Gangtok-a Peaceful Getaway

By Author: Raveenwin
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“Gangtok-A peaceful getaway”
Gangtok is a serene hill station and a very popular tourist destination. It is the capital of Sikkim, India. Gangtok is located in the Shivalik hills of the Himalayan mountain range. It enjoys a mild climate throughout the year and is well placed in the midst of the Himalayan Mountains. The climate and beauty of Gangtok has turned it into the most visited tourist hill station in Sikkim. Tourists visit from across India and the world. Nepali is spoken widely in the region, but English, Hindi, Bengali and Tibetan are also spoken and understood.
Gangtok is also a prominent site of Buddhist monasteries and is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site. The Enchey Monastery built in 1840 is a popular pilgrimage destination. Gangtok is the centre of Tibetan learning and culture owing to the presence of several monasteries, religious and educational institutes and centers for Tibetology. The word Gangtok is popularly translated as “hill top”. Tourists can visit the monasteries.
Gangtok has a lot to offer the tourists. The largest monastery in the Eastern Himalaya, The Rumtek Monastery ...
... is just twenty four kilometers from Gangtok and very popular with tourists. Another famous monastery is the two hundred years old Enchey Monastery. Visitors are regaled by the popular “cham” dance which is performed in the month of January. The Do-Drul Chorten (stupa) is another religious site that should not be given a miss, especially to marvel at the hundred exquisite prayer wheels. Tibet enthusiasts can also visit the Namgayal Institute of Tibetology, built in 1958 and houses important Tibatan and Lepcha documents.
Other places of interest include the Tashi view poinst, Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok. They offer splendid and memorable vies of Sikkim and make for very good photo opportunities. A trip to Gangtok is incomplete without going to Nathula Pass which is located in The India China border. The Pass is beautiful and tourists can enjoy piping hot magi made by the locals along the way. Nathula Pass is fifty six kilometers away from Gangtok butt transportation and tour guides are readily available. The Tsongo lake which is considered to be sacred by the locals is also worth a visit for the peace and tranquility that the place offers along with its scenic beauty, Gangtok is known for its flora and tourists who love flowers can visit bothe the Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical garden and the Flower Exhibition centre.
Culturally Gangtok is very rich and offers tourists local festivals with colorful dances and rituals. The local food is also worth trying. A specialty of Gangtok is momo which is a dumpling filled with meat or vegetables. Local music is also very entertaining. As memorabilia the local handicrafts are very popular and sold in the markets.
The best time to visit Gangtok is anytime except for the monsoon which is from June to august. Accommodations are a plenty and are made for all budgets. Gantok is well connected by road and lies on the NH31A. Siliguri is the nearest railway station and Bagdogra airport is the closest airport and a helipad is also available in Gangtok.To know more about Gangtok and Hotels in Gangtok Visit HolidayIQ