Gangtok

State capital of: Sikkim

Main languages: Nepali and Hindi

 

History:

 

Gangtok is the largest town of Sikkim and had risen to prominence as a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site. This happened after the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840. In the year 1894, the ruling Sikkimese chogyal, Thutob Namgyal, had his capital to Gangtok. During the early 20th century it became a major stopover on the trade route between Lhasa in Tibet. In 1947, Sikkim chose to remain an independent monarchy, with Gangtok as the capital but in the year 1975 it joined India as a state. The meaning of Gangtok is still unclear though most people presume it to be "hill top". At present Gangtok is a centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture and learning,

 

Geography:

 

The world's third highest peak, the Kanchenjunga, is visible from Gangtok. The city is located at 27.33° N 88.62° E and has an altitude of 5,500 ft. Gangtok town lies on one side with "The Ridge" at the other. The two streams which flank the city on east and west by two streams are Roro Chu and Ranikhola, respectively. The natural drainage of the city is divided into two parts due to these streams. The city is covered by the Precambrian rock which contains phyllites and schists that makes the slopes prone to frequent landslides. This city falls under seismic zone-IV, in order of increasing proneness to earthquakes. Densely forested regions surround Gangtok, which consist of temperate, deciduous forests of birch, oak, poplar and elm. Bamboos grow here in abundance. 

 

Climate: 

 

Gangtok has a mild, temperate climate all year round. There are five seasons here like most Himalayan towns: summer, monsoons, autumn, winter and spring. The average temperatures in summer are 22 C and about 5 to 7 degree centigrade in winters. Rainfalls lead to landslides and freezing temperatures in winters. 

 

Demographics:

 

As per the 2001 census the city had a population of about 1, 79,376 people, of which 43,711 reside in urban areas. The average literacy rate here is about 69.7%.

 

Economy:

 

Tourism is the main industry in Gangtok as the city along with agriculture and forestry. Eco tourism has developed here and the proximity of the city to the Indo China border, Nathula Pass, makes it a trade route for export. Various cottage industries also exist here.

 

Culture:

 

The city has a population of different ethnicities such as Nepalis, Lepchas and Bhutia. The influence of the Tibetan culture can be seen here. TheTibetology Museum displays rare Lepcha tapestries like masks and Buddhist statues. All major Hindu festivals are celebrated here along with Christmas and other local festivals. The ethnic Lepchas and Bhutias celebrate New Year in January and the Tibetans celebrate the New Year called Losar with "Devil Dance" in January and February. Other festivals of the region are Chotrul Duchen, Buddha Jayanti, Maghe sankranti, Ram Navami, birthday of the Dalai Lama, Loosong, Bhumchu, Saga Dawa, Lhabab Duechen and Drupka Teshi. Momo is the most popular food here along with Thupka.

 

Tourism: 

 

There are many places to see in Gangtok like the Nathula pass, Changu Lake, Memencho lake, the palace of the Choygal, Namgyal research institute of tibetology and Enchey Gompa. Trekking activities are organized here and there are many nearby forest reserves and sanctuaries to explore. 

 

 

Transportation:

 

The city is well connected through the National Highway 31A. The nearest railway station is the Siliguri railway station and the nearest airport is the Bagdogda airport.