Travel to Gangtok

Gangtok Tourism

Gangtok is a popular friendly Himalayan hill station. Gangtok is also the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim. Gangtok Travel is highly enjoyable.

Gangtok cannot be accessed by train routes. The nearest train station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in Siliguri. Siliguri can be reached by train from Kolkata. It is an overnight journey and trains are frequent. From NJP the traveler is required to take an auto rickshaw to Siliguri state bus depot. From the state bus depot, buses depart for Gangtok. Private shuttle taxis are also available. The journey takes approximately six hours.

The prime attraction of Gangtok travel is the dazzling Himalayan scenery-dominated by the majestic stunning Kanchenjunga,the planet earth's third highest mountain.

How to Reach Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital city of the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. The city is located at an elevation of 5,800 feet and has a total population of 208,658 as per the 2011 census. Belonging to different ethnicities, Gangtok is a famous as a hill station and the centre of tourism industry in Sikkim.

By Air: The nearest airport to Gangtok is in Bagdogra, West Bengal. The distance between the two is around 124 km. The airport is connected with major cities in India. One can also avail helicopter services operated by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation daily from Bagdogra to Gangtok, which takes about 20 minutes.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is at New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal which is about 117 km from Gangtok. The New Jalpaiguri railway station is well connected with major cities and towns in India.

By Road: Gangtok is well connected by road with Siliguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong by the National Highway 31A. There are regular Sikkim state transport buses between Gangtok and Siliguri. Private buses, jeeps and taxis can also be hired from Siliguri and Bagdogra. Gangtok is well linked with cities and towns in Sikkim and other neighboring states.

Distance to Gangtok

Shopping in Gangtok

Gangtok, the beautiful Himalayan hill resort is nestled against the elegant Himalayan ranges. Apart form the serenity and peace that you can carry home, this town offers beautiful shopping items, which you can pick up while shopping through the main markets of Gangtok.

The main shopping areas in Gangtok are the Old market, New market and Lal market from where you can buy curios and gifts bearing a typical Sikkim touch. Handicrafts are popular gift items, which you can buy at reasonable rates from the Government institute of Cottage Industry. Canvas wall hangings depicting paintings on Sikkim like religious processions, face profiles of tribals make beautiful souvenirs. Traditional items like thangkas or religious scrolls and choktsees or collapsible wooden tables with intricate local Tibetan designs are popular. Tibetan wollen carpets with beautiful patterns and designs are also available. Exquisite jewelry carved and inlaid with precious stones and brilliant gold and silver work are fascinating. These ornaments come in the forms of earrings, pendants and finger rings. The big cardamom or bari klachi will be a nice spicy remembrance from Sikkim.Sikkim Tea with its exotic taste and flavor are ideal gifts to carry home from Gangtok.

Places to Visit in Gangtok