Gangtok, Sikkim
Discover Gangtok
Scenic Gangtok is the capital city of the Himalayan state of Sikkim and is known for its preservation of the Tibetan culture. At this beautiful location, you’ll be entranced by green valleys, stunning flowers, and amazing views including the snow-topped Khangchendzonga National Park on a clear day. Views of the mountains are the endearing feature of the town of Gangtok, which is the perfect base to explore the area.
Things to do in Gangtok
- Relax and have some fun. The cosmopolitan town has become a busy hub offering a wide range of amenities with various restaurants and shopping options to choose from. In the heart of the town is MG Marg, the main pedestrianised street which is a great place to relax.
- Gangtok Cable Car. An unforgettable way to see Gangtok is via the cable car that glides over the city offering fantastic views of the surrounding area. The journey is 1km long, includes three stations and takes around ten minutes each way. Try to stand at the downward facing end of the car for the best photo opportunities, which include the Deorali bazaar, Kanchenjunga snow peaks and valleys and the river flowing around 3500 feet below.
- Discover Rumtek Monastery. Perched on a hilltop, Rumtek Monastery is one of the largest and most impressive monasteries in Gangtok. The monks that live here perform the sacred rituals and practices of Karma Kagyu, a lineage of one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Within the complex are many sacred objects including the magnificent Golden Stupa which contains precious relics of the Sixteenth Karmapa. The complex also houses the Karma Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies and a stupa walkway, where monks, pilgrims, and visitors alike perform kora, a meditative practice.
- Visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Established in 1958, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology promotes research on the religion, history, language, art and culture of the people of the Tibetan cultural area. The centre’s library hosts one of the largest collections of Tibetan works in the world outside Tibet, along with a museum of Tibetan iconography and religious art. Over the years, the Institute has published numerous books and has produced the Bulletin of Tibetology since 1964.
The best way to see Gangtok
If you would like to visit Gangtok, why not take a look at one of our wonderful ATOL and ABTA protected holidays? Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and the tours mentioned are just examples to help inspire you. Contact our travel experts on 01792 315499 or email info@aitholidays.com for more information.
