India is every traveler’s dream destination. The country is dotted with so many places that it might not be enough to travel the whole country in one lifetime. The diversity in cultural and geographical is exceptional, and Gangtok is no different. Gangtok is India’s ultimate traveling destination, and it is the capital of Sikkim, one of the seven sister states. The only way to experience this traveling destination is to live and breathe the air of Sikkim, without feeling constrained by time.
If you are scheduling to head to the North-East part of the country, I would suggest you research beforehand about places you want to go, and the permits required for foreigners to travel through Sikkim. Figure out your accommodation, flights, food, and places of attraction before you go on a mesmerizing bon voyage. Travel portals like Yatra offer excellent offers on hotels, flights, and information for your next destination. When I was traveling through India, I used Yatra for booking my hotels, booking flights, and checking out flight status information through the portal. Needless to say, the process was seamless and offered me a bang for my buck!
Moving on, here’s a list of places you cannot skip when you are in Gangtok!
TSOMGO LAKE
It is called as Changu Lake by the locals, so don’t get confused if you are told something else. The lake is about a kilometer – long and some 50 meters deep. Tsomgo Lake is famous as a tourist attraction due to its serene atmosphere and is a holy site as well. Itis surrounded by lush green landscapes on all sides. One can enjoy yak rides or offer prayers at the Shiva temple near the lake.
Things to Note:
- It is a two-hour drive from Gangtok on the Gangtok-Nathu La highway
- Carry a camera
FAMBONG LA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary is documented for its abundant diversity of flora and fauna. One of the best places to witness animals such as Himalayan Black Bear, Binturong, Civet Cat, and Red Panda. The plants in the sanctuary include Ferns, Bamboo, Orchids, Champa, Katus, Kimbu, Oak, and Rhododendrons. A spectacular hermit for lovers of nature, this retreat offers some primeval views.
Things to Note:
- Located 20km from Gangtok
- Best time to visit – March to May, and September to December
PELLING
Pelling is a small town somewhere around hundred kilometers to the west of Gangtok. It is a prominent spot for people looking for some splendid views of the Khangchendzonga and the Himalayan range. It is situated at an altitude of 2150m, and one can observe serene mountain ranges like Rathong, Kabru, Pandim, and Koktang. The whole area is dotted with alpine trees and waterfalls. It is home to several Buddhist Monasteries, among which the ancient Pemayangtse Monastery is quite an experience.
Things to Note:
- Mobile connectivity can be a problem
- Best time to visit – September to March
KHANGCHENDZONGA BIOSPHERE RESERVE
A national park and a biosphere reserve located in Sikkim, it is inscribed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It has over 550 varieties of birds; the place is home to about 30 percent of the birds found in the entire of the sub-continent. Yuksom-Dzongri Peak trek is the most famous of all treks here. Hurling through the forests that are untouched, surrounded bygrand rivers of the national park and incredible rhododendron greens, the trek is loved by every traveler.
GURUDONGMAR LAKE
Gurudongmar lake in North Sikkim is one of the most stunning and sacred lakes in India. The source of this lake is from river Teesta, and the water of this lake is said to have curative properties. This lake is grandiose emerald blue in color and is bounded by snow-capped mountains and a glacier.
Things to Note:
- Located at an elevation of 17800 ft.
- Best time to visit – November to June
- Carry a camera
So, if you are traveling to Gangtok, make sure you do not skip on these places since it is the best of what Gangtok offers. From the pristine views of untouched landscapes to spiritual retreats, Gangtok touches the hearts of every traveler. As I said, make sure you plan your trip in advance, and check out hotels and flights on travel portals like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Trivago and more for best offers. Happy Journey, folks!
