A Visit to Gangtok, Sikkim

A Visit to Gangtok

gangtok

Hi, beauties how are you all doing!!! I missed you all during these days & hoped you missed me too. Anyways Iam back to IMMB once again, rather I was not at all away, I always made sure to be in touch with you all & took a peep into IMMB whenever I get chance…

Btw it gives me immense pleasure to announce that I had tied a knot with my beloved last December. Some of you already know this and my apologies to the others for not announcing it earlier. Hope you all understand. Ok you all might have guessed by now that Gangtok was our HONEYMOON destination!! Clever you!! .

Gangtok is a bewitching hill-station, located in the Shivalik Hills of eastern Himalayan Ranges, it is 1400 m high. The literal meaning of ‘Gangtok’ is ‘hilltop’. Located in the lower Himalayas, it is a perfect destination for honeymooners to spend some quality moments in solitude.

Reaching to Gangtok

There is no problem in traveling to Gangtok  (Sikkim ) , as the state is well-connected with air, rail and road. Rangpo at Sikkim is the entrance way, where permits are scrutinized and verified allowing a person to enter the state. It is linked with Indian National Highway on 31A to other parts in India.

Distance from Gangtok to other locations

Places- Distances

Delhi – 1598 km

Mumbai- 2385 km

Siliguri- 110 km

Kolkata- 720 km

About our Gangtok trip:

Our trip was a 3 days and 3 night one. I know it’s too short but we couldn’t manage chutti due to financial year end. However “something is better than nothing” right?  So we planned our tour such that we can utilize & enjoy every hour of it.

We started off from Siliguri at 7pm & reached Gangtok at 11:30 am. It was bright and clear day but suddenly there was outburst of heavy rain. We reached our hotel, freshened up, had our lunch & desperately waited for the rain to stop, but it rained the whole day. Luckily our hotel was located at the centre of the town. All along the main road, running a few kilometers, is a pedestrian walkway (M.G.Marg), which is maintained well by the Sikkim Tourism. There were many hotels, restaurants & shops with loads of attracting stuffs dotted along this marg .We spent the whole evening wandering around the M.G.Marg area & indulging ourselves in chota -mota shoppings.

M.G.Marg, gangtok

M.G MARG at night

After the dinner we had our plan set for the rest two days. Next day we woke up early and had breakfast at the hotel and waited for our cab driver-guide to appear. Fortunately the weather was superb with sun shining very bright & clear.

Our first stop was the Ban Jhakri falls. This is a solar energy operated park that has several attractions including a waterfall and picturesque surroundings. One can also dress up in their traditional clothes inside the park & click photo, however we escaped this part due to shortage of time.

 

Ban Jhakri falls, gangtok
Ban Jhakri falls, gangtok

 

A small water body inside the park
A small water body inside the park
A shelter with traditional painting
A shelter with traditional painting

Next stop was at Ridge Park, a few kilometers from downtown. This is a beautiful stretch of road with tall trees and lush greenery all around. Very close to Ridge Park is the White Memorial Hall, built in memory of the first British officer of Sikkim, in the 1930s. Now the higher officials of Sikkim govt., reside there. Right next to the White Memorial Hall, there was a flower show in progress, with hundreds of varieties of flowers and orchids; we followed the visit to the Festival of Flowers with Ranka monastery. Sikkim is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage center with several monasteries and institutes. The monastery has images of several Buddhist gods, including Buddha & other followers sorry I don’t know the other disciples names. Ranka monastery is well construction with few acres of land. According to me this one was the most beautiful Buddhist monasteries I have ever seen. The monastery was model of tranquility and calm. Just visiting them, walking in the grounds, observing the mild-mannered monks and turning the prayer wheels calms down our nerves.

 

Ranka monastery

Ranka monastery
Ranka monastery

The Hindu temples – Hanuman Tok and Ganesh Tok – were also peaceful sacred temples, with amazing views of the mountains and valleys.

Our final stop for the day was the Tashi viewpoint; this is the preferred location for viewing Kanchenjunga. A perching shed and a modest cafeteria are there at Tashi Viewpoint, which provides shelter and other comforts to the visitors. We were unlucky again, although the breathtaking 360 degree view of the mountains combined with the excitement of seeing the famous peak peep was a good experience. We reached our hotel back at around 6 p.m. ,after a full days sightseeing. We talked to our hotel manager and arranged for a cab for the next day. We spent the rest of the day wandering around the M.G.Marg area & enjoying coffee at Café Coffee Day.

Next day after an early breakfast, we set out in cab at about 8 a.m. We planned to visit the Changu Lake, Baba mandir and surrounding border areas. We wondered at the living quarters of the locals and the army folks in this area. The weather was very chilly, the surroundings covered with fresh snow.

We headed for Baba Harbhajan Mandir which is at a height of 13, 500 feet. On the way we crossed Changu Lake which is a famous tourist spot, but our plan was to visit the mandir first. This mandir has been erected in the memory of a soldier, Harbhajan Singh (1941-1968), who drowned in a stream while on duty. Initially his body could not be found. According to the localities’, Harbhajan Singh appeared in the dream of a fellow soldier and told him where his body was lying and also requested him to construct a Samadhi for him. Accordingly, a Samadhi was constructed for him at Chhokya Chho and later reconstructed at the present site enroute to Nathu La Pass. The soldiers believe that the Baba patrols the border and will warn them of any dangers. The mandir has the portrait of the Baba. His uniform, a camp bed, and other personal effects are also stored here. It is said that his sheets become crumpled in the mornings and his boots become muddy in the evenings. The Baba’s name was on the payroll till recently and he was promoted as if he were still in service.

Baba Harbhajan Mandir
Baba Harbhajan Mandir
Baba Harbhajan Mandir
Baba Harbhajan Mandir

Baba mandir

From there we returned for Changu Lake (also called Tsongmo lake). This lake is at a distance of 35 kilometers from Gangtok. The lake had looked spectacular from above as we were coming down the mountain. Situated at a height of over 12,000 feet, the one kilometer long glacial lake, Changu, gets its water from the ice of the surrounding mountains. It is usually frozen during the winter months and had just recently melted at the time of our visit. Lake Changu is one of the must see places in Sikkim. As it is on the highway leading to the border, you need a police permit to visit the place. Travel agents arrange it for a fee. Yak owners come rushing the moment your vehicle stops at the lake .We had maggis & momos there & wondered around the lake for few hours.

Changu lake
Changu lake
A view of the KANCHANGA range
A view of the KANCHANGA range

From Gangtok, foreigners are allowed only up to Changu Lake, but Indians can travel beyond this place up to Nathu La. Unfortunately we couldn’t visit the Nathula pass because we didn’t have the appropriate permit. Nathu La is a pass on the Indo-Chinese border that serves as a trade link between the two countries. This was reopened in 2006 (after being closed after the India-China war in 1962). Nathu La used to be known as the Silk Route.

Nathu La
Nathu La

We started the return drive by about 3 p.m., since the roads tend to get fogged up in the late afternoon. We spent the rest of the evening enjoying the downtown area as well as the clean walkways around Gangtok.

A few shoppings : (from left to right )

gangtok shopping
gangtok shopping

  • A jute bag with wooden beaded hold 250/-,
  • Shades 300/-,
  • 2 beaded neckpiece with matching ear rings (230+180)/- I’m wearing one in the above picky.
  • A pocket mirror 50/-
  • A Buddha statue radium type, glows in dark 180/-
  • A cute prayer wheel (metallic), I used it as my mobile accessory 20/-

To sum up I just want to add Sikkim is not any less than a paradise on the Earth. Once seen, it would be not difficult for you to savor and appreciate the state for its wonderful splendor.

Sush
Sush

Hope you all enjoyed reading my Sikkim Trip ..Bye…

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72 thoughts on “A Visit to Gangtok, Sikkim

  1. Wow Sush…. Thank u for the travelogue 🙂 It brings back fond memories 🙂 Gangtok is like one of my most fav places in the world.. Its so beautiful and serene na? 😀
    Btw you look super pretty in the pic above 🙂

    1. hi suma, agreed gangtok is really a beautiful place wil definately visit gangtok in future too.. :yahoo:
      n thx 4 liking my piccy :vampire:

  2. beautiful place…. :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove:
    I loved the pictures you have taken Sush….and wow at the nature
    But 2385 km from Mumbai :((
    Neways will definitely explore this place if I get a chance :yahoo: :yahoo:

    And you looking so pretty :-* :-* :-*

    1. hi jinal do xplore this place i bet u’ll love it… hey u cn plan it for next with your bf, distane wil nt matter den right he he:toothygrin: :woot:

      thx :laugh:

  3. Sush you looking very cute in the pic. Congos on your marriage. have a great life ahead. :)) I have never been to any place in east india. I want to visit Darjeeling for sure.

    Gangtok does look such a beautiful place , especially the mountain ranges and monasteries . 🙂 I hope I get to explore it. 🙂

    1. thank u ………….muaah….. u made my day..
      hey if u come east pls do meet me. i’ll be very happy…
      u know i clicked all the photos myself xcept for me posing .. flattered :woot: :woot: u people are liking it… this is boosting up my confidence in photography.. :yahoo:

      1. It’s glad to have you back Sush. :-* Pics are indeed very clear and beautiful. :)) If ever I happen to come that side, i’d definitely meet you. :))

        1. That gravatar is sooooo cute Ratiii :evilgrin: :evilgrin: :evilgrin: :evilgrin:
          reminds me of a cartoon ,but i cant remeber the name :toothygrin: :toothygrin: :toothygrin: :toothygrin:

          1. rati , ritika means u look like cartoon he he…….dont go by the literal meaning…. “”HIDDEN meanING”” :yahoo: :woot:

  4. Wowwwww..such a gripping write up Sush!!! I felt as if I was also going through all the places while reading your descriptions!! Awessssssssssssome and such a beautiful place….Loved everything – the pics, your shopping and you looking soooo adorable in the pic!!!!! :waytogo: :waytogo: :waytogo: :waytogo: :waytogo: :waytogo: :waytogo:

  5. I just now received my faces parcel and this time got a huuuge red potli too!!! :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

  6. Gangtok indeed is an amazing place…..its beautiful, the people there are very very nice….the food is good……excellent place for a small getaway!!

    1. ya people are very friendly & helpful :yes: :yes:
      but its very costly place the shoopkeeper just lootofy the tourist… they charge anything they like to depending on their mood or just by checking the tourist profile.. :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: .. so we did minimal shoping … :yelo:

      have u been there???

      1. that can be true for the shops selling handicraft stuff…….also howcome it took u so long to reach gangtok from siliguri??……its just a 3-4 hrs drive.. ?:) ?:) ?:) ?:)

        1. may be, as most of the stuffs are easily available at my place so we had an idea.. n thereby did a lot of bargaining :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yelo:
          the highway is under construction thats why…..

          u stay at siliguri????

  7. Beautiful place Sush :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove:
    I have been to all parts of India except the north east,may be this post is an indication that i should go soon :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

  8. sorry fo rht eout of context comment but did u know Maybelline’s gel liner is available in Purple, Brown and gray as well?????? BUT NOT IN INDIA!!!!! :shout: :shout: :shout: :shout: :shout: 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯 :reallyangry: :reallyangry: :reallyangry: :reallyangry: :reallyangry: :reallyangry: :reallyangry: Why not!!!!????? :reallyangry: :reallyangry: :reallyangry: :reallyangry: 🙁
    This is not fair!!!! :smug: :smug: :smug: :smug: :smug: :smug: :smug: :smug: :wilt: :wilt: :wilt: :wilt: :wilt: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep:

    1. purrrrrrrpleeeeeee :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized:
      :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali:

    2. I know … :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: and suma their purple is super gorgeous.. why do we always get addha adoora saaman.. :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: that’s why i like lotus and lakme so much- we her complete ranges atleast.

      1. at my place only lakme & lotus available… most of the high brands dont turn up here so for the 1st time me happy at least i can select from their complete range… :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :vampire:

  9. Ratiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii..those crazy people sent me an eyeshadow instead of blush!! :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank:

    1. :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: I want to :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: F & U :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali:

      1. Jabki on the order box its mentioned “Mauve blush”. How can they do this!!!!!!!!!!!!! :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep:

    2. haaaawww ,,,dats bad cali….
      :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank:

      1. yeah..thats dhokhaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: I am gonna :announce: this dhokha now on my blog!!!! :violinbash: :violinbash: :violinbash: :violinbash: :violinbash: :violinbash: :violinbash: :violinbash:

        1. I so wanted that mauve blush!!! :(( :(( ..and they’ve sent a highlighter shade in eyeshadow that too shimmery one..I dont even use much of highlighters..koi aur shade hota toh accha bhi lagta..200 rs gone in wasteeeeeeeeee..!!! :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:

            1. yeah..just now talked to them..He was saying sorry and said that he can initiate a return of the product…in which a person can come and take the product back and then they can issue a check to my name, once they get the product. But, they wont be able to exchange the product… :(( Like I wont be getting that blush now!! 😐 😐 😐 ..So I said, let it be..Anyway 200 rs is nothing much, but they should be more vigilant about this, in case someone has ordered expensive stuff.I anyway wasn’t going to get the blush so I simply said, leave it..I’ll ask any of my friends if she wants it….He said, he’d tell this to the feedback team for sure!!! 🙂

              1. hey cali, me just checked my blush too, if it was e/s instead…
                i ordered mauve blush too 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
                b/w i swatched the eye pencils before i slept, n thy still look fresh as new, havent smudged/faded at all..
                so loving these faces eye pencils…
                thnku rati, u introduced us to these eye pencils..
                :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

                1. Atleast you got the blush!! 🙂 🙂 So me happy!! :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance:

                2. aweesommmmeee Nooopooorrrr.. I am def picking up more shades. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

                  cali may be you could add 100-200 bucks more and pick up something else? :struggle:

                    1. cali, dont do mood off.. me sending u the mauve blush
                      i wanted to send u some marriage gipphttt too.. so i ll be happy to send u this… 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 :victory2: :victory2: :victory2: :victory2: :victory2:

                    2. this happened to me too cali.. they sent me two wrong lipglosses!!! grrrrrr……. :pissedoff: :reallypissed: :hunterwali: :spank: i was too hesitant to talk to their customer care and now those glosses are sitting quitely in some corner of my cupboard! 😐

  10. oh no! and this isnt the first time F&U has mixed up things 🙁 Cali call their customer support na… maybe they’ll change it for you soon enough!

      1. sorry to hear that Cali. can imagine how you must feel..hope you get your product soon.. :fingerscrossed: OR maybe somethng even better is in store for you. :bravo:

            1. I didn’t initiate that…What for 200 bucks… khikhikhi..we anyway waste so much money on all other things..this refund and return will cost the poor guy who did my packaging more…I will ask any of my friend, if she needs it..else I’d try using it!! 😛 😛 😛

  11. Sush…..you are back……….and you went to sikkim…..wow…..you told me you would :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: happy for you :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

  12. Gnagtok is really very nice!!! I have been there a couple of times, but each time its serenity never fails to mesmerize me!! also, it’s one of those places which a Bengali MUST visit 4-5 times in his/her lifetime! 😛

  13. missed you sush………………..you are supercute…..howz life…..you still in Sikkim?????….I want to visit Sikkim now :woot: :woot: :woot: :woot:

  14. Everybody is in travel mode!!! You look sooo cuuute Sush… :-* :-* :-*

    And i love the trinkets you bought.. Nice!!! :waytogo: :waytogo: :waytogo:

    1. thank u thanku thanku….M . looooooooooooove u….muaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. :joker: :joker:
      btw i loved both ur hair style… u’ll try each of them :yahoo: :yelo:

  15. thank u…… icame back to my place i hv my job no…. bt if u r planning to come wil definately meet u… :jiggy1: :jiggy1: :jiggy1:

  16. 😯 😯 😯 😯 wowwwww gangtok is soooooo colourful and breathtaking!!! i cant take my eyes off the pics!!!!! :woot: :woot: :woot: :woot: :woot: :woot: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove:

    1. Thx neha 4 liking the pics!!!… :yelo: its certainly a v beautiful place…. :yelo: if possible do visit sikkim :mean: :mean:

  17. Sikkim is damn beautiful went there for my school trip a few years back meaning to go back.Did you visit the flea market at Gangtok it has some amazing stuff.

    1. yes yes i bought all these stuffs from there only… :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: . bt u hv to do a lot of bargaining no…. :teeth: :teeth:

  18. congrats sush…all the very best for ur new lyf ahead… n gangtok is luking more beautiful thru ur pics n writeup… :waytogo: :waytogo: :)) :))

    1. thank u nids… :vampire: :toothygrin: me happy to get included in married women team… :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
      “”hamara palla bhari hain na…””

  19. :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: wow sush !! wht a lovely article and awesum place !! HV ADDED DIS PLACE IN MA LIST OF PLACES TO EXPLORE B4 I DIE 🙂 🙂 🙂

    1. thx 4 liking d article… :toothygrin: :toothygrin: oh really my aticle seems v convincing ….khikhikhi……. :yahoo: :woot: :yahoo: :woot: :yahoo: :woot:

  20. Yayyyy Sushhh!! Congratulations on the wedding!!:D:D i lovveee Gangtok!!! Lived there as a kid!!! this post took me back to sooo much!!:)

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