Sikkim
Scenic Sikkim, the tiny mountainous state nestling in the heart of the eastern Himalayas is dominated by Kanchenjunga mountain and wedged between West Bengal, Nepal, China ( Tibet ) and Bhutan. It is an enchanting medley of lofty peaks, verdant valleys, serpentine streams, holy lakes, ancient monasteries and a rich variety of flora and fauna. This small but strategically important State measures about 1000 kms. from north to south and 60 kms. from east to west and is predominantly inhabited by the Lepchas, Bhutias and the Nepalese, who radiate a lot of charm, life and colour.
Gangtok
Gangtok, literally meaning a ‘High Hill’ is a charming hill resort perched on a ridge at a height of 5,400 ft. It affords magnificent views of the snow clad Kanchenjunga peak.
AROUND GANGTOK
Rumtek Monastery ( 25 kms. )
The picturesque drive from Gangtok to the Rumtek Monastery is truly spell binding. Changing vistas of mountains unfold at every bend and there are delightful vignettes of the hamlets and fields of the people of rural Sikkim. The original monastery was built by one of the rulers of Sikkim. When His Holiness, the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, left Tibet and took refuge in Sikkim, he built a new monastery. The Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, with a rich collection of rare plants and trees is located nearby.
Tsongo Lake (37 kms.)
The oval-shaped holy lake is noted for its mystical environs and the wild flowers. It is home to the Brahmini ducks and a stop over for many migratory birds.
Deer Park (6 kms.)
It is home to the Himalayan spotted and musk deer. Scenic views of the mountains and valleys can also be enjoyed from here.
Reaching there :
By Air :
The nearest airport is Bagdogra near Siliguri, which is at a distance of 124 km from Gangtok. India’s national carrier, Indian Airlines including almost all other domestic airlines such as Jet Airlines, Air Deccan run regular flights from the important cities of India such as Kolkata, Delhi etc. Bagdogra is also connected with Gangtok by daily helicopter service operated by Sikkim Tourism development Corporation and it will take only 20 minutes to reach Gangtok from Bagdogra. This helicopter service is subjected to the weather conditions.
By Train :
Gangtok does not have a train station. The two railway stations are New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri located in West Bengal nearest to Sikkim. NJP is 125 Kms and Siliguri is 114 Kms from Gangtok and is well connected to all the major cities. Ticket reservation facilities are available from Sikkim Nationalized Transport office in all working days.
By Bus :
Gangtok is connected to Siliguri by NH 31A. This city (Gangtok) is well connected to other cities in Sikkim and the neighboring states by bus services. Private tourist buses are available from Gangtok to Bagdogra (125 km) and to Siliguri (114 km). From Siliguri in W.B., you can also hire taxies and jeeps to travel to Gangtok at reasonable rate.
