Gangtok means, aptly enough “hill top”, and this little capital of Sikkim is perched at 5,500 feet, high on the ridge of a valley. It lies comfortably between the borders of Nepal and Bhutan at an altitude of 1547 m above sea level, and is famous for its numerous important monasteries and picturesque Himalayan views.

Spreading down the western side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipul River, the entire Kanchenjunga range is visible from the town and locals worship this range as a deity . It is a quaint  mix of the old and

the new, of modern structures and ancient Buddhist monuments, of bustling commercial centers and quiet monasteries radiating an aura of spirituality. Gangtok is also famed for its wonderful orchids and every spring, an orchid festival and flower show is held to celebrate this exotic bloom.

The list of attractions in Gangtok is endless. The small town itself is a beautiful place to move around. It houses sites like the most important stupa of Sikkim, the Do Drul Chorten, the solitary temple or the Enchey Monastery, the marvellous collection of orchids in the Orchid Sanctuary and the picturesque Tashi Ling that provides an astounding view of the Kanchenjunga range. The Namgyal Institute of Research and the Tsuk la Khang, a depository of a large collection of scriptures and the principal place of worship for the local Buddhists, are some of the other places that are worth visiting.

Gangtok has a number of interesting sites that you can include in your excursion. Some of the destinations are related to the Buddhist religion while others are simply picturesque, deserving an admiring look. However, the Rumtek Monastery, which is the largest monastery of its kind in Sikkim and the Phodong Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in the region, needs a mention here.

All good things in life come in small packets and Gangtok is the perfect illustration. Be it the rich flora, the beautiful people, or the serene Buddhist monasteries, this small town, occupies an important position in the itinerary of tourists in search of tranquility from the humdrum of modern life.

1,547 mts

All foreigners intending to visit Gangtok can obtain a 14 days Restricted Area Permit (RAP), endorsed in their India visa from the Indian mission abroad. Tourists may also obtain the permit from the Deputy Director, Sikkim Tourist Information Center in Delhi or from the Assistant Director, Sikkim tourist Information Center in Siliguri. Any tourist is allowed to visit Sikkim for a maximum of 15 days and obtain an extension of another fortnight only from the Home Office (Tashling Secretariat). Re-entry into the state is not permitted for three months even if one returns before the completion of the first fifteen days.