Sikkim: What Makes Gangtok and Pelling Special

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Distance from Bagdogra: 134 kilometres

Just a three hour drive from Kolkata, Sikkim offers breathtaking views at every turn. From the glacial lake Tsongmo to the capital city of Gangtok, Sikkim offers a range of experiences for travellers. The beautiful monasteries with their carved interiors, sprawling tea estates and rolling hills, remind you of a painting by Van Gogh. For a sneak peek into India’s popular hill destination, watch these two videos of Gangtok and Pelling and start planning your next holiday!

Gangtok

Places to Visit in Gangtok

Do Drul Chorten - The most popular stupa in Sikkim, Do Drul Chorten was built in 1945 by a Tibetan Buddhist named Trulshik Rinpoche and is famous for the gold plated steeple atop the Chorten. Surrounded by 108 prayer wheels on which Buddhist mantras have been engraved, monks and tourists swirl the wheels, which is equivalent to completing 108 beads of recital.

Tashi Viewpoint – Located 4 kilometres from Gangtok, the Tashi Viewpoint is one of the best places to go to with a pair of binoculars. From here, you get the perfect view of the snow-covered peaks of Kanchenjunga, Phodong and Labrang monasteries.

Tsuk La Khang Monastery - The Tsuklakhang Royal Chapel and Monastery is a palatial monastery in Gangtok. The imperial chapel, located in the palace grounds, is the centre for prayers and also has an impressive collection of Buddhist scriptures and literature. The monastery also hosts several Buddhist festivals through the year such as Phang Lhabsol and the Tibetan New Year. If you happen to visit during any of the festivals you must go to see the famous mask dances that are performed by the monks here.

Check out more sightseeing options, places to eat in Gangtok here. 

Here are a few travel tips if you're taking a short trip to Gangtok:

Where to Stay?

We recommend the following hotels in Gangtok: Norling Resort (3 star), Elgin (4 star), Mayfair (5 star)

Budget: Rs 16,000 per person for 4 nights/5 days (inclusive of stay and meals in 3-star hotels - Gangtok and Darjeeling)

Distance from Kolkata: 690 km (12 hrs by road, 1 hr 15 mins by flight)

Traveller Type: Friends, Family

Pelling

Places to Visit in Pelling

Sangachoeling Monastery - The 16th century Sangachoeling Monastery is one of the oldest and perhaps one of the most important in Sikkim. Accessible on foot only, the monastery is a 45-minute walk from Pelling and is lined with prayer flags.

Khecheopalri Lake - Considered a sacred site and hidden by a rich forest cover, it offers a pristine setting that is perfect for a stroll. It is also considered a ‘wishing lake’ and it is believed that no leaf remains on its surface at any point in time. No water activities are permitted at the lake due to its sacred nature.

Rabdentse Ruins - Rabdentse is the 16th former capital of Sikkim and now lies in ruins. It was destroyed after the Nepalese invasion in the 18th century. Located close to the Pemayangtse Monastery, the ruins offer superb views of the Kanchenjunga Range.

Rivers and Waterfalls - The Kanchenjunga Falls and the Sangay Waterfalls are two good attractions you can visit on relatively free days. An added advantage is the unspoilt surroundings of these waterfalls. 

Check out more sightseeing options, places to eat in Pelling here.

For Pelling, we recommend the following travel tips:

Budget: Rs 15,000 per person for 6 nights/7 days (inclusive of 3-star hotel in Gangtok, Pelling and Darjeeling)

Distance from Bagdogra: 134 km 

Traveller Type: Friends, Family

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