Gangtok
The history of Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, dates back several centuries. Here's a brief overview of the history of Gangtok:
Early History : The region of Gangtok and Sikkim was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Lepchas. The Lepchas lived in harmony with nature and practiced their own animistic beliefs and cultural traditions.
Sikkim Kingdom : In the 17th century, Sikkim emerged as a kingdom under the Namgyal dynasty. Phuntsog Namgyal became the first Chogyal (King) of Sikkim in 1642 and established his capital at Yuksom. Over time, the Sikkim Kingdom expanded its territory and its influence grew in the region.
Shift of Capital : In the late 18th century, the capital of Sikkim was shifted from Yuksom to Rabdentse and then to Tumlong. However, due to political instability and frequent conflicts with neighboring kingdoms, the capital was once again relocated to Gangtok in the mid-19th century.
British Era : During the British colonial era, Sikkim came under the influence of the British Empire. In 1890, a treaty called the Treaty of Tumlong was signed between the British Empire and the Chogyal of Sikkim, defining the borders between Sikkim and Tibet.
Integration with India : After India gained independence in 1947, Sikkim initially remained an independent kingdom under the rule of Chogyals. However, political changes and popular demands led to a referendum in 1975, where the majority of Sikkimese voted in favor of merging with India. As a result, Sikkim became the 22nd state of India, and Gangtok became the capital of the newly formed state.
Modern Development : Since its integration with India, Gangtok has witnessed significant development and growth. The city has undergone urbanization, with the establishment of infrastructure, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. Tourism has also played a crucial role in the development of Gangtok, attracting visitors from around the world to explore its natural beauty, monasteries, and cultural heritage.
Attractions in Gangtok :
- Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) : Located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake is a stunning glacial lake situated at an altitude of about 3,780 meters (12,400 feet). Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the lake offers breathtaking views and is considered sacred by the local population.
- Nathula Pass : Situated at an altitude of 4,310 meters (14,140 feet), Nathula Pass is a mountain pass on the Indo-China border, around 56 kilometers (35 miles) from Gangtok. It was an important trade route in the past and is now a popular tourist attraction. The pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and is open for tourists on specific days with permits.
- Rumtek Monastery : Located about 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery is one of the most important and largest monasteries in Sikkim. It is the seat of the Karmapa, the head of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is known for its stunning architecture, intricate murals, and the Golden Stupa, which contains precious relics.
- MG Marg : MG Marg is the main market and pedestrian street in Gangtok. It is a vibrant and lively place lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. Visitors can stroll along the promenade, enjoy local cuisine, shop for traditional handicrafts, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
- Enchey Monastery : Situated on a hilltop about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the main city center, Enchey Monastery is an important Buddhist monastery in Gangtok. It is over 200 years old and is known for its unique architecture and religious significance. The monastery hosts an annual festival called "Chaam" featuring masked dances and religious rituals.
- Tashi Viewpoint : Tashi Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. It is located around 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Gangtok and is a popular spot to witness breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.
- Do-Drul Chorten : Do-Drul Chorten is a significant Buddhist stupa located in Gangtok. It was built in 1945 and contains numerous religious artifacts, mantras, and prayer wheels. The stupa is surrounded by lush gardens and offers a serene and peaceful ambiance.
- Namgyal Institute of Tibetology : This renowned research institute in Gangtok focuses on Tibetan language, culture, and Buddhism. It houses a vast collection of rare artifacts, ancient manuscripts, thangkas (traditional Buddhist paintings), and a library. The institute also features a museum where visitors can learn about the rich Tibetan heritage.
These are just a few of the many attractions that Gangtok has to offer. The city also provides opportunities for adventure activities like trekking, river rafting, and paragliding, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
People also ask :
(Q).What is the best time to go Gangtok ?
(A).During its peak season, that is from September to June, Gangtok draws in many tourists, Still if you inquire the best time to visit Gangtok then the bracing autumn that is the months of September and October and from Spring to summers that is from March to June is the ideal time.
(Q).Why is Gangtok so famous ?
(A).It has an amazing view of mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain peak in the world. Also like everything around it, Gangtok is abundant in natural beauty and has various natural attractions such as the Tsomgo Lake, Ban Jhakri falls, Tashi viewpoint and more.
(Q).Does Gangtok have snowfall ?
(A).Winter begins from October and continues till Marchand is the Gangtok snowfall time. You can witness a spectacular view of the snow-cappedmountains.
(Q).How did Gangtok get its name ?
(A).Gangtok 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 has a population of around 100,000 (2012) being a mixture of indigenous Sikkimese and people of Nepalese and Tibetan.
(Q).What is the fact about Gangtok ?
(A)The interesting facts about Gangtok denote that it is situated at an altitude of 5,410 ft in east-Sikkim. During 1894-1975 it was a part of the Namgyal kingdom and a center of Royal administration and then became the capital of Sikkim after it became a state.
(Q).What is the main food of Gangtok ?
(A).Food of Gangtok
What is impossible to miss in Gangtok includes Momos, Thukpa, Wonton, Gyathuk, Thenthuk and more, along with a Sikkim style meat patty called Shah-Phaley. Along with this you get to choose from a huge variety of authentic soups almost unique to the area.
(Q)What is the nickname of Gangtok ?
(A)Gangtok is also known as the land of monasteries due to the sheer number of monasteries it houses. It has emerged as a major Buddhist pilgrimage center and has some of the finest monasteries in India that you cannot afford to miss. The Rumtek monastery is undoubtedly one of the greatest monasteries in the country.
To reach Gangtok :
By Air : The nearest airport to Gangtok is Pakyong Airport (PYG), located approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) away from the city. It is a small domestic airport that is well-connected to major cities in India like Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared vehicle to reach Gangtok, which takes around 1 to 2 hours depending on the traffic and road conditions.
An alternative option is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in Siliguri, West Bengal, which is around 125 kilometers (78 miles) away from Gangtok. Bagdogra Airport has better air connectivity with more flights available. From Bagdogra, you can hire a taxi or take a shared vehicle to reach Gangtok, which takes approximately 4 to 5 hours by road.
By Train : The nearest major railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in Siliguri, West Bengal. NJP is well-connected to major cities in India. From NJP, you can take a taxi or hire a shared vehicle to reach Gangtok. The journey by road from NJP to Gangtok takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
By Road : Gangtok is well-connected to nearby cities and towns through a network of roads. You can reach Gangtok by taking a bus, taxi, or shared vehicle from various cities in the region, including Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and other nearby towns. Regular bus services are available from Siliguri to Gangtok, and the journey takes around 4 to 5 hours.
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