Plan my tour to Sikkim/ Gangtok

 Today I am writing about a celestial city which once you visit, cannot be untouched with ecstasy and the blissfulness of this city. One of the most underrated and untraveled place by tourist GANGTOK!! One place which I was longing to visit and explore

Located in the beautiful north-eastern region of India, Sikkim is landlocked with Nepal to its west, the Chinese Tibet Autonomous region to its north and east, Bhutan to its east and West Bengal to its south. While Sikkim is full of stunning places to visit, its most prized possession is Gangtok!!

I am not going to say Gangtok is scenic and amazing city as it would be a cliché. Honestly it is beyond words, words fall short and it can only be ‘experienced’.

Gangtok is a city which one has to experience no writer or blog can pen down its snow white beauty and most importantly the pure soul that the city has kept in its heart

If you really want to be enchanted with the beauty of Gangtok. A strict disclaimer: don’t club too many places together. Many packages say do Darjeeling, Sikkim, Gangtok in 4-5 days, it's definitely a bad idea. 

I would suggest take a break of 4-5 days but be involved in Gangtok completely that’s how the city and you would be able to do justice. Best time to visit as a tourist is September to December however, if you are an explorer then it is any time of the year

There are plethora of websites which you can scroll through, blogs you can read through, travelers you speak to, there are many packages available from you can choose to. But important is when you have taken your time and money out from your busy schedule. It is of utmost importance, that you invest your energy and time explore the right spots. No miss on the Must see!!

Hence to ensure that one can plan ones tour from whichever source. It is important to know the Must See List (MSL)

MSL that’s what I call it (check below)

Following the MSL would help you while selecting a tour package or while customizing your tour plan according to your number of days available and zeal to explore the most!!

TA (Tag Along) is also an important parameter which one needs to consider while planning a tour. As an Adage goes “It’s not the place but the people that matters”. Similarly it is not what package you take it is about whether a specific package will help all your TA to enjoy the tour completely

So let’s get on with it  

MSL – 4 Night 5 day package 

TA – Backpackers, friends and Family

Objective – Adventure, Relaxation, Reviving, Thrill, Economical

Day 1 - MG road, Ganesh tok

As Gangtok does not have an airport, one has to arrive at the Bagdogra Airport which is 125 km from Bagdogra. This airport is well connected to Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati. One can hire a local taxi to Gangtok, make your way straight towards MG road.

Your trip to Gangtok actually start before landing as you will see and hear clicks happening around in the flight as the view is just beautiful

I suggest that one should stay near MG road as the whole tour becomes faster, convenient and better. The road from Bagdogra to MG road Gangtok is a treat to all your senses as it is mesmerizing.  

Reach the hotel, if one reaches the hotel by 1-2 pm, unpack, fresh up and just walk down MG road. Before you go down ask the hotel guy to book for Nathula pass and Tosmogo Lake. Don’t forget to carry your id proof and 2 sets of photo. The hotel guy would help you get the details and also arrange for protected area permit (PAP). It is essential to inform prior as the permit may take time.

MG Marg, the main street of Gangtok is a great place to chill out throughout the day, it’s the country’s first litter and spit free zone, no vehicular traffic is allowed into the marg. This place is also the venue for the annual Gangtok Food and Culture festival held in December every year. A definite MSL

From there one can hire a local taxi to Ganesh tok located 7 km before 5 pm and can have an enchanting overview of sprawling Gangtok town, while across the hills Mt. Khang-chen-Dzonga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon. 

The view from Ganest Tok is truthfully incredible with snow peaks providing the wonderful background for a panoramic view of Gangtok town

Return back to the hotel by 7.30-8 pm!!! Surprised don’t be, evenings are early, everything gets shut. Come back to the hotel and enjoy the dinner and the cozy stay in the hotel.

Day 2 – Paragliding, Ranka monastery, Banjhakri Waterfall and Rumtek monastery

Start your day early by 5 am freshen up leave the hotel by 6-7 am after the breakfast. The day is for some adventure. Hire a taxi for Ranka, approx 1 hr drive from Gangtok to Ranka paragliding base. 

Out of the scenic beauty Gangtok is also known as a Paragliding HUB in India. And trust me who would not love to see the magnificent Himalayan range and the snow peaks from the sky as you fly like a bird and the look below to see the stunning mountain landscape of Sikkim and Gangtok

There are various level that one can choose as a 1^st time paraglider. Depending on the level of fly that one selects the takeoff location is selected  

The first type of Paragliding flight is known as Medium Fly - The take-off location for Medium Fly Paragliding is at Baliman Dara near Gangtok. The flying time is 5-10 minutes. Landing takes place at a stadium field at Reshithang Sports Village. 

The second type of paragliding flight is High Fly - The take-off location is at Bulbuley Dara further up from Reshithang village in Ranka (near Gangtok). The take-off location altitude is 2,200 meters.

Note that Baliman Dara and Bulbuley Dara are the only two certified paragliding take off locations in east Sikkim (both are near Gangtok)

It is done under the guidance of trained professional, paragliding pilots and one does not need to be worried the safety at all. The cost ranges from 2500 – 4500 depending on the package that you avail

From the minute you take off and fly the experience will strike a chord in your heart, which was unknown, unstrung. Your heart will melt at this breathtaking scintillating view. Please reader it’s a Non-negotiable MSL

On your way back visit Ranka Monastery also known as Lingdum monastery

The road to Ranka has been lying in treacherous condition since quite some time and the journey would be backbreaking. The monastery follows the Zurmang Kagyud lineage of Buddhism and under the direction of the 12th successor of the lineage Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche. It's surrounded by forested mountains in all sides. This in my view has to be one of the most picture perfect monasteries in east Sikkim.

All along the way you will find flags outside homes as well as along the path that they travel for the wind to spread the positive vibrations of the flag across the countryside. The flags are said to bring happiness and prosperity. The 5 colours of prayer flags represent the 5 basic elements: yellow-earth, green–water, red-fire, white-air and blue-space. Balancing these elements externally brings harmony to the environment and balancing them  internally brings health to the body and the mind. The various coloured flags are said to purify the human soul.

• white (om) purifies pride and ego.
• green (ma) purifies jealousy and lust for entertainment
• yellow (ne) purifies passion and desire
• blue (pad) purifies ignorance and prejudice
• red (me) purifies greed and possessiveness
• black (hum) purifies aggression and hatred

From Ranka halt at Ban Jhakri waterfall

Unlike most waterfalls Ban Jhakri is known for its mysterious evil story behind it. Ban Jhakri means 'Jungle Priest' or in some definition 'Jungle Magician'. The Nepali folklore says that the first Jhakri or Shaman acquired the power of mastering the evil spirits from the gods. However he required to identify the right boys and teach the technique secretly in his forest cave. And after the training the boys themselves became Jhakris being able to cure anybody affected by evil spirits. While the male Jhakris always protected human beings, the folklore says that their wives (the Jhakrinis) were evil spirits themselves and would eat up human beings.

While there are several figurines here that reflect the Jhakri mythology, the one which I like the most is the figure of the Jhakri himself. We met with a charming young lady here who is a guide of the park area. She has come to work here from Darjeeling. If free, she will take you around the park, to the waterfall and explain even the myths about the park.

From Ban Jhakri halt at Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek is undoubtable the largest monastery in Sikkim. It was built by Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960s, who was the 16th Karmapa of the monastery. Karmapa is the head of a monastery. He came from Tibet and settled here when the Chinese invaded Tibet.

After about 10 years, a boy named Ugen Thinley from Tibet was identified by Dalai Lama as the next reincarnation of Karmapa. Ugen Thinley is currently living in Dharamshala

One will be lost in the history on the monastery where the time fly’s and the wisdom enlightens. A must on the MSL

After a tiring day head back to hotel take a hot water shower and relax

Day 3 Tashi view point, Tosmgo lake, nathula pass

Start really early preferably by 4am and leave the hotel by 5am and head towards Tashi View point known for its spectacular unforgettable view of sunrise.

You can see view of Kanchenjunga snow peaks on a clear day the peak also dazzles in the shining sunlight given different texture and gradients to the 1st sun rays. Spend a short time and head towards Nathula pass

The fenced Indo-China border is also few meters away and you can see both Indian and Chinese soldiers guarding the border. The guards are friendly. A stairway leads to the border. There is no 'no man’s land' here. Even today, mails are delivered across the border on certain days of the week.

The quite place was once captivated under the disputed Indo-China war. You will a memorial constructed in honor of the Indian martyred soldiers

As these are high altitude one needs to take care of the oxygen level in the air is low. It is advisable not to spend long time near at the pass

The Indian trade mart is located at a place called Sherathang about 3kms below Nathula pass. It has a well-developed shopping mart and India's highest altitude internet Cafe. As a tourist you can visit the border trade market at Sherathang. Close to Sherathang is another place called Kupup which mostly remains covered with cloud. It has the second highest golf course in the world. 

On the way to Nathula, you will come across a place called Thegu which has an ATM. This is the highest altitude ATM in the world. It operates with a generator and a special fuel that does not freeze in such high altitude

Permits for Nathula 

Please Note - Nathula is a protected area. Foreign tourists are not allowed here. Indians require a valid Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit Nathula. Permit is issued by the Sikkim Tourism Department in Gangtok. You can get it done through a registered tour operator. You can visit Nathula only by a vehicle provided by one of the Sikkim Government authorized operators. You cannot just take a taxi or some other vehicle and head for Nathula... you won't be allowed

First you should note that Nathula is open only from Wednesday to Sunday of the week. It's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to public.

From Nathual head towards Tosmgo lake

Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake is a glacial, Tsomgo means 'Source of water’. 

The lake has pristine blue water with melting snow, the water is so clear; it acts like a mirror one can get enchanted with the reflection of the surrounding hills on the water. During summer and autumn, you will find Primula flowers and other Alpine vegetation around the lake. And during winter the lake becomes frozen and a snowfield

In the earlier days the lamas used to study the color of water in the lake and forecast the future. A darker color would indicate that the coming year in the state may be troublesome.

There are many versions of story and one very rare mysterious story attached to Tsomgo lake starts way back. One night, the oldest women of the tribe had a dream that soon the village would drown in water leaving no sign of life, she warned all the villagers but nobody gave ear to her, eventually, failed in her attempt to convince the others to leave, she left the village with her yak and soon after the village was submerged in water. The water entirely washed away the existence of any human soul or animal and today the natives of Sikkim visit the lake to pray to the spirits of the dead. Scary right but chill…

One can just lie under the blanket of the blue sky and be engulfed in the serine beauty and feel the heaven. It very prestigiously garners its spot on the MSL

Tour back to the Hotel in Gangtok relax, unwind and revisit the beautiful day spent

Day 4 – East Sikkim (Enchey monastery, Do-drul chorten, Ropeway, Hanuman Tok, Saramsa garden (casino mahjong)

Today say good morning late by 7am leave your hotel by 8.30-9 am hier a cab and visit east Sikkim

Starting from Enchey monastery

Also known as Solitary Monastery, monastery was set up by around a small hamlet of Gangtok around the year 1909 and soon grew into a famous religious centre. The monastery is said to be blessed by Lama DrupthobKarpo, a renowned tantric. Located on the Gangtok- Nathula road, the monastery provides a spectacular view of the Kanchendzonga peak. Also famous is the annual Cham dance festival that is held on the 18th and 19th day of the 12th Lunar month of Tibetan Calendar.

Halt at Do-drul chorten

Do-Drul Chorten, is one of the famous Stupas, the Buddhist relics spread all over the country. A major tourist attraction in the state, it was built around the year 1945. It is encircled by 108 prayer wheels and attracts large number of pilgrims and tourists alike. The Stupa contains a set of Holy books and many other religious objects including the sacred Kan-Gyur relics and the complete Zung/Mantras

Halt at Hanuman tok

Located at an altitude of 7500 feet, this Temple is dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Hanuman. According to mythology, Lord Hanuman, on his return journey with Sanjavanee to save Lakshmana, Lord Ram’s brother, rested here where the Temple is now located. The Temple is managed and run by the Indian Army. On the way to this Temple, beautiful views of the Gangtok Valley and the surrounding hills can be seen. Near the Hanuman Temple, there is a cremation ground of the Royal Family of the Namgyal Dynasty. The many stupas here mark the places where the family’s last rites were performed

Ropeway

Not afraid of heights and would like to have a bird’s eye view of the city’s valley, you have to take the Gangtok Ropeway. It covers a distance of 1 km. The lowest station is at Deorali Market; the second station is called Nam Nang, and the highest station terminates below the Secretariat (Tashiling). The traveller can get off at any station to further explore the areas

Saramsa Garden

Saramsa Garden is also known as Ipecac Garden. It is home to the state’s most exotic orchids and rare tropical and temperate plants. The Garden has sections termed as blocks. There is a nursery and a Convention Centre as you enter the Garden. Once you cross this, there is a mini foot bridge over a mini pool that leads to the hedges which are shaped differently. There is also a dense canopy of trees which the sunlight can barely penetrate. Saramsa Garden is the perfect place for a solitary or a romantic stroll in the greenery.

One can also try the night life at Gangtok and visit casino mahjong try your hands on coins and your luck sipping wine or Rum considering the climate. What an end to the day with a blast

Day 5 – Shopping and return to Bagdogra airport

The best place to shop in Gangtok is MG road and buy souvenirs like Tibetan carpets, Dragon sets, Tibetan lanterns, sikkim tea, Alpine cheese, hand woven jacket, Thangkas etc.. its a long list of item that you choose from. Finally head towards the airport.

Finally say bye to Sikkim and Gangtok take a flight back to your hometown after a long on the go tour!!!

Talking about MSL it’s very difficult to select as every spot, monastery has its own story, heritage and reason to be visited however some spots are non-negotiable are

MSL:

• MG road
• Ranka Paragliding
• Rumtek Monastery
• Nathula pass
• Tosmgo Lake
• Casino Mahjong
• Tashi Sunrise view

There are many more permutation combination that are possible and can be done according to your preference and group which will be posted shortly

Have any specific questions/queries or need a planned cost estimate for a budgeted tour. Send your queries on planmytourto@gmail.com

Have views, feedback and suggestions you are welcome!!

Cheers have a superb tour and write back your experiences would love to hear!!