Gangtok is one of the most splendid cities of India. Situated at an elevation of 5,140 feet, it is the capital of Sikkim. The city lies in the East Himalaya area which ends up providing a very heavenly image to it. Gangtok is mainly inhabited by Tibetans, Nepalis and Lepchas. This is a result of these countries being Sikkim’s neighbours. As a consequence, the main religion in the region is Buddhism, which is reflective in the culture and architecture.
Gangtok also happens to be the cleanest city of India. The government here has taken serious measures to minimize pollution and dirt of any kind. While Gangtok has many places worth visiting, it is not able to capitalize completely on tourism due to the not-so-modern infrastructure. It is also a real favorite location with trekking lovers. So, if you are looking to spend some time away from the busy city life, or simply want some peace of mind, this is the place to be. To help you with your trip, here is everything you need to know about the city of Gangtok.
Best Time To Visit Gangtok
Due to its high elevation and the corresponding surroundings, Gangtok experiences a typical highland climate. The summers are very pleasant with the average temperature being 5 degrees. In the winters, it tends to get colder with an average of 4 degrees. During monsoons, it experiences torrential rainfall. As a result there a lot of landslides taking place. Hence, people are advised not to travel during this time. The best months to visit Gangtok are January to May and October to December.
What To Do
1. M.G. Marg – This spot is the place to be in Gangtok. Be it the line of shops on the road, the mall nearby or the cleanliness, M.G. Marg has it all. It happens to be the only litter and spit free zone in India. Such is the effort to keep it clean, that vehicles are not allowed in the area. Apart from the hustle bustle that comes with being the busiest street of town, it is also the venue of the Gangtok Festival.
2. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology – It is a one of a kind research institute. NIT houses a vast collection manuscripts of Tibetan and Sanskrit origin along with many statues. It also holds within it the very rare and prestigious Thankas (Buddhist tapestries). Namgyal Institute also comprises of a very lucrative museum which must be visited. Established in the year 1958, it is now a well known centre for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion.
3. Enchey Gompa – This is a Chinese Pagoda built in the year of 1901. It is a great attraction for the crowds, especially during the months of August to January. There is a lot of dancing and singing during this time which just adds to the experience. This place is a definite must for anyone who is looking for a peaceful getaway with a tinge of knowledge.
4. Monasteries – Since the Tibetan influence is immense in the region, the presence of beautiful monasteries in and around Gangtok is no shock. Irrespective of the magnitude, every such monastery has something special.
5. Explore More – To further enhance ones experience, there are a number of amazing places to be visited near Gangtok. A few of the beautiful locations are Lachung, Yumtang Valley and some more prominent Buddhist monasteries.
Gangtok Specialties
1. Eating – Gangtok is a great place to treat your taste buds. It has some of the most unique dishes that will surely bring out the foodie in you. Of the long list of dishes, those which must definitely be tried are Momos, Gundruk, Sinki and Thukpa. It is interesting to know that almost all the food lacks that extra pinch of spices and salt.
2. Shopping – Owing to the weather because of its location, Sikkim is famous for its tea and fruit processed products. Some of the most popular ones are Alpine Cheese, Temi Tea, Fruit Squash and juices. Apart from these food products, locally produced traditional handicrafts are a relfection of the Tibetan culture.
3. Festivals – Celebration of festivals is an integral part of any state in India. Hence, unsurprisingly, even Gangtok ranks high on enthusiasm during such times. As the major population is of Tibetan or Nepali origin, Buddhist festivals are the widely celebrated ones. The main ones are Saga Dawa, Dashain and Phang Lhabsol. Apart from the religious ones, there is also the Gangtok Festival which draws a lot of crowd.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip right away with your family and friends. Be prepared to be enthralled by the natural beauty, cleanliness and the beautiful culture of Gangtok.
Isn’t all this a reason enough to visit this Switzerland of East India? Of course it is!
Trackbacks
http://sikkimtourism.gov.in/Webforms/General/Destination/Gangtok.aspx?LocName=Gangtok
http://www.mapsofindia.com/gangtok/gangtok-tourism.html
http://www.holidayiq.com/destinations/gangtok/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangtok
http://wikitravel.org/en/Gangtok
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