Gangtok means, aptly enough “hill top” and the little capital of Sikkim is perched at 5,500 feet, high on the ridge of a valley. It lies snuggled between the borders of Nepal and Bhutan at an altitude of 1547 m above sea level, and is famous for its numerous important monasteries and picturesque Himalayan views.Gangtok is a beautiful hilly town, which spreads down the western side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipul River, and houses some of the most important Buddhist religious sites in India. The entire Kanchenjunga range is visible from the town and locals worship the range as a deity. It is a quaint mix of the old and the new, of modern structures and ancient Buddhist monuments, of bustling commercial centers and quiet monasteries emanating an aura of spirituality. Gangtok is also famed for its wonderful orchids and every spring, an orchid festival and flower show is held to celebrate this exotic bloom. The Kanchendzonga, considered to be Sikkim’s guardian, is visible from many parts of the town. Gangtok offers every traveler a unique traveling experience.
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