Located amidst the majestic Himalayas, Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is one of the most-popular hill stations of India. Popularly visited due to its sheer beauty, calm surroundings, and adventure, Gangtok is the best destination to visit the mountains with the family. Whatever the age of the kids or the senior members of the family, Gangtok has the best combination of cultural experiences, scenic beauty, and adventure activities to welcome one to the mountains. If you wish to spend your family holiday with a combination of sightseeing and trekking, the best option is the Gangtok Family Tour.
tour packages for gangtok and darjeeling are the best to enjoy a seamless and trouble-free vacation experience. These packages cover accommodation, transportation, and site-seeing activities, thus apt for families to enjoy. Throughout this article, we’ll guide you through the best aspects of the Gangtok Family Tour, what to anticipate while going on a mountain trek, and why it is the best option to spend your next family vacation.
Why Choose a Gangtok Family Tour?
Exploring Gangtok’s Unique Charm
Gangtok has something to suit each member of the family, be it nature seekers, adventure seekers, or history enthusiasts. Nestled amidst snow-clad mountains and green forests, this quaint town has the welcoming appeal of the ultimate family vacation destination. Here are reasons why Gangtok is ideal for family vacations:
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Peaceful Setting: Gangtok is a serene and peaceful place, which is an added attraction for families who seek to spend some quiet time away from the urban commotion of city life.
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Cultural Heritage: Gangtok has numerous Buddhist monasteries, temples, and cultural landmarks that give you access to delve into the local customs and spirituality.
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Scenic Views: Panoramic views of the towering Kanchenjunga, along with the surrounding Himalayan peaks, make Gangtok one of the most scenic destinations in India.
Families will enjoy the diverse set of activities that Gangtok has to offer, ranging from cultural discovery to adventurous activities. Whether you are walking along the vibrant MG Road, going on cable car rides, or touring the ancient monasteries, Gangtok will be an enthralling experience for all ages.
The Best Treks & Mountain Tours for Families in Gangtok
Discovering the Himalayas Through Treks
Among the best means of beholding the magnificence of Gangtok along with the surrounding mountains is through trekking and mountain holidays. Sikkim has numerous trekking possibilities, ranging from easy nature hikes to treks that are difficult enough to be challenging to experienced trekkers. However, there are treks that can be enjoyed by family members with children or the elderly too.
Gangtok trekking enables you to see nature at close quarters, such as picturesque landscapes, exclusive flora, fauna, and inaccessible villages that are difficult to approach via traditional methods. Below are some family-friendly treks around Gangtok that you can enjoy on your visit
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Tsomgo Lake Trek: Tsomgo Lake (also referred to as Changu Lake) trek is one of the simpler yet most visited treks around Gangtok. It is an apt choice for families since the track is not too challenging. A family outing to this lake, whose crystal-clear waters are encircled by snow peaks, is one to be remembered.
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Mangan to Thangu Trek: This moderately graded trekking option is suitable for teenagers or older kids who are traveling with the family. This trek has fantastic views of the Kanchenjunga, along with taking you through gorgeous rhododendron forests. It ends at the off-the-beaten-path village of Thangu, where you can explore local Sikkimese culture.
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Yuksom to Dzongri Trek: This trek is suitable for teenagers with adventure-stricken families, which lasts around 4-5 days, to let the teenagers explore the Sikkim region with such picturesque views around it. Dzongri trek provides wide views of the Kanchenjunga along with trekking through grand alpine meadows.
These treks, though demanding, provide the optimal combination of adventure and scenic beauty. Your Gangtok Family Tour Package has professionally experienced guides who will deliver the trek experience to be fun and safe for all.
Ideal Family-Friendly Attractions in Gangtok
Best Sightseeing Spots for Families
Aside from trekking, Gangtok has numerous family-oriented sites that will surely enhance your experience further. These sites are aptly suited to spending time with family and children, so that everybody has an unforgettable experience:
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Tsomgo Lake: Tsomgo Lake is found at an elevation of 12,400 feet and is not to be missed by family touring members visiting Gangtok. It is nestled amidst rugged hills, has the provision of doing rides on yak, which is the best part to enjoy for kids,
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Rumtek Monastery: This huge monastery is serene to visit, providing fantastic views and an insight into the spiritual culture of the area. Its colorful architecture and views set it apart, making it an ideal location for family photographs.
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Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: A family visit to this cultural center of Tibet gives one an ideal opportunity to study the culture, language, and history of Tibet. Ancient manuscripts, sculptures, and Buddhist relics can be found at the museum that are informative to both children and adults alike.
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Gangtok Ropeway (Cable Car): A bird’s eye view of the city, the valleys, and the surrounding area can be seen through the Gangtok Ropeway, which is a fun ride to take with the family, the views atop which are breathtaking.
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Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park: This beautiful waterfall is located just outside the city center, surrounded by a park that highlights the various aspects of nature and energy. Walking trails are also present there, which proves to be an excellent option for a family outing.
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MG Road: MG Road is the shopping hub of Gangtok, with local restaurants, cafes, and shops selling local delicacies. It is the best place to relax while walking along, shop for some souvenirs, or indulge in some local Tibetan dishes.
These child-friendly sites are scattered all around the city, and it is possible to spend several days visiting these sites while on your Gangtok family tour.
Tour Packages for Gangtok and Darjeeling: What’s Included?
Exploring the Highlights of Gangtok and Darjeeling
Booking the tour package of Gangtok and Darjeeling is the most convenient and hassle-free manner to visit these two beautiful destinations. Tour packages generally feature visiting the prominent places of the two cities, comfortable accommodations, and suitable transport facilities.
The Gangtok-Darjeeling tour typically spans anywhere between 6 to 8 days, depending upon your choice. This is what you can normally expect to find in such tour packages:
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Transportation: Many packages offer transportation between Bagdogra Airport (the closest major airport) to Gangtok and Darjeeling, as well as between cities.
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Accommodation: Tour packages typically feature accommodations at cozy 3-star or 4-star hotels, which you can enjoy peacefully with your family
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Sightseeing: All the prominent sightseeing locations of Gangtok and Darjeeling, such as Tsomgo Lake, Rumtek Monastery, Tiger Hill, and Batasia Loop, will be covered under the package.
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Meals:They include meals (most likely breakfast and dinner) which give you an opportunity to experience the local Sikkimese and Tibetan dishes.
With the tour package, you can be assured that everything is arranged, and your family shall enjoy the best time to explore and experience the scenic beauty and the local culture of Gangtok and Darjeeling.
FAQ
1. What is the price of a Gangtok Family Tour?
The price of a Gangtok Family Tour Package usually ranges between ?15,000 to ?30,000 per person based on the duration, accommodation, and activities like meals and sightseeing.
2. Can I tailor my Gangtok and Darjeeling tour package?
Yes, the majority of the tour operators give you the option to tailor the itinerary based on your specifications, like the length of stay or the places you want to see.
3. Would Gangtok be appropriate for kids and senior tourists?
Yes, Gangtok is a family-friendly resort area. It has numerous simple treks and places of attraction that are appropriate for kids and senior citizens.
4. When is the best time to visit Gangtok?
The most suitable time to visit Gangtok is between March to June and September to December, as the weather is good and favourable to go sightseeing and enjoy outside activities.
5. How long does it take to travel from Gangtok to Darjeeling?
Gangtok to Darjeeling is around 100 kilometers, typically requiring around 4-5 hours of driving time.
6. What adventure activities can I do with my family in Gangtok?
Yes, Gangtok has numerous adventure activities for family such as cable car rides, yak ride, and trekking along the picturesque Sikkim landscapes.
7. Are vegetarian food options available in Gangtok?
Yes, Gangtok has plenty of vegetarian cuisines, such as Nepali, Tibetan, and Indian foods. A majority of restaurants support vegetarian and vegan foods.
8. Gangtok is safe enough to visit, yes.
Yes, Gangtok is a safe place to visit for tourists. That being said, like any tourist destination, it is best to take precautions and be aware of local advice.
9. Will I require a tour package to book Gangtok?
Though not necessary, pre-booking a Gangtok family package saves time and effort, which arranges the transport, accommodation, and sightseeing, thus making it easier for the family members to enjoy the trip.
10. Can we visit Gangtok and Darjeeling in one trip?
Sandh, numerous tour packages include the option of visiting both Gangtok and Darjeeling, which enables you to visit these two cities within one trip.
Conclusion
A Gangtok family tour provides an experience that you will never forget, where the beauty of the Himalayas can be seen up close, with families having the opportunity to be part of the grand landscape, the culture, and the activities that the region has to offer. From trekking through the mountains to visiting the monasteries, or enjoying the tranquil pace of the hills, there is something for all members of the family to enjoy. Having booked the tour package to Gangtok and Darjeeling, you stand to experience a properly planned, trouble-free holiday that you will never forget, along with cherished moments with your family members.