Gangtok vacation package for captivating destinations in Gangtok, Sikkim

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While traveling through India, if you want to experience a town that lies at the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains, then visit Gangtok. It is the capital plus the largest and economically most important city of the former kingdom and present Indian state Sikkim. It lies in the eastern district of Sikkim at 5400 feet, and today is home to more than 30,000 people.

What also sets Gangtok apart is the pagoda-style wood houses that dot the countryside. Their turquoise blue roofs make it a scenic place against the massive Himalayas. Gangtok is an ideal starting point for trekking in the mysterious northeast of the region to the holy Yaksum, Pemayangtse and to the mountains in the vicinity of Bakkhim and Dzongri.

Gangkok is also known as a center of the Tibetan Buddhism and home to many Buddhist monasteries and schools. From the east part of the city, you will be in awe at the snow-covered peaks of the Himalaya and the Kanchenjunga, which is the world's third highest mountain (28169 feet). Because of the surrounding mountains, Gangtok has a mild, moderate climate year round.

The early history of Gangtok talks about the building of a hermitage during 1716. Until the foundation of the Enchey monastery in 1840, Gangtok remained a small village. However it quickly became a center for pilgrims. When the British defeated the Tibetans, the city became an important station between Tibet and British India. What resulted is the city quickly was “modernized” with streets and telegraph lines.

In 1894, Thutob Namgyal, that time king of Sikkim, transferred the capital of Sikkim from Tumlong to Gangtok. A large palace and a row of government buildings originated. After the Indian independence in 1947, Sikkim became independent. The trade flourished and the city grew quickly. The monarchy in Sikkim was abolished in 1975 and Sikkim was incorporated after a referendum as 22nd state of the Indian Union, and Gangtok became the capital of this state.

Most people who live in Gangtok are Nepalese, who established themselves there during the British dominance over India. In addition, you will meet Lepchas, Bhutias, Tibetans, Marwaris, Biharis and Bengalis.

The population of Gangtok are predominately Hindus and Buddhists. The Lepchas are Christians who were proselytized by the Britons in the late 19th century. For the small Muslim community, there is a small mosque. Despite the religious diversity, the city was never involved in religious conflicts. The widely spoken language is Nepalese. English and Hindi are also spoken in Gangtok. Other languages include Tibetan, Lepcha and Bhutia.

If you can schedule your trip for the right time, you can experience some of the many festivals held in Gangtok. They include Diwali and Makar Sankranti. Buddhist festivals celebrated include Losar, Loosong, Bhumchu, Saga Dawa, Lhabab Duechen and Drupka Teshi. The Tibetan new year (Losar) is celebrated in the middle of December and most businesses and establishments are closed. During recent years, Christmas has became more popular. In January, a dance festival with costumes is organized in the city of Chaam.

While in Gangtok, take time to also visit:

Himalayan Zoological park

Himalayan Zoological Park which features the animal world of the Himalaya region. You’ll have a chance to see Asian black bears, muntjacs (barking deer), slink cats, and small Pandas. You can see different bamboo types and 50 different types of trees in the Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Gardens.

Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology

Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology houses a large collection of masks, Buddhist writings, statues, wall hangings and over 200 Buddhist icons. It is a center of the teachings of Buddhist philosophy. It has also a collection of 30,000 objects of different art such as astrology, philosophy, magic and religion.

Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery located outside of the city, is one of the holiest Buddhist monasteries. Rumtek monastery belongs to kagyu monastery order, which is one of the most important Tibetan Sects and it houses some of the most important and holiest Tibetan Buddhist writings and religious objects. It was built in 1960.

Enchey monastery (Nyingma monastery order)

Enchey monastery (Nyingma monastery order), next to the Do drul Chorten Stupa and the Rumtek monastery, is the most important Buddhist establishment and center of Buddhist teachings and culture. It is around 200 years old and erected in the baroque style. It also is the oldest monastery located in the city. It also is the seat of the Tibetan Buddhist Nyingma order, and houses numerous religious artifacts and portraits of Gods.

Dro dul Chorten Stupa

Dro dul Chorten Stupa was erected in 1945 by Trulshi Rimpoché, the head of the Nyingma order. It houses relics, holy books and Mantras. Around the Stupa, there are 108 prayer mills (Mani Lhakor). In addition, there is a religious school in this building.

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