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Gangtok Tourism

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim has emerged as one of the most preferred tourist destinations in India. Each year more and more tourist visits this little Himalayan state for its numerous places of tourist's interest and pleasant climate. Today, Gangtok has developed into a cosmopolitan flavour where old-world charm and hospitality exist along with the Internet Age.

Gangtok, with green and white peaks around is a city, the beauty of which should be visualised to be believed. Nestled in the pristine ambience of the Himalayas, the gangtok city is exudes an air of enchantment, which hangs over the whole valley.

Key Attractions :

Government Institute of Cottage Industry
Known as the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms, the Government Institute of Cottage Industries(GICI) started during the time of the Chogyals of Sikkim. It was established to preserve, protect and propagate the authentic Sikkimese arts, handicrafts and skills of local and village artisans. Today, this institute has become one of the major places of tourist's interest in the state. One can get to see some beautiful souvenirs like carpets, hand carved tables (choktses), traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms carpets and other products, which are produced & displayed for sale.

Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology(SRIT) :
Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology(SRIT) is internationally famed centre of Tibetan Studies & Research. The institute houses a vast collection of rare Buddhist books, manuscripts and over 200 Buddhist icons. If you want ro know more about Buddhism, the buddhism ideology, the path they pursue and the way they understand life, then Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology is the place to know all this.

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Suggested Tour Packages

Golden Triangle by Train
Durations : 06 Days/ 5 Nights
Cities : Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi
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Palace On Wheels Tour
Durations : 08 Days/ 7 Nights
Cities : Delhi - Jaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Bharatpur -Agra - Delhi
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Taj and Tiger Tour
Durations : 11 Days/ 10 Nights
Cities : Delhi - Mandawa - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Agra - Delhi
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» Deer Park : Commanding a majestic view of the hills around, the park is perched on top of a hillside that merges almost vertically deep into the valley. The park was established in the later half of the 50s and is also called the Rustomji park so named after one of the Dewans of the Chogyal of Sikkim. The big open enclosure of the park park houses different types of deers.

» Ridge Park : Just a 15 minutes walk from the main market, the Ridge Park is a small expantion of plain and flat road above the town of Gangtok. The ridge is lined with plants and trees which when in bloom are a riot of colours. Flower shows which attract tourists from all over the world are held just below the Ridge.

» Tashi View Point : Built by the late King of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal, the Tashi View Point is situated 4 km from Gangtok town from where one can have a clear view of opposite hills, besides Mt. Khangchendzonga. This site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Mt. Khangchendzonga and surrounding hills. A park above the View Point is a good place to enjoy a picnic.

» Himalayan Zoological Park : Located exactly across the road opposite Ganesh Tok, covering an area of 205 hectares, the Himalayan Zoological Park is also known as Bulbuley and extends almost up to Hanuman Tok in Gangtok. The fenced open air enclosure is home to the red pandas, barking deer, bears and other animals.

Climate
Gangtok has a very pleasant temperature throughout the year. The winter in the month of November to February is extremely cold with minimum temperatures falling down to 4 degree centigrade during January - February. Between the month of March & May, the sun is pretty good. The summer is between May & October, while the region is always wet due to the heavy rains in the monsoons. Autumn falls between the months of September & October.

The best time to visit this part of the nation is March to June and September to December. The maximum and minimum temperature of the region is 28 degree C and 0 degree C respectively and the average rainfall is 325 cm. / Year.

Shopping
The main markets for shopping are Old market, New Market and Lal market, where you can find shops of all kind, offering good range of items to be purchased. The tourists generally bank on carved furniture, dresses, Lepcha weave bags, Carpets & Durries with intricate designs and colourful decorations. Wooden, bamboo artifacts, handmade decorative pieces Gangtok are some of the other items which you can buy here.

How to get there
» By Air : The closest airport is at Bagdogra, which is 124-km from Gangtok (about 4 hours drive) and connected by air with all-important Indian Metros. For all further details please contact any one of the Sikkim tourism offices.

» By Rail : The nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri, which is 125-km (about 4 hours drive) from Gangtok. NJP is well connected with all major cities of India. Gangtok, railway bookings can be made at the booking counter of the Sikkim nationalised transport terminus.

» By Road : Gangtok is connected with Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Siliguri by the national highway 31 A. the Sikkim nationalised transport plies regular bus services between Gangtok and Siliguri and within Sikkim. Private buses, jeeps and taxis are also available from Siliguri and Bagdogra. Bookings can be made at the SNT terminus, Siliguri.