Mukti Sharma
Gangtok you have to take Jeep from Siliguri in West Bengal or from
Darjeeling /
Kalimpong. Trains and
Flights still do not go uphill Gangtok. Although there are Helicopter
Services which connect Bagdoda Airport with Gangtok
Apart from the natural beauty of hills and lush greenery,
Gangtok has
other things which attracts its visitors. On reaching the Central Gangtok,
reach the Main Market called the Lall Market by the locals. Its the best
place if you want to buy meat on your own and the local beer. Near the
market stands the Government Institute of Cottage, on National Highway. Find
here some of the exotic
paintings
of the gone years. Called Thangka, these paintings are the best buy here.
Right above the town is the Enchey Monastery. A small two storey Nyingmapa
Gompa, built in the middle Ninteenth Century is blessed by the Tantrik
Master Druptob Karpo, who is still renowned for his capability to fly.
Enchey Monastery holds the famous annual Mask Dance or Chaam done by the
local Lamas. The walk down the Echney Monastery leads to Flower Show
Complex. It stands near the White Community Hall. Every year in the months
of February March and April, the Annual Flower Show is held here.
It you are lucky then you may be granted permission to enter the Royal
Palace by the Guards. Visitors not carrying cameras
are often allowed inside Tsuk – Lakhang – the royal Chapel. Here
you can see the yellow roofed chapel, murals and buddhist images inside the
Chapel.
Then comes the Changu Lake which is at a height of 3780 m. Changu Lake gets
closed in the winter months of November to February end as the whole area
gets snow clad blocking the entire area till the snow melts. The Indo China
Border, named Nathula Pass is just 20 kilometers from Changu
Lake.. But to visit the Nathula pass you have to take
permission. The Passes have to be taken beforehand. The route to Nathula
Pass is under survey by both Indian Army and Chinese Gorillas. One is not
supposed to take Photographs of the Route however one can take photos when
he reaches Nathula Pass.
Trekking is allowed only in certain
areas of Sikkim. One has to take trekking permits. Usually the Dzongri -
Goecha La route and Singalila Ridge are open for trekking.
If you plan to visit Gangtok then make preparations for at least of 10 days
of stay if if you are going to stay for only 7 days. The weather of Gangtok
is highly unpredictable and it can rain anytime. Snowfalls are often in the
winter season and roads get blocked for days. So if you are going to Gangtok
then keep on add ons.
