No visit to Sikkim, the capital of the Himalayan state of Sikkim is complete without a visit to the Tashi View Point. This is one of the iconic view points of Gangtok to have a glimpse of the mesmerizing Mt. Khangchendzonga, Mt. Siniolchu, Mt. Kabru and other snow capped mountains, all visible from here. It is always a part of the day tour of Gangtok irrespective of whom you travel with – through an agency or on your own. You simply cannot miss it.

Getting There

The closest airport to Gangtok is in Bagdogra (IXB), which is close to Siliguri and the closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) also close to Siliguri. It is about 176 km away and is roughly a 5 hours drive down to Gangtok. From the city-centre, you can avail a local cab to the village of Tashi, where this view point is located, which is a mere 8 kms away. This tourist spot is included in a half-day or full-day tour around Gangtok and can be easily covered with even an hour in hand.

Origin

The foundation for Tashi View Point was laid by His Majesty, Tashi Namgyal, the then king of Sikkim, in the year 1914. It was completed by the year 1963 and has ever since been a favourite for those select few who visited the kingdom. After the kingdom became a part of the democracy of India in 1974, Tashi View Point has been promoted as a site of tourist interest by the Department of Tourism, Sikkim.

Description

The approach to the Tashi View Point is through a flight of roughly 70 steps, which opens up to a beautiful garden with a dragon statue at its center. On the side, is the famous view-point from where you get a sweeping glance of the mystic Himalayan mountains, including the third highest mountain in the wold, Mt. Khangchendzonga or Mt. K2. The site is open from 5 am till 6pm in the evening and has no entry fee.

Behind the garden, is a simple three storied structure which houses a souvenir shop, a lounge on the first floor and a higher view point on top from where you get even better views and great photographs against the awesome backdrop. There is a small fee of INR 10 to go up the 2^nd and third floor to the higher view point, that guests gladly pay.