Gangtok
Gangtok, Sikkim
As the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim in the eastern Himalayas, Gangtok has long drawn nature lovers and Buddhist pilgrims who come to seek blessings at the area’s many monasteries. The area is mainly known for hiking options, with plenty of easy day options and multi-day backpacking tours.
The basics
While hiking options are a big draw, there are plenty of other attractions in and around Gangtok. These include the Tibetan Rumtek Monastery, the holy Tsomgo Lake, and the high-altitude Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple on the Nathula Pass, where soldiers in the Indian Army have traditionally sought blessings. Most tours of the area combine visits to Gangtok with trips to nearby Darjeeling and include stops at all of the city’s major points of interest.
Things to know before you go
- Non-Indian visitors to Sikkim must obtain Inner Line Permits before entering the state. These can be obtained in advance from Sikkim's tourist offices in Delhi, Kolkata, Darjeeling, and Siliguri or right when you enter the state at Rangpo.
- If you plan to use Gangtok as a base for higher-elevation trekking, make sure to ask your doctor about any necessary precautions to avoid altitude sickness.
- Only some hotels and attractions are wheelchair accessible, so it’s wise to consult your tour operator about options before your trip.
How to get there
Gangtok is up in the mountains, so there's no train service to the city. The closest central transit hub is in Siliguri, about a 4-hour drive away, and home to both the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and Bagdogra International Airport. Many people visit Sikkim in conjunction with Darjeeling, a 3.5-hour drive away, and there are many tours and transit options between the two destinations.
When to go
Gangtok may be part of India, but don’t be fooled: it's very much a cold destination. The summer months (April–June) offer the warmest temperatures and the most opportunities to view flowers in bloom. Monsoon is best avoided as there's a lot of potential for mudslides, and while winter is pretty due to snowfall, it's not a great time for trekking.
Darjeeling
If you’re visiting Gangtok, it makes sense to visit Darjeeling, about a 3.5-hour drive away. This Himalayan hill station is known worldwide for its delicate tea, and while tea tourism is a definite draw, there's plenty more to do, from hiking in the surrounding forests to touring the Raj-era city center.
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