Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital of the mountainous northern Indian state of Sikkim. Gangtok is the largest town with all modern facilities. Gangtok is located in the eastern Himalayan range, at an elevation of 1,650 m (5,410 ft). The town's population of 100,000 belongs to different ethnicities such as Nepalis, Lepchas and Bhutia. Nestled within higher peaks of the Himalaya and enjoying a year-round mild temperate climate, Gangtok is at the centre of Sikkim's tourism industry. Most of the roads are steep, with the buildings built on compacted ground alongside them. Gangtok is the main base for Sikkim tourism. Summer and spring seasons are the most popular tourist seasons. Many of Gangtok's residents are employed directly and indirectly in the tourism industry.

The precise meaning of the name "Gangtok" is unclear, though the most popular meaning is "hill cut". Gangtok is located at 27.3325°N 88.6140°E (coordinates of Gangtok head post office). It is situated in the lower Himalayas at an elevation of 1,650 m (5,410 ft). Today, Gangtok is also a centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture and learning, with the presence of several monasteries, religious educational institutions, and centres for Tibetology.

Sikkim an archaic land with a rich culture, close knit traditions and orthodox religion that Sikkim is, adventure also finds equal footage here. Embedded like a precious jewel in the snow clad mountains, the state of Sikkim is an ideal destination for travelers in quest of fascination, composure or adventure.

A wonderland of adventure and discovery, Sikkim offers a wide array of adventure sports. Mountaineering, Trekking, River Rafting, Yak Safari, Mountain Biking and Para Gliding are all available here. The Perfect destination for vacationers in the quest of Enchantment, Tranquility or Adventure. Sikkim a jewel embedded in snow clad mountains, Sikkim is a primeval land that is unlike anywhere else. A land so rich in culture, tradition and varieties of differnets adventure activities.

Paragliding in Gangtok is becoming an increasingly popular adventure sports. And why not. Who would not love to see the magnificent Himalayan range and the snow peaks from the sky as you fly like a bird and the look below to see the stunning mountain landscape of Sikkim and Gangtok.
Flora ::
The glory of Sikkim is its breathtaking array of flowers. Sikkims geographical positioning has gifted it a repository of over 5000 species of flowering plants. Forests of magnolia, blue poppies, primulas, gentians and geraniums create a spell-binding floral spectacle. Orchids, gladioli, poppies, azaleas and camellias add to the heady collection. Its great variety of rhododendron ranges from shrubs at ground level to towering specimens that set the terrain ablaze in a riot of colours.

Fauna::
Sikkim exhibits a large variety in the animal world to match its floral delights. Birds, species and reptiles are all present in Sikkim's animal kingdom. The tremendous variety of faunal attractions can be derived from the fact that 50% of the 1,400 butterfly species that exist in the Indian Subcontinent are to be found in Sikkim. Among other animal species are the elusive Snow Leopard and the rare Clouded Leopard. The two feet long, the "state animal" of Sikkim, Red Panda inhabits on treetops, a vegetarian is found in the mountain forests at between 6,000-12,000 ft above sea level.