Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a small but unique tourist destination reflecting its beautiful blend of tradition and modernity. This was my second visit to Gangtok with my family. Our journey started from Kolkata to Gangtok last October. The necessary things you should carry on your visit to Gangtok are Photo ID Card and 4 to 6 photos of each family member for making pass to visit distant tourist spots.
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Gangtok[/caption]
To reach Gangtok we had to pass the main gateways of North Eastern states New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri. Our journey to Siliguri on road for about 12 hours was very hectic. If you are planning a trip then should prefer a journey by train to avoid this. From Siliguri our journey was by car. At about 35 minutes distance from Siliguri is Sevoke. Sevoke is the junction point to reach the hil stations like Gangtok, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, etc. The hills of Sevoke gave us a warm welcome. The main attractions there are the Bagh Pool/Sevoke Bridge, famous for its architecture and the beautiful river Teesta. We also got chance to taste Momo as our lunch in Teesta Bazaar.
We reached Gangtok at the evening. As it is a hilly area from Siliguri to Gangtok, it may take more time depending on road condition and weather. It was the Puja Holidays and so we booked our rooms in advance through the Website www.holidayrentals.co.in. Our stay was arranged at Zimkhang Guest House located at Tibet road.
The guest house is surrounded by popular tourist spots of Gangtok like Hanuman Tok and Tashi View Point. Hanuman Tok is just 8 kms from the guest house. The next day morning we had a walk to Hanuman Tok to visit the famous temple of Lord Hanuman there. We covered Rumtek Monastery, Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok, Tashi View Point, Enchy Monastery, Tashiding Monastery & Orchid Garden. It was really a fascinating experience.
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Nathula Pass[/caption]
We also got a great opportunity to go for Nathula Pass Days Trip. Nathula Pass is located about 56 kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 14450 ft bordering India and China in the Tibetan Plateau. At present domestic tourists are given permit to visit here only 4 days a week ie; Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and only upto 30 vehicles are allowed each day. Fortunately our visit was on Thursday. On the way to Nathula Pass we could see many beautiful lakes.
The roads were bumpy and it took around 4 hours to cover 56 km. There we visited Baba Harbajab Singh Temple. Then we proceeded to the highest Golf field and Elephant Lake. Photography is not allowed here as Army camp is nearby with Chinese troops very near to Indian Border. On our way back we stopped at Tsomgo lake. We also had a great fun ride of Yak there. The day was tiring but we all enjoyed the trip. In the evening we reached the guest house and by next day morning we backpacked to Kolkata.