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Places to visit in Gangtok Himalayan Zoological Park Himalayan Zoological Park: Distance - km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - ft. Phone No - Entry Fee - Rs. The park is located exactly across the road opposite Ganesh Tok and covers an area of 205 hectares. This area is also known as Bulbuley and extends almost upto Hanuman Tok. Although a 3 kms long jeepable road runs right through the park, vehicles are not allowed in. There is a paved cement path that passes by fenced open air enclosures housing the red pandas, Barking Deer , bears and other animals of Sikkim in a semi natural habitat. As the enclosures encompass a huge area the animals are sometimes not easily visible and one has to be patient to get a sight of them. Making noise drives away the animals to take refuge behind bushes. Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve Tsomgo Lake A lake at 12,310 ft? Impossible you will say but it is a fact. Tsomgo(Changu) lake is situated 35 km from Gangtok on the Gangtok - Nathula highway which forms a part of the old trade route from India to China. Before 1962, caravans of mules carrying goods used to ply on this route. The stretch of the route just below Karponang, 15 kms from Gangtok was particularly dangerous. Its steepness resulted in many mules slipping to their death into the ravine below. Karponang is at an altitude of 10,000 ft, an ascend of 5,000 ft from Gangtok in less than 15 kms. Slightly less than 10 kms away from Karponang is 15 th Mile or Kyongnosia which lies on a saddle on the Chola Range and from where a panoramic view of part of Gangtok and other surrounding

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Page 1: Places to Visit in Gangtok

Places to visit in Gangtok Himalayan Zoological Park

Himalayan Zoological Park: Distance -  km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude -  ft.Phone No -Entry Fee - Rs.The park is located exactly across the road opposite Ganesh Tok and covers an area of 205 hectares. This area is also known as Bulbuley and extends almost upto Hanuman Tok. Although a 3 kms long jeepable road runs right through the park, vehicles are not allowed in. There is a paved cement path that passes by fenced open air enclosures housing the red pandas, Barking Deer, bears and other animals of Sikkim in a semi natural habitat. As the enclosures encompass a huge area the animals are sometimes not easily visible and one has to be patient to get a sight of them. Making noise drives away the animals to take refuge behind bushes.

Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve

Tsomgo Lake

A lake at 12,310 ft?  Impossible you will say but it is a fact. Tsomgo(Changu) lake is situated 35 km from Gangtok on the Gangtok - Nathula highway which forms a part of the old trade route from India to China. Before 1962, caravans of mules carrying goods used to ply on this route. The stretch of the route just below Karponang, 15 kms from Gangtok was particularly dangerous. Its steepness resulted in many mules slipping to their death into the ravine below. Karponang is at an altitude of 10,000 ft, an ascend of 5,000 ft from Gangtok in less than 15 kms.

Slightly less than 10 kms away from Karponang is 15th Mile or Kyongnosia which lies on a saddle on the Chola Range and from where a panoramic view of part of Gangtok and other surrounding hills can be obtained. The Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary with an area of 312km located nearby is rich in alpine flora, fauna and avi-fauna. From here onwards to the Tsomgo(Changu) lake, one loses sight of the Khangchendzonga range. The road has less gradient and the vegetation adopts an alpine nature.

About a kilometre ahead of Kyongnosia and about five minutes walk from the roadside is the Tseten Tashi cave which is about twenty feet high and so named after a naturalist of Sikkim who was also the Private Secretary to the Chogyal. There is passage within the cave that leads to its top.

Tsomgo(Changu) lake, which is hardly 20 kms away from the famous Nathula Pass and about 400 kms from Lhasa, falls in the restricted area and hence an Inner Line Permit, which can be obtained from the Police through the Tourism Department or travel agent is required by visitors to visit this place. Foreign nationals are also permitted to visit this lake. Photography is now allowed and in fact parts of few Hindi films have been shot here. Its cool, placid water harmonies

Page 2: Places to Visit in Gangtok

with the scenic beauty around which is doubled by its reflection in the lake. A small temple of Lord Shiva is constructed on the lakeside. Primula flowers and' other alpine vegetation grow around the lake, which has an average depth of 50 ft, lend a pristine beauty to this place. A footpath along the lake takes one to a resting shed - a walk of about half a kilometre. During the winter months the lake becomes frozen. The lake itself derives its water from the melting snow on the mountains around, The river Lungtze Chu originates from this lake and meets the Rangpo-chu further down its course. During the olden times, lamas used to study the colour of the water of the lake and forecast the future. If the waters of the lake had a dark tinge, it foreshadowed a year of trouble and unrest in the state. The lake has a few rainbow trout and if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse at them. 

The travel agents and Department of Tourism conducts package tours by bus to this lake at selected months of the year. A bus ticket to Tsomgo(Changu) lake and back costs Rs 150/-. Taxis from Gangtok can also be hired to Tsomgo. A small cab in which not more than 3 passengers are permitted can be hired for Rs 550/- to Tsomgo and back. Hiring of a jeep which can accommodate upto 7 passengers will cost about Rs 900/-. Private vehicles are not permitted to the lake. Rides on yaks and mules are also offered at the lake site. Tea and snacks are available at the dozen of temporary stalls during the tourist season only. Some of the stalls even keep film rolls and offer jackets, snow boots and waterboots on hire. Because of the high altitude, heavy woolens are required to be worn here throughout the year. There is no facility of accommodation for the tourist. It is advisable to visit the lake before noon as usually during the afternoons the weather becomes inclement. Those with breathing problems should avoid exerting themselves too much because of the scarcity of air at this altitude.

Tashi View Point

Tashi View Point  Distance -  km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude -  ft.was built by the late King of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal, it is situated 4 km from Gangtok town from where one can have a clear view of opposite hills, besides Mt. Khangchendzonga. This site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Mt. Khangchendzonga and surrounding hills.Built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal, it is situated about six kilometres away from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway, this place offers an astounding view of the Khangchendzonga snowy range on a clear day. On the opposite hill, the Phodong and the Labrang monasteries can be seen. A resting shed and a small cafeteria situated at Tashi View Point provides shelter and other amenities to the tourists. A park above the View Point is a good place to enjoy a picnic.

Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass: Distance -  54  km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude -  14790 ft.(4,392 m)Note -  The days for tourist visit is restricted and needs to be applied at least 24 hrs in advance

Page 3: Places to Visit in Gangtok

and limited days of operation. The days permitted to visit Nathula are Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sundays only. Photography is strictly prohibited in and around Nathula.20 km further away from is the famed Nathula pass. The pass Nathula means the whistling pass. Nathula is the Indo-China border at Jawahar Lal Nehru Road whereby Indian troops and the Red army stand face to face. This is the closest an Indian Tourist can travel and pose a photo or two with the Red Army.

Golden Tips Tea Shop

Phurchachu Hot Springs

Deer Park Distance -  km ( from Gangtok )

This park which commands a good view of the hills surrounding Gangtok is perched on top of a hillside that plunges almost vertically deep into the valley. It was established in the late fifties and is located adjacent to the new Secretariat and is also called the Rustomji park so named after one of the Dewans of the Chogyal of Sikkim and the author of the book "Enchanted Frontiers". The park has a big open enclosure in which different types of deer can be seen. There are also a few cages in which some animals native to Sikkim like the Red Panda and the Himalayan Bear are kept. have been kept. A big statue of Lord Buddha commemorating his preaching of the noble truths in the deer park at Sarnath adorns the park  premises. A butter lamp perpetually burns in front of the statue which is surrounded by flowers of the most exotic  variety. Below the statue, in golden letters is the following stanza from the works of the renowned scholar saint  of Buddhism, Shantideva: 

Shower forth, Ye Heavens sweet rains in season due,That Earth's rich harvest swell in ample stream,Holdfast, O' king, the path of righteousness,That world on world may rise to bliss supreme.

Government Institute of Cottage Industry Distance -  km ( from Gangtok ) Note - closed on Sundays, all government declared holidays, second Saturdays and the odd unforeseen holidays.Phone No -It is now known as the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms as well as the Government Institute of Cottage Industries(GICI). Started during the time of the Chogyals of Sikkim, as a venture to preserve, protect and propagate the authentic Sikkimese arts, handicrafts and skills of local and village artisans, it has become one of the major attractions for people visiting Sikkim

Page 4: Places to Visit in Gangtok

where beautiful souvenirs like carpets, hand carved tables (choktses), traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms carpets and other products are produced & exhibited for sale. A word of caution to the innocent guest.

Hanuman Tok: Distance -  5½ km ( from Gangtok )

Altitude -  7,200 ft.Situated about 5 km uphill from White Hall on a bifurcation road of the Gangtok-Nathula Highway, is a temple devoted to Hanuman, a God worshipped by the Hindus. On selected points on the road to the temple, breathtaking views of Gangtok and the adjoining rolling hills can be seen.

From the temple itself, the snowy peaks of Khangchendzonga present a panoramic picture. One also gets a birds eye view of the Selep waterworks, which supplies drinking water to the Gangtok town, a few hundred feet in altitude below Hanuman Tok. The temple at Hanuman Tok is maintained by a unit of the Indian Army and can be found to be spick and span.

A short distance before the stair case leading to the Hanuman Temple is the cremation ground of the erstwhile royal family of Sikkim. The cremation ground has stupas and chortens each marking the place where the mortal remains of the departed souls were consigned to the flames.

Ganesh Tok: Distance -  km ( from Gangtok )

Altitude -  6,500 ft.It is a very small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, a diety worshipped by Hindus. The temple is so small in size that it can hardly accommodate one person and one has to crawl to get inside it. It is located on the hill adjoining the TV Tower. It is on a hillock on Gangtok-Nathula Road. 

From here you can get a panoramic view of Gangtok town and the Raj Bhawan Complex and on a clear day you get a breathe taking view of Mt. Khangchendzonga. 

During the tourist season, a small cafeteria is opened for the convenience of the visitors. Just adjoining the Ganesh Tok is a pinetum garden containing pine trees. A walk on the footpath amongst the pine trees is refreshing.

Page 5: Places to Visit in Gangtok

GangtokGangtok is a bustling, friendly hill station, and the capital of the Himalayan state of Sikkim. The name Gangtok is derived from the Tibetan word for 'hillside,' and the city currently has a population of around 80,000 - a mixture of indigenous Sikkimese and people of Nepalese and Tibetan ancestry.

[edit] Understand

Gangtok is popular place with tourists heading on treks, though the facilities do not reflect the number of international visitors. However, efforts are being made by the government to improve the conditions. Gangtok would be easily one of the most cleanest cities you would ever come across, highly organised and beautifully maintained it the switzerland of the east. Tourists are of paramount of importance, hence rules have been laid in order to prevent tourists from being cheated. Fares of Cabs are mostly fixed for such reason. A really nice place to unwind. Quite a few places for vegetarians to eat since it is mostly dominated by Buddhist culture. The city resembles the Bhutanese capital. Devoid of large stores, book shops this place is an nice break away from typical city lives. Still, the city is a fascinating place to spend a few nights, the winding side alleys hide some unexpected gems, and the main street (MG Marg) is pedestrianized and a pleasant place to take a stroll.

The city sleeps by 9pm mostly, except for a few pubs which are open till 11pm.

[edit] Get In

[edit] By plane

The nearest airport is at Siliguri,from there you need to hire a cab or taxi to go up there.A lovely highway with beautiful landscapes,twists and turns and loads of waterfalls and also you'll find River Teesta always running along.Many direct flights are there for Siliguri and after reaching there its just the mountains and you.

[edit] By train

The nearest train station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri which has direct connections to New Delhi, Kolkata, and other major cities in India. It is a 10-12 hour journey from Kolkata.

Once you arrive in New Jalpaiguri, you can either hire a taxi from the station itself or take an auto-rickshaw to the Siliguri bus stand. From there, you have

Page 6: Places to Visit in Gangtok

the option of travelling to Gangtok by state bus, roughly a 5-6 hour journey.

Dozens of jeeps travel to Gangtok daily from Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and other mountain locales. Fare of the shared cabs is generally fixed, it is around Rs. 155 to Gangtok from NJP station. Drivers might try to charge high so check for the fare with other cabs before taking one.

[edit] Get around

[edit] Taxis

Taxis ply routes around the city, and there are standard charges within the main areas: 40rs for a private service and 8rs for a shared. NB: Taxis can only be hailed from designated taxi stands.

[edit][add listing] See The scenery - there are beautiful views of the surrounding hills from the

town itself, but the best views - dominated by Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain - are from Enchey Monastery and Ganesh Tok, both high above the town.

Enchey Monastery - a two hundred year old monastery in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism - located above the town.

Do-drul Chorten - a large and impressive stupa complex constructed in 1945.

Dodrupchen Monastery. A large monastery in the Nyingma tradition. Famous for its large chorten. When in residence, Dodrupchen Rinpoche receives devotees to offer blessings from around 8AM to 9:30AM.

Flower show (1818 mtr), Ridge Park (Ridge Park Complex). 10 am -5pm. Near the White-Hall, flower show is at its best during the flowering season which is mid March to end of May in spring and October to mid December in autumn. But by far the annual Cymbidium Orchid Show wnich commences invariably from mid March to mid April is the best and the finest in the entire south Asian region. Rs. 10. edit

[edit][add listing] Do Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. An excellent collection of artifacts and

manuscripts connected to Tibetan Buddhism. Banjhakri Falls. Its a lovely waterfall,surrounded by gardens and

stairwells.Many beautifu sculptures can be seen there.A good picnic spot and a must watch for every Gangtok visitor. edit

Ropeways Cable Car, Deorali market. Daylight. Can close due to weather. A cable car whose lowest point is Deorali Market, with three stops of varying

Page 7: Places to Visit in Gangtok

altitude. Fantastic views of the town. This isn't included in official tours, so you'll have to make your way to Deorali Market to board. Rs 50, children Rs 30. edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

Sikkim is famous for its fruit processing and tea aside from the local handicraft.Passion fruit Squash, Alpine Cheese, Temi Tea & Maha Gurudev Tea are some of the local products.

Rachna, Development Area. Tel: 91 3592 204-336 (www.rachnabooks.com). Also organises events and exhibitions on The First Floor upstairs. By far the best bookstore in town. A wide selection of titles and knowledgable owner. Rachna is located about a ten minute walk from the main bazaar.

Curio Craft Gallery Curio City, below Hotel Mayur, PS Road (just above the main hospital). Tel: 91 3592 220-551. One of the better quality handicraft stores in town. Excellent selection of Buddhist artwork.

Souveneir, MG Marg. Good place to buy prayer wheels, flags and other handicraft. Little expensive edit

The Wayside Gardens & Nurseries Pvt. Ltd. alt=" 1060 mtr" address="Sixth Mile, Tadong" directions="Near Sikkim University" phone="9832060555" url="" hours="9am to 4pm" price="Entry Free" lat="" long=""> Well known House of exotic plants including Orchids. Azaleas and Cattleya hybrid orchids, besides range of Citrus, are their specialities. A must visit place for any plant lover. Run by illustrious Pradhan family. Visit stricty by prior appointment. Conducted tour in the well spread out Garden for groups conducted by Travel Agents and interactions about Himalayan flora with Sr. Pradhan, authority on Himalayan flora and environment, over cup of tea on payment of nominal fee, possible. Contact person: Sailesh Pradhan. Mobile: 98320 60555.

Eat

There are many great and cheap places to eat in Gangtok.

Parivar's, on MG Marg down a short flight of stairs, serves some of the best food in town, and is very popular with locals.

The Roll House, tucked on the side of a stairway between MG Marg and the main market, serves up Veg Momos & hot chapatis (Roll)with various fillings (paneer, egg, veggies). This place is always packed with both tourists and locals and deservedly so.

Quick Bite, and numerous other sweet shops up and down MG Marg, serve

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up everything from samosas to momos

Tangerine Restaurant, Chumbi Residency, Tibet Road, Gangtok-737101, Sikkim., ☎ +91(0)3592-226618/226619/226620 ([email protected], fax: +91(0)3592-222707), [1]. Stunning food, some unusual options and far cheaper than it ought to be. edit

Agarwal's, MG Marg. Serves south indian and north indian snacks n sweets. Good place to have break fast. There are two outlets, one on MG Marg and other on the way near Taxi stand. Dosas are not so good edit

Porky's, Deorali (10 mins from downtown gangtok). Amazing Sizzlers and Momos. edit

House of Bamboo, MG Marg. Authentic Tibetan and Indo-Chinese fusion cuisine. The Beef/ Pork chilli , the momos and the tea momos are recommended. edit

[edit][add listing] Drink Pub 25, MG Road, Gangtok. Till 11PM. An upscale pub right in the heart of

MG Road. Great drinks, tasty food (especially the Malai Tikka and Sauted Mushrooms), and an amazing ambience. The price is higher than other pubs on the street, but its definitely worth it. High. edit

Taste of tibet, MG Marg. Serves tibetan food, thupkas, gyathuk and thentuk. It includes a bar too edit

Cafe Tibet. On the way up towards the Zero point, left side. Run by a tibetan, serves very good coffee. Eatables are just decent. Coffee is way better than baker's cafe edit

Baker's Cafe, MG Marg. The only place in town to sell cappuccino, latte and offer a wide selection of Western-style pastries. Check out the pizzas. edit

Cafe Culture, Ground Floor, Hotel Pandim, Secretariat Road (Below Royal Palace), ☎ 9832615236. Located at the ridge which is an ideal location for walk and best view of the mountain, the cafe offers fresh himalayan cuisine like phale( local bread), shiafale ( local bread filled with meat and deep fried), momos and grilled sandwitches. edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget Hotel Pandim , Phone: (03592) 207540 (Cell: +91 98320 80172, E-mail:

[email protected]), [2]. A family run guest house with the best location, just above the Mall Road and below the Royal Palace offering the best mountain view. Also has a nice cafe called Cafe Culture offering fresh Himalayan cuisine

Hotel Sonali International, Phone: (033) 2552 3432 / 2584 0080 (Cell: +91

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98302 87429, E-mail: [email protected]), [3]. A nice place for budget tourists and a good base to meet other travellers - recently relocated to the main town near the Tourist Information Centre. It also organizes tours throughout Sikkim.

Green Hotel, Mahatama Gandhi Road, ☎ 009779851121210. checkin: 19 Oct 2010; checkout: 21 October 2010. Could you provide 2 rooms. Please also send hotel's number. My email address is [email protected] Rs. 200-500. edit

Hotel Nirvana, Namang Road, ☎ 09163914473. Colour TV, carpeted rooms. R 700-1500. edit

Hotel Susantaawas, (beside mall), ☎ 9051115228. R 800-1200. edit

Central Lodge. A nice place for Budget tourists and a good base to meet other travellers - recently relocated to the main town near the Tourist Information Centre. It also organizes tours throughout Sikkim. edit

[edit] Mid-range Bamboo Grove Retreat Bamboo Grove [4], Kazi Road. A Boutique 2 star

hotel. Theme = Sikkimese design with modern amenities. Available = Car Parking, Peaceful Environment, Internet, Mountain View from Rooms, Mountain Biking,Bar & Restaurant.

Hotel Tibet, Paljor Stadium Road. Clean and comfortable rooms with an excellent restaurant. Rs.1500-2500.

Hotel Rigwa International Libing Complex, M.G.Marg & Nam Nam Crossing, above Star Cinema Hall.

Hotel Delamare, Church Road, [5]. Conveniently located, warm, elegant decor and excellent service. 1,200rs+ per night

Hotel Golden nest & Hotel Hill View Near mall 600 to 1500

Sonam Delek, Tibet Road. An awesome hotel for the money. The facilities are best of Gangtok. The standard room (Rs 1100) is spartan; the super-deluxe (Rs 2200) is well-furnished and has an excellent view of the hillside. All facilities are very neatly maintained. The staff's knowledge of English is poor, but you can get by. No south-Indian food, though.

[edit] Splurge

The Mayfair Gangtok Spa Resort & Casino is the first and only five star deluxe resort in the entire north east indian region. Spread over 15 acres of lush forest,some of the villas even have their private temperature controlled dip pools. The spa has also won the award for the best new spa (resort) by

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AsiaSpa magazine.

The Nor-Khill, Gangtok, [6]. Unit of Elgin Hotels and Resorts. Colonial decor and luxury at its best. Rs.6000 +. edit

Teen Taley Eco Resort, Rumtek, Gangtok, ☎ 9832052995, [7]. Situated near the holy Rumtek Monastery about 20 Kms from Gangtok town, this Eco resort spread over 6 acres has its own garden and organic farming. The flowing streams, mountain below, snow range in the front and the river below.... There are 12 well maintained rooms spread over 6 cottages. Type:- Eco Garden Resort with cottages Rooms:- 12 rooms spread over 5 cottages. 4 Suite Rooms and 8 Deluxe Cottages, Theme:- Ethnic Nepalese edit

[edit] Respect

Littering and spitting are fineable offenses. No Plastics carry bags sold or used .

[edit] Contact

There area no internet cafes along the main thoroughfares and the rate is compatible with other centers of commerce in India. However, the infrastructure is weak, and the mantra of most internet cafes is 'server down.' Travelers who need to work extensively on the internet are advised to do so in Siliguri, where the server connection is much more reliable.

Softect Enterprises, tucked away just after the first pedestrian bridge up from the old taxi station, this internet cafe offers two rooms filled with computers with fast connections.

[edit] Get out Gangtok serves as an excellent base for visiting places like Chomgo Lake,

Lachung, and the Yumthang Valley.

Rumtek Monastery, located 22 km from the town, [8]. One of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and head seat of the Karma Kagyu school in Sikkim. Originally built in 1740, it fell into disrepair. The current structure dates from 1959. Sangye Guest House, (near Rumtek) is a small, friendly, family run hotel.

To reach Rumtek one can hire an taxi. There are share taxi's which run from MG Marg taxi stand to Rumtek. One way fare is around Rs. 30 per person. It is a cheaper alternative but you need to return from the Rumtek Monastery before 4pm to get shared taxi to MG Marg again.

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ranka monastery is a newly built monastery and a treat to watch out for Ask around travel agents as they sometimes field requests from travellers

looking to share jeeps to cut costs. It's an excellent way to meet people too.

DarjeelingDarjeeling is in a small city in West Bengal, India.

[edit] Understand

Tea gardens of Darjeeling

Originally just a cluster of villages that was administered intermittently by Nepal and Sikkim, Darjeeling grew in prominence during the mid 19th century when, because of its climate, the British first established a hill station there after leasing it from the Chogyal of Sikkim and later discovered that the area was particularly well suited for tea plantations. In 1849, the British annexed the area and Darjeeling became a part of British India. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was opened in 1881 (it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the town became the de-facto summer capital of India during the days when the Raj was governed from Calcutta.

Because it was a popular hill station during the days of the Raj, a lovely Victorian town was built among the Himalayan foothills, the remnants of which are still visible around the Chowrasta and Darjeeling remains a popular summer and fall resort for the natives of Kolkata today. For foreign tourists, the main attractions are the cultural diversity (many Tibetan refugees moved here after Tibet was annexed by China and they co-exist with the descendants of the many Nepali and Bihari laborers brought to work in the tea plantations), the beautiful views (including the wonderful vista view of Kanchenjunga), a variety of trekking options, and the opportunity to cool down after a stint in the plains. The town is also a jumping off point for travelers heading to Sikkim.

There has been intermittent political action from Gorkha groups demanding an independent state (Gorkhaland). In June 2008 a strike paralyzed the area, with closed hotels, restaurants and shops, and the accompanying protests even turned violent a couple of times. Though inconvenient, tourists generally are not at risk, but recently they do check the status before going there.

Page 12: Places to Visit in Gangtok

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

The nearest airport is Bagdogra, near Siliguri, 96 km from Darjeeling.

Air India (fomerly Indian Airlines), India's largest airline, has flights from:

Delhi - IC 880 (Tu/Th/Sat) and IC 879 (Mon/Fri - via Guwahati) Guwahati - IC 879 (Mon/Fri)

Kolkata - IC 721 (Tu/Th/Sat)

Jet Airways, a private airline, has flights from:

Delhi - 9W 601 (Mon/Wed/Fri - Via Guwahati) and 9W 602 (Tu/Th/Sat/Sun) Guwahati 9W 601 (Mon/Wed/Fri)

Kolkata 9W 617 (Daily)

Spice Jet also operates flights from Kolkata & Delhi.

Air Deccan also known as Kingfisher red, runs budget flights to and from Bagdogra from Delhi, Guwahati and Calcutta.

Indigo has also started direct/indirect flights to & from Delhi and Guwahati since April, 2009 end.

Druk Airways has also commenced direct flights to & from Paro as well as Bangkok, twice a week for both destinations

All other cities major cities can be accessed by taking a flight to Delhi/Kolkata and connecting.

Getting to and from Nepal can be tricky, despite their close proximity. One can catch a share jeep to Siliguri and a bus to the Nepalese border, changing buses in Nepal. An alternative is that Juniper Tours and Travels - located just next to the clock tower in Darjeeling offer a service where a driver can take you across the border and drop you at the Bhadrapur airport in Nepal for your connecting flight to Kathmandu. It is more expensive than organising your own transport but they make a concerted effort to look after you and will help you out if the situation becomes dicey (particularly with strikes in Nepal), they cannot be recommended highly enough and this is unusual for India.

[edit] By taxi/shared jeep

Siliguri is the nearest town connected to the mainline rail network. Ample transport is available to Darjeeling from here. The most popular modes of transport are taxi (usually shared by three to four passengers), shared jeep (ten passengers) @Rs.120/-.

Page 13: Places to Visit in Gangtok

Shared jeeps depart regularly, from several locations around town. They leave when full, and are a cheap, fast and reasonably comfortable way to get to Darjeeling.

If you have arrived by train at NJP, you can take a taxi or shared jeep to reach Darjeeling from the booking counter at the taxi stand in front of the railway station. There is also a prepaid taxi stand in front of the train station. Note that if you arrive too late for the jeep to make a return journey from Darjeeling, you may end up paying more, e.g. Rs.200 per person. The prepaid counter will tell you that no jeeps are available, so you'll have to find one via a fixer or by negotiating directly with drivers.

Tourists often opt to buy an extra seat or two to have more space for the 3 hour journey up to Darjeeling! Luggage is carried for free on the roof. Jeeps may stop for a snack and toilet break on the way up (normally a few km short of Kurseong).

[edit] By bus

There is a regular bus service from Silguri to Darjeeling. However, they are quite slow due to the steep, twisty climb up to Darjeeling. Shared jeeps are almost as cheap, and faster.

[edit] By train

New Jalpaiguri (NJP) near Siliguri is the nearest station on the main inter-city line. Direct trains to NJP run from Delhi (approx 27 hours) several times a day. If you are traveling from Kolkata (Sealdah Station) the best train for you will be Darjeeling Mail (circa 12 hours) running nightly at 10:05PM.

From there (NJP), the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, known to all as the 'Toy Train' completes the journey to Darjeeling.

This route is very popular with tourists as it passes through some very picturesque mountain scenery and has been the subject of many romantic articles. The line has a series of zig zags and loops to gain height and runs straight up several village main streets! Trains depart NJP at 9 a.m. and arrive in Darjeeling at 3:30. Now the train is diesel hauled is reasonably reliable and punctual.

The steam 'Joy' train operates from Darjeeling to Ghoom round the famous Batasia Loop, once or twice a day (10AM)&(1:40PM) – enquire at Darjeeling station. Costs about INR 250 (First class)/ INR 50 (Second Seating). Strongly suggested you buy tickets for earlier train as the 2nd train rarely has enough people. Website DHR: [1]

A steam train also operates Siliguri to 'Agony Point' above Tindharia most Saturdays and Sundays. Enquire to Siliguri station. There is also a daily 'School Train' that leaves Kurseong at 06:15 arriving Darjeeling at 08:45. It leaves Darjeeling at 16:00 arriving Kurseong at 18:30. This is still hauled by a steam engine and is one of the last 'day to day'/ordinary steam trains running anywhere in the world. IR keeps changing the times for it and it is notoriously unreliable often running hours late.

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[edit] Get around

Darjeeling is a small town and the salubrious climate means walks around town are an extremely enjoyable means of getting around. For longer trips, taxis are available in stands near the entrance to the Mall.

A great way to spend a day is to take a share-jeep to Ghoom (the next town up the ridge), visit some monasteries there and walk back to Darjeeling via some of the villages.

[edit][add listing] See

Kunchenjunga covered with snow

A view of river Teesta, flowing through the mountains

Mirik Lake is a nice place for boating

Page 15: Places to Visit in Gangtok

View of Kunchenjunga from Tiger Hill

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute(HMI), [2]. This is one of the most visited spot in Darjeeling. This institute was created by the late Tenzing Norgay. He was a Sherpa who climbed the Mount Everest on 29th of may 1953 with Sir Edmund Hillary. All the equipments used in that climb are still a highlight in that institute. edit

Himalayan Zoo (Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park), (shares the premises of HMI). It has a good collection of animals found in the Himalayan region. edit

Buddhist monasteries

Japanese Peace Pagoda. This impressing building is part of a grid of around 30 pagodas spanning the whole globe. Constructed by the Japanese Buddhist Nipponzan-Myohoji Order, the one at Charlimont on the outskirts of Darjeeling was consecrated in 1992. A small temple just lies alongside. If you're woken up due to the sound of drumming in the streets of Darjeeling between 4 and 5 am: These are the monks (Theravada) of the Japanese temple having their early morning walk. edit

Tiger Hill - Ideal to visit early morning when the first rays of the sun kiss the Mt Kanchenjunga and give it a golden color. To visit the hill, one needs to get up at 3:00AM in the morning. You can taste some excellent tea on your way to the hill, which will provide much needed warmth on cold Darjeeling mornings. When getting into a taxi at 4am keep in mind that they are shared taxis and your driver might wait around in vain for others to join your taxi causing you to miss the sunrise! Those travelling alone or as a couple might want to squeeze into an already occupied jeep to insure full viewing pleasure. Though it has executive lounge (Rs.40/- per person) and special lounge (Rs.30/- per person), nothing beats having view from open area as you can have a full paranomic view from outside avoiding crowd in the lounge.

Observatory Hill: Observatory hill is the oldest site in Darjeeling. This hill is also known as the “Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan” in local area. It is said that a Red Hat Buddhist Monastery stood at this very spot. Nepal people destroyed this monastery in the 19th century.

[edit][add listing] Do

Darjeeling is one of the oldest hill stations in India, and has plenty of options, both for those seeking a lazy getaway from the hot plains, as well as nature enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. Apart from sights within the town, there are plenty of trek options along the Himalayan ridges on

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the Indo-Nepal border near Darjeeling. The most popular one being the Singhalia Ridge Trail. Bookings for guides, porters and accommodation on the trail can be made in Darjeeling or in the nearby town of Manebhanjang, which serves as the trail-head. Be aware that from July to mid-September the Singalia park is closed, but because of the rain, clouds and fog it is less enjoyable anyway.

Shruberry Health Club. less visited but offers unique and charming views of Kanchenjunga.Few locals can been found jogging here and offering prayers to various objects edit

Singalila National Park, (west of Darjeeling, adjacent to Nepalese border). Singalila is a trekking destination in the far northwest corner of West Bengal state. Kanchenjunga, the world's 3rd highest peak, is visible for much of the trek, to the north, on the Nepalese border with Sikkim. Usually the park is accessed from Maneybhanjang, approx. one hour, or 30 km. west of Darjeeling. The park can also be accessed from Rimbik, where many trekkers finish up, or from Bijanbari, with one extra day's walking. Trekkers must pay a 100rp fee to enter the park, and must hire a guide. Porters can also be hired in Maneybhanjeng. Many trekkers sign up for a 3, 5 or 6 day trek in Darjeeling, where various trekking companies make all of the arrangements. Passports must be carried, as the trek crosses briefly into Nepal, then back into India. Sleeping bags and layered warm clothing are a must, as the temperature dips well below freezing most nights. Overnight lodging is done at assorted huts or simple guesthouses along the way, and hot meals are available at the same. Starting from Maneybhanjang, most trekkers stay overnight in Gairbas or Kalipokhari, and press on to Sandakphu for the 2nd night. Sandakphu at 3636 meters, is a favorite spot to view the high Himalayan peaks of LLotze, Everest, Makalu, etc., in early morning when visibility is good. 3 day trekkers turn aside and head downhill to Rimbik for their final night, while others head further north for spectacular views from Sabarkum and Phalut, then downhill for Raman, and finish in Rimbik for the last night. For greater cash outlay, non-trekkers, or those pressed for time can hire a jeep as transport from Maneybhanjang to Sandakphu, and stay overnight to catch the sunrise views. The ideal time to visit is April or May, in spring when the rhododendrons are in bloom, but Singalila can also be done in the fall, after monsoon season. edit

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, [3]. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, nicknamed the "Toy Train", is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow-gauge railway from Siliguri to Darjeeling in West Bengal, run by the Indian Railways. It was built between 1879 and 1881 and is about 86 km (53 mi) long. The elevation level is from about 100 m (328 ft) at Siliguri to about 2,200 m (7,218 ft) at Darjeeling. It is still powered by a steam engine. A modern diesel engine is used for Darjeeling’s mail. edit

Mountain Biking, [4]. Mountain biking is an adventure and the best way to explore the beauty of any mountain or hilly area. This is the best way to explore the natural beauty of the Darjeeling. Darjeeling has many exciting tracks for the motor biking. Adventure lovers love to ride on these roads as they provide them the opportunities to explore the natural beauty at their own with some adventure and thrill. edit

[edit][add listing] Buy Tea. Darjeeling is famous the world over for its teas, which are very aromatic and have a delicate

taste. Shops selling teas (usually owned by local tea gardens), dot the area in and around the Mall, and at the Chowrasta. Golden Tips & Nathmulls are especially known for their tea and also ship worldwide. Stop by to smell the numerous varieties they have to offer. Location: Rink Mall

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Curio items pertaining to Tibetan and Himalayan cultures, such as thangkas, miniature monasteries and garments made from yak wool. Shops are located in and around the Rink Mall, Chowrasta and Darjeeling Local Haat.

Dorjee. The most unique shop that perhaps has the most facinating & exotic collection of local oriental & Buddhist artefacts is located just opposite the General Post Office. This place, though surprisingly small, is more like a mini Alladin's cave. A must-visit for all objet-d'art lovers. However, Indians are frequently cold shouldered unlike the deep interest shown to foreign customers. edit

Hand Pick. Located inside the Rink Mall, this place offers a plethora of handicrafts not only from in and around Darjeeling but several places across the country. Ethic garments, statues in wood, metal, etc., leather goods & ethnic dresses & footwear, singing bowls, artificial jewellery, paintings, thangkas, Rajasthani decorware & gift ware, furnishings, etc. Prices labelled & reasonable. edit

Oxford Bookshop, Chowrasta. Excellent selection of titles. Local travel guides. edit

Book Shoppe. Bagdogra Airport (Departure level) offers the flier a good selection of books. edit

Das Studio, The Mall. Posters and picture postcards. Excellent selection of posters and cards depicting scenes of the Himalayas. edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

Several eateries which dish out North Indian, Nepali, Tibetan, and continental fare dot the area around the Mall. "Momos", a steamed Tibetan delicacy are a staple food offered by almost every eating joint.

Keep in mind that everything closes pretty early in the night (The town goes to sleep before 9 PM). So, do keep something in stock to eat, if you are planning to stay up late.

Glenary's Bakery and Cafe. A good place for cakes, pastries, the ubiquitous Darjeeling cuppa, sizzerlers and North Indian fare. Offers nice views of Mt Kanchendjunga on clear days. edit

Hot Stimulating Cafe. On the way to Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, on Hooker Road, is this lovely little cozy place with pictures of Bob Marley covering one whole wall. The Momos here are awesome! They even offer a Momo-cooking course! The guy who owns it can double up as your local guide, trekking along with you to some adventurous outings from Darjeeling. edit

Hotel Lunar. This is probably the best vegetarian restaurants in town where you can enjoy a great view and wonderful service. edit

Hotel Chanakya. If you are looking for an authentic Bengali restaurant in town where you can enjoy both veg and nonveg dishes then this is the place where you should go. edit

Kunga's. An excellent Tibetan place, situated just above the clocktower. It serves superb Tibetan food, including hearty Tibetan soups (Thentuk is recommended). It is, however, tiny, hence often full and crowded. edit

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The Park, (50 meters from the clock tower). Located near the clock tower, this restaurant is especially popular with tourists. They have two menu cards, one Thai and the other Indian, and the cook mastered both cuisines. The Thai cuisine is quite excellent. Try their Thai style chicken rice noodle. Rs 90-150. edit

Keventers, (50 meters from the Mall). This place with it's awesome western delicacies and cool view was featured in a number of movies and books. Don't forget to try the chicken sausages and the chocolate milk shake. edit

Golden Tips Tea Cosy, Chowrasta, The Mall, ☎ 0354-2253251, [5]. 0830-2100. The finest collection of Darjeeling Tea in loose (estate) & handcrafted Gift Packaging. Over 250 varieties - Darjeeling Black, Green, Oolong, White, Flavored, Herb Teas. Gourmet Tea sit in service with a handsome and well presented range of snacks and eatables. Tea Menu with almost 75+ kinds of different hot & iced teas, tea mocktails. Tea Paraphernalia like metal /' silver tea sets & pots, strainers, infusers, spoons, tea cosies, etc on sale. Good collection .. Online store www.goldentipstea.com Rs. 300-12,000-00. edit

Nathmull's Tea Cosy, The Rink Mall (Opposite General Post Office), Darjeeling (at the entrance of the Rink Mall), ☎ 0354-2257309, [6]. A great place tastefully done up with an amazing ambience and collection of hundreds of varieties of the finest Darjeeling Teas. Serving almost 100 varieties of tea & tea mocktails from a Tea Menu. A large collection of tea accessories such as silver tea pots & sets, tea cosies, tea strainers & infusers books on teas & other paraphernelia Rs. 20 to Rs. 12000-00. edit

Boney's Snack Bar, Capital Market, Ladenla Road (Opp Clock Tower, Near Hayden Hall). Serves very good grilled sandwiches, sandwiches, pizzas, burgers and even pastas. edit

[edit][add listing] Drink Tea – Darjeeling tea is world renowned after all. Also called the 'Champagne of Teas', You can

taste and buy the best teas in the market & at Tea Cosy, the tea parlors with an excellent environment located inside the Rink Mall and at the Golden Tips Chowrasta.

Joey's Pub – Pop into Joey's Pub for some cheap beer, great hospitality, cricket on TV etc. A British-looking pub popular with travellers. A good place to pick up trekking information and travel partners to fill a jeep to Sikkim or down to the plains.

Kho Cha, Laden La Road, ☎ +913542257308, [7]. a snazzy Tea Boutique having a very wide frontage even though the place is not all that big. Over 50 kinds of finely packaged teas from Darjeeling & other areas in India. Oolong, black, green, white, CTC, Spiced, herbal & many more. Besides, they also have almost 25 kinds of estate teas to see, taste & select The place even boasts of a small 4-seater tea bar with a proper Tea Menu ! Interesting and very well located. Few accessories also available. Teas can also be bought from their online website which is quite nice www.khochateas.com 80 - 9.000. edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Darjeeling has a large number of hotels and lodges. However, on the whole, budget accommodation is of poor value compared to elsewhere in India. Most places target groups coming in from West Bengal; backpacker-oriented accommodation is sparse and you probably won't get touts coming to pick you up at the bus stop so it pays to have a few ideas in advance.

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There are several forest guest houses in the Darjeeling area. In order to stay at any of these a special permit from West Bengal Forest Department [8] is required.

[edit] Budget Birds Eye View, Dr. Zakir Hussain Rd (near the top of the hill on the south end of Darjeeling.

From the jeep drop off and train station it is up to the very top and then keep going right), ☎ 9832321037, 9775972955. checkout: noon. Opened in October 2008. Rs 200+. edit

Darjeeling Tourist Lodge, Bhanu Sarani, Darjeeling (7 minutes from Mall, near Gymkhana Club), ☎ +91 354 2254411/12/13 ([email protected], fax: +91 354 2254412), [9]. Property belongs to West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation and has a breathtaking location with views of Kanchenjunga. Rs 500-1,600. edit

Hotel Aliment. checkout: 10AM. Located at the top of the hill, the views are nice, but the 15 min walk from the clock tower is quite steep. In some double rooms there is hot water 6:30PM-7:30PM, but they can fill up a bucket with hot water the rest of the day. There is also a simple restaurant, which houses an impressive library. Rs 250-600. edit

Hotel New Samrat, 63, Gandhi Rd (beside Hotel Viceroy & OPP Hotel Fairmont), ☎ +91 923 325689. checkout: noon. Centrally located on the main road. Rs100-1,000. edit

Hotel Pineridge, The Mall, Darjeeling (on the left before Chowrasta), ☎ +91 354 2254074. All rooms face Kanchenjungha. Rooms are dank & dreary with rickety old furniture. Offers a hint of the old world charm. Rs 850-1,200. edit

Revolver, 110 Gandhi Rd (behind Union Church, go through the Open School Gate.), ☎ +919434428935, [10]. checkout: 12 noon. A Beatles themed lodge and restaurant. The lodge features five cosy rooms, each named after the fab four and Brian Epstein, considered the fifth Beatle. Very affordable, each room has a double bed, attached bathroom with hot water and closet. The lodge showcases a constantly growing list of Beatles memorabilia. Free WiFi available. Rs 799-899. edit

Zakir Hussain Rd Lodging, Zakir Hussain Rd (Top of the hill). Offers a clutch of backpacker-oriented places. On a north-facing slope which is perpetually misty so these places get very cold and damp, with the lack of sunshine often being felt in the attitudes of the proprietors too. Rs 180-500. edit

[edit] Mid-range Bellevue Hotel, P O Box 28, The Mall, Darjeeling, W.B. 734101 (Right at Chowrasta, the central

square within the pedestrian zone), ☎ +91 354 2254075 ([email protected]), [11]. Run by a Tibetan family for around forty years, the hotel features a modest, dry and warm interior, rooms are wood-panelled and clean. Free WiFi. Rs 800 - 2,000. edit

Gymkhana Resort, ☎ +91 354 2257325. Rs 2,500+. edit

Hotel Dekeling, 51 Ghandi Road, [12]. Located very centrally at the south end of the Mall. Has wifi. Rs 600-2,000. edit

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Hotel Fairmont, ☎ +91 354 2253649. around Rs 2,000. edit

Hotel Seven Seventeen, ☎ +91 354 2254717/2255099 ([email protected]), [13]. Centrally located. Rs 1,500-3,100. edit

Hotel Anjali, B.T. Road (Beside mall), ☎ 09051115228, 09163914473, [14]. checkin: noon. Rooms are with view, hot water, carpet, colour TV. Hotel has a multicuisine restaurant and pick-ups are possible from New Jalpaiguri. 800/--1200/-. edit

[edit] Splurge Hotel Sinclairs, [15]. It has 46 beautiful rooms and suites, with satellite TV. The wooden interiors

give it an ambience of a traditional country home. Rs 3,500-7,300. edit

Mayfair Darjeeling, opposite Governor House, The Mall, ☎ +91 354 2256376 ([email protected], fax: +91 354 2252674), [16]. Hill resort offering good views. This property was once the summerhouse of the Maharajah of Nazargunj. Rs 8,000. edit

Windamere Hotel, Observatory Hill, ☎ +91 354 2254041/42, [17]. Established in the 19th century as a boarding house for bachelor English and Scottish tea planters, it was converted into a hotel just before the outbreak of the Second World War. Has been the subject of many stories in the international media. It is situated on Observatory Hill, a Darjeeling landmark. Has wifi. Rs 6,650-12,500. edit

[edit] Get out Mirik - 50km Kalimpong - 50km

Kurseong - 35km

Siliguri

Sikkim