Gangtok

Capital of the remote northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, Gangtok stretches along an undulating ridge and enjoys glorious views of the mighty Kanchenjunga, India's highest mountain. Although it has seen escalating modernization in recent times, this city of 30,000 still has a more relaxed demeanor than most Indian towns its size. Gangtok is a good base from which to explore the state's surrounding attractions.

How to Get There
The most common way to reach Gangtok is by bus, with state-run buses arriving and departing from the SNT (Sikkim Nationalized Transport) station on Palzor Stadium Road. In addition, privately operated minibuses travel here from a selection of towns including Kalimpong, Siliguri, and Darjeeling; the private bus depot is on National Highway 31A. You can also catch one of the many share-jeeps and taxis that shuttle between Gangtok and various towns, including Kalimpong, Siliguri, and Darjeeling.

How to Get Around
There are plenty of share-jeeps in Gangtok, which are a cheap and quick way to get around town. Private taxis are also available.

Attractions
The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology was established in 1959 to carry out research into Tibetan and Mahayana Buddhist culture. The institute houses a massive collection of Buddhist literature and manuscripts as well as an array of sublime tankas (Tibetan paintings) and a variety of sacred relics, including a human skull that once served as a holy bowl (Deorali; e-mail info@tibetology.net). Close to the institute is the tranquil and colorful orchid sanctuary and memorial garden.

Sporting stunning town and mountain views is the Enchey Gompa. This Buddhist monastery, built in the early 20th century, houses murals and statues.

Places to Eat
Gangtok's restaurants offer a jumble of Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, continental, and Sikkimese cuisine, at reasonable prices.

The Blue Sheep Restaurant is recommended for its Indian and Chinese fare, with traditional curries and wok-tossed noodle dishes. Mahatma Gandhi Marg (above the Sikkim Tourist Information Center).

Little Italy gets a standing ovation for its Italian food, which includes generous-sized, delicious pasta dishes. SNOD Complex, National Highway 31A, Deorali; tel. +91 (0)3592 281980.

For a frothy cappuccino and slice of cake, pop into the chirpy Baker's Cafe. Mahatma Gandhi Marg.

Places to Stay
Hotel tariffs decrease by as much as 30 percent during Sikkim's off-peak seasons, January to March and July to August.

Many budget travelers flock to the Modern Central Lodge, which has cheap dorm beds as well as private rooms. The rooms are ordinary but comfortable. On site is a popular restaurant and bar. Mahatma Gandhi Marg; tel. +91 (0)3592 204670.

The mid-range Hotel Golden Pagoda has impressive rooms, many with views. There's a rooftop restaurant serving tasty Indian, Chinese, and continental fare. Off Mahatma Gandhi Marg. tel. +91 (0)3592 226929; e-mail goldenpagoda@rediffmail.com.

You won't have to pay five-star rates to stay at the boutique-style Oriental, which is one of Gangtok's loveliest hotels. The decor, a blend of traditional and contemporary Sikkimese styles, includes exquisite handmade carpets. The 20 rooms (constituting four suites) have polished wooden floors and canopied beds; the top-floor rooms have fabulous mountain views. There's a multi-cuisine restaurant on the premises. Mahatma Gandhi Marg; tel. +91 (0)3592 221180; e-mail info@orientalsikkim.com.

For More Information
Sikkim Tourist Information Center Mahatma Gandhi Marg; tel. +91 (0)3592 221 634.
Gangtok, Sikkim, Information
Sikkim Government