When people ask me,” Why do you like to travel?’, I usually answer with, “To get out of my comfort zone.”
‘Gangtok’ and ‘Monsoon’ may rarely ever go together, but a trip that manages to combine both these factors does exactly what I aspire to achieve from each journey-get me out of my comfort zone.
From paragliding with the Himalayan range underneath to experiencing the natural beauty of the ‘Seven Sister Waterfall’ in its utmost glory; from attending the monsoon-special festivals to spotting the rarest species of birds at this time- a monsoon holiday in Gangtok is non-mainstream, eventful and memorable.
By Air:
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra International Airport (124 km away)
Once you reach the airport, you can hire a cab, a shared taxi or a private vehicle that will get you to Gangtok in about 2-3 hours. The drive would be a beautiful experience in its own right, as you would witness the scenery change and the mist and thick forests welcome you to one of the cleanest hill stations. From Badogra, you can take a TSA helicopter to get to Gangtok in a matter of 30 minutes as well.
By Train:
Nearest Railhead:
New Jalpaiguri (150 kms away)
The most preferred way to reach Gangtok is via railways. The station is well-connected to major cities like New Delhi and Kolkata. Outside the station, you can hire a shared taxi that would cost about ₹ 200-250 and get you to Gangtok in a matter of 3-4 hours. Alternatively, if you want to travel by bus, you can head to Siliguri Bus Station and get on a state-run bus which will take you to your destination in 5-6 hours.
By Road:
Visitors coming from nearby regions would prefer to reach Gangtok via road. The roads are well-maintained, except in some places. Although, the monsoon season may result in landslides that can occasionally lead to congestion and blockage.
Monsoon duration in Gangtok: June-September
Monsoon transfers Gangtok into chirpy heaven for bird-watchers, a getaway destination for adventure junkies and a getaway for those who are keen to rejuvenate in the lap of nature.
While, the rainy season may not be the most preferred season by most travellers who have ‘Gangtok’ as a destination in their mind- it is surely each thrill-seeker’s favourite time to pay Gangtok a visit.
Here, is a list of everything ‘Gangtok’ and everything ‘Monsoon’ to make this monsoon getaway of yours, the most adventurous one.
Drupka Teshi is held on the fourth day of the sixth Tibetan Month that falls round August. The festival is celebrated in remembrance of Buddha’s first sermon and oration of the four Noble Truths to the five disciples at the famous deer park in Sarnath.
It’s a day of harmony, celebrated by all cultures and religions alike. The celebration is marked by the petitions held at the Deer Park and an extraordinary Yak race, that will take your breath away and keep you on the edge, the whole time.
This is the main festival of the Hindu Nepalese of Sikkim. It takes place in the month of September-October. Dasain or Dashain makes for the most important religious festival for the Nepali community living in North East Indian state of Sikkim. The festival is commonly celebrated under the name of ‘Durga Puja’ and ‘Navratri’ in other parts of India.
Gangtok becomes even more beautiful under the monsoon rain and during the fifteen-day celebrations- it comes alive and you as a visitor get to interact with its culture and meet amazing locals.
Even though the beauty of the ‘Seven Sister Waterfall’ is unmatched throughout the year, monsoon brings along with itself a special aura to the scene that manages to take every wandering traveler’s breath away.
During the rainy season, the water of the fall plunges at full speed out of lush greenery and thick forests covering the hills. The soothing vibes of the place make it a popular spot for tourists to rejuvenate and reconnect with nature. Its picture-perfect beauty also draws photography enthusiasts and selfie-lovers. It is also an ideal picnic spot during the monsoon season. The Banjakhri Falls is another popular waterfall you can stop by in the way, to get some pictures or grab a quick bite.
Best time to visit:
The Seven Sister Waterfall are best visited during monsoon in the months May – July, when its seven segments are visible completely.
How to get there:
Located 32 kilometres away from Gangtok, it takes around 40 minutes drive to travel to Seven Sister Waterfall. One can hire a taxi or cab to pay a visit and witness awe-inspiring beauty.
The Flower Exhibition Centre is a paradise for all nature-lovers. And during the months of monsoon, it too acquires another charm of its own as the flowers appear in full bloom and vibrant colours like the lush greenery and hills outside.
If you’ve come to Gangtok during the monsoon season, you must have a soft spot for adventure. Fret not, the longest river of Sikkim i.e. the Teesta River is just the right sport to get your adrenaline pumping.
Head to the river to get an experience of white water rafting in the strong currents and under the monsoon showers- a perfect remedy for all adventure-enthusiasts and explorers.
While one is a magnificent glacier water body, the other one is one of the highest water bodies in Sikkim. These monsoon getaways in Gangtok are the perfect destinations for picnics, photography sessions, and reflective activities.
Few other must-visit places in the town: MG road, Secretariat, Lal bazaar market, Dengzong cinema area, Deorali area, Sikkim legislative assembly.
So, the next time you want to get out of your cozy comfort zone and have a taste of the rugged beauty of nature and a bit of an adrenaline rush on the side, maybe a trip to Gangtok in monsoon would be able to satiate your adventurous spirit and render you with exaggerated stories to narrate.
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