A Custom tour of Indias Himalayan hill Station and green valleys with spectacular panoramas make Gangtok a fantastic place to visit and explore.
Make a custom tour to this sleepy hamlet perched on top of a mountain ridge the houses and streets seem to cling on precariously to the hillside.
The capital of the Himalayan state of Sikkim this traditional town of winding streets and alleys is built on a steep hill descending in many tiers and is sometimes covered by the low wispy clouds.
Tourism here is of great importance to their economy, so great efforts have been made to keep the town clean and tourist friendly.
The clean, fresh air here makes this a perfect place to come and unwind after your whirlwind trip around the other dusty cities of India.
Take time out to relax and enjoy the Nepalese and Tibetan hospitality and delicious cuisine and if you are jammy with the weather, the breathtaking views.
For the more adventurous take one of the private guided tours and go trekking through the rocky surroundings. Read More...
A Culture Tour of This Stunning Himalayan Village in the Clouds
Once part of India and Tibet's main trade route and part of the historic Silk Route, the area is steeped in ancient traditions and Temples.
Making this hazardous journey by mule traders would take gold, silk and yak hair, a much sought after luxury at the time, across the border. From here you can make many sightseeing tours:-
Trek the natural beauty of the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary and look out for some of its famous residents such as the Red Panda.
See for yourself if Do-Drul Chorten is haunted by evil spirits or have all the scary ghosts left.
Make a culture tour to see the natural beauty of the Bakthang Falls, be brave and take the rope slide or try the climbing the wall.
Visit the solitary Temple at Enchey Gompa and witness the Cham mask dance performed by the Monks there during the lunar month
Check out the views at 4,310 metres above sea level at the famous Nathula Pass part of the Silk Route.
Have a guided tour of the Royal Monastery and marvel at its lavish images of Buddha
Top 10 Things to Do in
Tsuk La Khang Monastery
1
The Royal Monastery is lavishly decorated with images of Buddha and colourful murals. Make a culture tour of he location where Kings were coronated and where Royals were married it is now a place of prayer and festivals. In the grounds of the Palace, the Imperial Chapel holds an extensive collection of Buddhist literature and scriptures. There is a calm, spiritual feeling to be found here.
Bakthang Falls
2
Flowing steadily through the abundant vegetation this sweet waterfall trickles rather than thunders but is still a fabulous example. It is not a very high fall but is still extremely picturesque and worth stopping to take photographs and take in its beauty. On your guided tour there why not try the rope slide across the base of the waterfall or the small climbing wall.
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
3
The natural beauty makes the Wildlife Sanctuary a great place to wander and take in the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas. The vast area of bamboos and dense bushes provide the perfect environment for the many species of flora and fauna living here some of which are endangered. Although you may not spot them, there are Snow Leopards and Red Pandas.
Do-Drul Chorten
4
Was this charming place once haunted by evil spirits? Well, that is what a Buddhist Holy Man thought when he came here in the 1940s to meditate. When he arrived, he built a large white Stupa to exorcise the scary ghosts that haunted the hilltop forest here. Make the steep trek up to the Chorten with its gleaming golden top and see the many decorated prayer wheels inscribed with Tibetan mantras and many holy books.
Tashi Viewpoint
5
For the most breathtaking sunrise ever you should make a guided private tour to this fabulous viewing place. Watch as the sun rises over the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga slowly changing the colours of the surrounding hillsides. You need to navigate some steep steps to the top to maximise your view and make some outstanding memories. Have your photograph taken in traditional silk robes.
Enchey Gompa
6
Hidden amongst the conifer forest is the Monastery of Enchey Gompa belonging to an order of the Vajrayana Buddhism. In a remote location, its name literally means the solitary Temple, and it is believed the founder Lama had the powers to fly and flew here to meditate. During the lunar month of the Tibetan Calendar in January and February the Monastery is a riot of colour and sound.
Himalayan Zoological Park
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What better way to see some of Indias most famous, but elusive wild animals than at the Himalayan Zoological Park. This vast parkland can be walked or driven but either way, it is a phenomenal experience of nature. There are resting spots all through the park from where you may be able to spot some of the many animals including the cute Red Pandas.
Nathula Pass
8
At a staggering 4,310 metres above sea level, this mountain pass is considered the highest in the World. Once India and Tibet's main trade route, it formed part of the historic Silk Route. Mules would make the journey carrying gold, silk and yak hair. A few metres away lies the guarded Indochina border scene of many past border disputes. Due to its high altitude, the level of oxygen here is low but worth the trek for the view.
Changchuk Chorten
9
As a relatively new Temple, this is often overlooked in favour for the older examples. However, its classical appearance is a pleasant surprise, and it is full of beautiful coloured murals. Gilded copper Prayer Wheels inside are adorned with ancient Tibetan script, and you should stop to turn them and make your prayers. A small Monastery next to the Temple offers some light refreshment.
Hanuman Tok
10
In the forests above the town at 7,200 feet is the Temple of Lord Hanuman. A riot of colour hits you on arrival, but there is an overwhelming serene, spiritual feeling too. Take a tour and climb the steps passing many prayer bells hanging from the trees and rest a while to take in the fantastic views. Apart from the occasional prayer chants, not a sound is to be heard, and it is a perfect place to connect with your higher spirit.
Travel Tips for Gangtok
Best Time To Visit
Always remember to respect the locals and their beliefs and dress appropriately. Smoking in any public area is completely banned, and it is illegal to even sell or buy tobacco products. There are also strict laws on littering, and the humble plastic bag is prohibited here. Wifi is available in most of the big hotels or at the Internet cafe. This is not a party town, so therefore most of the shops will be shut by 9 p.m.
Typical Costs
Your holiday expenses here would firstly depend on when you travel. The late winter period and spring are classed as peak season, so this would be the most expensive time to holiday there. An average hotel room would cost around 1,600 IR, and this is a mid range hotel. Taxis are reasonable and cost on average 300 IR per journey, or you can hire a car at a maximum cost of 3,500 IR depending on the size of the car.
Know Before Visiting
Always remember to respect the locals and their beliefs and dress appropriately. Smoking in any public area is completely banned, and it is illegal to even sell or buy tobacco products. There are also strict laws on littering, and the humble plastic bag is prohibited here. Wifi is available in most of the big hotels or at the Internet cafe. This is not a party town, so therefore most of the shops will be shut by 9 p.m.
Weather
Winter temperatures of around 4ºc in December and February make Gangtok a pleasant place to visit at this time. Days are clear and sunny but still warm enough to be outside. In the summer period, April to June temperatures can reach 22ºc with cooling mountain breezes. For the best weather, your should visit in October to June. Monsoon season is June to September when torrential rains, some heavy, causes problems with mud.
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