waterfall mid-way through. The combined force of these seven streams results in a thunderous waterfall which captures the imagination of all viewers with its might. Don't forget to book a romantic tour package of Gangtok covering Seven Sister Waterfalls. A ropeway near the waterfall is a good place to enjoy the falls from up close. Since the waterfalls burst into full power only during and after the rains, tourist sheds have been built at convenient locations around the waterfalls. This allows people to enjoy the sight of the falls without getting drenched in the rains. A cafeteria also operates nearby.

Kanchenjunga Mountain

The sight of the third highest mountain in the world is one of the best attractions in Gangtok. Kanchenjunga towers high above the other peaks of Sikkim and can be glimpsed from most places around Gangtok. But if you want to go beyond gazing and actually enjoy the mountain up close, you can engage in treks to the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga or simply visit the Kanchenjunga National Park. If you want to enjoy trekking to Kanchenjunga, the Green Lake trek, as well as the Kanchenjunga Base camp trek, are a great option to explore since it takes you right up to Zemu Glacier, the location of the base camp in Sikkim.

Phodong Monastery

One of the best solitude rich places to visit in Gangtok, this monastery was built in the early 18th century on the remains of an older monastery and plays an important part in the cultural landscape of the place. The monastery is among the most revered monasteries in Sikkim and offers visitors a chance to enjoy the spiritual depth of Sikkim at its best. Spending some hours enjoying the ancient murals on the walls as well as the ancient sculptures and artefacts preserved in the halls is a good way to enjoy the monastery. For those looking to gain some peace, the meditation halls of the monastery are perfect. Situated as it is in the midst of grand natural beauty, a visit to this monastery is a meditation in itself. The annual Cham dance festival is celebrated here in February. The views from the monastery are also wonderful.

Do Drul Chorten Stupa

A landmark sight in Gangtok, the Do Drul Chorten Stupa is a good place to visit in the city. Built-in 1945-46 by Trulshik Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, this stupa holds significance in the city because of its said ability to drive away evil spirits. It features the traditional 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer wheels of Buddhism which are supposed to have wish-granting properties. The golden top of the stupa enshrines the figure of Dorjee Phurpa or Vajra Kilaya. If you are interested in understanding the cultural pulse of Gangtok, a visit to this chorten, which is among the most important chortens in Sikkim, is a must. The climb to the top is slightly exhausting because of its steep nature, but the views from the top are rewarding.