PLACES TO VISIT IN GANGTOK

Tripoto
22nd Dec 2019

Route from Nathula to Tsomgo lake

Photo of PLACES TO VISIT IN GANGTOK by Guru Gayatri

Sikkim’s capital is a vibrant hill station with valleys and mountains around. The rich culture infused in every corner of this place is enough to find one’s inner peace.

Entry to Gangtok: The nearest airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra in Siliguri and the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri in the state of West Bengal. From here taxis and jeeps can be hired up to Gangtok.

Best Time to Visit: March to May is favourable as the weather remains cool and pleasant. Sept to Feb is also a good time to visit Gangtok. However, Dec to Feb months sees very cold temperatures.

Places to Explore in and around Gangtok:

1. MG Marg: Located at the heart of Gangtok city, this is an ideal spot for all shopping lovers. Anything can be purchased at a quite reasonable rate here. There are many shops where souvenirs can be brought. There are numerous restaurants on this road – well known ones include Baker’s café, Roll House and Taste of Tibet.Smoking is prohibited at this road and vehicles are not allowed on the Marg so the entire market can be explored by walking only.

Photo of MG Marg, Vishal Gaon, Gangtok, Sikkim, India by Guru Gayatri

2. Tashi View Point: Located at a distance of 8 kms from Gangtok is a spectacular view point where the mount Kanchenjunga can be seen here along with Mt. Sinilochu. It is recommended to visit this place on a non cloudy day and binoculars are also recommended. There are ample eateries around where one can grab thukpa and hot momos.

Photo of Tashi View Point, Gangtok, Sikkim by Guru Gayatri

3. Nathula: An important road pass in the India - China border, it forms a part of the Old Silk road. It is located around 54kms from Gangtok and can be reached via vehicles or shared cabs. The road to reach here is slippery and steep and a special permit is required to visit it.

Photo of Nathula, Gangtok, Sikkim, India by Guru Gayatri
Photo of Nathula, Gangtok, Sikkim, India by Guru Gayatri

4. Tsomgo Lake: Special permit is required to visit this place from the Sikkim Government and it takes an entire day to visit this. Situated 12313 feet above the sea level, it takes around 4-5 hrs to reach this place from Gangtok. This lake is completely frozen in winter months and provides a beautiful view of clouds, fog and mountain. Famous Yak rides are available here.

Photo of Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim, India by Guru Gayatri
Photo of Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim, India by Guru Gayatri

5. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple: This mandir is situated at the Indo – China border and is built by the army in honour of their sepoy Harbajan Singh. Many devotees visit this place and it is believed to have healing powers also.

Photo of Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, East Sikkim, Sikkim, India by Guru Gayatri
Photo of Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, East Sikkim, Sikkim, India by Guru Gayatri
Photo of Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, East Sikkim, Sikkim, India by Guru Gayatri

6. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: It has one of the largest collection of Tibetan works so if you are interested in their history and culture this should be a must visit place for you.

7. Rumtek Monastery: The architect of this place is one of the finest pieces of art. There is a school inside where students are taught about Buddhism and their religion. Placed at 5500 feet above sea level, this temple also hosts many important festivals.

Of many places to explore in Sikkim the above were the places to visit in Gangtok.

Other places to visit in Gangtok includes: