Gangtok Got Award For Cleanest Tourism Destination In India

Gangtok awarded the Cleanest Tourism Destination; 4 things not to miss when you are there

The idea of travelling to Sikkim makes most of us travellers really excited. After all, the lush green mountains, the waterfalls, and the snow-capped peaks are just too beautiful. But now, here's one more thing that is all set to make the state capital Gangtok a bigger tourist attraction.

The city of Gangtok has been awarded as the Cleanest Tourism Destination by the Union Ministry of Tourism at a time when the Swachh Bharat Mission is in full swing in the country.

The award was handed over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a few days back in the national capital. he Sikkim delegation participated in a workshop organised by the Urban Development and Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation for implementing the flagship programme, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban and Gramin), at Vigyan Bhawan, in New Delhi. The workshop was inaugurated by the PM Modi and attended by Union Ministers of the concerned departments, chief ministers of many states and ministers in-charge of the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Chandigarh and Mysore on the other hand, were felicitated for 'Clean Cities in million plus population' category.

In case you are planning a trip to Gangtok, here are a few things you must not miss:

Visit monasteries

You can't not explore monasteries when you are in Sikkim. Gangtok is one destination which is known to have some of the most beautiful Buddhist monasteries in the country. And each of these monasteries has centuries of history. The oldest one is the Rumtek Monastery, which was built in 1700 and is now a major Buddhist learning centre in the whole country. Enchey Monastery, on the other hand, was built in 1840 and was honoured by Lama Drupthob Karpo, who was believed to have flying powers. Do-drul Chorten, on the other hand, was built in 1945 and happens to be one of the stupas housing some of the most ancient Buddhist relics.

Yak safari at Tsomgo Lake

When you are in Gangtok, a visit to the famous Tsomgo Lake is a must. Located at a beautiful spot within the mountains, this serene glacial lake is surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks that make for a breathtaking view. When you go to this place, make sure you take the yak safari--nothing else will make you feel more beautiful than a ride on the back of an yak across the lake.

Visit Nathula Pass

After spending some time at the Tsomgo Lake, head to the Nathula Pass. Located higher up at an altitude of 14,140 feet, this pass is the Indo-Chinese border and requires a permit to visit. The tourists can actually see China from this side of the border. In ancient times, this pass was a part of the Silk Route.

Eat  at MG Marg

The MG Marg, located right at the heart of Gangtok city, is an amazing place to eat out. If you are looking for delicious bites with the panoramic views of the mountains, the Bakers Cafe is the perfect place to be. The food served here is unexpectedly good and the views from the window-side table is unparalleled. For the best Tibetan morsels, visit the Taste of Tibet, which has been also rated as the Top Pick by Lonely Planet. And if you want to have good quality Chinese food with the view of the MG Marg, Chopsticks is the place you must head to. When you are taking a walk on the MG Marg, don't forget to pay a visit to Roll House--this place serves the best momos and rolls in town.

Get The Ecstasy Feelings While Paragliding At Gangtok

PARAGLIDING IN GANGTOK

Paragliding in Gangtok is becoming an increasingly popular adventure sports. And why not. Who would not love to see the magnificent Himalayan range and the snow peaks from the sky as you fly like a bird and the look below to see the stunning mountain landscape of Sikkim and Gangtok. 

Actually there is no experience or training required to enjoy paragliding in Gangtok. Because the operators here offer Tandem Flights. Which means that an experienced and certified pillot will accompany you. Both pilot and the passenger sit safely and comfortably in harness which is attached to the paraglider. The pilot takes care of the entire flight and its navigation. So after an easy take off, you will only enjoy the flight with breathtaking views. 

  

However you should be physically fit and within normal weight limits (90 kgs). While the pilot does the bulk of the job, you will need to participate in take off and landing. So wear sneakers, jeans/trousers etc. 

Paragliding location and flights in Gangtok 

There are two types of paragliding flights you can enjoy and both are offered with Tandem Flights which means there will be a certified pilot with you. 

The first type of Paragliding flight is known as Medium Fly. As the name suggests, you will fly at a medium altitude of about 1300 - 1400 meters and will get a lovely aerial view of Gangtok township as well as that of Himalayan snow peaks. The take off location for Medium Fly Paragliding is at Baliman Dara near Gangtok. The flying time is 5-10 minutes. Landing takes place at a stadium field at Reshithang Sports Village. 

The second type of paragliding flight is High Fly where you will fly at a higher altitude. The take off location is at Bulbuley Dara further up from Reshithang village in Ranka (near Gangtok). The take off location altitude is 2,200 meters. 

The landing zone (the stadium field) is at an altitude of 1,150 meters, about 4kms from the take off point. Among amazing views of the mountains, you will also see Taktse International School at Pangthang, Bojoghari village and Tashi View Point. The total flying time in high fly is 20-30 minutes. 

Note that Baliman Dara and Bulbuley Dara are the only two certified paragliding take off locations in east Sikkim (both are near Gangtok). 

Indicative Rates 

Medium fly: Rs. 2,500/- per person. 

High Fly: Rs. 4,500/- per person. 

You should make advance booking. The operators can arrange hotel pickup and drop at additional cost. It can take up to 2 hours for the entire paragliding trip including flying time and ground movements.  

Paragliding Operators in Gangtok 

There are several of them. Here are the most well known ones: 

1) Sikkim Paragliding Adventure Sports Cooperative Society Ltd. 

They started paragliding operation in 2010. They have all Sikkimese pilots who have been trained by the Sikkim Government. The operator is affiliated with Paragliding Association of India (PAI) and is the state representative of PAI in Sikkim. Other than usual tandem flights, they also offer Paraliding tours for visiting experienced paragliding pilots and also para trekking expeditions to explore and discover Sikkim from the sky. 

Booking Office: 

Reshithang Sport Village, Ranka 

Near Banjhakri Water Fall (about 100 meters ahead) 

Phone: 03592 - 649053, Mobile: +91 9547116119 

Email: fly@sikkimparagliding.org 

Head Office: 

Kazi Road, Gangtok 

Mobile: +91 9547116119; Email: fly@sikkimparagliding.org 

2) Fly Sikkim Adventure 

They are the first Paragliding operator in Sikkim and have certified pilots trained from Paragliding Association of India. 

Booking Office: 

Reshithang Sport Village, Ranka 

Located next to Sikkim Paragliding Adventure Sports Cooperative Society 

Phone:  +91 9197207767 (O),+91 98515 88593, +91 97350 17094 

Email: flysikkimadventure@gmail.com 

Changu Lake - It Is An One Kilometer Long Oval Shaped Lake With Around Hills

TSOMGO LAKE

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GANGTOK

Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake is a glacial lake in Sikkim and located at an altitude of 12,310 feet. The name Tsomgo means 'Source of water'. It's located 35kms from Gangtok town and on the steep route known as Jawaharlal Nehru Road which leads all the way to Nathula Pass.

 This is one of the few and awesome high altitude lakes in India. The lake becomes doubly attractive with the reflections of the surrounding hills on the water.

 From Gangtok which is at 5410 ft, the altitude rises to about 10,000 ft in just 15kms. You can imagine how steep the gradient would be in this stretch of the road.

It takes about 2 hours by car from Gangtok to reach the lake. The lake is filled with water of melting snow coming from the surrounding mountains. It's a one kilometer long oval shaped lake.

The average depth is about 50-feet. During summer and autumn, you will find Primula flowers and other Alpine vegetation around the lake. And during winter the lake becomes frozen and a snowfield.

You can not litter the lake. Installation of prayer wheels and a small temple of Lord Shiva by the lakeside denotes that the lake is considered sacred by the locals. Tsomgo lake is a stop over place for many different migratory ducks like the Brahmini ducks.

You should spend some time here and soak in the serene beauty of the lake and its surroundings. In the earlier days the lamas used to study the color of water in the lake and forecast the future. A darker color would indicate that the coming year in the state may be troublesome.

There is a pathway along the lake that leads to a resting place - about half a kilometer walk. Only about 200 meters away from the lake there are lots of stalls & shops selling tea, coffee and snacks.

You will get hot Tibetan noodle soup to combat the cold. Stalls rent out snow boots, jackets, gum boots etc. There are pay & use toilets inside the complex as well. However there is no lodging accommodation in this area to stay overnight.

You can take a ride on colorfully adorned yaks and ponies. One more terrific activity is being planned at Tsomgo. Foundation stone of a 957-meter ropeway (cable car) has already been laid here in 2010. Once implemented, the cable cars will carry passengers from the lake to a hilltop nearby.

You should reach Tsomgo lake before noon because in the afternoon the weather here usually turns inclement. In fact best is to start from Gangtok by 7:30 to 8am and reach here by 10am so that you get clear 2 hours to enjoy.

 In the winter however the route sometimes get closed due to heavy snowing. 

Photography is now permitted and foreigners are also allowed to visit the lake. However since this is a restricted area, you are required to take a permit (you need photo identity proof and two passport size photos).

 You can get the permit from the Sikkim Tourist Information Center at MG Marg Gangtok, or ask the hotel or a travel agent to arrange for it.

From April to July, you can witness a good bloom of flowers. Most of the year, Changu Lake experiences a sparkling weather

By Air

Bagdogra airport is the nearest and major airport. Gangtok is linked to Bagdogra airport by a daily helicopter service that operates only once a day and carries four passengers.

By Rail

 The nearest major railway Station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP). From New Jalpaiguri Railway Station one has to drive to Gangtok nearly 130 kilometers. From Gangtok one has to drive to Tsomgo Lake and is nearly 42 kilometers from Gangtok.

By Road

 Roads till Gangtok is national highway 31 A. Guest has to drive to Gangtok nearly 130 kilometers from Siliguri. From Gangtok one has to drive to Tsomgo Lake and is nearly 42 kilometers from Gangtok.

GANGTOK

HILL STATION 

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GANGTOK

Gangtok is located at an altitude of 5,410 ft in East-Sikkim. This is one place which many tourists like to combine along with a visit to Darjeeling. In fact the combined trip of Darjeeling-Gangtok is a common recipe when people think about visiting this part of the country.

Gangtok is the capital of the northern Indian state of Sikkim.This beautiful land is well-known as the land of monasteries. It has large area bounded by lush green forests located on the Shivalik Hills.

Gangtok being an eminent Buddhist pilgrimage center in India as well as an ideal hill station for leisure travellers encircling some high altitude lakes and mountain passes is well connected by road to other mighty hill stations as well as nearby cities.

Nestled in the clouds and surrounded by the plush greenery, deep valleys and scenic view of Khangchendzonga (Kanchenjunga),the beautiful hill town is a business, political, cultural, education and tourism hub of the state where a good number of tourists(both business and leisure tourists) come throughout the year.

There are also numerous attractions in & around Gangtok to visit. Some of the wonderful and popular tourist places to visit in & around Gangtok are the following. Rumtek Monestery,Himalayan Zoological park,Nathula,Ganesh tok, Tosmgo lake, Temi tea garden, Hanuman Tok, Banjhakri falls, Ropeway.

By Air

The airport nearest to Gangtok is about 124 kilometres away in Bagdogra, West Bengal. From the airport, you can hire a shared taxi or a private vehicle that will get you to Gangtok in a matter of two hours. From Bagdogra, you can also take a TSA helicopter to get to Gangtok in just 20 minutes.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Gangtok is about 148 kilometres away in New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri. The station is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata and New Delhi. From New Jalpaiguri you can take a taxi to Gangtok or go to Siliguri Bus Station and catch a state-run bus to Gangtok, which will take you about 5-6 hours.

By Road

The road routes from Bagdogra, NJP and Siliguri all meet the Sevoke Road which leads to the National Highway NH31A. Tourists rolling in nearby places like Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kolkata prefer to drive to Gangtok. The roads are well-maintained, except in a few places.