Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim , the second smallest state of India . Famous for its many important monasteries, and for the picturesque views of the Himalayas , Gangtok is one of the most important hill-station of the country. In Gangtok you can see a smooth blend of both tradition and modernity.

Location

Located at an altitude of 1547 m above sea level, Gangtok houses some of the important Buddhist religious sites too.

The existence of the peaceful Chortens or Stupas, old monasteries and the un-spoilt natural beauty of Gangtok offers you a truly unique traveling experience.

Its History

Gangtok, the "Lofty Hill" or the "Hill made flat to build the Gangtok monastery in 1716". Gangtok is a city, which, till one sees it, one would believe exists only in picture-story books. In the mystery-laden mists prayer flags whip in the breeze, wheels spin in the hands of Lamas mumbling invocations to God, in the distance are the snows, on the streets amidst brightly painted pagoda roofed houses, lined with friendly smiling people are silver, silk and spice and jewellery to gladden an maiden's heart, from across the seven seas are gadget and goods to delight the collector of "imported goods', while directly overlooking the city is the hill Lukshyma, the 'Mother of Pearl' citadel of the magic mountain, Khang-Chen-Dzod-Nga.

An air of enchantment hangs over the city, indeed the whole valley; the mysticism, the stupas, the monasteries reach out as soon as one has crossed the border. While across the hills and valleys comes the sounding of the long trumpets by robed lamas.

In fact, it has been referred to as the arctic Tundra by many trekkers. From Chirbasa we reach Bhojwasa. Gaumukh Glacier is just four kilometers ahead. To reach Nandanvan, we need to take a detour from bhojwasa.

It is a round-trip itinerary starting in Kedarnath, along the sacred Baghirathi River , then heading west, through dense forests and grassy areas. The northern part of the itinerary will offer magnificent views of several high altitude lakes.