As Gangtok is awarded the top hilly station in India by Oyo rooms.Hence Budget India Travelers today brings you the top 5 things to see in Gangtok and Sikkim. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is constructed on a cloudy ridge 5,500 feet above sea level. It’s perhaps the cleanest city in India, making it a pleasing place to spend a few days sightseeing and organizing onwards travel.
Gangtok rose to prominence as a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site after the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840. In 1894, the ruling Sikkimese Chogyal, Thutob Namgyal, transferred the capital to Gangtok. In the early 20th century, Gangtok became a major stopover on the trade route between Lhasa in Tibet and cities such as Kolkata (then Calcutta) in British India. After India won its independence from Britain in 1947, Sikkim chose to remain an independent monarchy, with Gangtok as its capital. In 1975, after the integration with the union of India, Gangtok was made India’s 22nd state capital.
1. Nathu La Pass, Gangtok Overview
Nathula, one of the highest drive roads in the world, is a mountain pass in the Himalayan peaks that co-joins Sikkim and China. Nathula Pass is situated on the Indo-Chinese border and is one of the biggest tourist attractions in India. Several tourists flock here every year for trekking in the valley and enjoying the scenic beauty. There are a number of waterfalls that gush along the way from Gangtok to Nathula. It also offers an opportunity to see beautiful snow peaks encircling the area.Situated on the Indo-Tibetan border 14450 ft. above sea level, Nathu La is one of the most important Himalayan passes in the country. Nathu means ‘listening ears’ and La means ‘pass’, the mountain pass is situated a few kms away from Gangtok in Sikkim. Nathu La is one of the three open trading border posts between India and China and is famous for its picturesque beauty and beautiful environment. The temperature here remains low for most parts of the year and Nathu La becomes a hotspot for tourists during summer. The cold wind blowing across at great speed is a phenomenon worth experiencing.
A number of enchanting waterfalls are present on the way from Gangtok to Nathula. Tsomgo Lake is a popular tourist destination in the region and though it does not have human inhabitation, the place is a home for birds like a black eagle, blue whistling thrush, redstarts, folk tails, tit-babblers, etc. The region also supports Himalayan wildlife like Tibetan gazelle, snow leopard, yaks, Tibetan wolves, etc. Nathu La has a rich variety of flora apart from a spectacular wildlife range.
2. Baba Harbhajan Singh Samadhi
A unique samadhi, somewhere in the middle of Kupup Valley, 60 km from Gangtok and 20 km from Nathu La, has to be visited to be believed. It is local belief that every person visiting the Nathang Valley and crossing through this enchantingly beautiful terrain has to pay their respects to Baba Harbhajan Singh. Don’t think of it as an ordinary temple, for you’ll be mistaken! As you climb the stairs to the concrete construction, flanked with bells on both side, you’ll be rewarded with the most ineffable samadhi you’d have ever visited. It is a small space consisting of two rooms and is a soldier’s bunker. One room has a desk and a chair with a placard requesting people not to sit on Babaji’s chair. The other room has a single bed, a thick blanket and an altar for the worshippers to place offerings. There is also an army uniform and a pair of polished boots kept under the bed. The person who comes to clean the samadhi sometimes finds the uniform crinkled or the boots muddy. Yes, eerie isn’t it?!
The story of this unique samadhi goes that Harbhajan Singh was just another soldier manning the India-China border in East Sikkim. In 1968, while escorting a mule column, he slipped and fell into a gushing stream, thus drowning at the age of just 22 years. His body was searched for extensively, but to no avail. After five days, he appeared in the dreams of a colleague telling him the location of his body and expressing a desire to have a samadhi made for him. The colleague woke up sceptical went to the spot directed by Harbhajan Singh in the dream and, not surprisingly, his body was dug out from the same location and a samadhi built for him, later on. Ever since, the locals and the regiment believe, that Harbhajan Singh is always on duty. What’s more interesting is the fact that he warns soldiers, in their dreams, of attacks by Chinese, at least three days in advance. The army still pays his salary, as Harbhajan Singh is still on duty. Every year, on 11 September, his belongings are sent to his family and the Railways book a seat for him on the train. When the Baba is on leave, the army is on high alert!
3. MG Road, Gangtok
MG Road is the heart of Gangtok and its most happening place. It is the central shopping hub of this beautiful state capital with various shops, restaurants, and hotels lined up along both sides. It’s an open mall or boulevard square. The area is widely regarded to be the town centre and is the best shopping destination for tourists. This is a great place for the tourists to take a leisurely stroll or just sit on the benches and revel in the eclectic ambience.
1. Smoking is not allowed at MG Road. You can be fined if caught smoking.
2. Since no vehicles are allowed here, it is safe to move around with children
4. Tsomgo Lake or Changu lake, Gangtok
Perched between the mountains at a dizzying height of 12400 ft above sea level, the Tsomgo Lake is one of the few high-altitude lakes in India situated on the Gangtok-Nathula highway. This lake is a part of every tourist’s itinerary and for a good reason- its overwhelming scenic beauty. Enveloped by steep snow-capped mountains and resting between a bright green carpet of alpine forests, the charming beauty of Tsongmo Lake is bound to leave you in awe. The lake’s mesmerising scenic allure combined with its legendary significance to the locals definitely makes it a must visit attraction of Sikkim.
Tsomgo Lake PermitThe Tsomgo lake is located in a restricted area and requires all visitors to obtain permits that allow them to enter the otherwise restricted area. Foreign nationals are required to obtain special permits. These permits cannot be obtained online, and you will need to go through officially certified travel agents and tour operators who will get the permit for you. There is no fee or cost associated with obtaining these permits, other than the agent’s fee, and you will be required to submit an ID proof and two passport size photographs. Permits take a day or two to arrive.
5. Yumthang Valley
Located 140 km north of Gangtok, this place is a gorgeous attraction, which demands a complete tour of its own.It is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora and fauna and breathtaking scenic beauty. In spring season, wild flowers such as primulas and Rhododendrons bathe the landscape in rich colours, making it a tourist hot spot. The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary over here has 24 species of Rhododendron flowers which bloom from April to May end.hot spring located on the right side of Yumthang river is a popular tourist attraction. In addition to a vast green meadow, lush green forest abounding in Pine and silver fir trees throngs the place. While driving towards the valley, one can see cascading waterfalls and streams.
So , Budget Indian Travelers quickly book your tickets for Gangtok
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