Gangtok

Gangtok the capital of Sikkim is situated at a height of 5,500ft. The present capital was shifted from Tumlong in 1894 by Chogyal Thutob Namgyal and is today the centre for political, commercial, religious and cultural activities of the Sikkimese people. Gangtok offers the tourists all modern amenities for pleasure and comfort. There are a good number of luxurious and moderate hotels including modern shopping complexes, cyber cafes etc.

As per the 2001 provisional census, the population of the town is around 29,162. The temperature ranges from 13 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius in summer and between 7 degrees and 14 degrees Celsius in winter.

Flower exhibitions organized regularly at the Flower Show Venue near the White Hall complex is another attraction for the tourists.

General Information

In and Around Gangtok

Institute of Tibetology : This is a premiere institute in the world and its museum has the rare collection of antiques like statues, thangkas etc. The library too has a stock of rare books and documents on Buddhism. Around 30 thousand volumes mostly xylograph documents, translation of the original teachings of Lord Buddha and treaties by distinguished scholars can be found in this library.

Deer Park : Located adjacent to the Secretariat, it is also known as Rustomji Park. The park has a big open enclosure in which different types of deer and some animals native to Sikkim have been kept in this park.

The White Hall : Situated on a ridge, this Hall was built in 1932 in memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim, Claude White. It is a two-storied structure and has a typical British architecture. There is an Officers' Club and a badminton court in the Hall.

Enchey Monastery : An important monastery of the Nyingma Order, the monastery commands a panoramic view of the mighty Kanchendzonga range. There is also a small hermitage here built by Lama Druptob Karpo. Later during the reign of Sidekeong Tulku, a monastery was built in the shape of a Chinese pagoda.

Tashi View Point : Around 8 km from Gangtok, Tashi viewpoint is an interesting spot to view Mt. Kanchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu.

Himalayan Zoological Park : Also known as Bulbuley, the park covers an area of 205 hectares. Wildlife that can be seen in the park are, the red panda, barking deer, bears etc.

Do-drul Chorten (Stupa) : Built in 1945 by the venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, the Chorten has 108 prayer wheels and a good collection of holy books and other religious objects.

Institute of Cottage Industries : This institute was established in 1957 to promote the manufacture and sale of local handicrafts, carpets and furniture.

Ganesh Tok : It is a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, which is built on a hillock at an altitude of 6500 ft. A panoramic view of Gangtok and Raj Bhavan can be seen from here.

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