Best Gangtok itinerary
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is by far the most sought
after holiday destinations in
India. It is one of the hottest selling North East India Tours. A lot of
Indians as well as foreigners seek holiday in this beautiful valley of Gangtok.
Keeping this in mind, we, at Ashoka Holidays, have come up with lot of
variations and addition of Sikkim Tours. My article will give a quick glimpse
of the best of Gangtok attractions, Gangtok local sight seeing,
places to see in Gangtok, best time to go Sikkim and Gangtok. In short
everything related to Gangtok Tourism.
Minimum no. of Nights
required : 3 Nights
1st day (the day you reach) take the rest of
the day at rest on your leisure. You can wander around the very famous, lively
and beautiful pedestrian only - no car zone in MG Road. At Night, you can visit
the Casinos at Mayfair(around 3000 INR entry fee for outsiders and 1000 INR for
in-house guests of May fair Hotel) or the Royal Plaza hotel or hit one of the
discotheques in Gangtok.
2nd day Gangtok local city tour
3rd day Excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula
Pass. At Tsomgo Lake, you can ride on a docile yak or pose for photographs next
to one. From there, head on to Nathu La pass, on the Indo-Chinese border to
play in snow and wave at Chinese soldiers on the other side.
Detailed itinerary of Sikkim – Gangtok Tour
Day 1:
Reach hotel and take some rest. After that walk up and
down the pedestrian-only MG Road, stopping for hot momos and rolls at the
famous Roll house, or sit at one the various
cafés(My favourite Bakers’ Café)
to get the best views of Gangtok valley. If you are a vegetarian then
Rasoi, a pure vegetarian restaurant offers delicious food. MG is also good
place to do your souvenir and general shopping.
Day 2: Gangtok Sight Seeing
Gangtok Local Sightseeing comprises of 10 local view points
within Gangtok that can be covered in a single day. One has to start early in
the day. Some of them can also be skipped depending on one’s interest and time.
Gangtok local sightseeing packages
- 3 point package
- 7 point package
- 10 point package
· Hanuman Tok
· Ganesh Tok
· Enchey Monastery
· Bakthang Waterfalls
· Cottage Industry
· Flower exhibition center
· Chorten Stupa
· Tibetology Museum
· Rope Way
In ten point natural scenery package all the above
are included, in 7 points natural scenery first 7 local view points are
included and in 3 points natural scenery package first 3 local view
points are included.
Pay a visit to the monasteries in and around Gangtok, in particular,
the stunning Enchey and Rumtek. Take a ropeway ride (8.00 am – 4.30 pm) up to
the highest point in Gangtok for fabulous views of the town and the surrounding
valley.
Day 3:
Tsongo Lake
Make a day trip to Tsomgo lake (while some prefer calling it
Changu lake, many different ways to spell), located in the middle of snow-cladded mountains. Beautiful calm
and serene, Tsongmo Lake is a glacial lake in the East
Sikkim, India, some 40 kilometres (25 mi) away
from Gangtok at altitude of 3,780 m (12,400 ft).The road to
the lake is bumpy but when you reach there all woes are forgotten :) The lake against the pictureque snow cladded
mountain offers spectacular views. A photographer’s delight. A yak ride around
the lake is must do. The lale remains frozen during winters.
Tip:
- · A hot bowl of maggi or wai-wai is what you will want here. Available almost in every little shop.
- · You need a permit to visit this lake, since it is en route to Nathula pass near India-China border, which can be arranged the same day by your taxi driver/travel agent. As a general note, carry your valid ID proof (all members) and 4-6 passport size photos as these are needed for permits.
Nathula Pass
Probably the best experience in your Gangtok trip. The entire stretch of road is a gorge with
snow cladded mountain on one side and around 10000 ft deep the other side. Only few lucky ones can reach till the pass
at 14140 ft above sea level. The road remains closed in some days of the week
and sometimes closed because of road blocked with snow, landslides etc. Kindly
check with the tour operator/ taxi drivers in Gangtok before you proceed. Mind
you, only citizens of India can visit the pass on Wednesdays, Thursdays,
Saturdays and Sundays, that too after obtaining a permit one day in advance
from Gangtok. Baba Mandir, a shrine dedicated to an Indian army
soldier "Baba" Harbhajan Singh, who died near the Nathula
Pass in eastern Sikkim, India is an experience in itself.
Things to be noted while travelling to Nathula Pass
Start early morning before 8.30 am so that you will reach the
mountain peak before 11.30 am. This will help in see the place in sun shine.
There is a restriction of no. of people allowed in the peak. So the earlier,
the better. And also after 1 pm expect sudden change in the climate, it could
rain or snow.
Where to stay?
The Mayfair Gangtok is the only five star and by far the best
hotel in Gangtok - comes with a spa and a casino and is set amidst lush grenery
away from the bustle of the town. Property is great with huge rooms, courteous
staff and certain activities to keep kids engaged. However, ordering Ala-carte
might take some time. Chances are check in and check out process take some
time. Their rainforest cafe offers good view and mouth watering local
delicacies.
There are many hotels in MG road which is the heart of
Gangtok.
When to go?
The best time to visit Gangtok is all around the year except
the Rainy period (July to September).So you should plan your visit accordingly.
How to reach Gangtok ?
Gangtok is capital of Sikkim state. So it is well
connected with other parts of country by flight,trains and road.
The nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal. It is at a
distance of 120 km. Fly to Bagdogra from Kolkata or New Delhi or Guwahati.
Or take a train from any of the major cities to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and a bus
or cab further on to Gangtok (5 – 6 hrs by road). Taxi is by far the most
convenient option to reach Gangtok from Bagdogra.
From NJP, just move out of the platform and you will see lot
of people approaching you. They are drivers or agents.
You should not directly book your vehicle through them as it will
cost more. You can just move outside the railway station and reach
Taxi stand. You can take either shared taxi or reserve taxi from the stand just
outside the railway station.
However, if you want to indulge in a unique experience, try a
chopper ride from Bagdogra airport to Gangtok (Rs. 3700 per head).
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