In this article, we provide comprehensive information about the geography, history, population, and top tourist destinations of Gangtok. Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim, a state in northeastern India. Situated on a tributary of the Tista River in the southeast-central region of the state, it stands at an elevation of approximately 5,600 feet (1,700 meters). The name “Gangtok” translates to “Top of the Hill.” The city is characterized by its slopes, which are extensively terraced for corn (maize) cultivation.
| About: | Gangtok is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Sikkim. Located in the eastern Himalayan range at an elevation of 1,650 m (5,410 ft), it serves as the seat of the eponymous district. The city has a population of around 100,000, comprising three main Sikkimese ethnic groups: the Bhutias, Lepchas, and Nepalis, along with people from other Indian states. Within the higher peaks of the Himalayas and with a year-round mild temperate climate, Gangtok is at the centre of Sikkim’s tourism industry. Gangtok rose to prominence as a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site after the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840. In 1894, the ruling Sikkimese Chogyal, Thutob Namgyal, transferred the capital to Gangtok. In the early 20th century, Gangtok became a major stopover on the trade route between Lhasa in Tibet and cities such as Kolkata (then Calcutta) in British India. After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, Sikkim opted to remain an independent monarchy, with Gangtok as its capital. Following Sikkim’s merger with India in 1975, Gangtok retained its status as the state capital. |
| History: | Like the rest of Sikkim, not much is known about the early history of Gangtok. The earliest records date from the construction of the hermitic Gangtok monastery in 1716. Gangtok remained a small hamlet until the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840 made it a pilgrimage centre. It became the capital of what was left of Sikkim after its English conquest in the mid-19th century in response to a hostage crisis. After the defeat of the Tibetans by the British, Gangtok became a major stopover in the trade between Tibet and British India at the end of the 19th century. Most of the roads and the telegraph in the area were built during this time. In 1894, Thutob Namgyal, the Sikkimese monarch under British rule, shifted the capital from Tumlong to Gangtok, increasing the city’s importance. A new grand palace along with other state buildings was built in the new capital. Following India’s independence in 1947, Sikkim became a nation-state with Gangtok as its capital. |
| Country : | India |
| State: | Sikkim |
| District: | Gangtok |
| Language: | English, Nepali, Sikkimese, Lepcha (official) |
| Population: | 100,290 |
| Literacy rate: | Average literacy rate of Gangtok city is 89.33 percent of which male and female literacy was 92.77 and 85.54 percent. |
| Major Attractions to Visit: | 1. MG Marg 2. Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) 3. Nathula Pass 4. Rumtek Monastery 5. Ganesh Tok 6. Hanuman Tok 7. Tashi Viewpoint 8. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology 9. Enchey Monastery 10. Do Drul Chorten 11. Banjhakri Falls 12. Flower Exhibition Centre 13. Himalayan Zoological Park 14. Ranka Monastery (Lingdum Monastery) 15. Tsuk La Khang Monastery |
