Introduction of Gangtok
The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok is a city of extraordinary beauty. Located in the lap of mother nature, Gangtok is a center of tourism, education and business. It is the largest city in Sikkim and the center of Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Gangtok is known for its incomparable beauty with many attractions like monasteries, historical places, wildlife sanctuaries, parks and lakes and falls.
High mountains, shadowy hills and lush vegetation and wildlife welcome the tourists to this wonderful country so well that everyone will visit the city immediately and will keep in mind the beautiful memories of the city. the body.
History of Gangtok
Gangtok is a famous center of tradition and learning of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim. The true meaning of Gangtok is the altitude and this is confirmed by the fact that it is located at an altitude of 5,410 feet. Not much is known about the history of Gangtok. Historical records of the capital city and ancient monasteries can be found in Gangtok.
The earliest records of the history of Gangtok begin with the construction of the Gangtok Monastery in 1716. During this period, other monasteries were also built in Gangtok. The construction of Enchey Monastery in 1840 reflected the importance of Gangtok as a center of pilgrimage.
Today, Enchey Monastery is one of the important monasteries in Gangtok and serves as a famous Buddhist pilgrimage. In the middle of the 19th century after the British conquest, Gangtok became the capital of Sikkim. Later in the late 19th century Gangtok became a trading post between India and Tibet after the British conquered the Tibetans.
During this period, most of the Gangtok and Telegraph roads were constructed. In 1894, the Sikkimese king Thutob Namgyal moved the capital of Gangtok from Tumlong and a large palace and other buildings were built at this time in Gangtok, increasing the importance of the city.
After Indian independence, Sikkim became a nation state and Gangtok became its capital. At this time, trade was going on between India and Tibet through the Nathu La pass near Gangtok, but at the sign of the pass in 1962, Gangtok was deprived of commercial activities. In 1975, Sikkim became a full-fledged state and Gangtok became its capital.
Today Gangtok is the largest city and town in the state of Sikkim. Located in East Sikkim District, Gangtok is the seat of East Sikkim District
Best Things To do in Gangtok.
Visit Tsomgo Lake
Located along the Gangtok Nathu La road at an altitude of 12,400 meters, the Tsomgo Lake or Changu Lake is a beautiful glacial lake in the hills of Sikkim and is one of the many tourist attractions in Gangtok.
The turquoise water of the lake, the magical beauty and the serenity of the place is absolutely hypnotic. One simply cannot miss Tsomgo Lake among the many beautiful places to visit in Gangtok. The hypnotic beauty of this place and the hospitality of Gangtok people will amaze you.
Go to Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
One of the best tourist destinations in Gangtok, Gangtok’s main habitat is home to flora and fauna of common, endangered and endemic species. Covering an area of about 850 km2, this biosphere reserve is one of the few high-altitude reserves in India with musk deer, snow leopards and Himalayan tahr.
Not only that! Tickets for the reserved bio have a nominal price, so you will have a great time with your friends and family. Don’t forget to bring your camera to take lots of pictures of the beauty here.
Catch the sunset at Tashi Viewpoint
To enjoy the beautiful view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Sinilochu, you can go to Tashi Viewpoint, which is only 8 km from the city center. The king of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal, who ruled from 1914 to 1963, built Tashi, and this is how the concept got its name.
On one side of the Tashi view, you will see beautiful snow-covered mountains on a clear day, while in the middle of the mountains on the side of the mountain, you can see the Phodong monastery and residence. Labrang monks.
The view also has a very attractive sunrise view, where you can see the changing colors and the distribution of those colors on the snowy mountains. However, to get this view, you must reach there before 5 am to see this view.
You can also visit the nearby Bakthang waterfall while visiting this view.
Enjoy a peaceful time at the monastery
Gangtok is home to many beautiful monasteries that offer an insight into Buddhist culture and beautiful Tibetan architecture. Not only the city, but many monasteries near Gangtok are a wonder in themselves and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills
Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Tsuk La Khang Monastery and Pemayangtse are some of the best monasteries to visit in and around Gangtok.
With its intricate design and display of preserved golden stupas and other relics of the 16th century Karmapa, Rumtek Monastery is truly a sight to behold. The Enchey Monastery is almost 200 years old and gives you a full view of the local culture. Visiting these monasteries is one of the best things to do in Gangtok.
Fun Facts In Gangtok
Enjoy Trekking
One of the best things to do in Gangtok is to walk along its beautiful roads that lead you through the forests of poplar, birch, elm and oak trees, the wonders of orchids are there fear, large tracts of land and poor agricultural land. The waterfalls have water that is clean enough to drink!
Enjoy Paragliding
Looking for a bird’s eye view of the green hills, rice paddies and monasteries of Gangtok? How about a breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga in the distance? This is paragliding for you, one of the most popular things to do in Gangtok. Flights are scheduled based on altitude and weather and you have a licensed pilot on these tandem flights, so you’re always safe. Cross the Nathu La pass
Looking for great fun things to do in Gangtok? Cross Nathu La Pass, an important trading point between India and China, part of the ancient Silk Road and one of the most beautiful roads in the country. On a clear day you can see the majestic Chomolhari mountain and you can also climb the stairs to see the present border and the war memorial.
Go rafting on the Teesta River
Want to feel the adrenaline rush? Go white-water rafting in the Teesta River – perfect for Gangtok! Ride over the Teesta rapids, enjoy the beautiful view of the jungles on its banks, bring back amazing stories to tell and tell.
Take in the views of the city and the bus
What was once just a small dusty town has grown to include a hodgepodge of residential and commercial buildings and you only have to take a cable car to get the spectacular views. This is a great “thing” to do in Gangtok and you can’t be a good tourist if you haven’t checked this off your list!
