What can be a better way to celebrate Women’s Day with your female besties and make a tour plan to Gangtok? Why choose Gangtok? Because it is truly considered safe for women, where there are very rare cases of eve teasing and other and also there is very less chance of getting cheated by local drivers or hotel owners as the rates of transportation are almost standardised, are based according to the tourist season.
Activate Your Girl Gang this Women’s Day
Gangtok is a picturesque and serene city and is the capital of Sikkim. The view of the mountain peaks, sometimes covered with clouds or snow is a perfect moment to behold and these natural attributes make Gangtok a favourite destination in East Sikkim Tourism. The city also provides a spectacular view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga. The morning view of this snow-covered mountain, during the sunrise provides a magical vista that of a golden envelope casing the Kanchenjunga.
How to reach
Winter months from October to February and the Spring months from March to April are the most suitable time to visit Sikkim. Since you will be making your visit on March 8, this is a peak time for tourists to visit Sikkim as the weather is very pleasant - neither chilly nor hot. Simply perfect! Therefore make early reservations or bookings for your desired flight or train. If you have a considerably large gang of friends then it is very crucial to make advance reservations for both transportation as well as accommodation.
·Nearest Airport: Pakyong Airport (27 km), Bagdogra Airport (123 km)
·Nearest Railway Station: Siliguri Junction (111 km), New Jalpaiguri Junction (117 km)
2 Nights and 3 Days Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at Gangtok via your preferred mode of transportation. Cover the rest of the distance from the airport or railway station by hiring a cab or local transport like a bus. Let’s assume that you and your group of friends are arriving in the morning. The first thing to do on arrival is to check into a hotel where you have already booked your rooms. Complete the check-in procedure. Do not forget to carry your identity proofs like an Adhaar card, PAN card, driving license, or voter ID card. Get rest for some time if required, and then set out for some nearby and leisurely exploration. You can engage in some souvenir shopping in the local markets like M G Road, Lal Bazaar, New Market, Old Market and Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms.
Souvenirs to buy - Sikkim Tea, Tibetan Carpets, Buddhist Figurines and Prayer Flags, Semi-precious stones and Silver Jewellery, Thangkas, Wall Hangings, Sikkimese Cups, Hand-woven jackets, Masks, etc.
These market areas also have some fascinating food points where you can try the local food of Sikkim or Chinese or Tibetan dishes.
Although the crime rate is low in Gangtok, still avoid roaming in the deserted areas after the evening. Return to the hotel to have dinner and get a proper rest for the next day’s exploration.
Day 2
Rise before the sun and move out to watch Mt. Kanchenjunga during sunrise. Return to the hotel to have breakfast and get ready for sightseeing at Gangtok. The sightseeing at Gangtok commences with Gangtok Ropeway, and then proceed to Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten Monastery, Bakthang Waterfalls, and end the day with Tashi View Point. Click beautiful pictures of the mesmerising nature and your friends to create pleasant memories, that will bring a smile to your face.
Return to the hotel in the late evening and relax in the hotel room. Have dinner and retreat to sleep to get rid off the day’s exhaustion.
Day 3
This is your final day in Gangtok, so make the most of it, in order to create a lasting impression of the tour in your girl-gang. Move out of the hotel early in the morning to visit the Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, a temple with a unique back-story. The temple was built by the Indian Army in memory of Harbhajan Singh, a former Indian Army soldier, who is believed to have continued his duty of supervising the safety of Indian Borders even after his death.
The next destination for the day is the beautiful Tsongmo Lake, perched at 12,400 ft above sea level. Return to the hotel from Tsongmo Lake and pack up your bags to check out from the hotel and head towards the railway station or airport to get on board for the return journey.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ADITI PAUL
A degree holder of B.A. and M.A. in English from University of Calcutta, Aditi is an enthusiastic and professional content writer. Being a keen travelling and tourism fanatic herself, she has contributed to the website of Global Tourism of India pvt ltd. with her well researched and fact-based valuable blogs and articles. With sheer dedication to exploration she is well-versed about general tourism and wildlife tourism of India.
