Planning to go Gangtok? Here is all you need yo know...

Gangtok is the capital of the mountainous northern Indian state of Sikkim. Established as a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the 1840s, the city became capital of an independent monarchy after British rule ended, but joined India in 1975. Today, it remains a Tibetan Buddhist center and a base for hikers organizing permits and transport for treks through Sikkim’s Himalayan mountain ranges.

● Best places to explore in Gangtok :-

1. TSOMGO LAKE :

One of the most important and magnificent places to visit in Gangtok, the Tsomgo Changu Lake is a glacial lake situated 40 kilometres from Gangtok at a height of 12,310 feet. A fairytale lake of breathtaking beauty, Tsomgo Changu should definitely be on your travel itinerary for Gangtok. The icy blue waters of the lake reflecting the grandiose peaks of the Himalayas make for a spectacular sight. The prayer wheels and the small Shiva temple on its shores are a testimony to the sacred nature of the lake in the eyes of the locals.

2. NATHU LA PASS :

One of the most significant places to visit in Gangtok, the Nathu La Pass is a pass which connects Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. In the ancient days, this pass formed a part of the Silk Route, one of the most important trading routes in the world. Visiting Nathu La Pass is a must-do when in Gangtok because the views and experiences that you can have here are unlike any other. The beautiful pass can simply be enjoyed by driving or hiking around it leisurely. The height of the pass ensures magnificent mountain views, especially on clear days.

3. TASHI VIEWPOINT :

The Tashi Viewpoint is one of the popular places to visit in Gangtok. Famed for its sunrises and sunsets as well as its startling views of the entire grand Himalayan mountain range, Tashi Viewpoint is a place that will leave you with some great pictures and countless memories. Viewing both the sunrise and the sunset here is a great idea since it allows you to the experience the depth of Sikkim’s natural beauty in all its aspects.

4. SEVEN SISTER WATER FALLS :

One of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring spectacles of Gangtok, the Seven Sisters waterfalls should definitely be visited when you are in Gangtok. The Seven Sisters waterfalls reflect the unique creativity of nature- seven separate waterfalls, originating from different sources and flowing side by side, marge into one powerful waterfall mid-way through. A ropeway near the waterfall is a good place to enjoy the falls from up close. Since the waterfalls burst into full power only during and after the rains, tourist sheds have been built at convenient locations around the waterfalls.

5. KANCHENJUNGA MAINTAIN :

The sight of the third highest mountain in the world is one of the best attractions in Gangtok. Kanchenjunga towers high above the other peaks of Sikkim and can be glimpsed from most places around Gangtok. But if you want to go beyond gazing and actually enjoy the mountain up close, you can engage in treks to the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga or simply visit the Kanchenjunga National Park. If you want to enjoy trekking to Kanchenjunga, the Green Lake trek, as well as the Kanchenjunga Base camp trek, are a great option to explore since it takes you right up to Zemu Glacier, the location of the base camp in Sikkim.