Gangtok Tour
Trip Overview
Overview
Welcome to Gangtok, the enchanting capital city of Sikkim, nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas in northeastern India. A tour to Gangtok promises an extraordinary experience of breathtaking landscapes, serene monasteries, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Gangtok's scenic beauty is unparalleled, with its snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls. The Tsomgo Lake, perched at an altitude of 12,400 feet, captivates visitors with its crystal-clear waters, reflecting the surrounding mountains. The Nathu La Pass, a strategic mountain pass on the Indo-China border, offers a surreal adventure with its spectacular views and a glimpse into Sikkim's rich history. The city boasts numerous monasteries that exude tranquility and spirituality. The Rumtek Monastery, one of the most significant Buddhist monasteries, houses a golden stupa and ancient relics. Enchey Monastery, perched on a hilltop, provides panoramic vistas of the town below. These monasteries offer insight into the spiritual essence of the region and are often a site of religious festivities.Gangtok: A Cultural Melange Amidst Himalayan Beauty
Gangtok's culture is a delightful amalgamation of various ethnicities. The bustling MG Marg is a pedestrianized street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering a lively atmosphere to indulge in local cuisine and shop for souvenirs. The Flower Exhibition Centre showcases a vibrant display of Sikkim's diverse flora, capturing the essence of the state's biodiversity. For adventure enthusiasts, Gangtok has much to offer. Trekking trails through the dense forests and high-altitude valleys present an opportunity to immerse in nature's bounty. The Yumthang Valley, known as the "Valley of Flowers," is adorned with colorful blooms during spring. Don't miss the opportunity to savor Sikkim's distinct cuisine, blending flavors from Tibet, Nepal, and India. The momos, thukpa, and gundruk are local delicacies that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Gangtok ensures a comfortable stay with a range of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses, all designed to provide a memorable experience.Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, Gangtok is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts alike. Its captivating beauty, spiritual aura, and warm locals will leave an indelible mark on your heart, making it a destination worth revisiting time and again. A tour to Gangtok promises an unforgettable journey to the lap of the Himalayas, where tranquility meets grandeur.Trip Highlight
- Scenic beauty of Mountain Valleys from Tashi viewpoint.
- Brilliant views of Gangtok city from Ganesh tok.
- Exploration of Old Monasteries like Enchey Monastery and soon.
- Visit beautiful Waterfalls like Bakthang and Banjhakri Waterfalls.
- Cultural, Spiritual Exploration of Gangtok City
- Excursion to Tsomgo lake and Baba Mandir.
- Celebration of International Flower festival during every peak season of Blooming.
Itinerary
As you begin with your majestic journey, you will first arrive at NJP or Bagdogra Airport where you will encounter the astounding allurement of the heavenly land of Sikkim. To guide your excitement, our amiable representative will be waiting for your welcome at the airport who will further govern your transfer to enchanting Gangtok which is 1437 m above sea level. After 4 hours of driving, you can enjoy the warmth of your hotel room as you check in. Moreover, if you are too excited to embrace the cultured city, you can wander in the streets of MG Marg and observe the local lifestyle. At night, enjoy your piping hot supper and relax in your snug bedding.
It’s the second day of your excursion, and you should be energised for the awaiting adventure. Today, it’s all about Gangtok and its awe-inspiring sights.
Bakthang Waterfall
At the distance of 3 km from Gangtok, Bakthang Waterfall will be your first stop which is an eye-catching attraction that no tourist ever want to miss. Flowing from Ratey Chu, it is a broad waterfall that creates a soothing environment for the visitors to enjoy.
Tashi Viewpoint
Subsequently, you can observe the glorious Himalayas from Tashi Viewpoint that will be your binocular to scrutinise the seeking view of snow peaks. Moreover, keep your camera’s panoramic setting on because this is the right spot to capture the entire beauteous landscape.
Ganesh Tok
Just wish that it’s a clear day because it’s only on the bright clear days that you can have the most awesome view of the place. Apart from Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok is the place from where you can have a spectacular view of Gangtok. It is an ancient temple of Lord Ganesha that has a pleasant aura. This place welcomes you through its brilliant entrance, and as you swirl the sights, you will see colourful buntings surrounding the temple.
Enchey Monastery
Your next destination of the day is a 200 years old monastery which was initially established as a small gompa by a tantric artist and renowned exponent among highlander Buddhists, Lama DrupthobKarpo. Enchey Monastery literally means “the Solitary Temple” which now is home to almost 90 monks. Tourists are quite fascinated by the place because it accommodates a number of religious objects and presents Tibetan culture in a beguiling manner.
Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom
Now, it is time for you to admire the local art and talent depicted through the Handicrafts in this Directorate which is located at the ‘Zero’ point of the city. Here you can buy the majestic artefacts such as Thanka painting, traditional carpets, wooden carved and colourfully painted sculptures and much more.
Do DrulChorten Stupa
Standing proudly on the hill Hock, Do DrulChorten, also known as Phurba, is your next station which is also the biggest stupa of Sikkim. This shrine was constructed in 1945 and is encircled with 108 prayer wheels from which visitors gain divine blessings.
Institute of Tibetology
After your spiritual tour, it is time for you to grasp some cultural and educative values of Tibet. One of the most significant institutions of the world, the Institute of Tibetology is that centre where many scholars research on the Tibetan language and tradition. Furthermore, you can know more about Life-at-Tibet through valuable material kept in the museum and Tibetan library that has preserved innumerable rich collections of the studies.
Flower Show
As an integral part of aesthetic festivity, the locals of Gangtok organise a celebration in the name of Sikkim’s diverse vegetation. The flower show is the International Flower Festival which is celebrated every peak season of blooming. In the fete, the perfect blend of Gangtok’s topography is mirrored when breathtaking blossoms are showcased at a place from every corner of Sikkim. This is a must-visit and stupendous moment for every nature lover.
Ropeway & Banjhakri Falls
Last but not the least, you will be enthralled by the bounteous attractiveness of the place when you will travel through Ropeway to reach Banjhakri Falls which is 70 ft tall waterfall surrounded by lush greenery of dense forest. This waterfall ascribes the natives because of their belief that it has all the healing and magical power like any other sacred place.
After a busy and most memorable day of your trip, you will be taken back to your hotel where you can enjoy hot and appetising dinner. Spend overnight in your warm room because tomorrow you will visit some more astounding places.
Wake up all fresh because it is the last day to create an adventurous experience. To enjoy the place eventfully, you need to be ready early in the morning, say 8 am, as you will visit two of the most beautiful and illustrious sites of Gangtok.
Tsomgo Lake
Lost in the lofty mountains at the height of 12,400 ft above sea level your first stop would be Tsomgo Lake, a paradise for travel savvy. After 3 hours of long drive, you will encounter the ‘holy source of water’ hallowed by native people. The picturesque view of the lake will not allow you to put your camera down because this view is something you want to preserve for ages.
Baba HarbhajanMandir
Finally, it is time to remember the eminent personality of Indian Army, Captain Harbhajan Singh who is known for his unusual story. He is that significant soldier who is still believed to be with us even after his tragic death in the Indo-Pak war of 1965. At the altitude of 4000 m, every Indian worships this a pure soul in a shrine named after him as Baba Harbhajan Mandir.
At the end of your day, you can go back to your hotel to consume mouth-watering food and have a sound sleep because tomorrow you have to get up early in the morning to depart to your ordinary life.
It is the day when you will head back to your regular place. Have good food, pack your bags and take care of your stuff while you travel towards NJP/IXB. On the way back, recollect all the memories of the considerable range of climate and altitudes and great calmness of Gangtok.
Departures & Availability
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.
Check Available Dates
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All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Price include
- Meals – Breakfast
- Cab – Transfers & Sightseeing
- Hotels
- Transportation Tax
- GST
Price Excludes
- Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips & gratuity, mineral water, soft & hard drinks, rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, joy ride (Toy Train), porterage
- Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle
- Other than mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance Fees & Guide charges
- Flights
Gears And Equipment
Gangtok Tour Trip Information
Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is a beautiful destination known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and Buddhist monasteries. Here’s some essential information to help you plan your trip to Gangtok:
1. Best Time to Visit:
- The best time to visit Gangtok is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant and clear. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rainfall.
2. How to Reach Gangtok:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. From Bagdogra, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Gangtok (about 4-5 hours’ drive).
- By Road: Gangtok is also accessible by road from Siliguri and other nearby towns. Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) buses and private taxis are available for transportation.
3. Inner Line Permit (ILP):
- Indian tourists require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Sikkim, which can be obtained online or at the border check posts. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) depending on the areas they wish to visit.
4. Accommodation in Gangtok:
- Gangtok offers a wide range of accommodation options including luxury hotels, budget guesthouses, and homestays. Popular areas to stay in Gangtok include MG Marg (city center) and nearby locations with panoramic views.
5. Places to Visit in Gangtok:
- Rumtek Monastery: Visit the magnificent Rumtek Monastery, one of the largest and most important monasteries in Sikkim.
- Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Explore this institute dedicated to the study of Tibetan culture, history, and religion.
- Do Drul Chorten Stupa: Pay homage at this impressive stupa adorned with prayer wheels and religious icons.
- Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok: Visit these hilltop viewpoints offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
- Tashi Viewpoint: Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the Himalayan range from this popular viewpoint.
- MG Marg: Stroll along this pedestrian-only street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
6. Adventure Activities:
- Gangtok offers opportunities for adventure enthusiasts including trekking, river rafting, paragliding, and mountain biking. You can also try yak riding at Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake).
7. Local Cuisine:
- Don’t miss trying authentic Sikkimese dishes like momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), phagshapa (pork with radish), and sel roti (rice doughnut). Sample local teas like butter tea and traditional Sikkimese beer (chhang).
8. Festivals and Cultural Experiences:
- Experience the vibrant culture of Gangtok through festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year) and Pang Lhabsol (mountain worship festival). Witness traditional dances and rituals at local monasteries.
9. Shopping:
- Shop for handicrafts, Tibetan artifacts, woolen garments, and local teas at markets and shops in MG Marg and Lal Bazaar.
10. Responsible Tourism:
- Respect local customs and traditions, dispose of waste responsibly, and support eco-friendly initiatives during your visit to Gangtok.
Plan your trip to Gangtok keeping these tips in mind to make the most of your experience in this enchanting Himalayan city.
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
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