If the summer heat is wearing you out, we suggest the hills of Gangtok as the
perfect natural antidote. A little town run over by honeymooners, weekend break seekers from
Kolkata, and monks ambling through the Mall Road in search for some amusement and supplies to
sustain their esoteric lives, Gangtok makes for a perfect base for tourists, trekkers, and
explorers. However, in spite of the crowds, the town is amazingly clean. Plastic bags are banned
and the public toilets are well-maintained. The locals too are welcoming and helpful.
While Gangtok has but a few good places to visit - the Institute of Tibetology, Institute of
Handicrafts and Handlooms, Rumtek Monastery, and Dharma Chakra Centre - you'll need to drive
away from the bustling town for the real treasures. These include the Tsomgo Lake and the Jhakri
Waterfalls, which you'll come across on a drive to Nathu La, the second highest mountain pass in
the world.
Lamaism is big around the area. Monasteries like Enchey Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, Tashiding,
and Pemayangtse are worth visiting.
From here, the beautiful hill town of Pelling is a short 125-kilometre drive away. It makes for
a perfect overnight trip. Then there is the Gurudongmar Lake - not very big but certainly one of
the highest and the most beautiful in the world.
While you are in Gangtok, make the most of all the good Tibetan restaurants in the vicinity and don’t forget to try out some cakes and pastries from the many pastry shops on MG Road.