Thursday, April 5, 2012

Gangtok Tour

Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim, the second smallest state of India. Famous for its monasteries, and picturesque views of the Himalayas, Gangtok is among the important hill station of the country. In Gangtok offers smooth blend of both tradition and modernity. Located 1547 m above sea level, Gangtok has some important Buddhist religious sites as well. The unspoilt natural beauty, peaceful Chortens or Stupas, and old monasteries makes it a truly unique travelling experience.


Gangtok is the proud capital of Eastern Indian state of Sikkim. This twinkling town is nestled amidst the Shivalik hills and in the foothills of Majestic Himalayas. It is spread over an area of 25 square kilometers and is the largest town of the state, Sikkim. Sited at an elevation of 1,700 m above the average sea level, this city features a monsoon-influenced subtropical highland climate with pleasant summers, breezy cold winters and heavy monsoons with average annual rainfall of 3894 mm. Though, Gangtok is a round-the-year destination, the best time to explore the natural beauty of this town is from the month of September (after monsoons) to May. Perched on the ridge of a hill, this city is renowned for its picturesque natural beauty and pictorial views of glorious Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain peak in the world.

To be close to nature and its bliss, thousands of domestic as well as foreigner tourists visit this city yearly. In fact, tourism is a prominent industry for economy of Gangtok. There is not much evidence of Gangtok's early history, but this town rose as a major Buddhist pilgrimage centre after the establishment of Enchey Monastery in the year 1840. Later, in 1894 Thutob Namgyal (ruling king of Sikkimese Chogyal Monarchy) made it his capital. After few years, this city evolved as major stop over on the trade route between Lhasa in Tibet and eastern cities during British Raj. When India got independence from British, Sikkim chose to remain an independent monarchy. It was only in the year 1975, when Union of India took place that Gangtok was declared as the twenty second state capital.

The meaning of Gangtok is not clear but according to the locals, the popular meaning of it is "Hill Top". Gangtok is touched by River Roro Chu in the east and River Ranikhola in the west. Apart from being a major tourist destination, this city is an eminent centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture and learning for being home for several monasteries, religious educational institutions, and centres for Tibetology. Some of the tourist spots that one should never miss to explore are Rumtek Monastery, Tsongo Lake, Nathu-La Pass, Namgayal Institute of Tibetology, Enchey Monastery, Do-Drul Chorten (stupa), Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok. If you love to shop, the M.G. Road present in the main street of Gangtok is a shopper's paradise offering authentic handicrafts and artifacts.



Day 01:   Arrival NJP /IXB  To  Gangtok
Meet and Greet on arrival at NJP / Bagdogra & transfer to Gangtok. Overnight stay at hotel.  
  
Day 02 :    Excursion Visit Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir  ( Timing will depend on the issuance of Permit )
A day excursion to Tsomgo Lake - situated at a height of 3,780 Mts. with an average  depth of 50 ft  &  Baba Mandir - The shrine maid in memory of sepoy Harbahajan Sing , Back to Gangtok. Evening free , Overnight stay at hotel

Day 03:   Gangtok  To Lachung ( Timing will depend on the issuance of Permit )
After breakfast pick up at 0900 A.M from hotel at Gangtok & transfer to Lachung (altitude 8610 ft). Via Phodong, Mangan, Singik Chungthang & Maltim . Overnight stay at Lachung.           

Day 04:    Excursion To Yumthang Valley & Back
Early Morning visit Yumthang-Valley (Famous as Valley of variety of Rhododendron ), Yumthang is the summer grazing ground of  the yaks & winter playgrounds of yetis. On the way back visit the Hot Spring considered to have medicinal  properties. Back to resort for lunch. Overnight stay at Lachung .        

Day 05:    Lachung To Gangtok
After breakfast leave for Gangtok. On the way stops between singhik, Mangan and if the weather is clear you may get to see the Khangchendzonga Range. This location offers a majestic view of Mt. Pandim, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Simvo, Mt. Jopuno, Mt. Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu. After lunch at Namok, visit Phodong Monastery on the way. Overnight at Gangtok.

Day 06:    Gangtok  To  NJP / IXB .
Morning free for packing & personal activities. After breakfast transfer to NJP Station or IXB Airport for return journey.  Morning free for personal activities & transfer to NJP /Bagdogra Airport.



for more details countect    mr .vivek grover
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