Gangtok: The Hill Top

by ~C4Chaos

Article by Afyakhan

Gangtok is the capital of the second smallest state in India, Sikkim, situated in the north eastern part of India. Gangtok is better known for its plunging forested mountain valleys that are interspersed with rice terraces and dotted with a red hue of rhododendrons. Primarily a Buddhist settlement, Gangtok has Tibetan Gompas with colourful prayer flags fluttering to greet you.

Dominating the horizon is the mighty Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain, towering at a height of 8598 m and the guardian spirit of a lot of ethnic Sikkimese people.The population in Gangtok comprises of Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nyingmapa among others. The rulers of Sikkim had their capitals at Pelling and Tumlong, before finally settling in Gangtok.Gangtok means 'hill top', and true to its name, Gangtok is situated on a mountain ridge nestled among the Shivalik Hills of the Himalayan range, at an altitude of 1870 m.

Gangtok remained unknown to the rest of the world but was opened to the world after the construction of the Enchey Monastery, a Buddhist pilgrimage centre, in 1840. Being on the trade route between Lhasa in Tibet and India, Gangtok became a major stopover during the British Raj. When India got independence, Sikkim chose to remain as an independent monarchy. In 1975, Sikkim was made part of India.

During the Indo-China war, the Nathu La Pass, one of the three open trading posts with China, was closed, temporarily terminating the trade relations with China. In 2006, Nathu La Pass was reopened.The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology was constructed in 1958, in traditional Tibetan architecture, to promote and learn about Mahayana Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet. The complex houses a rare collection of Tibetan, Sanskrit and Lepcha manuscripts, Buddhist statues, masks, Thangkas and rare artefacts.

Other than the Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Monastery and Do-drul Chorten also attract a lot of Buddhist pilgrims and tourists to view the huge prayer wheels and white pagodas.The T! hakurbar i Temple is one of the oldest Hindu Temples in Gangtok. Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok are two temples that are also known for the views. Tashi view point is the best view point of Kanchenjunga.

Tsomgo Lake, 40 km way from Gangtok is located at an altitude of 3780 m and is supposed to be sacred. At the lake side you can enjoy a Yak ride.Four days a week, Indian tourists are permitted to the Nathu La Pass which lies at the border with China and even observe the mail exchange between the two countries.The nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri, 124 km away from Gangtok. The closest airport is Bagdogra airport and Gangtok is linked to Bagdogra airport by a daily helicopter service.

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