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GANGTOK
| FACTS & FIGURES |
| Altitude |
5800 ft (1,547 metres). |
| Climate (deg.c.) |
Summer- Max. 20.7, Min. 13.1
Winter- Max. 14.9, Min. 7.7. |
| Clothing |
Summer- Light woollens
Winter- Heavy woollens. |
| Languages |
Sikimese, English |
| Best Season |
March to late May, October to Mid-December |
INTRODUCTION
A city where you can hear the call of the hills, where you can
become one with the bounties of nature… where you can commune
with yourself in the monasteries… where you can shop for trinkets
and tribal handicrafts in the long-winding bazaars… that is
the magic of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a very charming
city on the western side of the Ranipool river…. offering spectacular
views of the entire Kanchenjunga range. The ancient temples, palaces
and monasteries of Gangtok will transport you to a world of fantasy
MONUMENTS AND SIGHT SEEING SPOTS
TSUK-LA-KHANG
The Royal chapel, is the principal place of worship for the Buddhists.
It is a beautiful and impressive building, housing a large collection
of statues of Buddha and exquisite wood-carvings.
THE RUMTEK MONASTERY
 This
Monastery is about 24 km away from Gangtok. It is the seat of the
Gyalwa Karmapa, the head of the Kagyupa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
There are many Tibetan religious paintings exhibited here. Visitors
are welcome to sit in the chanting sessions. Behind the temple is
the Institute of Buddhist Studies, where the monks study. Rumtek
is the site of 'Chaam' dances, held two days before the Tibetan
new year in February. During this time, you can see the monks dance
to the tune of cymbals and the beat of the drums.
ENCHEY GOMPA
This interesting Gompa of the Nyingmapa order is located about 3
km northeast of the center of town.
ORCHID GARDENS SANCTUARIES
There are over 450 species of rare orchids in the sanctuary in Sikkim.
Some of these beautiful flowers cannot be found anywhere else. The
best time to visit is April and early May and between September
and December. You can also check out the Orchidarium, another enchanting
orchid sanctuary, located 12 km south of Gangtok.
THE FLOWER EXHIBITION CENTRE
Blooming, blossoming and some even budding floral beauties. You
can feast your eyes on the multifarious hues of nature at the the
Flower Exhibition Centre, which has orchids and other species of
flowers.
DO DRUL CHORTEN AND GOMPA
This large white Chorten is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels (should
be turned clockwise).
DEER PARK
Kids will just enjoy this place. You can see various kinds of deer
in their natural surroundings. If you visit the park around 7.30
am to 8.00 pm., you can see the deer being fed.
How To Reach
Air : Nearest Airport is Bagdogra (124 kms).
Rail: The nearest railway stations are Siliguri 114 kms,
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) 125 kms. Fare:- Howrah-New Jalpaiguri:
Road: Good motorable roads connect Gangtok with Siliguri
114 kms, Calcutta 725 kms, Darjeeling 139 kms and Guwahati 589 kms
Bus Service: Regular bus services connect Gangtok with Bagdogra,
Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and Calcutta. Places Covered
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State
Express