Deorali Ropeway
DEORALI ROPEWAY, East Sikkim
This is one of the greatest attractions in Gangtok and should not be missed. It's a double-cable zig back ropeway which is operational since December 2003. Each cable car can carry up to 24 passengers. They do not always wait until the cable car is full. But during high tourist season, there are usually long queues and each ride gets full before it starts. And if it gets full, you will struggle to get a vantage point inside the cable car unless you are one of the first to get in.
There are three stations in this 1km long ride (up and down is 2kms). The lowest station is at Deorali near Institute of Tibetology. From the road a stairway leads up to the ticket counter. You will then come to the waiting room at the same level, await your turn and then take an elevator to the cable car station about 100ft above. There are no seats in the cable car, so you need to stand. The next station is Namnang and the top most station is in Tashiling next to the Secretariat. You can get off anywhere. But I would recommend that you take 2-way ride ... the ticket price includes two-way ride and you get awesome views both ways. One way ride takes about 10 minutes.
The whole of Gangtok township can be seen from the cable car and if you look down below where you started, you will see the Deorali bazaar. You can also get amazing views of Kanchenjunga snow peaks and the valleys. Down below you can also see a river flowing some 3500 feet below. Overall an unforgettable experience waits you here.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
This place is very close to the capital city Gangtok, so if you wish to explore this place, you don’t need to look for the best time to visit. However, September to May is considered as an ideal time since Sikkim receives continuos rainfall during monsoons.
HOW TO GET THERE
Airways: The nearest airport is in Bagdogra, West Bengal about 5 hrs drive from Gangtok. Sikkim also has got its first commercial airport at Pakyong, East Sikkim but weather hampers the operation of this airport most of the time. If you are lucky enough you can get a flight directly to Pakyong.
Railways: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal which is about 118 km from Gangtok. You can hire a taxi to reach Gangtok which takes about 3-4 hours.
Roadways: Gangtok is connected to the rest of India via NH10, which links Gangtok to Siliguri. Local taxis are available for local commute.
