Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital and largest town of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is situated in the lower Himalayas, located at {{coor d|27.2|N|88.4|E|}}. Known for its clean surroundings and temperate climate, this hill station of about fifty thousand people is the centre of Sikkim's tourist industry.

Culture

Major Indian festivals, such as Diwali and Makar Sankranti (the popular Hindu festivals) along with the Buddhist festivals like Losar, Loosong, Bhumchu, Saga Dawa, Lhabab Duechen, Drupka Teshi and Bhumchu are celebrated in Gangtok. During the Losar, the Tibetan New Year in mid-December, most government offices and tourist centres are closed for a week. In recent times, Christmas has also been celebrated in Gangtok.

Related Topics:
Diwali - Makar Sankranti - Hindu festivals - Buddhist festival - Losar - Loosong - Bhumchu - Saga Dawa - Lhabab Duechen - Drupka Teshi - December - Christmas

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Residents of Sikkim are music lovers and it is common to hear Western rock music being played in homes and restaurants. Hindi pop songs are also common. Indigenous Nepali rock, music suffused with a western rock beat and Nepali lyrics, is also particularly popular.

Related Topics:
Western - Rock music - Hindi pop songs

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Football (soccer) and cricket are the two most popular sports. The Paljor Stadium, which hosts football matches, is the sole sporting ground in the city.

Related Topics:
Football (soccer) - Cricket

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Noodle-based foods such as the thukpa, chowmein, thanthuk, fakthu, gyathuk and wonton, are relished in Gangtok. The momo is a popular snack made from vegetable, beef, or pork filling, which is steamed and served with a soup. Alcohol is cheap due to low excise duty in Sikkim. Beer, whiskey, rum and brandy are frequently consumed by both locals and non-locals.

Related Topics:
Noodle - Momo - Beef - Pork - Alcohol - Beer - Whiskey - Rum - Brandy

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The city's main landmark is a 200 foot (90 m) TV tower that can be viewed from afar.

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