SIKKIM : Spread below the Mt. Kanchanjunga (8534 m), the third highest mountain in the world and revered by the Sikkimese as their protective Deity, Sikkim shares her borders with Tibet in the north; Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west and state of Bengal in the south. Kanchanjunga's five snowy peaks soar high above the Himalayan landscape of Sikkim, sometimes wrapped in mists and wreathed in clouds, sometimes blazing while against a brilliant blue sky.

Below Sikkim unfolds its magic and its charm : a garden state with rich green tropical forests; brilliant birds and butterflies; an amazing variety of orchids, rhododendrons and wild flowers; rushing tumbling streams and torrents; and endless vistas of snow-crowned peaks.


Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, 1600 metres above the sea level is a picturesque town which cascades down the mountain side from a ridge 1520 mts. high. Gangtok means the Lofty Hill, which has grown into a busy, bustling city with pagoda style houses, painted turquoise roofs and colourful people. Famous for its Royal Chapel, The Institute of Tibetology, Orchid Sanctuary, Gangtok is more popularly known for Rhumtek Monastery, an exact replica of the monastery of Chhofuk in Tibet.

Location: The capital of Sikkim, located in the east district, one of the popular hill stations, overlooking the river Ranipool.
Tourist attractions: Deer Park, Dul-Dul Chorten, Kabi Longstok, Rumtek Monastery, Kechopari Lake, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Tsuklakhang-The Royal Chapel, Research Institute Of Tibetology, White hall, Yaksey, Tsomgo Lake, the Ridge, Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs, Kangchendzonga National Park, Lachung, Enchey Monastery and many more.
Best Buys: Furniture, dresses, Lepcha weave bags, Carpets & Durries, handicrafts and handloom, masks, bright Choktse tables, Thanka hangings, wooden and bamboo artifacts.

Best Hangouts: The Ipecac Garden, Tashi View Point, Yumthang Hot Springs, Jawahar Lal Nehru Botanical Garden, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Flower Exhibition Center, Tsongo Lake, Nathula.
Best Activities: Mountaineering, Trekking and River Rafting.
Best Hangouts : The monasteries and Lakesides.
Nearby tourist destinations:Changu Lake, Yumthang, Changthung, Phoodang Monastery, Labrang Monastery, Tashi View Point.
When to Visit: Mid February to May end and mid September to December

About Gangtok
Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, situated 110 kms from Siliguri and at an altitude of 1547 metres above the sea level, is filled with different cultures, religions and people existing in perfect harmony. Gangtok presents a perfect example of harmony between traditions and modernity. There are discotheques, posh markets, fast food outlets and many other modern amenities, at the same time Gangtok also owns some of the important Buddhist religious sites. Beautiful hills, lovely valleys, intriguing temples and monasteries spreading spiritualism and the natural beauty invites one and all.