View source for Gangtok

{{Short description|Capital city of Sikkim, India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Gangtok
| native_name        = <!-- Please do not add any Indic script in this infobox, per WP:INDICSCRIPT policy. -->
| native_name_lang   =
| other_name         =
| settlement_type    = [[List of state and union territory capitals in India|State capital]]
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border                   = infobox
| total_width              = 230
| image_style              =
| perrow                   = 1/2/2/1
| image4     = Dro-dul Chorten - Gangtok, Sikkim.jpg
| image1     = M.G. Marg, Gangtok 01.jpg
| image3     = Gangtok ropeway.jpg
| image5    = Gangtok from Tibet Road.jpg
| image2      = Kangch-Goechala.jpg
| image6 = Vikramjit-Kakati-Rumtek.jpg
}}
| image_alt          =
| image_caption      = '''Clockwise from top:''' <br/> [[Mahatma Gandhi Marg (Gangtok)|M.G. Marg]], Gangtok cable car, Gangtok from Tibet Road, [[Rumtek Monastery]], Dro-dul Chorten, [[Kangchenjunga]] view from Gangtok
| nickname           =
| image_map          =
| map_alt            =
| map_caption        =
| pushpin_map        = India Sikkim#India3#Asia
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt    =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Gangtok in Sikkim
| coordinates        = {{coord|27.33|N|88.62|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = [[Country]]
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[States of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name1  = {{flagicon image|Flag of the Government of Sikkim.svg}} [[Sikkim]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Gangtok district|Gangtok]]
| established_title  = <!-- Established -->
| established_date   =
| founder            =
| named_for          =
| government_type    = [[Municipal Corporation]]
| governing_body     = Gangtok Municipal Corporation
| leader_title       = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name        = Nell Bahadur Chettri<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ravidas |first1=Rajeev |title=Nell Bahadur Chettri sworn in as the new mayor of Gangtok |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/nell-bahadur-chettri-sworn-in-as-the-new-mayor-of-gangtok/cid/1814561 |access-date=7 June 2022 |work=The Telegraph |date=5 May 2021}}</ref>
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_footnotes     =
| area_total_km2     = 19.3
| area_rank          =
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name="FallinGrain"/>
| elevation_m        = 1,650
| population_total   = 100290
| population_as_of   = 2011
| population_footnotes =
| population_density_km2 = 5,332
| population_rank    =
| population_demonym =
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code        = 737101
| area_code          = 03592
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| registration_plate = '''SK-01'''
| blank_name_sec1    =
| blank_info_sec1    =
| website            = {{URL| https://gangtokdistrict.nic.in/}}
| footnotes          =
| demographics_type1 = Languages<ref name="langoff1">{{cite web|title=1977 Sikkim government gazette|url=https://www.sikkim.gov.in/stateportal/UsefulLinks/Gazette1977.pdf|website=sikkim.gov.in|publisher=Governor of Sikkim|access-date=28 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722164022/https://www.sikkim.gov.in/stateportal/UsefulLinks/Gazette1977.pdf|archive-date=22 July 2018|page=188|language=en}}</ref><ref name="langoff">{{cite web|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf|page=109|title=50th Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India|date=16 July 2014|access-date=28 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102211909/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf|archive-date=2 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = {{hlist|[[English language|English]] |[[Nepali language|Nepali]]|[[Sikkimese language|Sikkimese]]||[[Lepcha language|Lepcha]]}}
| demographics1_title2 = Additional&nbsp;official
| demographics1_info2 = {{hlist|[[Gurung language|Gurung]]|[[Limbu language|Limbu]]|[[Magar language|Magar]]|[[Sunwar language|Mukhia]]|[[Newari language|Newari]]|[[Rai languages|Rai]]|[[Sherpa language|Sherpa]]|[[Tamang language|Tamang]]}}
| blank_name         = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]]
| blank_info         = [[Oceanic climate|Cwb]]
}}
'''Gangtok''' ({{IPA-ne|gantok|lang}} {{IAST|gāntok}}, {{IPA|sip|ɡaŋt̪ʰòk|lang}}) is the capital and the most populous city of the [[India]]n state of [[Sikkim]]. The seat of [[East Sikkim district|eponymous district]], Gangtok is in the eastern [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] range, at an elevation of {{convert|1650|m|abbr=on}}. The city's population of 100,000 consists of the three [[Sikkimese people|Sikkimese]] ethnicities: the [[Bhutias]], [[Lepcha people|Lepchas]], [[Nepalis]] as well as plainsmen from other states of India. Within the higher peaks of the [[Himalayas]] and with a year-round mild [[temperate]] climate, Gangtok is at the centre of Sikkim's tourism industry.
Gangtok rose to prominence as a popular [[Buddhist pilgrimage sites|Buddhist pilgrimage]] site after the construction of the [[Enchey Monastery]] in 1840. In 1894, the ruling Sikkimese [[Chogyal]], [[Thutob Namgyal]], transferred the capital to Gangtok. In the early 20th century, Gangtok became a major stopover on the [[trade route]] between [[Lhasa]] in [[Tibet]] and cities such as [[Kolkata]] (then Calcutta) in [[British India]]. After India won its independence from the [[British Empire]] in 1947, Sikkim chose to remain an independent monarchy, with Gangtok as its capital. After Sikkim's merger with India in 1975, Gangtok continued as the state capital.
==Etymology==
The precise meaning of the name "Gangtok" is unclear, though most agree that the meaning is "hill top".<ref name="telegang"/>
== History ==
{{See also|History of Sikkim}}
Like the rest of Sikkim, not much is known about the early history of Gangtok.<ref name="TT20031006"/> The earliest records date from the construction of the [[hermit]]ic Gangtok monastery in 1716.<ref name="bernier1"/> Gangtok remained a small hamlet until the construction of the [[Enchey Monastery]] in 1840 made it a pilgrimage centre. It became the capital of what was left of Sikkim after its English conquest in the mid-19th century in response to a hostage crisis. After the [[History of Tibet|defeat of the Tibetans]] by the British, Gangtok became a major stopover in the trade between Tibet and British India at the end of the 19th century.<ref name="nslepcha"/> Most of the roads and the [[telegraph]] in the area were built during this time.
In 1894, [[Thutob Namgyal]], the Sikkimese monarch under British rule, shifted the capital from [[Tumlong]] to Gangtok, increasing the city's importance. A new grand palace along with other state buildings was built in the new capital. Following [[Indian independence movement|India's independence]] in 1947, Sikkim became a [[nation-state]] with Gangtok as its capital. Sikkim came under the [[suzerainty]] of India, with the condition that it would retain its independence, by the treaty signed between the [[Chogyal]] and the then [[Prime Minister of India|Indian Prime Minister]] [[Jawaharlal Nehru]].<ref name="HISTORY OF SIKKIM"/> This pact gave the Indians control of external affairs on behalf of Sikkimese. Trade between India and Tibet flourished through the [[Nathula]] and [[Jelep La|Jelepla passes]], benefiting Gangtok. Trade declined with the Chinese crackdown in Tibet in 1959 and the passes were sealed after the [[Sino-Indian War]] in 1962.<ref name="nathuladown"/><ref name=Harris>{{citation |last=Harris |first=Tina |title=Geographical Diversions: Tibetan Trade, Global Transactions |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JxCotCnoGrUC&pg=PA40 |year=2013 |publisher=University of Georgia Press |isbn=978-0-8203-4512-3 |pages=39–41}}</ref> The Nathula pass was finally opened to limited trade in 2006, fuelling hopes of economic boom.<ref name="bbc-1"/>
In 1975, after years of political uncertainty and struggle, including riots, the monarchy was abrogated and Sikkim became India's twenty-second state, with Gangtok as its capital after a referendum.<!---Nest&Wings pg-21-24|NaW---> Gangtok has witnessed annual [[landslide]]s, resulting in loss of life and damage to property. The largest disaster occurred in June 1997, when 38 were killed and hundreds of buildings were destroyed.<ref name="chap4"/>
== Geography ==
{{multiple image
| perrow            = 2
| total_width       = 350
| caption_align     = centre
| align             = left
| footer_align      = centre
| title             = [[Kangchenjunga]]
| image1            = Kangch-Goechala.jpg
| image2            = Kangchenjunga East Face from Zemu Glacier.jpg
| footer            = [[Kangchenjunga]], visible from Gangtok, the third [[List of highest mountains|highest mountain in the world]], near the [[Zemu Glacier]].
}}
Gangtok is located at {{Coord|27.3325|N|88.6140|E|}} (coordinates of Gangtok head post office).<ref name="FallinGrain" /> It is in the lower Himalayas at an elevation of {{convert|1650|m|abbr=on}}.<ref name="metgang" /> The town is on the side of a hill, with "The Ridge",<ref name="nslepcha" /><ref name="discoveringbook" /> a promenade with the [[Raj Bhavan, Gangtok|Raj Bhawan]], the [[governor]]'s residence, at one end and the palace, at an altitude of about {{convert|1800|m|abbr=on}}, at the other. The city is flanked east and west by two streams, [[Roro Chu]] and [[Ranikhola]].<ref name="chap4" /> These two rivers divide the natural drainage into two parts, eastern and western. Both streams meet the Ranipul and flow south as the Ranikhola before joining the [[Teesta River|Teesta]] at [[Singtam]].<ref name="chap4" /> Most roads are steep, with the buildings built on compacted ground alongside them.<ref name="mapsindiagang" />
[[File:Ban Jhakri Falls - Gangtok.jpg|thumb|right|[[Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park|Banjhakri Falls]] – Gangtok]]
Most of [[Sikkim]], including Gangtok, is underlain by [[Precambrian]] rocks which contain [[Foliation (geology)|foliated]] [[phyllite]]s and [[schists]]; slopes are therefore prone to frequent landslides.<ref name="chap2"/> [[Surface runoff]] of water by natural streams (''jhora'') and man-made drains has contributed to the risk of landslides.<ref name="chap4"/> According to the [[Bureau of Indian Standards]], the town falls under [[Earthquake hazard zoning of India|seismic zone-IV]] (on a scale of I to V, in order of increasing seismic activity), near the [[convergent boundary]] of the [[India Plate|Indian]] and the [[Eurasian Plate|Eurasian]] [[tectonic plate]]s and is subject to frequent earthquakes. The hills are nestled within higher peaks and the snow-clad Himalayan ranges tower over the town in the distance. Mount [[Kanchenjunga]] ({{Convert|8598|m|abbr=on|disp=or}})—the world's third-highest peak—is visible to the west of the city. The existence of steep slopes, vulnerability to landslides, large forest cover and inadequate access to most areas have been a major impediment to the natural and balanced growth of the city.<ref name="chap4"/>
Densely forested regions surround Gangtok, temperate, [[deciduous]] forests of [[Populus|poplar]], [[birch]], [[oak]] and [[elm]], as well as [[evergreen]], [[coniferous]] trees of the [[alpine climate|wet alpine]] zone.<ref name="chap2"/> [[Orchids]] are common and rare varieties of orchids are featured in flower shows in the city. [[Bamboo]] is also abundant. In the lower reaches of the town, the vegetation gradually changes from alpine to temperate deciduous and [[subtropical]].<ref name="chap2"/> Flowers such as [[sunflower]], [[Tagetes|marigold]], [[poinsettia]] and others bloom, especially in November and December.
=== Climate ===
{{Weather box
| location = Gangtok (1991–2020, extremes 1966–present)
| metric first = Yes
| single line = Yes
| Jan record high C = 19.9
| Feb record high C = 22.0
| Mar record high C = 27.6
| Apr record high C = 27.3
| May record high C = 28.5
| Jun record high C = 28.4
| Jul record high C = 28.4
| Aug record high C = 29.9
| Sep record high C = 28.5
| Oct record high C = 27.2
| Nov record high C = 25.5
| Dec record high C = 24.0
|year record high C = 29.9
| Jan high C = 12.4
| Feb high C = 14.3
| Mar high C = 17.7
| Apr high C = 20.4
| May high C = 21.4
| Jun high C = 22.0
| Jul high C = 21.6
| Aug high C = 22.1
| Sep high C = 21.5
| Oct high C = 20.4
| Nov high C = 17.2
| Dec high C = 14.1
|year high C = 18.8
| Jan low C = 5.5
| Feb low C = 7.3
| Mar low C = 10.1
| Apr low C = 12.7
| May low C = 14.9
| Jun low C = 17.1
| Jul low C = 17.7
| Aug low C = 17.7
| Sep low C = 16.7
| Oct low C = 13.8
| Nov low C = 10.2
| Dec low C = 7.2
|year low C = 12.6
| Jan record low C = -2.2
| Feb record low C = -1.1
| Mar record low C = 1.4
| Apr record low C = 2.9
| May record low C = 6.6
| Jun record low C = 10.0
| Jul record low C = 11.3
| Aug record low C = 10.8
| Sep record low C = 7.7
| Oct record low C = 4.3
| Nov record low C = 2.4
| Dec record low C = -1.7
|year record low C = -2.2
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 26.2
| Feb rain mm = 53.6
| Mar rain mm = 133.2
| Apr rain mm = 333.3
| May rain mm = 496.1
| Jun rain mm = 647.0
| Jul rain mm = 655.2
| Aug rain mm = 547.5
| Sep rain mm = 427.7
| Oct rain mm = 174.3
| Nov rain mm = 36.9
| Dec rain mm = 16.0
|year rain mm = 3574.0
| Jan rain days = 2.5
| Feb rain days = 4.7
| Mar rain days = 9.9
| Apr rain days = 16.3
| May rain days = 20.8
| Jun rain days = 23.6
| Jul rain days = 27.6
| Aug rain days = 25.5
| Sep rain days = 21.4
| Oct rain days = 8.4
| Nov rain days = 2.2
| Dec rain days = 1.4
|year rain days = 164.3
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 75
| Feb humidity = 77
| Mar humidity = 75
| Apr humidity = 79
| May humidity = 85
| Jun humidity = 89
| Jul humidity = 92
| Aug humidity = 92
| Sep humidity = 90
| Oct humidity = 83
| Nov humidity = 79
| Dec humidity = 76
|year humidity = 82
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020
| publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]]
| access-date = April 8, 2024
}}</ref><ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| title = Station: Gangtok Climatological Table 1981–2010
| work = Climatological Normals 1981–2010
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = January 2015
| pages = 279–280
| access-date = 7 October 2020}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = December 2016
| page = M190
| access-date = 5 February 2020}}</ref><ref name=IMDcityweather>
{{cite web
| url = http://city.imd.gov.in/citywx/extreme/FEB/gangtok2.htm
| title = Gangtok Climatological Table 1971–2000
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| access-date = 5 February 2020}}</ref>
}}
Gangtok has a monsoon-influenced [[subtropical highland climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]]: ''Cwb''). Because of its elevation and sheltered environment, Gangtok enjoys a mild, [[temperate]] climate all year round. Like most Himalayan towns, Gangtok has five seasons: summer, [[monsoon]]s, autumn, winter and spring. Temperatures range from an average maximum of {{convert|22|C|F|lk=on|abbr=on|0}} in summertime to an average minimum of {{convert|5|C|F|abbr=on|0}} in winter.<ref name="weatherchart"/> Summers (lasting from late April to May) are mild, with maximum temperatures rarely crossing {{convert|25|C|F|abbr=on|lk=on|0}}. The monsoon season from June to September is characterised by intense torrential rains, often causing landslides that block Gangtok's land access to the rest of the country. Rainfall starts to rise from pre-[[monsoon]] in May and peaks during the monsoon, with July recording the highest monthly average of {{convert|649.6|mm|in|abbr=on|1}}.<ref name="weatherchart"/> In winter temperature averages between {{convert|4|C|F|abbr=on|0}} and {{convert|7|C|F|abbr=on|0}}.<ref name="weatherchart"/> [[Snowfall]] is rare and in recent times, Gangtok has received snow only in 1990, 2004, 2005<ref name="chap2"/> and 2020.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gangtok sees snowfall after 15 years|url=https://www.northeasttoday.in/gangtok-sees-snowfall-after-15-years/|access-date=9 January 2020|work=Northeast Today|date=7 January 2020}}</ref> Temperatures below [[freezing point|freezing]] are also rare.<ref name="chap2"/> During this season the weather can be unstable and change abruptly from bright sunshine and clear skies to heavy rain within a couple of hours. During spring and autumn the weather is generally sunny and mild. Owing to its elevation, Gangtok is often enveloped in [[fog]] during the monsoon and winter months.
<gallery mode="packed" style="font-size:88%; line-height:130%; #aaa solid;" heights="150">
Gangtok photo during monsoon.png|Monsoon clouds in Gangtok
Ban Jhakri Falls Energy Park - Gangtok.jpg|[[Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park]], Gangtok
River Tista.jpg|[[River Teesta]] is the lifeline of Gangtok
A Overhead view of Gangtok from the ropeway facility.JPG|An overhead view of Gangtok from the ropeway facility
</gallery>
== Economy ==
[[File:Dro-dul Chorten - Gangtok, Sikkim.jpg|thumb|Dro-dul Chorten, Gangtok, [[Sikkim]].]]
[[File:M.G. Marg, Gangtok 01.jpg|thumb|[[Mahatma Gandhi Marg (Gangtok)|Mahatma Gandhi Marg]] is one of the main shopping and cultural activity streets in Gangtok.]]
Gangtok is the main base for Sikkim tourism.<ref name="chap3"/> Summer and spring seasons are the most popular tourist seasons. Many of Gangtok's residents are employed directly and indirectly in the tourism industry, with many residents owning and working in hotels and restaurants.<ref name="bstorist"/>
[[Mahatma Gandhi Marg (Gangtok)|Mahatma Gandhi Marg]] and Lal Market are prominent business areas and tourist spots in Gangtok.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sen|first1=Piyali|title=Secret Gangtok: 5 Things That No One Will Tell You About|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/explore/story/70212/secret-gangtok-5-things-that-no-one-will-tell-you-about|access-date=1 September 2020|work=Outlook|date=27 January 2020|language=en}}</ref>
[[Ecotourism]] has emerged as an important economic activity in the region which includes trekking, mountaineering, river rafting and other nature oriented activities.<ref name="chap3"/> An estimated 351,000 tourists visited Sikkim in 2007, generating revenue of about {{INRConvert|500|m|year=2007|lk=r}}.<ref name="bstorist"/>
The [[Nathula Pass]], located about {{convert|50|km|mi|abbr=on}} from Gangtok, used to be the primary route of the wool, fur and spice trade with Tibet and spurred economic growth for Gangtok till the mid-20th century. In 1962, after the border was closed during the [[Sino-Indian War]], Gangtok fell into recession.<ref name="nathuladown"/> The pass was reopened in 2006 and trade through the pass has helped to boost the economy of Gangtok.<ref name="chap3"/> Back in 2008 the Sikkim government stated that it was keen to open a [[Lhasa]]–Gangtok bus service via the Nathula Pass<ref name="Sinha2005"/> though 15 years later no such service has materialised. Sikkim's mountainous terrain limits the area's potential for rapid industrial development.<ref name="chap3"/> The government is the largest employer in the city,<ref name="chap4"/> both directly and as conttractors.
Gangtok's economy does not have a large manufacturing base, but has a thriving [[Cottage industry]] in watch-making, [[grain alcohol|country-made alcohol]] and handicrafts.<ref name="chap3"/> Among the handicrafts are the handmade paper industry made from various vegetable fibres or cotton rags. The main market in Gangtok provides many of the state's rural residents a place to offer their produce during the harvest seasons. The majority of the private business community is made up of [[Marwari people|Marwaris]] and [[Bihari people|Biharis]]. As part of Sikkim, Gangtok enjoys the status of being an income-tax free region as per the state's 1948 Income tax law.<ref name="Business Line"/> As Sikkim is a frontier state, the [[Indian army]] maintains a large presence in the vicinity of Gangtok. This leads to a population of semi-permanent residents who bring money into the local economy.<ref name="hindu29062003"/> The Sikkim government started India's first [[Online gambling|online lottery]] ''[[Playwin]]'' to boost government income, but this was later closed by a ruling from the Sikkim High Court.<ref name="Playwin lottery"/>
Agriculture is a large employer in Sikkim and in 2003 the [[Sikkim]] state government declared the goal of converting the whole sector to organic production.<ref name=4strategies>Paull, John (2017) [https://www.academia.edu/35179966/Four_New_Strategies_to_Grow_the_Organic_Agriculture_Sector "Four New Strategies to Grow the Organic Agriculture Sector"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304181540/http://www.academia.edu/35179966/Four_New_Strategies_to_Grow_the_Organic_Agriculture_Sector|date=4 March 2018}}, Agrofor International Journal, 2(3):61-70.</ref> The goal of 100% organic was achieved in 2016.<ref name=4strategies/> This achievement offers new [[export]] opportunities to grow the agriculture sector, to achieve premium prices and new opportunities for [[agritourism]].<ref name=4strategies/>
== Civic administration ==
<gallery mode="packed" style="font-size:88%; line-height:130%; border-bottom:1px #aaa solid;" heights="150">
Whitehall.jpg|The "White Hall" complex on "The Ridge" houses the residences of the [[Chief Minister]] and Governor of Sikkim.
Sikkim Assembly Gangtok.jpg|[[Sikkim]] Legislative Assembly in Gangtok. Fog is common in Gangtok.
</gallery>
Gangtok is administered by the [[Gangtok Municipal Corporation]] (GMC) along with the various departments of the [[Government of Sikkim]], particularly the [[Urban Development and Housing Department (Sikkim)|Urban Development and Housing Department]] (UDHD) and the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED).<ref name="chap4"/><ref name="UDHD"/> These departments provide municipal functions such as garbage disposal, water supply, tax collection, licence allotments, and civic infrastructure. An administrator appointed by the state government heads the UDHD.<ref name="chap8"/><!-- Elections to the wards of the first municipal corporation was held on 11 June 2008.<ref name="wardelec">{{cite web|url = http://beacononline.wordpress.com/2008/04/02/civic-polls-in-sikkim-on-june-11/|title = Civic polls in Sikkim on 11 June|access-date = 22 May 2008|publisher = The Himalayan Beacon}}</ref> -->
As the headquarters of [[East Sikkim]] district, Gangtok houses the offices of the [[district collector]], an administrator appointed by the Union Government of India. Gangtok is also the seat of the [[Sikkim High Court]], which is India's smallest [[High Courts of India|High Court]] in terms of area and population of jurisdiction.<ref name="smallhc"/> Gangtok does not have its own police commissionerate like other major cities in India. Instead, it comes under the jurisdiction of the state police, which is headed by a [[Director General of Police]], although an [[Inspector General of Police]] oversees the town.<ref name="govtofficers-IPS"/> Sikkim is known for its very low crime rate.<ref name="Police"/> Rongyek jail in Gangtok is Sikkim's only central jail.<ref name="prison2005"/>
Gangtok is within the [[Sikkim Lok Sabha constituency]] that elects a member to the Lok Sabha ([[Lower House]]) of the [[Indian Parliament]]. The city elects one member in the Sikkim state legislative assembly, the [[Vidhan Sabha]]. The [[Sikkim Democratic Front]] (SDF) won both the [[2009 Indian general election|parliamentary election in 2009]] and the state assembly seat in the [[2009 Sikkim Legislative Assembly election|2009 state assembly polls]].<ref name="12sk01"/><ref name="result-sikkim-assembly-2004"/>
== Utility services ==
Electricity is supplied by the power department of the [[Government of Sikkim]]. Gangtok has a nearly uninterrupted electricity supply due to Sikkim's numerous hydroelectric power stations. The rural roads around Gangtok are maintained by the [[Border Roads Organisation]], a division of the [[Indian army]]. Several roads in Gangtok are reported to be in a poor condition,<ref name="chap4"/> whereas building construction activities continue almost unrestrained in this city lacking proper land infrastructure.<ref name="chap4"/> Most households are supplied by the central water system maintained and operated by the PHED.<ref name="chap4"/> The main source of PHED water supply is the [[Rateychu River]], located about {{convert|16|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the city, at an altitude of {{convert|2621|m|ft|abbr=on}}. Its water treatment plant is located at Selep. The river Rateychu is snow-fed and has perennial streams. Since there is no habitation in the catchment area except for a small army settlement, there is little environmental degradation and the water is of very good quality.<ref name="chap4"/> 40 seasonal local springs are used by the Rural Management and Development Department of Sikkim Government to supply water to outlying rural areas.
Around 40% of the population has access to sewers.<ref name="chap4"/> However, only the toilet waste is connected to the sewer while [[sullage]] is discharged into the drains.<ref name="chap4"/> Without a proper sanitation system, the practice of disposing sewage through septic tanks and directly discharging into ''Jhora''s and open drains is prevalent.<ref name="chap4"/> The entire city drains into the two rivers, [[Ranikhola]] and [[Roro Chu]], through numerous small streams and Jhoras. Ranikhola and Roro Chu rivers confluence with [[Teesta River]], the major source of drinking water to the population downstream. The densely populated urban area of Gangtok does not have a combined drainage system to drain out the stormwater and wastewater from the buildings.<ref name="chap4"/> The estimated solid waste generated in Gangtok city is approximately 45&nbsp;[[tonne]]s.<ref name="chap4"/> Only around 40% of this is collected by UDHD, while the remainder is indiscriminately thrown into ''Jhora'', streets and valleys.<ref name="chap4"/> The collected waste is disposed in a dump located about {{convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the city. There is no waste collection from inaccessible areas where vehicles cannot reach, nor does any system of collection of waste exist in the adjoining rural areas. The city is under a statewide ban on the use of polythene bags.<ref name="chap4"/>
== Transport ==
<gallery mode="packed" style="font-size:88%; line-height:130%; border-bottom:1px #aaa solid;" heights="150">
Gangtok ropeway.jpg|Gangtok [[Aerial lift|cable car]]
RoadfromSiliguritiGangtok.jpg|The [[Teesta River]] runs along the National Highway 31A connecting Gangtok to [[Siliguri]].
Gangtok NH 31A by the night..jpg|National Highway 31A by the night.
</gallery>
=== Road ===
[[Taxicab|Taxis]] are the most widely available public transport within Gangtok.<ref name="chap2"/> Most of the residents stay within a few kilometres of the town centre<ref name="GangtokCdp-Chapter4-p4–25"/> and many have their own vehicles such as [[motorcycle|two-wheelers]] and cars.<ref name="GangtokCdp-Chapter4-p4–27"/> The share of personal vehicles and taxis combined is 98% of Gangtok's total vehicles, a high percentage when compared to other Indian cities.<ref name="chap2"/> City buses constitute less than one per cent of vehicles.<ref name="chap2"/> Those travelling longer distances generally make use of share-jeeps, a kind of public taxis. [[Four wheel drive]]s are used to easily navigate the steep slopes of the roads. The {{convert|1|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} long [[Aerial tramway|cable car]] with three stops connects lower Gangtok suburbs with Sikkim Legislative assembly in central Gangtok and the upper suburbs.<ref name="Gangtok ropeway"/>
Gangtok is connected to the rest of India by an all-weather metalled highway, [[National Highway 10 (India)|National Highway 10]] (NH10),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Bengal-Sikkim-tussle-over-NH-10/articleshow/48430608.cms|title=Bengal-Sikkim tussle over NH-10|date=11 August 2015|first=Rohit|last=Khanna|website=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=13 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105071053/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Bengal-Sikkim-tussle-over-NH-10/articleshow/48430608.cms|archive-date=5 January 2017}}</ref> earlier known as [[National Highway 31A (India)|National Highway 31A]], which links Gangtok to [[Siliguri]], located {{convert|114|km|mi|abbr=on|0}} away in the neighbouring state of [[West Bengal]]. The highway also provides a link to the neighbouring hill station towns of [[Darjeeling]] and [[Kalimpong]], which are the nearest urban areas. Regular jeep, van and bus services link these towns to Gangtok. Gangtok is a [[Linear settlement|linear city]] that has developed along the arterial roads, especially National Highway 31A.<ref name="chap4"/> Most of the road length in Gangtok is of two lane undivided carriageway with [[sidewalk|footpath]] on one side of the road and drain on the other. The steep gradient of the different road stretches coupled with a spiral road configuration constrain the smooth flow of vehicular as well as pedestrian traffic.<ref name="chap4"/>
=== Rail ===
The nearest railhead connected to the rest of India is [[New Jalpaiguri Junction railway station]] (station code - NJP) in [[Siliguri]], {{convert|124|km|mi|abbr=on|0}} from Gangtok via NH10. Another railway station near Gangtok is [[Siliguri Junction railway station|Siliguri Junction]] (station code - SGUJ). There are quite many trains that connect Siliguri Junction with [[Sealdah railway station]] in Kolkata and others parts of north-east India. Work has begun on a broad-gauge railway link from Sevoke in West Bengal to [[Rangpo]] in Sikkim,<ref name="sikkiminfo"/> which is planned for extension to Gangtok.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/DEPTTS/Budget/BUDGET-1011/RlyBudget_Eng_10-11.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330232928/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/DEPTTS/Budget/BUDGET-1011/RlyBudget_Eng_10-11.pdf|archive-date=30 March 2010|title=Speech of Mamata Banerjee introducing the Railway Budget 2010-11 on 24th February 2010|date=30 March 2010|access-date=30 December 2012}}</ref>
=== Air ===
[[File:Pakyongsikkim.jpg|thumb|right|Runway at [[Pakyong Airport]], the first [[Greenfield project|greenfield]] airport to be constructed in [[Northeast India]].]]
[[Pakyong Airport]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=PTI|title=Sikkim's Pakyong airport to become 100th functional airport in India: Jayant Sinha|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sikkim-s-pakyong-airport-to-become-131st-functional-airport-in-india-jayant-sinha/story-VhFKL5C1oR4ML7wB83sMPN.html|access-date=8 April 2021|work=Hindustan Times|date=2 May 2018|language=en}}</ref> is spread over {{convert|400|ha|abbr=on}} at Pakyong, about {{convert|35|km|abbr=on}} south of Gangtok.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sinha|first1=Avijit|title=Wait for Sikkim air link|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/wait-for-sikkim-air-link/cid/1451115|access-date=8 April 2021|work=The Telegraph|date=11 November 2017}}</ref> At {{convert|4500|ft|abbr=on|order=flip}}, it is one of the five highest airports in India,<ref>{{cite web|title=Sikkim's Greenfield Airport|url=http://www.punjlloyd.com/landmark-projects-gallery/sikkims-greenfield-airport-india|access-date=4 August 2012|work=Punjlloyd}}</ref> and also the first [[Greenfield project|greenfield]] airport to be constructed in the Northeastern Region of India,<ref>{{cite news|title=PM Modi to inaugurate Sikkim's first-ever airport today|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/sikkims-first-ever-airport-all-set-to-fly-5363202/|access-date=8 April 2021|work=The Indian Express|date=24 September 2018|language=en}}</ref> the 100th operational airport in India, and the only airport in the state of Sikkim.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sikkim to get its first airport at Pakyong|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sikkim-to-get-its-first-airport-at-pakyong/240002/0|access-date=4 August 2012|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=17 November 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Pakyong airport in Sikkim to become the 100th functional airport in India: Jayant Sinha|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/airlines-aviation/pakyong-airport-in-sikkim-to-become-the-100th-functional-airport-in-india-jayant-sinha/1153638/|access-date=5 May 2018|agency=PTI|newspaper=Financial Express|date=3 May 2018}}</ref>
The airport was inaugurated by India's Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] on 24 September 2018<ref>{{cite news|title=PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Sikkim's Pakyong airport |url=http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/65930198.cms |access-date= 24 September 2018|newspaper= [[The Economic Times]]| date= 24 September 2018}}</ref> and the first commercial flights from the airport began on 4 October 2018 between Pakyong and [[Kolkata Airport|Kolkata]].<ref name="Sikkim's Pakyong Airport welcomes first commercial flight in state with water cannon salute">{{cite news |title=Sikkim's Pakyong Airport welcomes first commercial flight in state with water cannon salute |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/sikkims-pakyong-airport-welcomes-first-commercial-flight-in-state-with-water-cannon-salute-5318331.html | date=4 October 2018 |work=First Post |access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref>
== Demographics ==
{{Historical population
| footnote = Population 1951–2011.<ref name="chap3"/> Negative growth attributed to reduction of notified town limits.
| 1951 | 2744
| 1961 | 6848
| 1971 | 13308
| 1981 | 36747
| 1991 | 25024
| 2001 | 29354
| 2011 | 98658
}}
According to the Provisional Population Totals 2011 [[census of India]], the population of Gangtok Municipal Corporation has been estimated to be 98,658. Males constituted 53% of the population and females 47%. The Gangtok subdivision of the East Sikkim district had a population of 281,293, Gangtok has an average literacy rate of 82.17%, higher than the national average of 74%: male literacy is 85.33%, and female literacy is 78.68.<ref name="population-of-sikkim-2011-census-results"/> About 8% of Gangtok's population live in the nine notified slums and squatter settlements, all on Government land. More people live in areas that depict slum-like characteristics but have not been notified as slums yet because they have developed on private land.<ref name="chap5"/> Of the total urban population of Sikkim, Gangtok Municipal Corporation has a share of 55.5%. Including Gangtok, East District has a share of 88% of the total urban population. The quality of life, the pace of development and availability of basic infrastructure and employment prospects has been the major cause for rapid migration to the city. With this migration, the urban services are under pressure, intensified by the lack of availability of suitable land for infrastructure development.<ref name="chap4"/>
Ethnic [[Nepali Indian|Nepalis]], who settled in the region during British rule,<ref name="peoplepr"/> constitute the majority of Gangtok's residents. [[Lepcha people|Lepchas]], native to the land, and [[Bhutia]]s also constitute a sizeable portion of the populace.<ref name="peoplepr"/> Additionally, a large number of [[Tibetan people|Tibetans]] have immigrated to the town. Immigrant resident communities not native to the region include the [[Marwaris]],<ref name="chap4"/> [[Bhojpuri people|Bhojpuris]] and [[Bengali people|Bengalis]].<ref name="Census_lang"/>
{{bar box
|title = Religion in Gangtok city (2011)<ref name="Census">{{Cite web|url=https://www.census2011.com/census/district/462-west-sikkim.html|title=East Sikkim District Religion Census 2011|access-date=24 April 2021|archive-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514153424/https://www.census2011.com/census/district/462-west-sikkim.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|float=left
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|darkorange|58.81}}
{{bar percent|[[Buddhism]]|yellow|28.15}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity]]|dodgerblue|9.07}}
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|green|3.14}}
{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.83}}
}}
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Languages spoken in Gangtok City (2011)<ref name="Census_lang">{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16T/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-2000.XLSX |website=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=4 June 2024}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Nepali language|Nepali]]
|value1 = 59.01
|color1 = red
|label2 = [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
|value2 = 14.13
|color2 = orange
|label3 = [[Sikkimese language|Bhutia]]
|value3 = 10.11
|color3 = brown
|label4 = [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]]
|value4 = 2.74
|color4 = magenta
|label5 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]
|value5 = 2.71
|color5 = yellow
|label6 = [[Lepcha language|Lepcha]]
|value6 = 2.68
|color6 = olive
|label7 = [[Lhasa Tibetan|Tibetan]]
|value7 = 1.04
|color7 = navy
|label8 = [[Tamang language|Tamang]]
|value8 = 1.01
|color8 = turquoise
|label9 = [[Sherpa language|Sherpa]]
|value9 = 0.90
|color9 = lime
|label10 = [[Limbu language|Limbu]]
|value10 = 0.84
|color10 = cyan
|label11 = [[Marwari language|Marwari]]
|value11 = 0.72
|color11 = violet
|label12 = [[Urdu language|Urdu]]
|value12 = 0.60
|color12 = lightblue
|label13 = [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
|value13 = 0.42
|color13 = lightgreen
|label14 = [[Odia language|Odia]]
|value14 = 0.34
|color14 = salmon
|label15 = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]
|value15 = 0.33
|color15 = gold
|label16 = [[Kiranti languages|Rai]]
|value16 = 0.28
|color16 = peachpuff
|label17 = [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
|value17 = 0.23
|color17 = darkorange
|label18 = [[Assamese language|Assamese]]
|value18 = 0.19
|color18 = orchid
|label19 = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|value19 = 0.18
|color19 = khaki
|label20 = [[Meitei language|Manipuri]]
|value20 = 0.18
|color20 = chartreuse
|label21 = [[Maithili language|Maithili]]
|value21 = 0.11
|color21 = coral
|label22 = Others
|value22 = 1.29
|color22 = black
}}
[[Hinduism]] and [[Buddhism]] are the most significant religions in Gangtok.<ref name="chap3"/> Gangtok also has a sizeable Christian population and a small [[Muslim]] minority.<ref name="chap3"/> The North East Presbyterian Church, Roman Catholic Church and Anjuman Mosque in Gangtok are places of worship for the religious minorities.<ref name="tourismprpr"/> The town has not been communalised, having never witnessed any sort of inter-religious strife in its history.<ref name="Dorjee2003"/> [[Nepali language|Nepali]] is the most widely spoken language in Sikkim as well as Gangtok.<ref name="sikkimipr-people"/> [[Indian English|English]] and [[Hindi]] being the official language of Sikkim and India respectively, are also widely spoken and understood in most of Sikkim, particularly in Gangtok.<ref name="sikkim.nic.in-home_int"/><ref name="cons"/> Other languages spoken in Gangtok include Bhutia ([[Sikkimese language|Sikkimese]]), [[Standard Tibetan|Tibetan]] and [[Lepcha language|Lepcha]].
== Culture ==
<gallery mode="packed" style="font-size:88%; line-height:130%; border-bottom:1px #aaa solid;" heights="150">
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology Front Panorama.jpg|The [[Namgyal Institute of Tibetology]] Museum displays rare [[Lepcha people|Lepcha]] tapestries, masks and [[Buddhist]] statues.
View of Gangtok City from Crown Prince Tenzing Kunzang Namgyal Walkway.jpg|View of downtown Gangtok city from Crown Prince Tenzing Kunzang Namgyal Walkway.
Vikramjit-Kakati-Rumtek.jpg|[[Rumtek Monastery]], located on the outskirts of Gangtok, is one of [[Buddhism]]'s holiest monasteries.
</gallery>
Apart from the major religious festivals of [[Dashain]], [[Tihar (festival)|Tihar]], [[Christmas]], [[Holi]] etc., the diverse ethnic populace of the town celebrates several local festivals. The Lepchas and Bhutias celebrate [[new year]] in January, while Tibetans celebrate the new year (''[[Losar]]'') with "[[Devil Dance]]" in January–February. The ''[[Maghe sankranti]]'', ''[[Ram Navami]]'' are some of the important Nepalese festivals. ''[[Chotrul Duchen]]'', ''[[Buddha Jayanti]]'', the birthday of the [[Dalai Lama]], [[Loosong]], [[Bhumchu]], [[Saga Dawa]], [[Lhabab Duechen]] and [[Drupka Teshi]] are some other festivals, some distinct to local culture and others shared with the rest of India, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet.<ref name="chap3"/><ref name="festivalspr"/>
A popular food in Gangtok is the ''[[momo (food)|momo]]'',<ref name="tele030902"/> a steamed dumpling containing pork, beef and vegetables cooked in a doughy wrapping and served with watery soup. [[Wai-Wai (food)|Wai-Wai]] is a packaged snack consisting of noodles which are eaten either dry or in soup form. A form of [[noodle]] called ''[[thukpa]]'',<ref name="tele030902"/> served in soup form is also popular in Gangtok. Other noodle-based foods such as the [[chowmein]], [[thenthuk]], fakthu, [[gyathuk]] and [[wonton]] are available. Other traditional Sikkimese cuisine include shah-phaley (Sikkimese patties with spiced minced meat in a crisp [[samosa]]-like case) and Gack-ko soup.<ref name="herald110606"/> Restaurants offer a wide variety of traditional Indian, continental and [[Indian Chinese cuisine|Chinese cuisines]] to cater to the tourists. ''[[Churpee]]'', a kind of hard cheese made from cow's or [[yak]]'s milk is sometimes chewed. ''[[chhaang|Chhang]]'' is a local frothy [[millet]] beer traditionally served in bamboo tankards and drunk through bamboo or cane straws.<ref name="herald110606"/>
[[Football (soccer)]], [[cricket]] and [[archery]] are the most popular sports in Gangtok.<ref name="chap3"/> The [[Paljor Stadium]], which hosts football matches, is the sole sporting ground in the city. [[Thangka]]—a notable handicraft—is an elaborately hand-painted religious scroll in brilliant colours drawn on fabric hung in a monastery or a family altar and occasionally carried by monks in ceremonial processions.<ref name="festivalspr"/> ''[[Chhaam]]s'' are vividly costumed monastic dances performed on ceremonial and festive occasions, especially in the monasteries during the Tibetan new year.<ref name="festivalspr"/>
=== City institutions ===
<gallery mode="packed" style="font-size:88%; line-height:130%; border-bottom:1px #aaa solid;" heights="150">
Bundesarchiv Bild 135-S-02-22-05, Tibetexpedition, Gangtok, Tempel des Maharajas.jpg|Temple of the [[Maharaja]]s, Gangtok. 1938.
Himalayanblackbear.jpg|The [[Himalayan black bear]] is seen here in the Himalayan Zoological Park.
</gallery>
A centre of Buddhist learning and culture, Gangtok's most notable Buddhist institutions are the [[Enchey monastery]],<ref name="telegang"/> the Do-drul Chorten stupa complex and the [[Rumtek Monastery]]. The Enchey monastery is the city's oldest monastery and is the seat of the [[Nyingma order]].<ref name="tourismprpr"/> The two-hundred-year-old baroque monastery houses images of gods, goddesses, and other religious artefacts.<ref name="tourismprpr"/> In the month of January, the ''Chaam'', or masked dance, is performed with great fanfare. The [[Dro-dul Chorten Stupa|Do-drul Chorten]] is a [[stupa]] which was constructed in 1945 by Trulshik Rimpoché, head of the Nyingma order of [[Tibetan Buddhism]].<ref name="tourismprpr"/> Inside this stupa are complete set of relics, holy books, and ''mantras''. Surrounding the edifice are 108 ''Mani Lhakor'', or [[prayer wheel]]s.<ref name="tourismprpr"/> The complex also houses a religious school.
The [[Rumtek Monastery]] on the outskirts of the town is one of Buddhism's most sacred monasteries. The monastery is the seat of the [[Kagyu]] order, one of the major Tibetan sects, and houses some of the world's most sacred and rare [[Tibetan Buddhist]] scriptures and religious objects in its reliquary. Constructed in the 1960s, the building is modelled after a similar monastery in [[Lhasa]], [[Tibet]]. Rumtek was the focus of international media attention in 2000 after the seventeenth [[Karmapa]], one of the four holiest lamas, fled Lhasa and sought refuge in the monastery.<ref name="Harding2001"/><ref name="Cheung2008"/>
The [[Namgyal Institute of Tibetology]], better known as the Tibetology Museum, houses a huge collection of masks, Buddhist scriptures, statues, and tapestries.<ref name="nit"/> It has over two hundred Buddhist icons, and is a centre of study of Buddhist philosophy. Gonjang Monastery, located  near Tashi Viewpoint at an altitude of 6066 feet is around 9 kilometres away from the city centre M.G. Marg in Gangtok. Gonjang Monastery built in 1981 by H.E. Tingkye Gonjang Rimpoche, features marvelous Tibetan architecture. The Buddhist monastery features golden statues and a huge prayer wheel below the main shrine. The monastery is also popular for the panoramic scenic mountain views it offers. The [[Thakurbari Temple, Gangtok|Thakurbari Temple]], located in the heart of the city, established in 1935 on a prime piece of land donated by the then Maharaja of Sikkim, is one of the oldest and best-known [[Hindu]] temples in the city.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://himalaya.socanth.cam.ac.uk/collections/journals/bot/pdf/bot_1995_01_18.pdf |title= Some Aspect of Bhutia Culture in Sikkim (a Case Study) |date= 18 January 1995 |access-date= 30 September 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202061025/http://himalaya.socanth.cam.ac.uk/collections/journals/bot/pdf/bot_1995_01_18.pdf |archive-date= 2 February 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gangtokhotels.org/gangtok-tourist-attractions.htm |title=Gangtok Tourist Attractions |publisher=Gangtok Hotels |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218110102/http://gangtokhotels.org/gangtok-tourist-attractions.htm |archive-date=18 February 2013}}</ref> The Ganesh Tok and the [[Hanuman Tok]], dedicated to the Hindu gods [[Ganapati|Ganpati]] and [[Hanuman]] and housing important Hindu deities, are located in the upper reaches of the city.<ref name="ganesh"/><ref name="hanuman"/> The Himalayan Zoological Park exhibits the fauna of the Himalayas in their natural habitats. The zoo features the [[Himalayan black bear]], [[red panda]]s, the [[barking deer]], the [[snow leopard]], the [[leopard cat]], [[Tibetan wolf]], [[masked palm civet]] and the [[spotted deer]], amongst the others.<ref name="himalayanzoo"/> Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Gardens, near Rumtek, houses many species of [[orchid]] and as many as fifty different species of tree, including many [[oak]]s.<ref name="nehru-botanical"/>
== Education ==
Gangtok's schools are either run by the state government or by private and religious organisations. Schools mainly use English and [[Nepali language|Nepali]] as their medium of instruction. The schools are either affiliated with the [[Indian Certificate of Secondary Education]], [[Central Board of Secondary Education]] or the [[National Institute of Open Schooling]]. Notable schools include the [[Tashi Namgyal Academy]],<ref name="Academy"/> Paljor Namgyal Girls School, Holy Cross School, [[Taktse International School]], [[Sikkim Judicial Academy]], and [[Kendriya Vidyalaya]].<ref name="KVS"/>
Colleges conferring graduate degrees include [[Sikkim Government College]], Sikkim Government Law College and Damber Singh College.<ref name="chap4"/> [[Sikkim University]] established in 2007 is functioning in Gangtok; the university has been allotted land in neighbouring Yang Yang town for establishment of its own campus. The university offers a diverse range of courses and has a number of institutes affiliated to it. {{convert|8|km|mi|abbr=on}} from here is the headquarters of the [[Sikkim Manipal University]], which houses [[Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences]] and [[Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology]].<ref name="chap4"/> The [[Indira Gandhi National Open University]] also has a regional centre in the city. There are other institutions offering diplomas in Buddhist literature, catering and other non-mainstream fields.<ref name="chap4"/> District Institute of Education and Training and State Institute of Education conduct teacher training programmes.<ref name="dietgangtok"/><ref name="edupr"/>
== Media ==
More than 50 newspapers are published in Sikkim.<ref name="aboutuspr"/> Multiple local Nepali and English newspapers are published,<ref name="paperspr"/> whereas regional and national Hindi and English newspapers, printed elsewhere in India, are also circulated.
Gangtok has two cinemas featuring Nepali, [[Bollywood|Hindi]] and English-language films.<ref name="tourismprpr"/> The town also has a public library.<ref name="tourismprpr"/>
The main service providers are ''Sikkim Cable'', ''Nayuma'',<ref name="Shangderpa2003"/> ''[[Dish TV]]'' and ''[[Doordarshan]]''. [[All India Radio]] has a local station in Gangtok, which transmits various programmes of mass interest. Gangtok has three FM stations, namely 93.5 (Red FM), 95.0 (Radio Misty), 91.9 (Nine FM) and one AIR Gangtok radio station.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Radio Stations in Sikkim, India|url=https://www.asiawaves.net/india/sikkim-radio.htm#chungthang-radio|website=asiawaves.net}}</ref> [[BSNL]], [[Vodafone India|Vodafone]], [[Reliance Jio|Jio]] and [[Bharti Airtel|Airtel]] have the four largest cellular networks in the town with 4G services available within the city limits. There is a [[Doordarshan]] TV station in Gangtok.<ref name="TV Tower"/>
== See also ==
{{Portal|India}}
* [[Tourism in Northeast India]]
== References ==
{{reflist
| colwidth = 30em
| refs =
<ref name="FallinGrain">
{{cite web
|url         = http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/29/Gangtok.html
|title       = Gangtok, India page
|work        = Global Gazetteer Version 2.1
|publisher   = Falling Rain Genomics, Inc
|access-date  = 19 June 2011
|url-status     = live
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110717160842/http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/29/Gangtok.html
|archive-date = 17 July 2011
|df          = dmy-all
}}
</ref>
<ref name="telegang">
{{cite news
|last        = Bannerjee
|first       = Parag
|date        = 14 October 2007
|title       = Next weekend you can be at ... Gangtok
|work        = [[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|The Telegraph]]
|url         = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071014/asp/calcutta/story_8430208.asp
|access-date  = 21 May 2008
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20090221080831/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071014/asp/calcutta/story_8430208.asp
|archive-date = 21 February 2009
|df          = dmy-all
}}
</ref>
<ref name="TT20031006">
{{cite news
|last        = Shangderpa
|first       = Pema Leyda
|date        = 6 October 2003
|title       = Kids to learn hill state history
|work        = [[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|The Telegraph]]
|url         = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1031007/asp/siliguri/story_2434253.asp
|access-date  = 2 May 2008
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20121023142829/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1031007/asp/siliguri/story_2434253.asp
|archive-date = 23 October 2012
|df          = dmy-all
}}
</ref>
<ref name="bernier1">
{{cite book
| title = Himalayan Architecture
| last = Bernier
| first = Ronald M.
| year = 1997
| publisher = Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Press
| isbn = 0-8386-3602-0
| pages = [https://archive.org/details/himalayanarchite00bern/page/40 40–42]
| url-access = registration
| url = https://archive.org/details/himalayanarchite00bern/page/40
}}
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<ref name="nslepcha">
{{cite web
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| title = Gangtok Capital Attraction
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| first = N.S
| access-date = 3 May 2008
| work = Himalayan Travel Trade Journal
| publisher = MD Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd
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{{cite web|url=http://sikkim.nic.in/sws/sikk_his.htm |title=History of Sikkim |access-date=20 May 2008 |work=sikkim.nic.in |publisher=[[National Informatics Centre]], Sikkim |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010430083726/http://sikkim.nic.in/sws/sikk_his.htm |archive-date=30 April 2001 |url-status=dead}}
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<ref name="nathuladown">
{{cite web
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| title = Special report: A break in the ridgeline
| last = Jha
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| access-date = 20 May 2008
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<ref name="bbc-1">
{{cite news
|url         = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5150682.stm
|title       = Historic India-China link opens
|date        = 6 July 2006
|access-date  = 6 July 2006
|work        = [[BBC News]]
|url-status     = live
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20060707022630/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5150682.stm
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<ref name="chap4">
{{cite web
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|title=Section 4: City Assessment
|access-date=28 June 2011 |work=City Development Plan-Gangtok City
|publisher=Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India
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<ref name="metgang">
{{cite web
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|access-date  = 3 May 2008
|work        = Meteorological Centre, Gangtok
|publisher   = India Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India
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<ref name="discoveringbook">
{{cite book
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<ref name="mapsindiagang">
{{cite web
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|title       = Gangtok City
|access-date  = 3 May 2008
|work        = mapsofindia.com
|publisher   = Compare Infobase Limited
|url-status     = live
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{{cite web
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| title = Section 2: Introduction To The State And Its Capital
| access-date = 7 May 2008
| work = City Development Plan-Gangtok City
| publisher = Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India
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}}
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<ref name="weatherchart">
{{cite web
|url         = http://imdsikkim.gov.in/data.html
|title       = Meteorological data in respect of Gangtok and Tadong station
|access-date  = 7 May 2008
|work        = Meteorological Centre, Gangtok
|publisher   = India Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India
|url-status     = live
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080614152910/http://imdsikkim.gov.in/data.html
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<ref name="chap3">{{cite web
|url         = http://sikkimudhd.org/gtkcdp/Chapter-3.pdf
|title       = Section 3: Social, Demographic & Economic Profile
|access-date  = 28 June 2011
|work        = City Development Plan-Gangtok City
|publisher   = Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110409105509/http://sikkimudhd.org/gtkcdp/Chapter-3.pdf
|archive-date = 9 April 2011
|df          = dmy-all
}}</ref>
<ref name="bstorist">
{{cite news
| url = http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c_online.php?leftnm=10&bKeyFlag=IN&autono=36207
| title = Tourist inflow in Sikkim up 10% in 2007|author= Press Trust of India
| date = 24 April 2008
| access-date = 7 May 2008
| work = [[Business Standard]]
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080511033514/http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c_online.php?leftnm=10&bKeyFlag=IN&autono=36207 <!-- Bot retrieved archive -->
| archive-date = 11 May 2008
}}
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<ref name="Sinha2005">
{{cite web|url=http://www.himalmag.com/2005/september/analysis_6.html |title=Nathula: Trading in uncertainty |last=Sinha |first=A. C. |date=September 2005 |access-date=7 May 2008 |work=Himal South Asia |publisher=South Asia Trust |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510101644/http://www.himalmag.com/2005/september/analysis_6.html |archive-date=10 May 2008 |url-status=unfit }}
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<ref name="Business Line">
{{cite news
|url         = http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/bline/2008/03/04/stories/2008030451502300.htm
|title       = Decision to exempt incomes of Sikkim subjects hailed
|last        = Atreya
|first       = Satikah
|date        = 4 March 2008
|access-date  = 28 June 2011
|work        = [[The Hindu]] Business Line
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110701075748/http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/bline/2008/03/04/stories/2008030451502300.htm
|archive-date = 1 July 2011
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<ref name="hindu29062003">{{cite news
|url         = http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/06/29/stories/2003062902240900.htm
|title       = Building a gateway to Tibet
|last        = Mohan
|first       = C. Raja
|access-date  = 21 May 2008
|date        = 29 June 2003
|work        = The Hindu
|url-status     = usurped
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080504035520/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/06/29/stories/2003062902240900.htm
|archive-date = 4 May 2008
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}}</ref>
<ref name="Playwin lottery">
{{cite news
|url         = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1030712/asp/siliguri/story_2155358.asp
|title       = Ducking court blow, Gangtok retailers play to win
|last        = Shangderpa
|first       = Pema Leyda
|date        = 12 July 2003
|access-date  = 12 July 2003
|work        = The Telegraph
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080510102551/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1030712/asp/siliguri/story_2155358.asp
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<ref name="UDHD">
{{cite web
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|publisher=Government of Sikkim
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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914230742/http://sikkim.nic.in/udhd/intro.html
|archive-date=14 September 2013 }}
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<ref name="chap8">{{cite web
|url         = http://sikkimudhd.org/gtkcdp/Chapter-8.pdf
|title       = Section 8: City Management and Institutional Strengthening
|access-date  = 28 June 2011
|work        = City Development Plan-Gangtok City
|publisher   = Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20120326083947/http://sikkimudhd.org/gtkcdp/Chapter-8.pdf
|archive-date = 26 March 2012
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}}</ref>
<ref name="smallhc">
{{cite news
| url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-12-26/india/27798094_1_chief-justice-kerala-hc-collegium
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| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 27 November 2011
| title = Gangtok turns 'kaala paani' for high court judges
| last = Mitta
| first = Manoj
| work = [[The Times of India]]
| date = 27 December 2006
| access-date = 28 June 2011
}}
</ref>
<ref name="govtofficers-IPS">
{{cite web
|url=http://www.sikkim.gov.in/ASP/govtofficers/IPS.htm
|title=List of IPS officers and place of posting
|access-date=2 May 2008 |publisher=Department of Information Technology, Government of Sikkim
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509231145/http://www.sikkim.gov.in/ASP/govtofficers/IPS.htm
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<ref name="Police">
{{cite web
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|title=Sikkim Police: History
|access-date=28 June 2011 |publisher=Sikkim police website
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|archive-date=21 July 2011 }}
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<ref name="prison2005">
{{cite web
|url         = http://ncrb.nic.in/PSI2005/prison2005.htm
|title       = Maps
|work        = Prison Statistics India: 2005
|publisher   = National Crime Records Bureau, Government of India
|access-date  = 7 May 2008
|date        = June 2007
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|archive-date = 22 April 2008
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<ref name="12sk01">
{{cite web
|url         = http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/lok12/biodata/12sk01.htm
|title       = Election Result of Sikkim Lok Sabha Constituency
|access-date  = 21 May 2008
|work        = Biographical Sketch, Member of Parliament, 12th Lok Sabha
|publisher   = Indian Parliament, National Informatics Centre
|url-status     = dead
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<ref name="result-sikkim-assembly-2004">
{{cite web
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|url-status   = dead
|archive-date = 10 June 2004
|title      = Sikkim Assembly Elections 2004 Results
|access-date = 21 May 2008
|work       = Assembly Elections 2004, Indian-Elections
|publisher  = [[Election Commission of India]]
}}
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<ref name="GangtokCdp-Chapter4-p4–25">
{{cite web
|url=http://jnnurm.nic.in/nurmudweb/toolkit/GangtokCdp/Chapter-4.pdf
|title=City Assessment: Physical Infrastructure
|access-date=28 June 2011 |work=City Development Plan-Gangtok City
|publisher=Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India
|pages=4–25
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110205091805/http://jnnurm.nic.in/nurmudweb/toolkit/GangtokCdp/Chapter-4.pdf
|archive-date= 5 February 2011 }}
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<ref name="GangtokCdp-Chapter4-p4–27">
{{cite web
|url=http://jnnurm.nic.in/nurmudweb/toolkit/GangtokCdp/Chapter-4.pdf
|title=City Assessment: Physical Infrastructure
|access-date=28 June 2011 |work=City Development Plan-Gangtok City
|publisher=Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India
|pages=4–27
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110205091805/http://jnnurm.nic.in/nurmudweb/toolkit/GangtokCdp/Chapter-4.pdf
|archive-date= 5 February 2011 }}
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<ref name="Gangtok ropeway">
{{cite news
|url         = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1031126/asp/siliguri/story_2611434.asp
|title       = Gangtok ready for ropeway ride
|date        = 26 November 2003
|access-date  = 5 July 2008
|work        = The Telegraph
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080510094207/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1031126/asp/siliguri/story_2611434.asp
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<ref name="sikkiminfo">
{{cite web
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|title       = Gangtok
|publisher   = Sikkiminfo website
|access-date  = 28 June 2011
|url-status     = live
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<ref name="population-of-sikkim-2011-census-results">
{{cite web
|url         = http://www.populationindia.com/2012/03/population-of-sikkim-2011-census.html
|title       = Population of Sikkim – 2011 census results
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|date        = 14 May 2011
|access-date  = 28 June 2011
|url-status     = live
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|archive-date = 31 May 2012
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<ref name="chap5">{{cite web
|url         = http://sikkimudhd.org/gtkcdp/Chapter-5.pdf
|title       = Section 5: Urban Poor and Housing Situation
|access-date  = 28 June 2011
|work        = City Development Plan-Gangtok City
|publisher   = Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20120326083956/http://sikkimudhd.org/gtkcdp/Chapter-5.pdf
|archive-date = 26 March 2012
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<ref name="peoplepr">
{{cite web
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| access-date = 9 May 2008
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| archive-date = 22 May 2008
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<ref name="tourismprpr">
{{cite web
| url = http://www.sikkimipr.org/GENERAL/TOURISM/TOURISM.HTM
| title = Tourism
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<ref name="Dorjee2003">
{{cite web
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|title       = The Ethnic People of Sikkim
|last        = Dorjee
|first       = C. K.
|date        = 5 December 2003
|access-date  = 21 May 2008
|work        = Features
|publisher   = Press Information Bureau, Government of India
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|archive-date = 5 December 2008
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<ref name="sikkimipr-people">
{{cite web
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| title = People of Sikkim
| publisher = Government of Sikkim
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<ref name="sikkim.nic.in-home_int">
{{cite web
|url         = http://sikkim.nic.in/sws/home_int.htm
|title       = Introduction to Sikkim
|publisher   = Government of Sikkim
|access-date  = 30 May 2008
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<ref name="cons">
{{cite web
|url=http://lawmin.nic.in/coi/coiason29july08.pdf
|title=Constitution of India as of 29 July 2008
|access-date=13 April 2011 |work=The Constitution of India
|publisher=Ministry of Law & Justice
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909230437/http://lawmin.nic.in/coi/coiason29july08.pdf
|archive-date=9 September 2014 }}
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<ref name="festivalspr">
{{cite web
| url = http://www.sikkimipr.org/GENERAL/CULTURE/LUCKY_SIGNS.htm
| title = Festivals of Sikkim
| access-date = 9 May 2008
| work = Culture
| publisher = Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Sikkim
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| archive-date = 8 May 2008
}}
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<ref name="tele030902">
{{cite news
|url         = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1020903/asp/siliguri/story_1161127.asp
|title       = Sleepy capital comes alive to beats of GenX
|last        = Shangderpa
|first       = Pema Leyda
|work        = The Telegraph
|date        = 3 September 2002
|access-date  = 7 May 2008
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080510102545/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1020903/asp/siliguri/story_1161127.asp
|archive-date = 10 May 2008
|df          = dmy-all
}}
</ref>
<ref name="herald110606">
{{cite news|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/jun112006/sundayherald95562006610.asp |title=The seat of esoteric knowledge |last=Gantzer |first=Hugh |author2=Colleen Gantzer |date=11 June 2006 |work=[[Deccan Herald]] |publisher=The Printers (Mysore) Private Ltd |access-date=7 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511040843/http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/jun112006/sundayherald95562006610.asp |archive-date=11 May 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="Harding2001">
{{cite news
|url         = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/apr/30/worlddispatch.lukeharding
|title       = Tibetan leader at crossroads
|last        = Harding
|first       = Luke
|date        = 30 April 2001
|access-date  = 28 June 2011
|work        = [[The Guardian]]
|publisher   = Guardian News and Media Limited
|url-status     = live
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20130825011116/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/apr/30/worlddispatch.lukeharding
|archive-date = 25 August 2013
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}}
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<ref name="Cheung2008">
{{cite news
|url         = http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/insight/archives/2000/04/05/31119
|title       = The flight of the Karmapa and the security of South Asia
|last        = Cheung
|first       = Susanna Chui-Yung
|date        = 5 April 2000
|access-date  = 21 May 2008
|work        = [[The Taipei Times]]
|url-status     = live
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20090220093410/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/insight/archives/2000/04/05/31119
|archive-date = 20 February 2009
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</ref>
<ref name="nit">
{{cite web|url=http://www.tibetology.net/museum.htm |title=Museum |access-date=21 May 2008 |work=Namgyal Institute of Tibetology |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610101921/http://www.tibetology.net/museum.htm |archive-date=10 June 2008 |url-status=unfit }}</ref>
<ref name="ganesh">
{{cite news
|url         = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070717/asp/siliguri/story_8067097.asp
|title       = Slides snap road links in hill state
|date        = 17 July 2007
|access-date  = 21 May 2008
|work        = The Telegraph
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20071009232929/http://telegraphindia.com/1070717/asp/siliguri/story_8067097.asp
|archive-date = 9 October 2007
|df          = dmy-all
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</ref>
<ref name="hanuman">
{{cite news
|url         = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070104/asp/siliguri/story_7216638.asp
|title       = Army lands in row over Baba
|date        = 4 January 2007
|access-date  = 21 May 2008
|work        = The Telegraph
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070225135655/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070104/asp/siliguri/story_7216638.asp
|archive-date = 25 February 2007
|df          = dmy-all
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</ref>
<ref name="himalayanzoo">
{{cite web
|url=http://www.sikenvis.nic.in/himalayanzoo_main.htm
|title=Himalayan Zoological Park
|publisher=Forests, Environment and Forests Management Department, Government of Sikkim
|access-date=22 May 2008 |url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129183544/http://www.sikenvis.nic.in/himalayanzoo_main.htm
|archive-date=29 January 2009 }}
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<ref name="nehru-botanical">
{{cite web
|url         = http://www.bharatonline.com/sikkim/travel/east-sikkim/nehru-botanical.html
|title       = Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
|publisher   = BharatOnline.com
|access-date  = 22 May 2008
|url-status     = live
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080503220717/http://www.bharatonline.com/sikkim/travel/east-sikkim/nehru-botanical.html
|archive-date = 3 May 2008
|df          = dmy-all
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<ref name="Academy">{{cite news
|first       = Naresh
|last        = Chettri
|title       = Annual Prize Day held at Tashi Namgyal Academy
|url         = http://isikkim.com/68-annual-prize-day-held-at-tashi-namgyal-academy-71/
|publisher   = isikkim.com
|date        = 21 April 2011
|access-date  = 28 June 2011
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110423151601/http://isikkim.com/68-annual-prize-day-held-at-tashi-namgyal-academy-71/
|archive-date = 23 April 2011
|df          = dmy-all
}}</ref>
<ref name="KVS">
{{cite web
|publisher   = National Informatics Centre (NIC), Government of India
|work        = Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan
|url         = http://www.kvsangathan.nic.in/
|title       = Kendriya Vidyalaya
|access-date  = 28 June 2011
|url-status     = live
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110628182201/http://www.kvsangathan.nic.in/
|archive-date = 28 June 2011
|df          = dmy-all
}}
</ref>
<ref name="dietgangtok">
{{cite web
|url         = http://dietgangtok.nic.in/
|title       = District Institute of Education and Training, Gangtok
|access-date  = 28 June 2011
|publisher   = National Informatics Centre (NIC), Sikkim State Centre
|url-status     = live
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110721165350/http://dietgangtok.nic.in/
|archive-date = 21 July 2011
|df          = dmy-all
}}
</ref>
<ref name="edupr">
{{cite web
| url = http://www.sikkimipr.org/GENERAL/STATS/education_statistics.htm
| title = Education Statistics
| access-date = 9 May 2008
| work = Sikkim: A Statistical Profile
| publisher = Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Sikkim
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080513125636/http://www.sikkimipr.org/GENERAL/STATS/education_statistics.htm
| archive-date = 13 May 2008
| url-status = dead
}}
</ref>
<ref name="aboutuspr">
{{cite web
| url = http://www.sikkimipr.org/IPR/organisation/about_us.htm
| title = About Us
| access-date = 9 May 2008
| publisher = Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Sikkim
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080516224329/http://www.sikkimipr.org/IPR/organisation/about_us.htm
| archive-date = 16 May 2008
}}
</ref>
<ref name="paperspr">
{{cite web
|url=http://www.sikkimipr.org/newspaper_in_sikkim.htm
|title=Newspapers in Sikkim
|access-date=28 June 2011 |publisher=Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Sikkim
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120224105/http://www.sikkimipr.org/newspaper_in_sikkim.htm
|archive-date=20 January 2011 }}
</ref>
<ref name="Shangderpa2003">
{{cite news
|url         = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1030128/asp/siliguri/story_1612398.asp
|title       = Bhandari adds political colour to cable war
|last        = Shangderpa
|first       = Pema Leyda
|date        = 28 January 2003
|access-date  = 19 May 2008
|work        = The Telegraph
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110526204946/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1030128/asp/siliguri/story_1612398.asp
|archive-date = 26 May 2011
|df          = dmy-all
}}
</ref>
<ref name="TV Tower">
{{cite web
| url = http://sikkim.gov.in/asp/Miscc/SG_FACTS.htm
| title = Facts and Figures about Sikkim
| access-date = 9 May 2008
| publisher = Government of Sikkim
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080501074847/http://sikkim.gov.in/asp/Miscc/SG_FACTS.htm
| archive-date = 1 May 2008
}}
</ref>
}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category|position=right}}
* {{Wikivoyage inline}}
{{Navboxes|list=
{{Sikkim}}
{{Sikkim district capitals}}
{{Gangtok district}}
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{{State and Union Territory capitals of India}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Gangtok| ]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Gangtok district]]
<!--state capital city-->
[[Category:Indian capital cities]]<!--present day capital of Sikkim state-->
[[Category:Hill stations in Sikkim]]
[[Category:Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India]]
[[Category:Former capital cities in India]]
[[Category:Tourism in Northeast India]]