Gangtok

Sikkim’s capital is a small hill town with a big heart. Perched on a mountain ridge, it is sprawled out in tiers—each of which provides delightful discoveries. One of Northeast India’s quintessential family holiday destinations, Gangtok also serves as the perfect base for intrepid travellers who wish to scale the surrounding mountains. It woos travellers with its luxurious experiences, natural beauty, spirituality, serene sites, and lively cafes. Above all, Gangtok indulges its visitors with views of the mystical and majestic Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. All you have to do is pray for a clear day.

-  ANANYA BAHL

Ubiquitous Buddhist culture meets magnificent views and an abundance of natural beauty in Gangtok.

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Monastery Circuit

The best place to start a tour of Gangtok is 1 Tsuklakhang, which is considered to be the ‘royal monastery’. Dragon carvings on the columns in the main hall are the striking feature of this complex situated in the premises of the Chogyal Palace. The 2 Enchey Gompa follows the Nyingma-Buddhist school of thought, and its sanctity is said to be the reason why people started to settle in this region. Located on the northern side of Gangtok, it is known for its glorious three-dimensional murals of stacked creatures depicting the evolution of life. Said to have been built by Trulshik Rinpoche in 1945, the Do-Drul Chorten Stupa’s golden dome can be seen from various points in Gangtok. Its 108 prayer wheels have Tibetan mantras inscribed on them. To learn about Tibetan and Buddhist history, visit the 3 Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (tibetology.net). It houses Buddhist artefacts, iconography, Tantric objects, and a prized 135-volume Encyclopedia Tibetica.

Vista Advantage

Given its blessed location in the lap of nature, it is natural for Gangtok to be home to several vantage points. Head to Ganesh Tok to see the cityscape along with views of the Chogyal Palace and Enchey Gompa. 4 Tashi View Point boasts mesmerising panoramic vistas of the snowcovered Mount Kanchenjunga. The Hanuman Tok offers gorgeous views of verdant mountains and Gangtok city.