Gangtok doesn't have much to offer Western tourists. It's better to head southwest of Sikkim and embark on a trek from Pelling, a more authentic town, built on a human scale.
At the same time, if you want to visit sites such as Rumtek or Lake Tsomgo, to the southeast of Sikkim, during your trip to India, then Gangtok is a good base. You won't be unhappy there. As with all mountain towns loved by Indian tourists, you'll find comfortable (concrete!) hotels, non-vegetarian restaurants and basic tourist attractions such as the famous cable car. How could a Kolkata family not sing Gangtok's praises?
Even if Gangtok isn't a town to avoid, it's still not a must-see during a stay in Sikkim. If you prefer larger towns, then you'll be better off at Pelling.
Gangtok doesn't have much to offer Western tourists. It's better to head southwest of Sikkim and embark on a trek from Pelling, a more authentic town, built on a human scale.
At the same time, if you want to visit sites such as Rumtek or Lake Tsomgo, to the southeast of Sikkim, during your trip to India, then Gangtok is a good base. You won't be unhappy there. As with all mountain towns loved by Indian tourists, you'll find comfortable (concrete!) hotels, non-vegetarian restaurants and basic tourist attractions such as the famous cable car. How could a Kolkata family not sing Gangtok's praises?
Even if Gangtok isn't a town to avoid, it's still not a must-see during a stay in Sikkim. If you prefer larger towns, then you'll be better off at Pelling.