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Places To Visit In Gangtok: Unfolding The 32 Gems Of Sikkim

Dive into our guide on the best places to visit in Gangtok, explore the top Gangtok tourist attractions, and discover why this city is a must-visit spot on your Sikkim journey. As you journey through Gangtok, remember it’s the gateway to discovering the myriad of places to visit in Sikkim , each spot telling its own unique story and offering an experience unlike any other.

Get ready to be captivated by the beauty of Gangtok and the wonders it has to offer!

32 Places to Visit in Gangtok: A Guide to the City’s Top Attractions

1. rumtek monastery.

• Golden Stupa: Contains sacred relics of the 16th Karmapa, making it a deeply spiritual site for pilgrims.
• Vibrant Murals and Artwork: The monastery walls are adorned with exquisite murals, thangkas (Tibetan religious paintings), and statues, showcasing Buddhist art.
• Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre: A significant center for religious study and meditation, attracting scholars and practitioners from around the world.
• Annual Festivals: Rumtek comes alive during special Buddhist festivals with traditional dances, ceremonies, and a display of ancient rituals.

2. Nathula Pass

• Historic Silk Route: Explore part of the ancient trade route connecting India and Tibet.
• Breathtaking Views: Witness the majestic Himalayan range and pristine snow-covered landscapes.
• Border Gates: See the international border gates of India and China up close.
• Memorial and Exhibition Center: Learn about the region’s history and the Indian Army’s role at the Sherathang Mart.

3. Tsomgo lake

• Seasonal Beauty: The lake’s appearance changes with the seasons, from reflective waters in summer to a frozen spectacle in winter.
• Yak Rides: Experience traditional yak rides along the lake’s perimeter, offering a unique way to explore the area’s natural beauty.
• Sacred Significance: Revered by locals, Tsomgo Lake holds spiritual importance, adding to its serene ambiance.
• Rope-way: For a bird’s eye view of the lake and surrounding mountains, the rope-way ride is a must-try.

4. Do Drul Chorten Stupa

• Golden Dome: The stupa’s shining golden dome is a symbol of peace and stands out against the lush backdrop of Sikkim.
• 108 Prayer Wheels: Surrounding the stupa, these wheels are inscribed with mantras and spun by visitors for merit and blessings.
• Holy Relics: Inside, it houses important Buddhist relics and texts, enriching the spiritual experience for visitors.
• Stunning Architecture: The stupa’s traditional Tibetan design is a testament to Buddhist architectural brilliance.

5. Ganesh Tok

• Panoramic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Gangtok cityscape and the snow-capped Himalayas.
• Colorful Temple: The temple is vibrant and beautifully decorated, creating a serene ambiance for prayer and reflection.
• Garden Area: Surrounding the temple, a well-maintained garden provides a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy nature.
• Viewing Gallery: A specially designed viewing area allows visitors to take in the majestic landscape.

6. Hanuman Tok

• Rich History: The temple has a storied past, contributing to its sacredness and allure.
• Cultural Significance: It plays a significant role in local religious traditions and festivals.
• Well-Maintained Premises: The clean and lush surroundings enhance the spiritual journey for visitors.
• Accessibility: Despite its high altitude, it’s easily accessible, offering a refreshing escape from the city.

7. Seven Sisters Waterfall 

• Magnificent Cascades: The waterfall features seven distinct cascades, creating a spectacular natural display.
• Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers breathtaking views, especially during the monsoon when the falls are at their fullest.
• Accessible Viewing Platform: A well-maintained platform allows visitors to enjoy the views and take photographs safely.
• Picnic Spot: The area around the waterfall is a popular spot for picnics, making it a great place for relaxation and family outings.

8. Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve

• Diverse Ecosystems: Home to a wide range of habitats, from tropical to alpine, each supporting unique flora and fauna.
• Mount Khangchendzonga: Offers breathtaking views of the world’s third-highest peak, sacred to the local people.
• Endangered Wildlife: Sanctuary for rare species like the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan tahr.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized for its outstanding natural and cultural values, enhancing its global significance.
• Giant Statues: Namchi is home to impressive statues of Guru Padmasambhava and Lord Shiva, standing tall and visible from afar.
• Char Dham: A spiritual and cultural complex that houses replicas of four sacred Hindu temples, making it a significant pilgrimage site.
• Panoramic Views: Offers stunning views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Khangchendzonga.
• Rich Culture: The town reflects Sikkim’s diverse cultural heritage, with festivals and traditional foods.

10. Tsuk La Khang Monastery 

• Architectural Beauty: The monastery showcases exquisite traditional Sikkimese architecture, with intricate wood carvings and artistic murals.
• Spiritual Center: Acts as a crucial place for worship and religious ceremonies, reflecting the deep spiritual heritage of the region.
• Historical Significance: This royal monastery has hosted numerous important events, including weddings and coronations of the Sikkimese monarchy.
• Peaceful Ambiance: Offers a peaceful retreat for meditation and contemplation amidst the bustling city of Gangtok.

11. White Hall Memorial 

• Historic Architecture: Showcases colonial-era design, making it a standout building in Gangtok.
• Memorial Significance: Dedicated to Claude White, Sikkim’s first political officer, adding historical depth to your visit.
• Lush Gardens: The surrounding gardens offer a serene environment, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
• Cultural Events: Hosts flower shows and cultural events, providing insight into local traditions.

12. The Flower Exhibition Centre

• Wide Variety of Flowers: Showcases an extensive collection of flowers, including exotic orchids, roses, and lilies.
• Year-Round Display: The Centre is open throughout the year, offering seasonal floral displays that change with the seasons.
• Orchid Shows: Famous for its orchid exhibitions, highlighting the diversity of Sikkim’s orchids.
• Central Location: Situated near MG Marg, making it easily accessible for visitors.

13. Kabi Town

• Historic Significance: Celebrated as the site of the Blood Brotherhood Treaty between the Lepcha and Bhutia tribes, marking a significant event in Sikkim’s history.
• Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush green forests, offering stunning views and a serene atmosphere.
• Cultural Monuments: Features monuments commemorating the historic treaty, providing a tangible connection to the past.
• Peaceful Environment: The calmness of Kabi Town makes it a perfect spot for reflection and relaxation.

14. Saramsa Garden

• Diverse Flora: Boasts a wide variety of plants, including exotic flowers and fruit trees, making it a botanist’s paradise.
• Scenic Beauty: Offers picturesque landscapes, perfect for relaxation and photography.
• Picnic Spots: Equipped with designated areas for picnics, allowing visitors to enjoy leisurely meals amidst nature.
• Orchidarium: Features a special section dedicated to orchids, showcasing the region’s rich biodiversity.

15. Lal Bazaar

• Traditional Crafts: Shoppers can find handmade crafts, traditional Sikkimese attire, and unique souvenirs.
• Cultural Experience: The market provides a glimpse into the local lifestyle and culture, bustling with energy and color.
• Food Stalls: Features stalls selling local delicacies, allowing visitors to taste the flavors of Sikkim.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: Known for its lively environment, especially during the early morning hours.

16. Himalayan Zoological Park

17. banjhakri falls .

• Cultural Theme Park: Surrounding the falls is a park themed around Shamanic culture, with statues and installations depicting Sikkim’s folklore.
• Picnic Spots: Offers ideal spots for picnicking in the lush greenery, making it perfect for a family outing.
• Adventure Activities: The park includes activities like rope climbing and bridge crossing for those seeking a bit of adventure.
• Educational Value: Provides insight into the traditional shamanic practices of the region.

18. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

• Extensive Library: Home to one of the largest collections of Tibetan works outside Tibet, including ancient manuscripts and texts.
• Rich Collection of Artifacts: Exhibits a wide range of Tibetan artifacts, such as religious idols, thangkas (paintings), and traditional objects.
• Architectural Marvel: The institute’s traditional Tibetan architecture is a sight to behold, blending beautifully with its natural surroundings.
• Cultural Insight: Offers deep insights into Tibetan Buddhism and culture, making it a key educational spot.

19. Phurchachu Reshi Hot Spring

• Medicinal Properties: The mineral-rich waters are believed to have healing effects, especially for skin conditions and joint pains.
• Natural Setting: Located amidst lush greenery, offering a serene and beautiful backdrop for relaxation.
• Therapeutic Experience: Provides a soothing experience, perfect for those seeking natural healing and stress relief.
• Cultural Significance: The hot spring holds cultural importance among locals, adding to its allure.

20. Pemayangtse Monastery

• Rich History: One of Sikkim’s oldest monasteries, reflecting centuries of Buddhist tradition.
• Architectural Beauty: Features stunning Tibetan architecture, intricate carvings, and colorful murals.
• Spiritual Sanctuary: Offers a peaceful atmosphere for meditation and reflection.
• Panoramic Himalayan Views: Positioned with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Kanchenjunga.

21. Yumthang Valley

• Valley of Flowers: Known for its vibrant bloom of wildflowers, including rhododendrons, during spring, transforming the valley into a colorful carpet.
• Snow-Capped Mountains: Surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks, offering stunning landscapes year-round.
• Hot Springs: Features natural hot springs, believed to have healing properties, providing a unique experience amidst the cold weather.
• River Scenery: The Yumthang River flows through the valley, adding to its picturesque beauty.

22. Kupup Lake

Highlights 

• Unique Shape: Resembles an elephant, giving it the nickname “Elephant Lake,” which adds to its charm.
• Changing Colors: The lake’s water changes colors with the seasons, creating a mesmerizing effect.
• High Altitude: Located at a high elevation, it offers crisp, fresh air and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
• Serene Environment: Its peaceful surroundings make it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.

23. Tashi Viewpoint

• Spectacular Views: Offers panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Kanchenjunga, one of the world’s highest peaks.
• Sunrise and Sunset: A popular spot for watching breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, with the sky and mountains changing colors.
• Viewing Facilities: Equipped with viewing platforms and telescopes for a closer look at the distant peaks.
• Nearby Attractions: Close to other tourist spots, allowing visitors to combine several sightseeing activities in one trip.

24. Mt. Kanchenjunga

• Third Highest Peak: As the world’s third highest mountain, it presents awe-inspiring natural grandeur.
• Breathtaking Views: Offers stunning views from various points in Gangtok, especially enchanting at sunrise and sunset.
• Spiritual Significance: Revered by the locals, it holds cultural and spiritual importance, adding depth to its natural beauty.
• Trekking Destination: The region around Mt. Kanchenjunga is popular for trekking, offering routes with varying difficulty levels.

25. Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple

• Spiritual Significance: Dedicated to the memory of Soldier Harbhajan Singh, symbolizing loyalty and duty beyond life.
• Patriotic Site: Acts as a lighthouse of patriotism, visited by soldiers and civilians alike to pay homage.
• Serene Location: Nestled in the beautiful landscapes near Gangtok, offering calm surroundings for visitors.
• Belief in Miracles: Many believe that Baba Harbhajan Singh continues to guard the border, adding a mystical aspect to the temple.

26. Enchey Monastery

• Stunning Architecture: Features unique religious architecture with intricate designs and vibrant murals.
• Location: Perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of Gangtok and the surrounding Himalayas.
• Cultural Festivals: Hosts vibrant festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year) and Chaam (masked dance), drawing visitors into its spiritual celebrations.
• Sacred Site: Believed to be built on a site blessed by a powerful tantric master known for his flying abilities.

27. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

• Diverse Rhododendrons: Over 40 species of rhododendrons bloom here, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors.
• Blooming Season: The best time to visit is from April to July, when the flowers are in full bloom.
• Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, enhancing the sanctuary’s natural allure.
• Unique Biodiversity: Apart from rhododendrons, the area is home to a variety of flora and fauna, contributing to its ecological significance.

28. Ranka Monastery

• Serene Environment: Located amidst lush greenery, providing a peaceful retreat for meditation and reflection.
• Cultural Insight: Offers a glimpse into the lives of monks and their daily practices, enhancing visitors’ understanding of Buddhist culture.
• Artistic Murals: The monastery walls are adorned with beautiful paintings depicting Buddhist lore, attracting art lovers.
• Accessible Location: Despite its calm setting, Ranka Monastery is easily accessible from Gangtok, making it convenient for tourists.

29. Gonjang Monastery

After enjoying the calmness of Gonjang Monastery, consider exploring the culinary delights Sikkim has to offer. The region is renowned for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, providing a perfect blend of taste and tradition. Whether you’re craving the warmth of a hot thukpa, the spice of local chutneys, or the sweetness of Sikkimese tea, the places to eat in Sikkim cater to every palate. 

• Peaceful Setting: Located amidst the serene landscapes near Gangtok, offering a peaceful environment for visitors.
• Tibetan Buddhism: Provides insights into Tibetan Buddhist practices and teachings, enriching visitors’ spiritual knowledge.
• Stunning Artwork: Features beautiful murals and statues, showcasing the artistic heritage of Buddhism.
• Recent Foundation: Established in 1981, it brings a modern touch to the ancient traditions of Buddhist monastic life.

30. Black Cat Museum 

• Military Heritage: Showcases the heroic stories and significant achievements of India’s elite Black Cat Commandos.
• Interactive Displays: Features engaging exhibits that include gear, weapons, and uniforms used by the commandos.
• Educational Experience: Offers insights into the strategic operations and training of one of the world’s most respected military units.
• Inspirational Stories: Learn about individual acts of bravery and the important missions carried out by these elite forces.

31. Gangtok Ropeway

• Panoramic Views: Offers breathtaking aerial views of Gangtok and the surrounding Himalayan range, perfect for photography.
• Exciting Ride: The cable car journey provides a thrilling experience as you glide over the city.
• Accessible Location: Centrally located, making it easy for visitors to access from various parts of the city.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for visitors of all ages, including children and elderly guests.

32. Mayfair Gangtok Casino Mahjong

• Variety of Games: Offers a wide range of games, including roulette, poker, blackjack, and slot machines, catering to different interests.
• Luxurious Setting: Located within the Mayfair Hotel, providing a lavish and secure environment for guests.
• Entertainment Options: Besides gaming, the casino hosts live music and performances, adding to the vibrant nightlife.
• Professional Staff: The staff are well-trained to assist and ensure a pleasant gaming experience for all visitors.

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Travel Tips To Keep In Mind :

• Do Obtain Necessary Permits: Some areas, especially near borders like Nathula Pass, require special permits. Ensure you have these arranged beforehand.
• Do Respect Local Customs: Sikkim has a rich culture. When visiting monasteries or attending festivals, dress modestly and follow local etiquette.
• Do Try Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on the delicious Sikkimese dishes like momos, thukpa, and local beverages. It’s a key part of the experience.
• Do Shop Locally: Support local artisans by purchasing authentic Sikkimese handicrafts and souvenirs at places to shop in Sikkim .
• Do Stay Environmentally Conscious: Sikkim is known for its pristine environment. Keep it clean by disposing of waste properly and using eco-friendly products.
• Don’t Litter: The natural beauty of Sikkim is unparalleled. Keep it that way by not littering, especially in sensitive areas like the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve.
• Don’t Disturb Wildlife: If you’re visiting parks or sanctuaries, observe animals from a distance. Feeding or trying to interact with them can be harmful.
• Don’t Overlook Local Norms: Public displays of affection may not be as widely accepted here as they are in other places. Be mindful of local social norms.
• Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Directions: While exploring places to visit in Gangtok, asking locals for directions or recommendations can enhance your experience.
• Don’t Ignore Weather Advisories: Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. Always check and respect local advisories before heading out, especially to higher altitudes.

So, pack your bags with excitement, step into the heart of the Himalayas, and let Sikkim unfold its wonders to you. Remember, every corner of Sikkim has a story to tell, and every moment spent here is an adventure waiting to be cherished.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

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Gangtok, Sikkim. Photo Credit @chettriraja

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Gangtok at an elevation of 1,650m (5,410ft) is a city, the capital, and the largest town in the state of Sikkim. Nestled at higher peaks towering by the Himalayan Mountain Ranges, is a heritage for rich culture and traditions with a touch of modernity. It is one of the most famous tourist Hill stations in India.

Gangtok, being blessed with spectacular natural landscapes and a pleasant temperate climate that exists all around the year also serves as a gateway for campers and trekkers to the Himalayan mountain ranges. While giving a picturesque view of Mount Kanchenjunga- the world’s third-highest peak on the west side of the city, Gangtok offers heart-rending opportunities for exploration. Gangtok thus has always been the heart of Sikkim’s tourism industry.

Buddhist monasteries, Stupas, and Pagoda-roofed houses add radiance to the already awe-vista beauty of the place. Expansion of the place in accordance with tourism aspects as such being tagged as the “ Switzerland of the East ” is justified because of its cleanliness and the abounding greenery.

The best time to visit the place is during March to Late May when the wild Rhododendrons blossoms give out vibrant touch to its surroundings and October to Mid-December.

One can never get enough of the beauty and culture it has to offer coupled with the hospitability of the people where every tourist is being treated as one of their own.

Culture and Traditions

Major native tribes dwelling in harmony are the Lepchas, Bhutias, and Tibetans. Besides the nationwide celebration of various festivals, some unique festivals like Buddha Jayanti, the Birthday of Dalai Lama, Saga Dawa, Lhabab Dhuechein, etc. are regarded with great esteem. Folk dances and folk songs of the Sikkimese go hand-in-hand with the rich culture the state is known for. Famous folk dances include Lu Khangthamo, Gha To Kito, Chi Rimu, Gnungmala Gnunghey, etc including mask dances such as Enchey Chaam, Kagyed Dance, Rumteck Chaam and Gouthor usually performed on ceremonial and festive occasions.

Though known throughout the country, nothing beats the popular and traditional touch in every veg and non-veg momo (vegetables and meat wrapped in thin flour wrapper) the Sikkimese are known for. Famous noodles-based dishes include Wai-Wai, Thukpa, Gyathuk, and Wonton, while other cuisines famous cuisines include Shah-Phaley (Sikkimese patties), and Gack-Ko soup. Churpee (hardened cheese of cow’s or yak’s milk) and Chhang ((local frothy millet beer) are also well known among locals and an attraction to tourists.

The abundance of culture and local food varieties in addition to nature’s beauty it has to offer have always played a major role in the Gangtok Tourism industry.

Football and cricket are the most popular sports in Gangtok while archery is a traditional sport.

The best places to visit in Gangtok

The natural beauty and the soothing ambiance of rich culture together turn the hill city of Gangtok into heaven. The picturesque beauty of the Kanchenjunga and the Teesta River flowing on the rocks are the added-on gifts to mountain lovers. Gangtok Tourism offers a bunch of attractions for visitors.

Tsongmo Lake

Tsongmo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, always remains at the top of the bucket list of tourists. It is a glacial lake, 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from Gangtok city. It is situated at an elevation of 12,313 ft from the sea level. If you visit there in winter you can find the oval-shaped lake to be fully frozen. At seven seasons of the year, the surface of the lake reflects seven different shades of colors.

A small temple of Lord Shiva, situated on the bank of the lake is quite popular among the visitors. During Guru Purnima, people gather at the lake with the faith that the lake water possesses a healing quality. If you are a nature lover then the middle of May will be the perfect time for you, when the flowers of rhododendron, primroses, blue and yellow poppies blossom. Gangtok Tourism offers some joy rides also there during summer.

As this region is a restricted area, the Indian nationals require an Inner Line Permit and the foreign nationals require a special permit to reach there.

Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery, also known as the Dharmachakra Centre, is considered one of the most important sacred places among the Buddhist people around the world as the most significant hub for Kagyu teachings. Although originally, it was built in the mid-18th century by the 9th Karmapa Lama Wangchuk Dorje, the attractive Gompa architecture that we can see there now, was built by the 16th Karmapa Lama Rangjung Rigpe Dorje.

It was initially restricted to Buddhist monks only. In the year 1966, it was opened to all. It is situated on a hill 23 kilometers away from Gangtok city. From the top of the monastery, the view of the whole of Gangtok city injects an aesthetic feeling into the visitors. The Gompa architecture, the golden stupa, murals, and sculptures make this place a point of artistic interest also.

The scheduled visiting hour of the sacred place is 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM and the required entry fee is 10 INR per person.

Nathu La Pass

A trip to Gangtok always remains incomplete without a visit to Nathu La pass. It is the mountain pass that connects Sikkim to the Autonomous region of Tibet. Nathu La, situated at an altitude of 14,140 ft from the sea level, is 54 kilometers (34 miles) long on the Indian side. As a consequence of the Sino-Indian war in 1962, the pass remained sealed for a long period. In 2006, following several Sino-Indian trade agreements, the pass has been reopened. If you add this pass to your bucket list, then you have to visit it in summer as it remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.

Gangtok allows Indian citizens only to visit the pass with an Inner Line Permit.

Tashi Viewpoint

Tashi viewpoint, located 8 kilometers away from Gangtok city, is the most popular viewpoint of the Kanchenjunga and Siniolchu. If the sky is clear then the picturesque view of the snow peaks of the mountain will mesmerize you. This viewpoint is quite popular among tourists for the aesthetic view of the sunrise from here. Phodong and Labrang monasteries, situated in the lap of the opposite hills will give you a photographic view under the soothing sunlight. It was named after Tashi Namgyal, the former king of Sikkim founded this viewpoint.

The viewpoint remains open from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM. No entry fee is required there. But if you want you may get binoculars on rent, for only 10 INR. Several cafeterias and food joints are present there at the surroundings for refreshment.

Seven Sister Waterfall

Seven Sister Waterfall is a must-visit spot in Gangtok. It is the most beautiful waterfall in Sikkim. At a distance of around 32 kilometers from Gangtok city, the beautiful waterfall is located on the Gangtok-Lachung highway. The seven falls residing together side by side make the nomenclature justified. Also, the waterfalls are in seven stages, although only four are visible among them. During the rainy season, the waterfall comes to life and water makes a terrific roaring sound while falling on the limestone. A waiting spot and viewpoint have been made by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation. Gangtok has made a small footbridge also over the stream so that the tourists can get a close view of the mesmerizing beauty.

Phodong Monastery

Located at a distance of 38 kilometers from Gangtok City, Phodong Monastery is one of the six important Monasteries in Sikkim. It is situated at an elevation of 4500 ft from the sea level. It was founded in the first half of the eighteenth century by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal. It is also considered one of the three significant monasteries of the Kagyu sect. It is murals and sculptures attract art enthusiasts from all over the world. Each year, according to the Tibetan calendar, on the 28th and 29th days of the 10th month, the Phodong festival takes place there, where the monks together perform the Chaam Dance.

Do Drul Chorten Stupa

Do Drul Chorten Stupa is a significant point of spiritual interest among the visitors. It was built in 1946 by Trulshik Rinpoche, an important person of the Nyingma order of Buddhism. The myth behind the stupa says that the place became haunted by evil spirits. To drive away from the spirit the renowned hermit established the stupa. Holy religious antiques including a set of Dorjee Phurba and Kangyur are preserved there. 108 Mani Lhakors are present around the stupa. Murals of Padmasambhava and Guru Snang will never fail to grab the attention of art lovers.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is an institute for studies and research on Tibetan Buddhism. It was established in 1958 to promote research on Tibetan culture, history, religion, art, language, and philosophy. For tourists who want to explore Sikkim as the only hub of Tibetan culture in India, this is a place that must not be missed. There is a museum of Tibetan iconography and artworks which is considered the largest collection of Tibetan documents outside Tibet.

Visitors can visit there every day of the week except Sundays, and the second Saturday of each month, along with the holidays declared by the Government. The scheduled visiting hour is 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. An entry fee of 10 INR is required to enter there.

Ganesh Tok is a place where Hindu culture is made fusion with Tibetan culture. It is a small temple, decorated in Tibetan style, with colorful flags. The temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is situated 11 kilometers away from Gangtok city, at an elevation of 7200 ft. Although it is too small to accommodate two people inside at a time, it is quite popular among tourists as a viewpoint. This place, surrounded by nature, always gifts a piece of tranquility to the visitors.

No entry fee is required there. The temple remains open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple

Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple is not any temple dedicated to any mythological deity. It was established to express reverence towards an Indian Army personnel named Baba Harbhajan Singh who was drowned in a glacier. Several folklores about his moving spirit are quite popular among the local people. The temple is situated at a distance of 50 kilometers from Gangtok city towards the Nathula border. Each year, during summer, Gangtok tourism permits tourists to visit there issuing an inner line permit.

Ban Jhakri Falls

Located 10-12 kilometers away from Gangtok city, Ban Jhakri Falls has become a new attraction of Gangtok. A beautiful waterfall along with an Energy park and statues of Lyam Lymay, Mangpas, Lepcha, and Ban Jhakri ancestors, is considered one of the most favored picnic spots. It includes several food joints and a swimming pool also.

An entry fee of 50 INR is required there. From 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM it remains open.

A trip remains incomplete without shopping and M G Marg is the shopping hub of Gangtok. This place is considered as the heart of the city. As this area is made for pedestrians, vehicles should be parked outside the marketplace. The buildings on both sides are painted in green as per the Government’s instruction to convey the ‘Green City’ message. Gangtok tourism offers a smoke-free, litter-free shopping experience to visitors. The marketplace remains closed on Tuesdays.

Himalayan Zoological Park

If you want to explore the wildlife living in the climate of Sikkim, Himalayan Zoological Park is there for you. At an elevation of 1780 meters, the zoological park has been made in a place named Bulbuley, at a distance of 3 kilometers from the heart of the city. It was established in 1991, in such a way that all the creatures can live there safely in their natural habitat. You can meet snow leopard cats, Himalayan red pandas, Himalayan monal pheasant, crimson horned pheasants, and Himalayan palm civets with an amazing view of Kanchenjunga.

You can explore on foot as well as by car. But since it will take a long time to reach one habitat to another by walking, most of the visitors decide to hire a car available there for half a day. For refreshments, café, food corners, and a watchtower are present there.

The zoological park opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 4:00 PM every day of the week except Thursday. For adults, the entry fee is 25 INR while for kids it is 10 INR and for foreigners, it will cost 50 INR. Additionally, for the small vehicle, you have to pay 40 INR and for the big vehicle, you have to pay 100 INR there.

Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary

Gangtok tourism offers another spectacular habitat of Himalayan flora and fauna, 20 kilometers away from the Gangtok SNT bus stand. The sanctuary, situated at an altitude of 1524 – 2749 meters, is an extension of the Kanchenjunga National Park. Various types of rhododendrons, ferns, bamboo, and oak can be seen here. For bird lovers, this place is heaven. Black eagle, maroon oriole, yellow-billed blue magpie, Nepal tree creeper and so many other species of birds are found there. Among animals, Himalayan brown bears, red pandas, and barking deer are very popular among visitors.

Visitors are allowed to go there between 8 AM to 3 PM. An entry fee of 5 INR is charged by the forest department.

Sa-Ngor-Chotshong Centre

Sa-Ngor-Chotshong Centre, also known as the Crown of Sikkim, is one of the most important monastic institutes for Tibetan studies. It has become an important destination for Gangtok tourism due to its architecture and artworks. This monastery of the Ngorpa sect was established in 1961. This is the only monastery in India where the Sakya order of Buddhism is followed. The murals and thangkas cover the walls of the monastery. This place is located around 5 kilometers away from the city. As from March to June the climate remains tourist-friendly, it will be the best time to visit. Also, if you want to see this beautiful monastery covered in snow, you have to visit it in winter.

So, if you visit Gangtok, do not forget to leave your footprints in the above-mentioned tourist places.

Best time to visit Gangtok

Tourists, trekkers, and honeymoon couples rush to Gangtok during the peak season ranging from September to June. Autumn is the best time to enjoy the breathtaking scenic views of the enchanting peaks and lakes. The months from October to mid-December and from March to June are the ideal time to visit Gangtok.

The months of July-August are not preferable due to the incessant rains, devastating landslides, and roadblocks. Dense fog covers the atmosphere, and it becomes difficult to drive through it. The temperature is quite pleasant during the monsoon months ranging from 17-22 degrees.

The temperature from October to February is usually when the climate is mystic and pleasing. It ranges between 4-7°C and is the best time for trekking, river-rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, and other adventurous activities. The cold, dry, and bright weather draws the maximum tourist during these months.

The spring months are also the best time for sightseeing as the roads are blooming with flowers. The bright, sunny weather accompanied by vibrant flowers provides a visual treat to your eyes. Most travelers find the months of October-February the best time to visit Gangtok.

How to reach Gangtok

One of the many reasons behind the popularity of Gangtok is its easy accessibility and scenic beauty. You can reach Gangtok by road, railway, and airway from any part of India.

Railway The closest railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri which is 117km away from the hill station. The railway station is connected to all parts of the country, including minor parts. You can easily avail of railway transportation from major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, New Delhi, and Kolkata to reach Gangtok. Most tourists prefer to avail of railway transportation to reach Gangtok.

You can hire a taxi or private jeep from New Jalpaiguri to Gangtok. Alternatively, you can take a state-run bus from Siliguri bus terminus to Gangtok. It will take you around 4-5 hours to reach the majestic hill station.

Airway The nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. It is located at a distance of 125km away from Gangtok. Many popular carriers like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and others run regular flights to Gangtok. All the major cities in the country are linked to this airport. From Bagdogra Airport, you can catch a shared cab or private car that will take you to Gangtok within two hours. The scenic beauty of the majestic mountains and shimmering river makes the car ride enchanting.

You can also avail of TSA helicopter services from Bagdogra to Gangtok. It operates daily and takes around 20 minutes to arrive at Gangtok. However, they often get canceled owing to adverse weather conditions.

Road Gangtok is well connected to the nearby tourist destinations by roadways. You can reach Gangtok from Darjeeling , Sikkim, Siliguri, and Kalimpong via the National Highway 31A. You can find an innumerable number of state-run buses between Siliguri and Gangtok. You can also opt for private buses, taxis, shared cabs and taxis from Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri, and Siliguri.

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8 Popular Places to Visit in Gangtok

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim , is constructed on a cloudy ridge 5,500 feet above sea level. It's perhaps the cleanest city in India, making it a pleasing place to spend a few days sightseeing and organizing onwards travel. If you feel like some pampering, one of India's top Himalayan spa resorts is located in Gangtok. It also has a casino.

Many of the places to visit in Gangtok can be seen on ubiquitous "three point", "five point", and "seven point" local tours offered by travel agents, hotels and taxi drivers. The "three point" tours incorporate the city's three main viewpoints (Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, and Tashi Viewpoint). Variants such as Enchey monastery can be added for "five point" tours. "Seven point" tours include monasteries outside Gangtok, such as Rumtek and Lingdum. 

Enchey Monastery

Sikkim's monasteries are among its most popular attractions. You'll find Enchey monastery perched on a ridge above Gangtok. The name of this serene place means solitary monastery . It was initially constructed in 1909 but had to be rebuilt after catching fire in 1947. This monastery is relatively small and noncommercial. However, it's beautifully decorated inside, with colorful murals, statues, and a large collection of masks used in ritual dances. The founder, Lama Druptob Karpo, was a Tantric master known for his ability to levitate and fly!

Enchey monastery is open from 4 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and until 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Two renowned monasteries can also be seen on scenic day trips from Gangtok: Rumtek, and the newer and more eye-catching Lingdum (Ranka) with its huge golden Buddha statue. Be at Lingdum at 7.30 a.m. or 3.30 p.m. to hear the monks chanting in mesmerizing unison.

Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok

From Enchey monastery, take the road northeast up to colorful Ganesh Tok with its fluttering prayer flags, for dramatic views over Gangkok. There's a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh there, along with cafe and souvenir shops. Higher up beyond Ganesh Tok, and arguably with a better viewpoint, sits Hanuman Tok. Visitors are greeted by a towering orange statue of Lord Hanuman.  The Hanuman temple there is maintained by the Indian Army, so it's clean and peaceful. It's surrounded by lovely sprawling gardens, walking trails, and the splendid sight of Mount Khangchendzonga on a clear day.

Himalayan Zoological Park

Opposite Ganesh Tok, the Himalayan Zoological Park is one of India's better maintained zoos with a natural jungle setting. It's spread across 230 hectares of hillside and houses rare animals, many of which have been rescued from traders and poachers. They include Himalayan bears, snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, and red pandas. 

The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., except Thursdays. Tickets cost 60 rupees.

Tashi Viewpoint

Tashi Viewpoint, north of town, is said to offer the best views of Mount Khangchendzonga within Gangtok. However, some people complain that it's not worth the climb, and similar views can be found elsewhere. The views are very weather-dependent and you'll most likely be disappointed on a cloudy day. There are telescopes that you can pay to use, and a gift shop by the roadside that's run by the Indian Army. The money from sales helps support it.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Do-Drul Chorten

Those interested in Buddhism and Tibetan culture will find the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology worth exploring. Established in 1958, its traditional Tibetan-style building houses a museum, and a library with one of the largest collections of Tibetan works in the world outside of Tibet.  The museum has a rare collection of statues, relics of monks, ritual objects (including a thöpa bowl made from a human skull and kangling human thighbone trumpet), art works, thangkas (painted, woven and embroidered scrolls), and ancient manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese and Lepcha. There's also a souvenir shop and coffee shop on the premises.

The Institute is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday. It's closed on Sundays, the second Saturday of every month, and official government holidays. The entrance fee is 10 rupees.

The gleaming white Do-Drul Chorten is located not far from the Institute, on the same road. According to its fascinating history, this stupa was built by a powerful Tibetan lama who came to rid the site of evil spirits that were haunting it. It's surrounded by 108 prayer wheels, and at dusk hundreds of lamps are lit in a glass room beside it to guide the way for departed ancestors. 

Gangtok Ropeway

Close to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Do-Drul Chorten, board one of Damodar Ropeway's cable cars for a bird's eye view of Gangtok and the surrounding valley. It will take you high up the ridge to Tashiling Secretariat.

The Ropeway runs daily from 9.30 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. Tickets cost 110 rupees per person, and there's a discount for children.

Flower Exhibition Center

If you're visiting Gangtok during April to June or September until the end of November, after disembarking the cable car at Tashiling Secretariat stroll through Ridge Park and to the Flower Exhibition Center just below it. This greenhouse is bursting with high altitude blooms, especially orchids. Orchid bulbs and seeds are also available for purchase there. It's open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and tickets cost 20 rupees each.

Deorali Orchid Sanctuary, near the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, is another place to see exotic varieties.

Or, stay on an orchid farm at one of India's best homestays near Gangtok, Hidden Forest Retreat.

MG Marg Market

From the Flower Exhibition Center, it's an easy walk down to MG Marg, Gangkok's atmospheric main street. The street is refreshingly free of litter, spitting, smoking, and vehicles -- as all are banned there.  It's a popular hangout place though, and can get very crowded and carnival-like in the evenings. Go there to shop, and to make travel arrangements with the many tour operators that have outlets there. The Golden Tips tea showroom (Punam Building, First Floor, MG Marg) is sought after for its boutique teas, including temi tea that's grown in Sikkim's only tea garden.

The shops along MG Marg usually open by 9 a.m. and close by 8 p.m.  In addition, many shops are closed on Tuesdays.

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Things to do in Gangtok: Exploring the 'Gateway to Sikkim'

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Top things to do in Gangtok

Here is the list of 28 things to do in gangtok: exploring the 'gateway to sikkim', 1. trek at the nathu la pass.

One of the prime things to do in Gangtok is trekking at the Nathula Pass. Nathula, one of the highest drive roads in the world, is a mountain pass in the Himalayan peaks that co-joins Sikkim and China. Nathula Pass is situated on the Indo-Chinese border and is one of the biggest tourist attractions in India. Several tourists flock here every year for trekking in the valley and enjoying the scenic beauty. There are a number of waterfalls that gush along the way from Gangtok to Nathula. It also offers an opportunity to see beautiful snow peaks encircling the area.

2. Marvel at the Architecture of Rumtek Monastery

The Rumtek Monastery is one of the largest and most significant monasteries in Sikkim, perched on top of a hill 23 km from Gangtok. The monastery is surrounded by verdant green mountains and thus serves as a visual treat besides being a focal point for spiritual solace. If you climb on top to the Rumtek Monastery you can have a breathtaking view of the whole Gangtok town situated right opposite the hill. Besides this, the architecture of the monastery is one of the finest in the world. Be sure to include visiting here in your bucket list of things to do in Gangtok.

3. Revel in the Beauty of Tsomgo Lake

Perched between the mountains at a dizzying height of 12400 ft above sea level, the Tsomgo Lake is one of the few high-altitude lakes in India situated on the Gangtok-Nathula highway. This lake is a part of every tourist's itinerary and for a good reason- its overwhelming scenic beauty. Visiting here is one of the most essential things to do in Gangtok. Enveloped by steep snow-capped mountains and resting between a bright green carpet of alpine forests, the charming beauty of Tsongmo Lake is bound to leave you in awe.

4. Experience a Crazy Yak Safari

Experiencing Yak Ride is one of the most essential activities and unique things to do in Gangtok. You can experience the joyride in any one of the three places where the activity is organized. You can try it at Dzongri area and/or Tsomgo lake. Never forget to leave the saddle or you disbalance and are on the ground in no time. Nevertheless, it is one of the most fun experiences that you will try in your life.

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Marvels of sikkim & darjeeling, 5. enjoy an exciting cable car ropeway ride.

A cable car ropeway ride is one of the prime things to do in Gangtok. Besides offering a spectacular bird's eye view of the valley below, the ride also lets you enjoy brilliant panoramic vistas. There is a provision of a one way ride; however, we recommend you experience a full two ways ride. The 2 kms ride (to and fro) has 3 stations that it stops at both going forward and coming back.

6. Stroll Down the MG Road

MG Road is the heart of Gangtok and its most happening place. And visiting here is one of the topmost things to do in Gangtok. It is the central shopping hub of this beautiful state capital with various shops, restaurants, and hotels lined up along both sides. It's an open mall or boulevard square. The area is widely regarded to be the town centre and is the best shopping destination for tourists. This is a great place for the tourists to take a leisurely stroll or just sit on the benches and revel in the eclectic ambience.

7. Watch the View at the Tashi View Point

Situated 8 km away from central Gangtok, Tashi Viewpoint is a scenic beauty from where travellers can get a view of the magnificent Mount Sinilochu and Mount Kanchenjunga. Developed by the tourism department of Sikkim and nestled in a perfect location, one can get a beautiful view of the snow-capped mountains from here. This spot also serves as a fabulous picnic place for local as well as foreign tourists due to the presence of a cafeteria and sheds bordering the site of the viewpoint. Visiting here is one of the topmost things to do in Gangtok.

8. Be Awed by the Seven Sisters Waterfalls

One of the most essential things to do in Gangtok is visiting the Seven Sisters Waterfalls which comprises of seven different waterfalls amicably arranged side by side on a wide rugged cliff which seems distinct when looked at from a distance. It appears even more beautiful after rains when it comes to life and offers a captivating view. The gurgling water passes through the green vegetation onto the rugged cliffs and falls on the limestones making a roaring sound. The view of the setting sun pulls the visitors to indulge in a long photography session.

9. Relax by the mesmerizing Ban Jhakri Falls

A new sightseeing destination for the tourists and spread over an area of two acres of land, the Banjhakri Falls is situated at a distance of 10-12 kilometres from Gangtok on the way to Ranka monastery. The waterfall which falls from a rocky height of about 40 feet and cascades down with a lot of force, is the main attraction of the Energy Park present here. Beautifully landscaped gardens abound the waterfall along with beautiful statues of Lyam Lymay, Mangpas, Lepcha, and Ban Jhakri ancestors. Aside from several other enchanting attractions and things to do in Gangtok, this one tops the charts.

10. Enjoy Panoramic Vistas from Ganesh Tok

Ganesh Tok is a loved tourist spot in Gangtok and a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is situated on top of a hill thereby giving scenic views to the tourists who come here. The Kanchenjunga hill can be seen in its true form of glory from here and is at its best especially in the morning. The viewpoint is situated at a distance of 6500 m offers stunning views of the mountains covered in snow. The place takes you a step closer to nature with its surreal surroundings and comforting ambience. Visiting here is one of the top things to do in Gangtok, among the pilgrims and tourists alike.

11. Peek into Buddhist Culture at Enchey Monastery

Enchey Monastery is a 200-year old monastery built on a hilltop situated 3 km away from the main city. This temple was blessed by Lama Dhrupthob Karpo, a renowned saint who was known to have flying powers. It belongs to the Vajrayana Buddhism. The sacredness of Enchey Monastery is attributed to the belief that Khangchedzonga and Yabdean-the protecting deities residing in this monastery. Paintings of Goddesses and other objects of spiritual significance are kept around in the premises. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Gangtok.

12. Trek at the Third Highest Mountain in the World- Kanchenjunga

The third highest peak in the world, the majestic Kanchenjunga is one of the most stunning mountains in the world. Surrounded by Nepal, Sikkim and Tibet, this mountain was first scaled in 1955 but since then has been declared sacred. There are a lot of trekking routes in Kanchenjunga which will take you through woody forests and serene countryside. Experiencing a trek here is one of the most thrilling things to do in Gangtok. It is the charm of this place and the spectacular view of the mountain range that will be stored in your mind forever.

13. Soak in the Warm Waters of Reshi Hot Springs

Sikkim has numerous hot springs, but the Reshi Hot Spring is the most famous one due to its strategic location and the religious significance that it holds. These hot water springs or Cha-chu present in Reshi are winter spas from the ancient period where pilgrims along with visitors spend a week or more soaking themselves in the springs which are believed to contain medicinal properties. A warm soak in the springs is said to be very good to cure all the skin diseases. Be sure to include visiting here in your topmost things to do in Gangtok.

14. Explore the Historical Hamlet of Kabi Longstok

Situated at a distance of 17 km from the northern capital of Gangtok is the Kabi Town which is considered to be a historical place due to the initiation of the Sikkimese history here in the early 13th century. There is an exquisite Buddhist monastery situated nearby where you can spot kids and the followers of Buddhism studying about religion and its beliefs. Along with this, there is a library and a garden as well where you can discover more about the place and its past. There are life-size statues of Bhutia and Lepcha, who were the blood-brothers, erected near the stone pillar to pay respect. With the wonderful stories that this place holds, this place is surely going to captivate you with its wonderful beauty.

15. Revisit Tibetan History at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

One of the very few of its kind, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is an abode of centuries-old Tibetan-Buddhist culture and its history. NIT preserves the glorious past of the country, the religion and its precious culture with utmost dedication and that shows in the excellent collection in the museum and the library. As important as its role is for the pursuers of Asian culture and Buddhist studies, with its quiet and serene charm, it is a paradise for the tourists as well, especially for the occasional history-enthusiast. Making a visit to this place is one of the topmost things to do in Gangtok.

16. Seek Blessings at Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

Situated on the road passing between Nathula and Jelepla Pass, at a distance of 64 km at an elevation of 4000 meters, Baba Mandir is the shrine which was built at the Samadhi of Baba Harbhajan Singh. Inside the Baba Mandir, you will come across a large photo of Harbhajan Singh which is worshipped by his devotees. Tourists who come here leave their water bottle for a few days and collect it later for it is believed that by drinking that water all the wishes come true.

17. River Rafting in Teesta

White Water Rafting in the River Teesta is one of the most exciting things to do in Gangtok. A favourite among the adventure junkees, the rafting has a series of rapids ranging from Grade 1 to 4. However, the difficult rapids are only allowed to the professionals or the seasonal trainers as it is risky. You should definitely try this activity when in Darjeeling.

18. Have Your Food with a View at Baker's Cafe

Baker's Cafe is one of the most popular and picturesque cafe in Gangtok. The western styled cafe also serves delicious western food. You can gorge on pizza and pasta while sipping super tasty shakes and beverages. Besides, the cafe is done up in shades of brown with tons of cutesy artsy bakery products on display that will compel you to eat twice as much as you're hungry. Plus, the window seats offer mesmerizing views of the majestic hills outside.

19. Flower Walk at Flower Exhibition Centre

Flower Exhibition Centre, which is situated in Gangtok, showcases flowers from the different parts of Sikkim together under a single roof which makes it a heaven for all the nature lovers. A medium-sized tropical greenhouse, the centre is filled with unusual species of plants including numerous species of fresh orchids namely Anthurium and Lilium. The presence of such different varieties of colourful flowers along with its enchanting fragrance fills up the entire centre making it a very refreshing place for the visitors. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Gangtok.

20. Visit the Stupa of Do Drul Chorten

One of the most important stupas in Sikkim, Do Drul Chorten was built in the year 1945 under the supervision of late Truslshi and Rimpoche. The Stupa has around 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer wheels. The wheels are engraved with important mantras which can be chanted by rotating them. The quaint serenity and calmness of this Monastery has attracted tourists and devotees since years.

21. Get an Adrenaline Rush by Paragliding

Paragliding is one of the thrilling things to do in Gangtok and one activity that you must definitely experience. The place lets you try your hand at the opportunity with the help of a professional trainer and with complete safety measures. Besides giving you a very amazing adrenaline rush, the activity lets you have a bird's eye view of the beautiful city.

22. Wildlife Sppotting at Himalayan Zoological Park

Zoological Park is located in Bulbuley, 3 km away from Gangtok and is the place for all the wildlife lovers. With an altitude of 1780 meters, one gets an amazing view of the Mount Khangchendzonga from here. Established in 1991, Himalayan Zoological Park is the first one of its kind situated in the North-Eastern part of India. Spread over 205 hectares of land in the mountainous terrain, the park is home to a variety of fauna including the snow leopard cat, goral, Himalayan palm civet, crimson-horned pheasant, Himalayan black bear etc. Be sure to include visiting here in your list of things to do in Gangtok.

23. Rejuvenate and Unwind at Saramsa Garden

At a distance of 14 km from Gangtok, Saramsa Garden, also known as Ipecac Garden, is indeed a treat for your senses. The exquisite range of different coloured flowers with the surrounding lush greenery is going to hold your attention. There is a large greenhouse in the garden as well which preserves a range of orchids. The mesmerising garden is also well-developed where you can involve yourself in recreational activities such as volleyball and football. Apart from these facilities, it also has a convention centre next to the nursery where all the functions and meetings are conducted.

24. Offer Prayers at Hanuman Tok

Hanuman Tok is a very famous temple of Gangtok which is named after Lord Hanuman and is a maintained by the Indian Army. Situated at the height of 7,200 feet the regal temple is juxtaposed against the Kanchenjunga peak which is the third highest peak in the world. One can get off their vehicle while driving to this point and click photographs on the way up to the scenic landscapes. The eclectic beauty of this place makes you enjoy it thoroughly keeping you close to nature.

25. Make a Visit to Tsuk La Khang Monastery

Situated in the complex of the Royal Palace, Tsuk La Khang Monastery is the royalty of the former royal family of Sikkim. Built in the year 1898 AD under the rule of Thutob Namgyal who was the 9th King, Tsuk La Khang is the prime place of worship for the local Buddhists residing in the region. This beautiful two-storied structure with mural covered interiors also comprises of an extensive collection of scriptures, is decorated with altars and images of Lord Buddha, and tantric deities. This monastery was earlier used as a site where marriages and coronations of the Sikkim royalty took place. Wooden sculptures crafted in the form of a Snow Lion's head are present on every corner of the monastery.

26. Natural Retreat at Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

Nestled in the exquisite Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim, the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is surrounded by Chuba-Sagochen mountain range on the East and by Chomzomei Tso on the West which expands all the way up to the Lava Pass. Sprawling over an area of 43 square kilometres and comprising of several species of rhododendrons, the sanctuary is situated at an elevation of 3,048 to 4,575 meters. The azaleas bloom to their full capacity and turn the sanctuary into a riot of colours during April to July thereby making it the best time to visit the place. Visiting here is one of the topmost things to do in Gangtok.

27. Try Delicious Tibetan Food at 9’ine Native Cuisine

9’ine Native Cuisine is a dainty cafe located in the suburbs of Gangtok catering to Asian, Tibetan and Nepalese cuisines. Especially popular for its sumptuous Tibetan food, the cafe is a very famous hangout spot and visiting here is one of the prime things to do in Gangtok. Besides delicious food, the cafe also offers picturesque views of the hills and valleys outside.

28. Get Thrilled at Mountain Biking

Another one of the thrilling activities and things to do in Gangtok is riding a mountain bike in the hills and valleys. Other than giving you a high adrenaline rush, mountain biking lets you take a peek into the unexplored and un-commercialized part of the city. The thrilling ride takes you through the best of forests and valleys, rivers, waterfalls and lakes.

This post was published by Aqsa Aleem

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Banjhakri Waterfalls & Energy Park

#1 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 7 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Banjhakri Waterfalls is a scenic waterfalls located inside a landscaped park in Gangtok. Situated near Ranka Monastery, it is one of the most visited tourist places in Gangtok and among the best waterfalls to visit in Sikkim Tourism . Banjhakri Waterfall is a natural waterfall cascades down from a height of about 70 feet. The lush green surroundings of the waterfalls make it more beautiful and alluring. The word 'Banjhakri' means woodland shaman. According to legend, the ethnic tribes of Sikkim have a lot of faith in their local occults called Jhakris who have healing and magical powers and can influence the spirits to bring about good and evil. Spread over an area of 2 acres, Banjhakri Energy Park has been built near the falls. Also known as Energy Park, the gardens have been beautifully landscaped around the waterfalls and the place is further adorned with several statues of Banjhakri, .....

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Enchey Monastery

#2 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 3 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Enchey Monastery is an ancient Buddhist Monastery situated in Gangtok, Sikkim. Located on Gangtok - Nathula road, it is one of the most popular places of pilgrimage in Sikkim and among the best places to visit in Gangtok. The literal meaning of Enchey Monastery is the 'Solitary Monastery'. The monastery is also an important seat of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. More than 200 years ago, this was the site of Lama Dhrupthob Karpo, a tantric master who was known for his flying powers. Initially, a small Gompa was established by him after he flew from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim to this site in 1840 CE. Later, it was rebuilt in 1908 CE by the 10th King of Sikkim, Sikyong Tulku. The monastery is considered sacred as it is believed that the protecting deities, Khangchendzonga and Yabdean reside in this monastery. According to a legend, the spirits of the Khangchendzonga, Yabdean and Mahakala are subdued by Guru Padmasambhava .....

Ranka Monastery

#3 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 8 km from Banjhakri Falls and 16 km from Gangtok, Ranka Monastery is a Buddhist monastery situated at Ranka near Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. Also known as Lingdum Monastery, it is one of the most popular monasteries in Sikkim and among the must visit places in Gangtok. Built in 1998 CE, the Ranka Monastery is the seat of Zurmang Charwang Rinpoche. The present Rinpoche is the 12th successive incarnation of this lineage. It is interesting to note that the monastery is mainly run by young monks. Since it is relatively quite a new monastery and does not provide a lot of historical or strategic significance such as Rumtek Monastery. However, the beauty of the monastery has attracted a lot of film makers. Built in the typical form of Tibetan architecture, the monastery is spread out in a vast area with great scenic views. A huge gold plated Buddha statue sits in the lotus position inside the sanctum. There are low tables lying in rows inside the sanctum .....

Tashi View Point

#4 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 8 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Tashi View Point is located at Tashi in Gangtok. Situated near Ganesh Tok, it is one of the stunning viewpoints in Gangtok and among the top places to visit in Gangtok. Tashi View Point was built by the King of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal, who ruled Sikkim between 1914 and 1963. The circular shaped platform with railings has been built so that the visitor could view 360-degree perspective of the entire region. It is now developed and maintained by the tourism department. This point is mostly known for offering some of the best sunrise and sunset views. This is an ideal place for nature lovers as it offers great views of the imposing Himalayan Mountains, specifically Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu. The Phodong Monastery and the Labrang Monastery are also easily visible from here. Most of tourist visits the place during early morning to witness the beautiful sunrise and the dramatic play of lights over the mountains and hills. .....

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden

#5 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 500 m from Rumtek Monastery and 21 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden is a public garden located in Gangtok. Situated close to Rumtek Monastery, it is one of the most famous tourist places to visit in Gangtok. Established in the year 1987, Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden is a well maintained lush green expanse of land with astounding beauty. The garden is maintained and managed by the Parks and Garden Units of the Forest Department of the Government of Sikkim. The garden houses rare flowers, plants and trees including Orchids of Himalayan region. It also has dense temperate forests of Oak and a beautiful lake. There are more than 50 different varieties of tree species located inside this garden. Owing to the variance in altitude ranging between 1,800 m and 2,200 m, the park has a wide assortment of plants and animals. The garden also has a greenhouse, where different types of orchids are grown. With the intention of merriment .....

International Sikkim Flower Festival

#6 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 1 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, the Flower Festival is an international event held at the Flower Exhibition Centre near White Hall Complex in Gangtok. It is considered as among the popular flower shows in India and also the biggest flower show in Gangtok. The International Flower Show is a month long festival held every year during summer. This festival is held during the peak flowering season in Sikkim and attracts tourists from all over India. The land of mystic grandeur, Sikkim has thousands of indigenous varieties of flora which include around 600 species of orchids, 240 species of trees and ferns, 150 varieties of gladioli, 46 types of rhododendrons along with a variety of magnolias and many other foliage plants. The Sikkim government organizes this flower show cum exhibition every year. The state government invites participants from more than 12 countries to the show and related events which seek to promote Sikkim's natural wealth of horticulture produce, .....

Tsongmo Lake / Changu Lake

#7 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 17 km from Nathula Pass and 38 km from Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake or Tsongmo Lake is a glacial lake located in the East Sikkim district of Sikkim. Also known as Changu Lake, it is one of the top places to visit in Gangtok and among the beautiful lakes in Himalayas. Located at an altitude of 3,753 m, Tsongmo Lake is one of the few and awesome high altitude lakes in India. In Bhutia language Tsomgo means 'Source of the Lake'. The lake gets its water from the melting snow on the surrounding mountains. The lake is formed in an oval shape and has a surface area of 60 acres. The maximum length of the lake is 1 km and an average depth of the lake is 15 m. The River Lungtze Chu originates from this lake and further falls into Rangpo-chu. Highly revered by the Buddhists and Hindus, the lake surface reflects different colors with change of seasons. According to the history, the colour of water of this lake was studied by Lamas so as to forecast about the future. They believed, .....

Rumtek Monastery

#8 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 22 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Rumtek Monastery is a beautiful Buddhist gompa situated near Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. Also called as Dharma Chakra Centre, it is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim and among the best places to visit in Gangtok. The Monastery was originally built in mid-17th century under the supervision of Changchub Dorje, the 12th Karmapa Lama. Perched on a hill overlooking Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery is the seat of the Karmapa Lama, the third highest monk in Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery belongs to the Kargyu sect of Buddhism originated during the 12th century CE in Tibet. With the generosity and help of the Sikkim royal family and the local folks of Sikkim, the monastery was rebuilt by the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje and named as Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center in 1966. The shrine was established with a reason to spread the teachings of the Buddha throughout the world. The architecture of the monastery is one of the .....

Hanuman Tok

#9 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 9 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Hanuman Tok is a Hindu temple located atop a hill in Gangtok, the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim. Situated off from the Gangtok-Nathula Highway, it is one of the religious places to visit in Gangtok and among the top places of Pilgrimage in Sikkim. Situated at an altitude of 7200 feet, the temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman, god of good health and strength. According to the legend, Lord Hanuman rested at this place while carrying Sanjeevani Parvat from the Himalayas to save Rama's brother Lakshmana. The idol of Lord Hanuman was erected here in 1950 when an officer named Appaji Pant had a divine dream at this location. Now, the temple was maintained and preserved by the Units of 17 Mountain Division of the Army. The temple is divided into three sections- the main temple, old temple and the circular temple. A hint of Tibetan style of architecture is witnessed here. The main temple has a long hall which is painted in .....

Namgyal Institute Of Tibetology

#10 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 3 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a Tibetan institute & museum located in Deorali area of Gangtok. Situated near Do Drul Chorten Stupa, it is one of the must visit places in Gangtok. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is an important Tibetan institute that promotes and carries on researches in the field of Tibetan language, art, religion and its culture. The foundation stone was laid by 14th Dalai Lama in 1957 and inaugurated by Late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1958. The land of the institute was donated by the late King of Sikkim Tashi Namgyal and hence the name Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. The institute building boasts of traditional Tibetan architecture and remains as one of the finest traditional Tibetan designs in the world. It rises majestically with its tall golden towers, attractive murals and colourful frescos amidst the breathtaking natural scenery. It also has a museum, a library with rich collections .....

Do Drul Chorten Monastery

#11 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 3 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Do Drul Chorten is a Buddhist stupa situated in Gangtok, Sikkim. Situated adjacent to Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, it is one of the most magnificent and the biggest stupas in Gangtok and among the top places to experience Gangtok Tourism. Do Drul Chorten Stupa was built by Trulshik Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945 CE. According to legend, it is believed that this entire place was once haunted by evil spirits and many people who wandered around this place became victims and died. Later, Trulshik Rinpoche came to this place for hermitage and built this popular stupa to drive away the spirits. Popularly known as Phurba, the white Chorten Stupa is marked by a golden top dome and can be seen from various places in Gangtok. The deity enshrined on top of the stupa is known as Dorjee Phurpa or Vajra Kilaya. The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Rinpoche .....

Tsuk La Khang Monastery

#12 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 3 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Tsuk La Khang or Tsuglakhang Monastery is a Buddhist palacial monastery located in Gangtok. Also known as Palace Monastery, it is one of the major places of worship in Gangtok and also one of the best places to visit in Gangtok. Located in the complex of Royal Palace, Tsuk La Khang is the imperial gompa of the erstwhile Royal family of Sikkim. This monastery was probably built in the year 1898 AD during the reign of 9th King Thutob Namgyal. Earlier the monastery was used to be the venue for several occasions such as weddings and coronations of the Sikkim Royalty. Located near the ridge, now this is a principal place of worship and a prime assembly of Buddhists in Gangtok. The two storey Royal Chapel of the Chogyals was built in traditional Sikkim architectural style with an assembly hall in the center. It has an impressive collection of Buddhist scriptures and literature. The walls and altars of the monastery are lavishly .....

Saramsa Garden

#13 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 14 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Saramsa Garden is a recreational public garden located between the slopes of Gangtok and Pakyong in the north-eastern state of Sikkim. Known as Ipeca Garden, it is one of the ideal picnic places to visit in Gangtok. Saramsa Garden was established in 1922 by the then Forest Manager Bhim Bahadur Pradhan. Covering an area of 6 acres, this garden is maintained by the Sikkim Forest Department and Tourism. Initially, the garden was introduced for growing fruits for the local colonial officers. Until1940, various fruit trees such as banana, orange, pineapple and guava were grown here. Later, the garden became known for cultivating the medicinal plant ipecacuanha and thus the garden is named as Ipeca Garden. The plant was imported from Malaysia and used for producing Emetine, a powerful alkaloid which is of great significance in medical research. When growing of ipecacuanha was discontinued in 1970, the garden was transformed into .....

Bakthang Waterfall

#14 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 5 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Bakthang is a small waterfall located on the North Sikkim Highway in Gangtok. Situated near Tashi View Point, it is one of the beautiful places to visit in Gangtok and among the popular waterfalls in Gangtok. The falls originates from Ratey Chu, the main water source of Gangtok area. It cascades down from the rock and forming a small pool down below. Though the height of the fall is not much, it is a wonderful sight to take photographs. For activity lovers, there is a Rope Sliding, where one can get the bird's eye view of the region. Though, it is only a short slide of only few seconds but still quite thrilling. Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM Rope Sliding: Rs.100 per person

Thakurbari Temple

#15 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 500 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Thakurbari is a Hindu temple located at MG Marg in Gangtok, Sikkim. Situated in the heart of the town, it is one of the most popular places to visit in Gangtok and one of the oldest Hindu Temples in Sikkim. The Thakurbari Temple was built as a small temple on a land donated by the erstwhile Chogyal of Sikkim in 1935. Subsequently, the temple was upgraded to a major temple-complex in the time period between 1945 and 1947. The temple houses almost all major deities and has emerged as an important center of convergence for the Hindu community of Gangtok. In 2011, the temple complex was further upgraded to include a multipurpose hall and library. The temple organizes many festivals and social events on a grand scale. These festivals are visited by a large number of visitors and tourists from far off places. Visitors come here to offer their worship to the Lord and receive their blessings. Timings: 6 AM - 8 PM

Gonjang Monastery

#16 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 8 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Gonjang Monastery is situated at Fatak Bojhogari near Tashi Viewpoint in Gangtok, Sikkim. Located at an altitude of 6066 feet, it is one of the famous monasteries in Gangtok and among the best Gangtok attractions. Gonjang Monastery was built in 1981 by H.E. Tingkye Gonjang Rimpoche. He was recognized as an incarnation of Yolmo Terton Ngakchang Shakya Zangpo, a 15th century Nyingmapa Terton. The monastery follows Jangter tradition of Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Monastic education along with Tibetan language and English are taught to the monk students here. The monastery imparts knowledge on close and comparative studies of Indian and Tibetan Buddhist philosophy based on moral values. The monastery looks impressive from outside with a massive Buddha figure inside. Inside this monastery one can see the Idols of Khen-lop Cho-Sum, three Religious Personalities or founding Fathers of Tibetan Buddhism in 8th century, and .....

Seven Sisters Waterfall

#17 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 32 km from Gangtok, Seven Sister Waterfall is a scenic waterfall located on Gangtok- Lachung Highway of Sikkim. It is one of the famous waterfalls in Sikkim and also one of the top Gangtok Tourist Places. The Seven Sisters Waterfall is an extremely captivating waterfall, which got its name because it is said to fall in seven stages. However, visitors can see only 4 stages from the bottom. The rest are way higher and hidden between the rocks. The magnificent view of refreshing water with a background of lush mountains casts a spell on the visitors with its charm and make it one of the most visited and photographed waterfalls in this region. The picture perfect beauty of Seven Sister Waterfalls is much loved by picnickers, photographers, nature lovers as well as the local people. A small footbridge crosses over the stream to give the clients a better view and photographic break. To facilitate the tourists to savor the pristine beauty and to be with nature, Tourism .....

Ganesh Tok View Point & Temple

#18 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 4 km from Tashi Viewpoint and 6 km from the Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Ganesh Tok is Hindu temple located in Gangtok. Situated close to Tashi View Point, it is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Gangtok and among the charming places to visit in Gangtok. Located at an altitude of 6500 feet, Ganesh Tok temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. The temple is so small that it can accommodate only one person at a time. One needs to climb a steep staircase to reach the temple. Adorned with colorful flags hoisted and tied across the roads, the path to Ganesh Tok almost resembles a rainbow. People visit the temple to offer prayers and also to enjoy the beautiful view. There is a circular balcony around the temple and a viewing lounge to soak in the view. Ganesh Tok Viewpoint offers a bird-eye's view of the entire Gangtok town, rolling hills and the snowcapped mountains including Kanchenjunga. There is small place located close to this temple, which is known as Smriti .....

Menmecho Lake

#19 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 14 km from Nathula Pass, 22 km from Tsongmo Lake and 60 km from Gangtok, Menmecho Lake is a mountain lake situated at Kupup in East Sikkim district. Lies on the way to Jelep La Pass and ahead of the Tsomgo Lake, Menmecho Lake is considered as one of the most famous lakes of Sikkim and among the most beautiful high altitude lakes in India. Surrounded by lush forests and mountains, Menmecho Lake is situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet. The lake is fed by the waters of the surrounding mountains of Jelep La Pass and it is the source of the River Rangpo Chu, a tributary of Teesta River. Known for its scenic beauty, the lake is said to be change colors every minute and stays frozen during the winter months. There is a viewpoint on the banks of the lake for the trekkers to rest and watch the beauty of the lake unfold before them. Apart from its mystic beauty, Menmecho Lake is also famous for its trout fishing. The lake is one of the best trout cultivation centers .....

Phensang Monastery

#20 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 4 km from Seven Sisters Waterfalls and 27 km from Gangtok, Phensang Monastery is a Buddhist monastery situated on the gentle slope stretching from Kabi to Phodong near Gangtok, Sikkim. Blessed with best landscapes in the region, Phensang Monastery is one of the best monasteries in Sikkim and among the famous places to visit in Gangtok. Phensang Monastery was built in 1721 CE during the reign of Jigme Pawo. Unfortunately, in 1947 the monastery was completely gutted by a devastating fire and was rebuilt in 1948. Again in 1983, the structure was damaged due to heavy rain, but with the help of government aid and involvement, the monastery was rebuilt again. Currently, around 300 lamas of the Nyingmapa Buddhist order reside in Phensang Monastery. The monastery hosts an annual event on the 28th & 29th days of the 10th month of the Tibetan Calendar, which normally corresponds to the month of December. At this juncture of the year, 'Chaam' (Mask dance) is performed .....

Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary

#21 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 20 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife reserve located in the East Sikkim district of the state of Sikkim in India. It is one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in Sikkim and among the best Gangtok Tourist Places. At an altitude ranging between 1524 to 2749 m, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1984. It spreads over an area of about 52 sq. km above the road between Singtam and Dikchu. Recognized as an extension of Khangchendzonga National Park, the sanctuary comprises few small hamlets including Dikchu, Pangthang, and Mangan. It is maintained by the State Forest Department of Sikkim. The Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary houses a variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is very rich in natural vegetation and comprises of various dense forests of katus, oak, champ, kimbu, ferns and bamboo. One can also find here various numbers of rhododendrons, mosses, orchids and lycopodium. Due to varied type .....

Kyongnosla Waterfall & Alpine Sanctuary

#22 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 31 km of Gangtok, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary situated around the area adjoining the Tsomgo Lake in Gangtok. Along the Nathula Road, it is one of the best places to experience Gangtok Tourism. Established in 1977, the sanctuary covers an area of 31 sq. km. The sanctuary extends from the 15 mile police check post up to the ridges bordering the famous Rong Chu and Tsomgo Lakes. Situated at an altitude ranging from 3,292 m to 4,116 m, the sanctuary boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is also the perfect place for trekking tours. The views of Khangchendzonga peak are awesome from the sanctuary. Since it is situated close to India-China border at Nathu La, the place is well conserved by the Indian Army. The sanctuary is very rich in natural vegetation which comprises of various rare species of plants and trees that are hard to find somewhere else. Some of the common species of vegetation seen here are tall juniper, rhododendron, .....

Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

#23 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 16 km from Tsongmo Lake and 54 km from Gangtok, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is a holy shrine located in Gangtok, Sikkim. Situated on the way to Nathula Pass, it is one of the old shrines in Sikkim and among the best places to visit in Gangtok. At an altitude of 13,123 feet, the temple is dedicated to Harbhajan Singh, a hard-working soldier in the Indian Army. Popularly called as Baba Mandir, the temple is situated between Nathula Pass and Jelepla Pass. Visitors usually cover this temple along with a visit to Tsongmo Lake or Nathula Pass. There is a touching story associated with this temple. Harbhajan Singh was a soldier with the Indian army who slipped and fell into a nullah and was washed away while transporting mules. His body could not be found for so many days and later, he appeared in the dream of his colleague and informed about the spot where his body could be found and further asked for his Samadhi to be built there. His body was found exactly where .....

Phodong Monastery

#24 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 39 km from Gangtok, Phodong or Phodang Monastery is a Buddhist monastery situated at Phodong near Gangtok in Sikkim, India. It is one amongst the six most important Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim and among the best places of pilgrimage in Gangtok. Built in 1740 AD, Phodong Monastery was founded by the fourth king of Sikkim Gyurmed Namgyal. Phodong Monastery belongs to the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Stands at an altitude of 4,500 feet, the monastery is one among the three important monasteries of the Kagyu sect in Sikkim, the other two are Rumtek and Ralang. In the course of time, an earthquake damaged the old structure. The Lamas rebuilt a new Monastery in 1977 with financial assistance from the Government of Sikkim. At present the monastery is rated as one of the most beautiful monastery of the state. The monastery houses approximately 260 monks. The walls of the monastery are adorned with beautiful murals, paintings, and frescos which can astonish .....

Lhabrung Or Labrang Monastery

#25 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 2 km from Phodong Monastery and 39 km from Gangtok, Labrang or Lhabrung Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in Sikkim, northeastern India. It is one of the important Monasteries of Nyingmapa lineage in Northern Sikkim and among the best places to visit near Gangtok. The word Labrang literally means 'the dwelling place of lamas'. It follows the Nyingmapa order. It was commissioned by Gyalshe Rigzing Chempo in 1826 AD and was completed in 1843 AD. Gyalshe Rigzing Chempo was the son of the seventh ruler Tsugphud Namgyal and was regarded as an incarnate of Khenchen Thinlay Rolpai Dorje, the first Head Lama of Pemayangtse Monastery. The monastery was majorly renovated in 1978 with government aid. Labrang Monastery was built in typical Sikkimese architecture of 'Rinchhen Surgye'or eight pointed diamond symbolizing the indestructible and only monastery of its kind in Sikkim. With its unique architecture, this old structure is one of the premier and only monastery of .....

#26 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 2 km from Phodong Monastery and 39 km from Gangtok, Tumlong is a historical village situated near Phodong in Sikkim. It is one of the historical places in Sikkim and among the top Gangtok Tourist Places. Tumlong was historically the third capital of Kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom and Rabdentse. As Rabdentse Palace was repeatedly attacked by the Nepal royal army, Tshudpud Namgyal, the then Chogyal of Sikkim shifted his capital from Rabdenste to Tumlong in 1793. Tumlong was the capital of Sikkim till 1894 when Chogyal Thutob Namgyal shifted his capital to present day Gangtok. Tumlong Monastery is home to a small monastery and palace. This monastery was established in 1840 as a center for the monks who had arrived in the capital at the behest of the king. It lies at the top of the village at an elevation of 1473 m, quite close to the ruins of the Tumlong Palace. A Tibetan architectural splendor, Tumlong Palace exhibits a well-constructed edifice with slanting .....

#27 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 7 km from Gyalshing, 45 km from Ravangla, 58 km from Namchi, 69 km from Darjeeling, 88 km from Kalimpong, 113 km from Gangtok, 127 km from Siliguri, 447 km from Darbhanga, 551 km from Guwahati and 682 km from Kolkata, Pelling is a wonderful hill station located in the West Sikkim district of north Indian state of Sikkim. Situated at an altitude of 6,800 feet, Pelling is the second biggest tourist destination in Sikkim after Gangtok. The name Pelling means 'the seat of the religious body' formed by Pema Linga who was a discoverer of ancient Tibetan texts and also a treasure revealer. Pelling was initially a land filled with jungle which was home to a lot of wildlife. The area developed into a full-fledged village after the construction of two Buddhist monasteries Pemayangtse and Sangacholing. Pelling offers good view of entire Kanchenjunga mountain range including Koktang, Kumbhakaran (Jannu), Rathong, Kabru, Kabru Dome, ..... Distance (From Gangtok): 113 Kms Trip Duration (From Gangtok - Including Travel): Full Day .....

#28 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 45 km from Darjeeling, 49 km from Kalimpong, 65 km from Pelling, 81 km from Gangtok, 88 km from Siliguri, 512 km from Guwahati and 641 km from Kolkata, Namchi is a small town and also the district headquarters of South Sikkim district in the Indian state of Sikkim. Also known as Namtse, it is one of the fast developing tourist destinations in Sikkim and among the popular places to experience Sikkim Tourism . Literally means ' Top of the Sky', Namchi is situated at an altitude of 5,500 feet and is known for its Buddhist Monasteries and scenic locales. As per the historical facts, once Sikkim was under the reign of the Chogyals. Legends say that one of the Sikkimese princesses, Pende Ongmoo deceived a Sikkimese Chogyal. When people of Sikkim got to know about this, they killed the Sikkimese princess, Pende Ongmoo. The place where the Pend Ongmoo was killed is believed to be the present day Namchi. Often known as the ..... Distance (From Gangtok): 81 Kms Trip Duration (From Gangtok - Including Travel): Full Day .....

#29 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 26 km from Namchi, 69 km from Gangtok, 71 km from Darjeeling, 74 km from Kalimpong, 89 km from Pelling, 115 km from Siliguri, 122 km from Lachung, 536 km from Guwahati and 667 km from Kolkata, Ravangla or Ravongla is a small hill town situated in South Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim. At an altitude of 7000 feet, Ravangla is one of the picturesque places to visit in Sikkim and among the best places to experience Sikkim Tourism . Located on a ridge between Maenam and Tendong Hill, Ravangla is a hot tourist destination blessed with spellbinding tea gardens, adventure activities and ancient monasteries. The town and its surrounding areas offer an undisturbed view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Sinialchu, and Mt. Kabru. Ravangla gets a romantic look with the colours and fragrance of the flowers which are in full bloom during April-May. Buddha Park, Rayong Sunrise Viewpoint, Ralang & Borong Hot Springs, Ralang ..... Distance (From Gangtok): 69 Kms Trip Duration (From Gangtok - Including Travel): Full Day .....

#30 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 47 km from Lachen, 112 km from Ravangla, 116 km from Gangtok, 146 km from Kalimpong, 200 km from Pelling, 609 km from Guwahati and 634 km from Kolkata, Lachung is a small hill station located in North Sikkim district of Indian state of Sikkim. Situated near the border with Tibet, it is one of the beautiful places to visit in Sikkim and among the picturesque hill stations in India. At an altitude of 9,600 feet, Lachung is located at the confluence of River Lachen and River Lachung, the tributaries of Teesta River. The word Lachung means 'small pass'. The Indian Army has a forward base in the town. According to history, Lachung was a trading post between Sikkim and Tibet before the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1950, after which it was closed down. The town's economy has been boosted by tourism in recent years as the region has been opened up by the Indian government. The town is majorly inhabited by Lepchas and Bhutias who are prime followers of Buddhism. With ..... Distance (From Gangtok): 116 Kms Trip Duration (From Gangtok - Including Travel): Full Day .....

#31 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 65 km from Siliguri, 98 km from Gangtok, 109 km from Jalpaiguri, 371 km from Manipur, 502 km from Guwahati, 503 km from Patna and 507 km from Kolkata, Darjeeling is a charming hill station located in the Shivalik hills of the lower Himalayas in West Bengal, India. Situated at an altitude of 6,700 feet, Darjeeling is one of the most popular tourist places in West Bengal and among the must include places in your honeymoon tour packages . The name Darjeeling comes from two Tibetan words 'Dorje', meaning thunderbolt and 'ling', means a place or land. Before being invaded by the Gorkhas of Nepal in the 1790s, Darjeeling was largely under the Kingdom of Sikkim and native tribes named Lepchas were the original inhabitants of the place. Under the Sugauli Treaty of 1815 CE, Nepal yielded one-third of their lands to the British, who established Darjeeling as the summer capital ..... Distance (From Gangtok): 96 Kms Trip Duration (From Gangtok - Including Travel): 1-2 Days .....

#32 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 47 km from Lachung, 121 km from Gangtok, 151 km from Kalimpong, 613 km from Guwahati and 744 km from Kolkata, Lachen is a small quiet hill town located in the North Sikkim district of Indian state of Sikkim. Situated near the Indo-Tibetan Border, it is one of the enchanting places to visit in Sikkim . The literal meaning of Lachen is 'Big Pass' and the town is being promoted as a tourist destination by the Sikkim Government. Situated at an altitude of 8838 feet, Lachen stands on a grassy and bushy flat land separated by deep gorges of river Lachen-Chu. The village comprises of nearly 250 houses, earlier inhabited only in winters by the owners who spent the summers on the alpine pastures along the Tibet border tending to their herd of yaks. Lachen has its own system of rules and regulations known as Dzumsa and the heads of Dzumsa are known as Pipon and Gyenbos. Offering panoramic vistas of the stunning landscape and ..... Distance (From Gangtok): 121 Kms Trip Duration (From Gangtok - Including Travel): Full Day .....

Nathula Pass

#33 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 17 km from Tsomgo Lake and 54 km from Gangtok, Nathula is a snow-shrouded mountain pass located in the northeastern state of Sikkim along the Indo-China border. Situated at an altitude of 14450 feet in the Himalayas, it is one of the most exotic places to visit in Gangtok and among the top places to experience Sikkim Tourism. Located on the Old Silk Route, Nathula is one of the three open trading border posts between India and China. The other two are Shipkila in Himachal Pradesh and Lipulekh at the trisection point of Uttarakhand, Nepal and China. Also, it is one of the five officially agreed Border Personnel Meeting points between the Indian Army and the People's Liberation Army of China. Deriving its name from two Tibetan words - Nathu meaning listening ears and La meaning pass, Nathula Pass was the place through which the famous Silk Route between India and Tibet used to operate until 1962. Lines of mules used to carry silk, gold and many other items .....

Kangchendzonga / Kanchenjunga National Park

#34 of 34 Places to Visit in Gangtok

At a distance of 122 km from Gangtok, Kangchendzonga or Kanchenjunga National Park is a National Park and a Biosphere reserve located in Sikkim, India. Also called as Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, it is one of the largest wildlife reserves in Sikkim and among the best national parks in India. At an altitude ranging from 1800 m to 8600 m, Kangchendzonga National Park is one of the few high altitude biosphere reserves in the country. The park was established in 1977 and was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 2016, becoming the first 'Mixed Heritage' site of India. The Khangchendzonga National Park includes a unique diversity of plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers and spectacular, snow-capped mountains covered with ancient forests. The third highest peak in the world, the Khangchendzonga, straddles the western boundary of the park, from which the reserve gets its name. The reserve also includes the vast Zemu Glacier. The term Kanchenjunga literally means .....

Most Asked Questions on Gangtok

Gangtok has pleasant weather throughout the year. However, Post monsoon and Summer from October to February is the best seasons to visit Gangtok to experience its scenic beauty, striking views with cool weather and can enjoy the sightseeing. Better to avoid visiting Gangtok in monsoon season when there could be heavy landslides. Summer is the peak season in Gangtok and hotel prices are also high during summer.

Gangtok usually takes 2 full days to visit the most popular tourist places. Several tourists usually prefer visiting Gangtok along with Darjeeling which requires additional 2 days. Gangtok can be mixed with near by wonderful places like Namchi, Pelling, Lachen and Lachung by adding few additional days to your trip.

Budget of Gangtok trip depends on the trip duration and category of hotel you choose for your stay along with the kind of vehicle you prefer. Gangtok tour packages offered by Trawell.in start from as low as INR 10700 per person for a 4D/3N trip and from INR 17800 per person for 5D/4N vacation.

Ensure to cover most important places to visit in Gangtok like Rumtek Monastery, Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok View Point & Temple, Hanuman Tok, Enchey Monastery, Ranka Monastery, Kyongnosla Waterfall & Alpine Sanctuary, Tsongmo Lake, Nathula Pass and Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple.

People always want to take back memories in the form of things that they have bought during their trips. There are several shopping options available in Gangtok and one can buy Tibetan carpets, Sikkim tea powder, Thangka paintings, Prayer Flags, etc.

Top 5 Gangtok Packages

Gangtok blogs, gangtok related packages, gangtok related pages.

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How to Travel Gangtok The Right Way? (+8 Best Places To Visit in Gangtok)

• October 30, 2022
• June 29, 2023
• Sikkim , India

Hazy clouds kissing up the enormous green mountains and the frequent rains pouring from above — that’s how I remember my recent visit to Gangtok.

To ease your travel experience and make Gangtok a memorable trip for you, we have created this guide based on our actual experience. This guide will cover the top places to visit in Gangtok, food experiences, public transport, reaching Gangtok, and some practical travel tips.

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is one of the most-visited destinations in East India. And now that you’ve prepared to visit this beautiful city, you’re in for a treat. However, Gangtok is quite expensive, so if you’re on a shoestring budget, you better be mindful of it.

Let’s visit Gangtok.

Notice: This post may contain a few links that might earn us financial support when you buy or make any reservations. They in no way affect our opinion or the information presented here.

In Case You Want it in a Video

Top 8 Places to Visit in Gangtok and Nearby

Here is the list of the top 8 places to visit in Gangtok:

• Nathula Pass
• Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple
• Bakthang Falls
• Gonjang Monastery
• Tashi View Point
• Lhasa Falls
• Flower Exhibition Center

1. Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass is a mountain pass in Sikkim encompassing the Indo-China border. And one of the best places to visit in Gangtok and nearby.

It is at an elevation of over 14,000 feet and is approximately 55 km from Gangtok city’s bustle.

Team Misfit visited this pass in June 2022, when it was the peak season to visit Sikkim. One important thing to note is that you’ll need special passes to see Nathula. And it often takes work to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons.

Here’s the pro tip: Come with a few xerox copies of any government photo ID such as a Driving License or Passport. An important thing to note: Aadhaar Card doesn’t get accepted. At least it didn’t get us in. You better have a backup and bring another ID card.

Immediately ask your hotel or cab driver to get a pass for Nathula for the next available morning.

Another tip: Nathula is at the height of over 14,100+ feet. That’s enough to pose risks for people with medical conditions. Therefore, consult your doctor if you have any severe illness.

However, we’ve seen people in their 50s go to Nathula Pass. Further, we saw people buying camphor to curb breathing problems during our visit to Nathula. It’s probably because of a rumor that says camphor helps in improving oxygen levels. However, there’s no scientific evidence have been found yet.

2. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

The soldier who never died. This unique temple is dedicated to Harbhajan Singh, a soldier of the 23 Punjab Regiment of the Indian army. 

There’s a fascinating legend attached to this site. Harbhajan Singh died by slipping into the valley near Nathula pass in 1968. The flowing water drove him far, and he was only found after 3 days of a search by the army.

Legend has it he came into the dreams of a fellow soldier after he went missing. And he expressed the desire to have a “samadhi” (cenotaph). Later a temple was constructed with great reverence. Further, the Indian army never declared him dead and retired like other soldiers.

He came to be known as a “Baba” or saint. Moreover, Bhuvan Bam’s Plus-Minus is an award-winning short story loosely based on Harbhajan Singh’s legacy.

You can visit this temple after returning from Nathula pass as it’s on the way.

3. Bakthang Falls

Bakthang falls should be on your local sightseeing list and can easily be covered if you stay in Gangtok. Further, it’s a roadside fall and if you want to see the water in full force, avoid visiting in winter.

You can also go ziplining near the waterfall for about INR 100 (2022). Also, you can try the local dress and get photographed in front of the waterfall.

4. Gonjang Monastery

If you want to see some fascinating artifacts, roll prayer wheels, and enjoy Gangtok’s alluring view simultaneously, remember to visit the Gonjang monastery. It is one of the best places to visit in Gangtok, especially if you are interested in Sikkim’s history.

Remember that photography is prohibited inside the monastery building where sculptures are kept. Further, this monastery closes early in the evening, so we suggest you make it in daylight.

Gonjang Monastery should be on your list for a nice and peaceful place.

5. Tashi View Point

Nothing fancy, eh! Just a viewpoint to see the peak of mighty Kanchenjunga . If the weather is clear, you’d be blessed with a mesmerizing view of the valley and, of course, the mountain peak of Kanchenjunga.

You don’t need to purchase any ticket for Tashi view point. However, climbing up a few stairs to reach the viewpoint will feel like entering an observatory. Also, you can get a closer view of the mountain with the telescope — it costs around INR 100. Moreover, you can also rent traditional dresses and get a photo for approximately the same amount.

6. Lhasa Falls

Approximately a kilometer away from the Tashi viewpoint is another roadside fall, Lhasa Falls! Though this place doesn’t receive many tourists, it is the choice of people seeking a few moments of solitude. 

Please stop here for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Lhasa Falls is one of the best places to visit in Gangtok. Especially if you think you’d enjoy sitting in peace with a horde of Tibetan flags above your head and a waterfall sprinkling droplets on your cheeks.

7. Flower Exhibition Center

If you fancy a rare collection of flowers like orchids and rhododendrons, you can visit this small flower exhibition center in Gangtok. There are varieties of flowers you can find here. Moreover, you can even purchase flower bulbs from this place.

The place is smaller than you might anticipate it to be. You can visit the Plant Conservatory (link in Google Maps) to see these beautiful flowers in a natural setting. 

Bonus: you’ll find a beautiful waterfall inside the plant conservatory. Lastly, the admission ticket costs around INR 20 per person.

8. Ganesh Tok

Ganesh Tok is a small Ganesh temple located approximately 6-7 km from the city center. Street vendors surround the temple entry, and it gets a significant crowd. Therefore, please come as early as possible.

Further, this temple is also famous as a viewpoint. Why? It’s because you can see the Kanchenjunga range clearly from here, provided the weather is clear. Besides, the panoramic view of the city and the valleys are enough good reasons that make it one of the best places to visit in Gangtok.

How To Reach Gangtok?

You can reach Gangtok via railways, airways, and roadways. Your preference will matter depending on where you are in the world and your preferences. 

The nearest railway station for reaching Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri Station, which is in the West Bengal state of India. The station code for New Jalpaiguri Station is NJP.

You get frequent trains for NJP from all major stations of India, though it may sometimes be indirect. We recommend considering airways if you’re uncomfortable on long-train journeys.

Furthermore, after reaching NJP, you can take a tuk-tuk or shared taxi to the nearest bus stand, where you’ll get a direct bus to Gangtok.

You’ve two options for reaching Gangtok via airways: Bagdogra (IXB) and Pakyong (PYG) airports. The Bagdogra (IXB) airport is located in West Bengal and is about 125 km from Gangtok. On the contrary, Pakyong (PYG) airport is about 35 km away from Gangtok.

Here’s the twist: you get multiple direct flight options (and cheaper) for Bagdogra. On the contrary, Pakyong has a lesser number of direct flights.

You’ll easily get a private taxi to Gangtok from both airports.

Siliguri (113 km), Darjeeling (98 km), and Kalimpong (75 km) cities of West Bengal are well connected to Gangtok via road.

However, the easiest way to visit Gangtok via road is to reach Siliguri by any means. Then take West Bengal or Sikkim state transport buses from bus stations there. 

Further, if you’re in your own vehicle, you can take NH 10 (formerly NH 31A) to reach Gangtok from Siliguri.

9 Local Foods and Eateries in Gangtok

The local foods and eateries in Gangtok are one of the best things you’ll come across — or the worst. It all depends on your taste buds, I guess.

As for us — we’re North Indians (from Lucknow), more exposed to spicy food. And we didn’t find the foods we tried in Gangtok much enticing. However, the experience of tasting new cuisines far outweighs the priority of making our taste buds happy.

In conclusion, the unique cuisines of Sikkim are worth a try. Here are 9 local foods you must try in Gangtok.

1. Momos — you’ll get it in almost every corner of Gangtok. The momos here are something else, so delicious. Even better than Delhi’s, if I may say.

2. Thukpa — this popular food in Gangtok hails from Tibet. And since Thukpa is a noodle soup consisting of seasonal veggies and flour dough noodles, it makes an excellent option for health-conscious travelers.

3. Thenthuk — this food item is a type of Thukpa with veggies, mutton or yak meat, and flattened four dough served with noodle soup.

4. Sel Roti — Originally hailing from Nepal, Sel Roti is a sweetened rice bread having a ring shape. However, you may not find this food item easily. People prepare it during festivals such as Tihar, a Hindu festival similar to Diwali, which gets celebrated in Sikkim and West Bengal. 

5. Churpi — cheese lovers visiting Sikkim, this is for you. Churpi is a traditional food item hailing from Tibet and is now mainly available in India’s Sikkim and West Bengal. You may spot this food item (cuboidal shaped) at local vendors’ shops. Further, remember that Churpis can be sweet or tangy and soft or hard. 

6. Gundruk — originally hailing from Nepal, Gundruk is a dish made of fermented leafy green vegetables that are sun-dried and later cooked for consumption.

7. Sha Phaley — are look-wise similar to the North Indian sweet, “Gujhiya.” The only difference? It has veggies and seasoned meat stuffing.

8. Kinema — another fermented dish hailing from Nepal. Kinema is made of soybeans and soup, which people consume with rice and bread. Look for a local restaurant if you want to savor its delicious flavor in Gangtok.

9. Phagshapa — traditionally, this food item is prepared with pork meat, radish, and some chilies. This might be your best choice if you want a less spicy food item.

Activities To Do in Gangtok

Shop & eat at mg road.

There are many places to visit in Gangtok. But what about shopping? There can be no better place than MG Road for shopping in Gangtok.

It’s an L-shaped street, with various shops that are so well-organized. Further, the lighting, vibe, and arrangement would light up your mood at first glance.

There’s one shop on the corner – Khan Uncle Biryani. If you’re a non-veg lover, you must try their biryani and roll.

Get Mesmerizing City Views from Gangtok Ropeway

Experiencing the ropeway over the city is another activity you can do in Gangtok. The best part? The ropeway is about a 10-15 minute walk from MG Road.

The ropeway is no special. However, the views of the city are worth your time — colorful houses looking like a box and the grand, green scattered mountains.

Souvenir You Can Find in Local Gangtok Market

There are several shops dispersed throughout the city. And if you book a local tour package, your guide will take you to the places for the same.

But we recommend you avoid the hustle of buying souvenirs separately. Instead, you can find small shops near most of the places to visit in Gangtok.

Here are some of the items you’ll find and can take as souvenirs:

• Colorful Tibetan flags,
• Woolen clothes,
• Buddha statues in all sizes,
• Fridge magnets, and more.

Smart Suggestion: How To Travel To Shravasti? (The Place Where Buddha Died)

How is the Public Transport in Gangtok?

Gangtok is a hilly area, and you won’t find anything except taxis or cabs. And the charges depend upon your negotiation skills — so get on to practice.

Even for a kilometer or so, you may pay around INR 150. So, if you’re happy with walking, great. Else consider this while you decide on a budget for visiting Gangtok.

In addition, you can also ask your hostel to provide the number of any local taxi or cab driver.

Moreover, if you want to book safe and reliable accommodation for yourself in Gangtok, you can do so via Booking.com .

Best Time to Visit Gangtok

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Gangtok. The place gets a horde of tourists from September to June. Additionally, it’s best if you avoid some peak months when the rush is at an all-time high.

The best time to visit Gangtok is from March to May or September to November. Unless you’re going to see snow, you should avoid staying in extreme cold months as it attracts a lot of tourists. Similarly, last May to June should be avoided too.

Public Toilets and Hygiene

One of the best things you’ll find in Gangtok is its cleanliness. The public toilets are well-maintained and provide good hygiene. Moreover, the entire city is cleaner than most of the cities I have visited (at least yet) in India.

People here seem to have a sense of keeping cleanliness and order. And that’s one of the things I liked the most.

Practical Travel Tips (Based on Experience)

• Don’t visit Gangtok in the monsoon and the peak months.
• Immediately apply for the Nathula pass as you arrive in Gangtok if you wish to see this Indo-China border. 
• Aadhar Card is not a valid ID for visiting Nathula pass.
• Please consult your doctor before visiting Nathula if you’ve any respiratory issues.
• Negotiate with taxi and cab drivers for the best price.
• You can buy a local tour package directly from your cab driver. 

So, this was all about Gangtok. This guide is made possible after thorough research combined with personal experience exploring Gangtok. 

Now with this Gangtok travel guide at your disposal, you’re unlikely to go wrong. In addition, the information here will help you explore places to visit in Gangtok and experience other activities like a local person.

Lastly, if you have any suggestions or comments regarding this post, please drop them in the comment box. We reply to every comment!

An appeal:   Please do not throw litter around. Use a dustbin. If you can’t find one, take the trash with you and throw it when you find one. Your small steps like this one can make the world clean and green.

Vipin is a techie, traveler, and entrepreneur. He has done engineering in computer science and is an Apple Fan Boy. He is behind all the tech and content management of this website. Often, he shares his entrepreneurial learnings and thoughts on his Twitter .

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Gangtok is a lovely and clean place. Your guide is fantastic.

Thank you, sir, for your appreciation 🙂

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15 Spectacular Places to Visit in Gangtok For a Memorable Holiday

by middha on February 24, 2020

A famous travel quote on the Internet says “Great Things Are Done When Men and Mountains Meet”. True to this quote, Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is one of the best hill stations in India that is a must-visit for anyone who loves to head to the mountains to break free from the routine. Incredibly beautiful, blessed with nature’s abundance and shrouded by clouds, Gangtok is one mystique destination worth visiting that will make you fall in love with the place every single time.

There are a number of places to visit in Gangtok. It boasts of a picturesque landscape, cascading waterfalls, numerous magnificent Buddhist monasteries, serene villages and a breath taking view of the Mt Kanchenjunga. No wonder, Gangtok is flocked by innumerable couples, tourists and travel enthusiasts who love to explore this city before visiting other places in Sikkim. Let’s a take a look at the top 15 Gangtok tourist places that you cannot miss while you visit this incredibly beautiful locale.

 How to Reach Gangtok?

• By Air: Book a flight till Bagdogra airport. Gangtok is at a distance of 124kms from Bagdogra airport and can be reached in 2 hours via a shared cab of a private one.
• By Train:  The nearest railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri that is located at a distance of 148kms. From here, you can take a local bus or hire a taxi to Gangtok.
• By Road:  If you wish to self-drive, you can hire a cab and head to Gangtok on your own.

15 Splendid Places to Visit in Gangtok

1 rumtek monastery.

Rumtek Monastery, Gangtok |  Places to Visit in Gangtok

Located at a distance of 23kms from Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery is one of the biggest and significant monasteries in Gangtok. It is also known as Dharmachakra Centre and is believed to belong to the Karma Kagyu sect from Tibet. An important Gangtok tourist spot, Rumtek Monastery houses a golden stupa and also has a huge prayer hall where monks carry out elaborate prayers. From the top of this monastery, you get a breathtaking bird’s view of the entire city of Gangtok. The brilliant architecture coupled with an incredible landscape makes it one of the important places to visit in Gangtok.

• Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
• Entry Fee:  Rs10

You can also read about 18 Most Important Buddhist Pilgrimage Places

2 Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass, Gangtok | Places to Visit in Gangtok

Situated at an altitude of 4310m, Nathu La is a high-altitude motorable pass in India present in the Indian state of Sikkim. Nathu La lies approx 54kms from Gangtok and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Gangtok. This pass connects Sikkim to China-Tibet Autonomous Region and is built amidst the mighty Himalayas. Nathu (which translates to “listening ears”) La (which means “pass” in Tibet) is one among the 3 open trading border posts connecting India and China. Only Indian nationals are allowed to visit this pass that too with a permit. The best time to visit Nathu La is from May to mid-November.

3 Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok | Places to Visit in Gangtok

Among many serene places, Tsomgo Lake is one of the most pristine and incredible places to visit in Gangtok. It is a glacial lake located at an unimaginable altitude of 3753m above sea level and must feature on the top of your Gangtok sightseeing itinerary just for one reason – its overwhelming scenic beauty. It has sparkling aquamarine blue waters in the summers that commence in mid-May and the periphery of this lake is dotted by beautiful blossoms that bloom during the season – a picture-perfect moment for all photographers. In the winters, the lake freezes and appears in a translucent colour. Also known as Changu Lake, a visit to this place promises you tranquillity and an impressive view!

4 Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Gangtok | Places to Visit in Gangtok

One of the popular Gangtok tourist places, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is an important place of study and research for Tibet and Buddhist culture and history. The museum and the library are the main attractions of NIT that showcase the carefully preserved religious and cultural artefacts that main include statues, paintings, coins, thangkas (embroidery) and Tibet artworks. An incredible example of Tibetan architecture, NIT has a huge facade, huge golden towers and intricately designed frescos. Among the many places to visit in Gangtok, NIT is a must-visit for both history buffs and travel enthusiasts planning a trip to Gangtok.

• Timings:  10 AM to 4 PM, Monday – Saturday
• Entry Fee:  Rs 10

5 Tashi Viewpoint

Tashi View Point, Gangtok | Places to Visit in Gangtok

Tashi View Point is the place that offers you the best sunrises and sunsets along with a breathtaking view of the majestic Himalayas. You can literally spend an entire day clicking pictures of the picturesque landscape and enchanting views from here, which makes it one of the most important places to visit in Gangtok. On a clear day, you can also get a glimpse of the snow-covered pristine Mt Sinilochu and Mt Kanchenjunga (the third tallest peak in the world). The clean, unpolluted air, the lush green landscape and the white, snow-clad mountains are enough to convince anyone to visit this place during their Gangtok local sightseeing.

6 Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, Gangtok | Places to Visit in Gangtok

Present at a height of 4000m above sea level, this unique temple is actually built at the Samadhi of a martyred Indian soldier, Harbhajan Singh, who lost his life in the Sino War. As a tribute to this intrepid soldier who died fighting the enemies near the Nathu La Pass, the Indian Army built this shrine. The soldiers patrolling here believe that Baba Harbhajan Singh visits this temple every night and protects them as well. The temple has a huge picture of Baba Harbhajan Singh that is worshipped by many devotees. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and important places to visit in Gangtok and must feature in your Gangtok local sightseeing list as well!

• Timings:  6 Am to 8 PM
• Entry Fee:  None

7 Himalayan Zoological Park

Himalayan Zoological Park, Gangtok | Places to Visit in Gangtok

Located just 3kms from the city centre, the Himalayan Zoological Park is a great place and an incredible tourist attraction to include in your Gangtok local sightseeing list. Built on an area of 205 hectares and located at an altitude of 1780m, the Himalayan Zoological Park is an abode to some exotic species of flora and fauna that include the Himalayan red panda, Himalayan palm civet, goral, snow leopard cat, Himalayan Black Bear and others. The park also offers a great view of the Mt Kanchenjunga.

• Timings:  9 AM to  4 PM
• Entry Fee:  Indians – Rs 10 and Foreigners – Rs 50

Book comfortable hotels in Gangtok with Treebo and enjoy a pleasant stay here.

8 Seven Sister Waterfalls

Seven Sister Waterfalls, Gangtok | Places to Visit in Gangtok

The scintillating and awe-inspiring view Seven Sister Waterfalls is definitely one of the incredible places to visit in Gangtok. True to the name, there are 7 waterfalls arranged sideways falling harmoniously from a rugged cliff. One can witness the amazing creativity of nature in the way these falls are created and admire the beauty of the milky white water falling from a great height. The water flows from the falls in 7 stages but only 4 are visible to us. The roaring sound of the gushing water coupled with the scenic beauty of the surroundings is sure to take your breath away! This locale is also famous for its mesmerizing sunsets that give photographers an opportunity to click to their heart’s content. Seven Sisters Falls is located 32kms from Gangtok.

• Timings:  8 AM to 5 PM
• Entry Fee: None

9 Phodong Monastery

Phodong Monastery, Gangtok | Places to Visit in Gangtok

Phodong Monastery in Phodong is one among the 6 most important Buddhist monasteries and popular places to visit in Gangtok. Situated at a towering height of 4500m, Phodong Monastery, an abode to more than 250 monks, is a significant religious place near Gangtok. Phodong Monastery boasts of impressive exterior architecture with intricate designs and astounding interiors of awe-inspiring paintings, frescoes and murals that adorn the internal structure of this monastery. If you to stop by a tranquil and serene place, visit Phodong Monastery and enjoy the inner peace and solace that you can feel here.

• Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM

10 Do Drul Chorten

Do Drul Chorten, Gangtok | Places to Visit in Gangtok

Do-Drul Chorten is an important Buddhist stupa that was built in 1945 by Trulshik Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma order of Tibet Buddhism, This enormous stupa is believed to have around 108 prayer wheels (Mani Lhakor) engraved with mantras that are chanted by devotees while rotating them. Inside the stupa is the complete set of Dorjee Phurba, religious book and texts and other objects. a quiet and serene locale, Do-Drul Chorten is one of the best places to visit in Gangtok for those who love to explore Buddhist sites and monasteries.

• Timings:  8 AM to 6 PM

11 Hanuman Tok

Hanuman Tok, Gangtok | Places to Visit in Gangtok

One of the most famous places in Gangtok, Hanuman Tok is a well-known temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman maintained by the Indian Army. Situated at a height 7200ft, this remarkable temple also gives you a chance to witness the majestic Mt Kanchenjunga peak (the third-highest peak in the world) and undoubtedly is a must-include in your Gangtok local sightseeing itinerary. The captivating beauty of the surrounding hills, lush greenery and the blue sky is a spectacle to behold, which is why Hanuman Tok is must-visit for every local and tourist alike. If you reach this temple before 5 AM, you can also witness the mesmerizing sunrise from here!

• Timings:  5 AM to 7 PM

12 Tsuklakhang Monastery

Tsuklakhang Monastery, Gangtok | Places to Visit in Gangtok

Tsuklakhang Monastery is a palatial monastery that is worth visiting while you plan your Gangtok local sightseeing. The monastery belonged to the former royal family in Sikkim and is one of the most charming places to visit in Gangtok. This monastery was built by Thutob Namgyal in 1898 AD and is a significant place of worship for the Buddhist local residing nearby. This monastery is also famous for various festivals such as Losoong and Phang Labsol celebrated here. Visit this beautiful Gangtok tourist spot while planning a trip to Gangtok and admire the astounding architecture and breathtaking beauty fo the surroundings.

• Timings:  7 AM to 5 PM

13 Tashiding Monastery

Tashiding Monastery, Gangtok | Places to Visit in Gangtok

One of the oldest and most sacred monasteries in Gangtok, Tashiding Monastery is an important religious site founded by Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunshok Rigzing in 1941. This monastery is located close to Yukssom village, one of the famous  places to visit in Pelling . Tashiding Monastery is also famous to be a part of the traditional Buddhist pilgrimage that commences from the Yuksom Village with the Dubdi monastery and ends at Khecheopalri Lake. Tashiding Monastery indeed is an important site to visit during your Gangtok local sightseeing.

• Timings:  9 AM to 6 PM

14 Banjhakri Falls

Ban Jhakri Waterfalls, Gangtok | Places to Visit in Gangtok

Ban Jhakri Falls is another famous tourist attraction and one of the best places to visit in Gangtok for some fun and recreation. Ban translates to “forest” and jhakri means “healer”, the name of the falls literally means a traditional healer who worships spirits in the cave present on the forest area – a belief that locals trust. This waterfall is situated 10-12kms from Gangtok and it falls from a height of 40feet. The waterfall is surrounded by a park that houses beautiful statues and a large variety of flora which will make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated when you spend some time here.

• Entry Fee: Rs 50

15  Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Sikkim | Places to Visit in Gangtok

Located close to Gangtok, the exquisite and astounding Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is nestled in the calm and serene Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim and is one of the most marvellous places to visit in Gangtok. it houses 40 beautiful varieties colourful rhododendrons, he sight of which is sure take your breath away! The park also has other trees such as Aconites, Saxifrages, Potentillas, and others that bloom into green trees with colourful flowers in the spring season. The picturesque landscape drenched with colourful flowers in this park will make your Gangtok local sightseeing worth your while!

That’s all folks! Here’s our list of 15 of the top places to visit in Gangtok to make your vacation a memorable and cherishable one. Visit Gangtok between October and mid-December to enjoy the cold climate and snowfall or visit it during Spring to witness the nature in its full bloom. Do check in to high-quality hotels in Gangtok and explore the city as long as you like.

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2 Days in Gangtok: Mountains, Monasteries, and Sikkimese Food

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Equal parts boisterous and serene, Gangtok rises out of misty woods and faces the revered Kanchenjunga. Between tiers of candy-coloured houses, shabby multi-storeys, chic cafes, modern restaurants, and bustling markets, countless cars zip-zap up and down the steep slopes. For most travellers, Gangtok is the gateway to Sikkim; it is from Gangtok that visitors travel to the flower-filled valleys of North Sikkim, the protected lands and wilderness of the Lepcha, and the alpine lakes that dot the old Silk Route. Our 2 days in Gangtok itinerary is planned around the best things to do in Gangtok and will show you the best of this cheerful capital.

GANGTOK, SIKKIM / INDIA

Gangtok drips style. Puffer coats and fuzzy sweaters (no ugly sweaters here even for Christmas!), red lipstick and ripped jeans, Bhutanese-style kiras and fitted jackets, funky haircuts and cosy scarfs, sexy boots and stylish sneakers, and a sprinkling of bling rule the streets. To be as stylish as the locals, I’ll need to be born another time!

Though the urban sprawl of Gangtok has spread all the way down to the valley floor at Ranipool, Gangtok continues to be one of the greenest capitals in the country. Swathes of forests, some featuring orchids, rhododendrons, and ferns, crowd the mountainside. Located at an altitude of 1650 m on a ridge facing the revered Kanchenjunga, Gangtok has been the darling of tourists from surrounding states who come here to visit its many monasteries, the majestic Tsomgo Lake, to shop, and to stuff their face with momos. The food scene is gaining velocity with young entrepreneurs like Binita Chamling opening restaurants like Nimtho where you can get a taste of elusive local dishes. They are showcasing the state’s diverse produce and educating people to see that Sikkimese food is a lot more than momos and thukpa. Small businesses are also shipping traditional ingredients like dalle pickles and bottled preserves like rukh tamatar ko aachar to food enthusiasts across the country.

In our 2 days in Gangtok itinerary, we will explore some of the best things to do in Gangtok. Read on to find out!

2 Days in GangtoK Itinerary

How to reach gangtok, when to visit gangtok, how many days are enough for gangtok, where to stay in gangtok, monasteries, directorate of handicrafts and handloom, mg marg, tsomgo lake, baba mandir, nathu-la pass.

⭐ Booking your trip via the links on this page will earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support – Mohana & Aninda.

Gangtok Quick Guide

The nearest airport is Bagdogra and the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), from where you can hire a taxi for INR 3000-4500 depending on the size of the vehicle. The journey takes around 5 hours.

Shared taxis and buses to Gangtok are available from the  Sikkim National Transport (SNT) Bus Terminus  in Siliguri. For the bus schedule, check the  SNT  website.

You can also fly into Gangtok’s only airport, Pakyong Airport, but be warned that flights are often cancelled due to bad weather. Plus, it is cheaper to fly into Bagdogra and take a shared taxi to Gangtok.

For a unique experience, you can  ride a helicopter to Gangtok  from Bagdogra. The 30-35 min flight is priced at INR 3500 per ride.

If you are arriving from Darjeeling, you can opt for a shared taxi. Reserved cars charge around INR 4000-4500.

For pleasant weather, come in spring and summer which are the months of March to early May. The trees are lush and flowers, including native orchids, bloom around the hillside. In April-May, the annual flower show is held with great fanfare. Avoid the monsoon for the roads often are blocked by landslides. Besides, cloudy skies mean little to no views of the Kanchenjunga. Skies are clear in autumn and winter, from October to February, and though it can get really cold, the clear views are worth the heavy woollens.

2-3 days are enough to explore Gangtok and its surroundings. Spend 1 day exploring the city and its museums and restaurants. On the second day, go on a day trip to Nathu La and Tsomgo Lake. Reserve half a day for a tour of the surrounding monasteries such as Rumtek and Enchey Monasteries.

There are numerous options to stay in Gangtok . We usually stay at  Bookman’s BnB . Run by the amiable Raman Shrestha, Bookman’s Bnb is above a cafe and a bookstore in Gangtok’s Development Area. If you love books and are interested in knowing about writings by Sikkimese authors, Rachna Bookstore is the place to visit. It’s a 10-minute walk from the busy MG Marg and promises solitude. Rooms start from INR 1500. If you want to stay at a hostel,  Zostel Gangtok  is a good bet. With its beautiful views and charming rooftop, it’s a great place to stay and meet fellow travellers.  Tag Along Backpackers  is another option if you are looking for hostels.

Gangtok Itinerary Day 1

AM // Wake up early and head to Tashi Viewpoint to see the sunrise, then continue to Ban Jhankri Falls and onwards to Ranka Monastery (also known as the Lingdum Monastery), the seat of the Zurmang Kagyu tradition. Surrounded by dense forests, the Ranka Monastery is a sanctuary of solitude. Next stop: Rumtek Monastery , Sikkim’s largest monastery and the seat-in-exile of the Gyalwang Karmapa. It is a must on any Gangtok itinerary. Visit during the morning prayers; the chorus of chants and the rhythmic beats of the ceremonial drums create a divine atmosphere. There are some eateries outside the monastery where you can have breakfast.

Post breakfast, travel 24 km back to Gangtok. Stop at Enchey Monastery where, according to legends, Guru Padmasambhava had subdued the spirits of the Khangchendzonga, Yabdean, and Mahakala at the Enchey Monastery. A gentle stroll from Enchey Monastery will bring you to Ridge Road , a tree-lined stretch overlooking the city. Ridge Road is bookended by the White Memorial Hall and the Flower Exhibition Centre on one end and the Tsuklakhang , the royal chapel and monastery, at the other end. If flowers are your thing, visit in April when the flower exhibition is held; numerous varieties of endemic orchids are on show alongside other flowers found in the mountains of Sikkim.

FESTIVALS IN SIKKIM: Losoong , held in January, marks the end of the harvest season and is celebrated by the Lepcha and the Bhutia communities. Masked dances are held at Rumtek and Phodong monasteries. Two days before Losar , the Tibetan New Year, mask dances are held at the Rumtek monastery to celebrate the Gutor Chaam, which signifies the victory of good over evil and the ritualized destruction of evil.

Flag a taxi on the way downhill and head to Do-drul Chorten and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology which houses ancient manuscripts, thangkas, rare statues, and ritual objects. Among the manuscripts are the Prajna Paramita and Astasahastra written in Tibetan golden script, and an 11th-century palm-leaf manuscript of the Saratama Prajnaparamita by Ratnakara Shanti.

TIP : Enchey Monastery and Do-drul Chorten are located within Gangtok and you can hike to them.

Nearby is the Deorali station of the Gangtok ropeway . One of the top things to do in Gangtok is going on a ropeway ride. Hop into a gondola—return tickets are INR 117 as of 2020—and climb to the Tashiling station. Not only does the ropeway offer a magnificent view of the city of Gangtok with its patchwork of colourful houses clinging to the mountainside, but it also offers a view of the Kanchenjunga on clear days.

From the Tashiling station, walk to MG Marg , the buzzing heart of Gangtok, for lunch at Taste of Tibet where you can feast on momos , shyapleys , and bowls of piping hot gyathuk .

Also read : Gangtok has some of the best restaurants in Sikkim. See Best Places to Eat in Gangtok for a list.

PM // No trip to Gangtok is complete without a visit to the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom (10 am to 4 pm, Monday to Saturday) where you can see and learn about Sikkimese handicrafts like thangka paintings, Lepcha weaves, hand-painted masks, carpets, and handmade paper made from the local algeri tree.

One of the top things to do in Gangtok is spending some time on MG Marg . The pedestrian-only stretch is lined with Gangtok’s most popular restaurants and shops but if you intend to shop for woollens, take the connecting staircase to Lal Bazaar, a multi-storied complex where you can shop for woollens (cute hats and mittens and socks, anyone?), apparels, and shoes (oh! those boots!). Also, fresh produce! Women sit behind towering piles of fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh leafy greens, wild mushrooms, kinema wrapped in banana leaves, colourful spices and foraged berries. Buy a bag of dimpled oranges and some local apples to snack on!

For a quick snack, get a plate or two of momos from Shuffle momo . Their green bean chilli momo is unique and amazing!

Eating Sikkimese food is one of the top things to do in Gangtok. For dinner, settle down at Nimtho for a taste of authentic local food, including tongba . The Thakali and Sikkimese thalis are highly recommended. The Thakali thali has rice, kaali dal, jhaneko saag , tareko aloo , and three types of aachar. We also ordered the jhol momo , mushroom sandheko, piro aloo, buff sukuti, and ghyuma. Though the best Sikkimese food is only available at homestays like Darap’s Daragaon Village Retreat and Rinchenpong’s Mayal Paradise Homestay, the food at Nimtho is the closest you will find to home-cooked local food if you do not have the time to travel beyond Gangtok.

Also read : Enjoying our 2 days in Gangtok itinerary? Why not club a trip to Gangtok with a tour of Darjeeling? Check out our 3 Days in Darjeeling itinerary for a list of things to do.

Gangtok Itinerary Day 2

AM // On the second day of this 2-days in Gangtok itinerary, travel to one of India’s most scenic places. Start for Tsomgo Lake no later than 9 am. Located at an elevation of 3753 m, Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is a popular tourist draw. The blue-green waters set against a backdrop of snowy mountains are picturesque. On the shores of the lake, you can see yaks. You can pose for a photo with a yak for a few bucks. There’s also a ropeway—Asia’s highest—that’ll take you to the top of the surrounding mountain from where you can get magnificent views of the lake.

17 km ahead on the old Silk Route is the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple . According to the Incredible India website, “The legend of Baba goes back 35 years when Sepoy Harbhajan Singh of the 23rd Punjab Regiment went missing. A manhunt was launched and it took the army three days to find his body. It is believed that he himself led the soldiers to the site. The soldiers raised a Samadhi in his name and to this day people in the area believe that Baba’s spirit protects the soldier posted here. The Indian Army treated Baba as a soldier who never died and he was retired with full honours in December 2016.” It is believed that the spirit of Harbhajan Singh protects every soldier posted in these inhospitable altitudes.

En route to Baba Mandir is the Nathula Pass , a must-visit on this 2 days Gangtok trip. There is not much to see except the Indian army and the Chinese army facing each other in one of the most politically sensitive areas of the world. Be warned of the rarefied air; you have to walk up a long flight of stairs to reach the top of the pass. Reach out to the army, if in distress.

DO I NEED A PERMIT TO VISIT SIKKIM? Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit to visit Sikkim. Nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, and Nigeria require prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to apply for a permit. Foreigners are not allowed beyond Tsomgo Lake .

DO I NEED A PERMIT TO VISIT NATHU LA AND TSOMGO LAKE? Both Indian and foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit to visit Tsomgo Lake. Book a taxi or reserve seats in a shared vehicle at least a day earlier and provide your driver or hotel with two passport-sized photos, a copy of a government ID (preferably your passport or voter ID because not all places in Sikkim accept the Aadhar card), and a copy of the completed travel card the day before so that they can apply for a permit on your behalf. Permits are released starting at 7 am the same day depending on weather conditions.

You can lunch at one of the small villages on the way or return to MG Marg where you can settle down at The Dragon Wok for Chinese specialities, like sliced pork with black mushroom or mala chicken, or a bowl of ramen. They also serve sushi and bento boxes.

Also read : Wondering where to travel from Gangtok? Come to West Sikkim where solitude will welcome you with open arms. See our Complete West Sikkim Travel Guide to plan an amazing trip.

PM // Walk to Rachna Bookstore , where you can spend hours exploring Raman Shrestha’s thoughtfully curated collection of regional literature and books from the northeast. We support local bookstores, whenever we can, and we have spent hours reading and relaxing here! If there are too many books you want to buy but don’t have luggage space, Raman will ship them to your address. They also have a café where you can grab a sandwich or a cup of coffee. They also accept orders for cakes and Japanese cheesecakes.

Of course, this 2 days in Gangtok itinerary ends with some more delicious food! Settle down at Hamro Bhansa Ghar for a traditional Nepali thali with rice, dal, sabji, your protein of choice, and pickles. They also do a tongue-tickling aloo sandeko that you must absolutely not miss!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachna Books® (@rachnabooks)

In Gangtok, the ancient and the modern flow seamlessly into each other. Spend 2 days in Gangtok experiencing the whiff of cold Himalayan air, a taste of Sikkimese food, and a lesson in the history of Sikkim and Sikkimese culture.

More Sikkim Travel Guides

Yuksom, Sikkim, Travel Guide

Mayal Paradise Homestay, Rinchenpong, Sikkim

The Complete West Sikkim Travel Guide

Uttarey, Sikkim, Travel Guide

Rinchenpong, Sikkim, Travel Guide

How did you like our 2 days in Gangtok itinerary? What are your favourite things to do in Gangtok?

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Mohana & Aninda

Mohana and Aninda are travellers and advocates for car-free travel. Two-together is their travel blog where they document their travels to encourage and inspire readers to seek solace in new places, savour local cuisines, and relish both unique and everyday experiences. When they are not travelling, they are actively researching trip ideas and itineraries, obsessing over public transport timetables, reviewing travel budgets, and developing content for their blog. They are currently based in Edinburgh and exploring Scotland and beyond by public transport.

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8 responses to “2 days in gangtok: mountains, monasteries, and sikkimese food”.

That is a true hidden gem 🙂 I’ve never heard about it but it looks great pleace to enjoy mountains without the crowds.

This part of India is so unique. I’ve been to Darjeeling which is kind of near, but I would absolutely love to visit Gangtok.

Exactly now I am in Pelling to enjoy the freeezzziiiinngggg winter!! Got a good guidance for the Gangtok tour.

Your blog is very informative, meaningful, and to the point. Being a travel blogger I find you have a very good writing sense due to which you explain details about many destinations perfectly, Your blog is like books of Lonely planet for various travel destinations. If someone required destination information your blog is enough instead of searching anywhere. Keep it up with your meaningful blog writing.

Thank you so much for your kind words!

Thanks for the blog! It’s damn informative and tbh pretty epic. Legit on our way to get some momos at the 🐉 wok! Cheers

Glad you found it helpful! Hope you had some delicious momos 🙂

Your pictures are stunning! Thank you for sharing your lovely experience of Gangtok. It is great place to enjoy snowcapped mountains, picturesque beauty and yak rides.

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• 30 Places to Visit in Gangtok

Gangtok Tourist Places

Here are the best places to visit in gangtok:, quick navigation.

Tsomgo Lake

One of the most important and magnificent places to visit in Gangtok, the Tsomgo Changu Lake is a glacial lake situated 40 kilometres from Gangtok at a height of 12,310 feet. A fairytale lake of breathtaking beauty, Tsomgo Changu should definitely be on your travel itinerary for Gangtok. The icy blue waters of the lake reflecting the grandiose peaks of the Himalayas make for a spectacular sight. The prayer wheels and the small Shiva temple on its shores are a testimony to the sacred nature of the lake in the eyes of the locals.

Spend an entire day at this lake since it is a once in a lifetime experience. Picnicking on its shores will prove to be a memorable delight and it can be augmented with the help of the tea and snack sellers who sell mouth-watering treats near the lake. If you wish to enjoy additional attractions near the lake, a visit to the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary can be planned alongside.

Location: Tsomgo Lake, near Gangtok, Sikkim, India

How to Reach: Transport can be rented in Gangtok.

Timing: Open 24 hours Also Checkout and Book:   Sikkim Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Package From Mumbai

Nathu La Pass

One of the most significant places to visit in Gangtok, the Nathu La Pass is a pass which connects Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. In the ancient days, this pass formed a part of the Silk Route, one of the most important trading routes in the world. Visiting Nathu La Pass is a must-do when in Gangtok because the views and experiences that you can have here are unlike any other. The beautiful pass can simply be enjoyed by driving or hiking around it leisurely. The height of the pass ensures magnificent mountain views, especially on clear days. 

Besides enjoying the pass itself, you can also visit the border trade market at Sherathang and indulge in a unique shopping experience. You can buy raw silk, butter, china clay, goat and sheep skins, horses and a lot more from this market.  A trip to the second highest golf course in the world at Kulup should also form an art of your plans for Nathu La. The Gnathang Monastery and Gnathang War Memorial are two other attractions nearby.

Location: Nathu La, Sikkim – China-Tibet Autonomous Region

How to reach: Cabs and jeeps can be hired from Gangtok

Timing: Open 24 hours Also Checkout and Book:   8 Days Romantic Tour of Gangtok North Sikkim and Darjeeling

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

A place where Tibetan Buddhism is studied and preserved in depth, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a popular attraction in Gangtok. Since the region is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, understanding it is a great way to understand the motivations of the local population Namgyal Institute of Tibetology allows visitors to do just this.

Beautiful Tibetan architecture defines the building and its museum houses several statues, coins, scrolls with hand paintings & embroidery work (thangkas), Tibetan artworks and artefacts, as well as ancient manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese and Lepcha.

The library of the Institute houses over 60,000 books among which are the original teachings of Lord Buddha. A large image of Manjushri, who was the bodhisattva of knowledge and wisdom, is also contained within the halls of this institute.

Location: Deorali, Gangtok, Sikkim

How to reach: Public transport is available and private cars can be rented in Gangtok too.

Timing: 10 am to 4 pm Explore the beautiful North East by booking   Gangtok Darjeeling Private Tour Package

Best of Manali

Tashi Viewpoint

The Tashi Viewpoint is one of the popular places to visit in Gangtok. Famed for its sunrises and sunsets as well as its startling views of the entire grand Himalayan mountain range, Tashi Viewpoint is a place that will leave you with some great pictures and countless memories.

Viewing both the sunrise and the sunset here is a great idea since it allows you to the experience the depth of Sikkim’s natural beauty in all its aspects. Try to plan your visit so that it falls on a clear day as clouds can really dampen the pleasure of the viewpoint. Combining the visit to the viewpoint with visits to the Ganesh Tok and the Bakthang falls is a good idea.

Location: Tashi View Point, Gangtok, Sikkim, India

Timing: 4 pm- 6 pm Feel the excitement by booking  Paragliding In Gangtok, Sikkim

Seven Sister Water Falls

One of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring spectacles of Gangtok, the Seven Sisters waterfalls should definitely be visited when you are in Gangtok. The Seven Sisters waterfalls reflect the unique creativity of nature- seven separate waterfalls, originating from different sources and flowing side by side, marge into one powerful waterfall mid-way through. The combined force of these seven streams results in a thunderous waterfall which captures the imagination of all viewers with its might. Don't forget to book a romantic tour package of Gangtok covering Seven Sister Waterfalls.

A ropeway near the waterfall is a good place to enjoy the falls from up close. Since the waterfalls burst into full power only during and after the rains, tourist sheds have been built at convenient locations around the waterfalls. This allows people to enjoy the sight of the falls without getting drenched in the rains. A cafeteria also operates nearby.

Location: National Highway, North Sikkim, Gangtok, India

How to Reach: cabs can be hired in Gangtok

Timings: Open 24 hours Also Book -  Kaziranga Tour Package

Kanchenjunga Mountain

The sight of the third highest mountain in the world is one of the best attractions in Gangtok. Kanchenjunga towers high above the other peaks of Sikkim and can be glimpsed from most places around Gangtok. But if you want to go beyond gazing and actually enjoy the mountain up close, you can engage in treks to the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga or simply visit the Kanchenjunga National Park.

If you want to enjoy trekking to Kanchenjunga, the Green Lake trek, as well as the Kanchenjunga Base camp trek, are a great option to explore since it takes you right up to Zemu Glacier, the location of the base camp in Sikkim.

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim, India

How to reach: You can trek for 10 to 12 days and reach the base camp or take a safari through the Kanchenjunga National park.

Timings: Vary by activity.

Best of Ladakh

Phodong Monastery

One of the best solitude rich places to visit in Gangtok, this monastery was built in the early 18th century on the remains of an older monastery and plays an important part in the cultural landscape of the place. The monastery is among the most revered monasteries in Sikkim and offers visitors a chance to enjoy the spiritual depth of Sikkim at its best. Spending some hours enjoying the ancient murals on the walls as well as the ancient sculptures and artefacts preserved in the halls is a good way to enjoy the monastery. 

For those looking to gain some peace, the meditation halls of the monastery are perfect. Situated as it is in the midst of grand natural beauty, a visit to this monastery is a meditation in itself. The annual Cham dance festival is celebrated here in February. The views from the monastery are also wonderful.  

Location: Approx. 28 kilometres from Gangtok, Sikkim, India

Timing: 10 am to 6 pm Do Checkout -  Darjeeling Package From Kolkata                           Darjeeling Tour Package For Family

Do Drul Chorten Stupa

A landmark sight in Gangtok, the Do Drul Chorten Stupa is a good place to visit in the city. Built-in 1945-46 by Trulshik Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, this stupa holds significance in the city because of its said ability to drive away evil spirits. It features the traditional 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer wheels of Buddhism which are supposed to have wish-granting properties.

The golden top of the stupa enshrines the figure of Dorjee Phurpa or Vajra Kilaya. If you are interested in understanding the cultural pulse of Gangtok, a visit to this chorten, which is among the most important chortens in Sikkim, is a must. The climb to the top is slightly exhausting because of its steep nature, but the views from the top are rewarding.

Location: Near Gangtok Centre, Gangtok, Sikkim, India

How to reach: Public transport is easily available in Gangtok.

Timings: 9 am to 6 pm Also Checkout -  Darjeeling Tour Packages From Bangalore                               Darjeeling Tour Packages From Surat

Ganesh Tok is one of the famous tourist places in Gangtok, renowned primarily for the intensity of the views visible from its complex. Located close to the Tashi View Point and the Bakthang falls, a visit to Ganesh Tok is a must on the local sightseeing circuit in Gangtok. The temple in the complex is dedicated to Lord Ganesh.

Situated in the midst of nature, this temple is a delight to visit and offer prayers in. A circular balcony and lounge near the temple are perfect places to look at the view. The grand range of mountains including Kanchenjunga is visible from this point as is the spectacle of the Gangtok valley rolling down below. Sunsets from this spot are enchanting too.

Location: East District, Gangtok, Sikkim, India

How to reach: Public transport is easily available from the main Gangtok city

Timings: 7 am to 6 pm Also Book & Checkout -  Darjeeling Packages From Delhi Book Now: 4 Night 5 Days Sikkim Package

Best of Nainital

Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple

A temple dedicated to the memory of Harbhajan Singh, a soldier martyred during the Sino war. Harbhajan Singh died defending his country and fellow soldiers on the Nathu La pass. His legend is also believed to have supernatural powers and his ghost is believed to guard soldiers along the border. This belief has led to the Indian army treating him as a soldier who never died.  Harbhajan Singh continued to receive his rank duly till he “retired” some years ago. This legend is the reason this temple is so popular with tourists in Gangtok. A visit to this temple is an enjoyable experience and can be combined with a visit to Nathu La pass. You must book a tour of Gangtok which includes Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple. Location: Between Nathu la And Jelep la Pass, Gangtok, India How to reach: Public transport can be availed of Timings: 8 am to 5 pm Recommended Read :  Best Sikkim tour packages

Rumtek Monastery

One of the most important and culturally significant monasteries in Gangtok, the Rumtek monastery is among the must-visit places in Gangtok. The monastery follows the school of Tibetan Buddhism and is especially renowned globally for its Kagyu teachings. The architecture of the place is also a major attraction. It is built in the classical Tibetan gompa style and is three storeys high. All its floors feature interesting sights that are capable of imparting the deep knowledge of Buddhism to their viewers along with the history of the sect. 

The halls of the monastery feature large hand painted and intricate wall murals, thankas, silk paintings and statues, all of them startling in their depth and beauty. The top floor of the monastery features a stupa and a terrace. The location of the monastery is such as to allow for a magnificent view of the Gangtok valley on the opposite side and is also a major attraction of the monastery.   

Location: Tsurphu Labrang Pal Karmae Sangha Dhuche, Dharma Chakra Centre, Sikkim, India

How to Reach: Transport is easily available from Gangtok.

Timing: 8 am to 6 pm Must Book & Checkout -  Darjeeling Tour Packages From Chennai                                             Darjeeling Tour Packages From Ahmedabad

Magnan is a small town situated approximately 65 kilometres away from Gangtok and is famed for its breathtaking natural beauty. Though small, the town offers a dazzling variety of engaging activities to its visitors, which ensures that no day spent here seems wasted. From simply gazing at the stalwart mountain peaks to enjoying a range of adventure activities to immersing yourselves in spiritual serenity, there is a lot to do here. 

Among adventure activities, enthusiasts can enjoy paragliding, rock-climbing, mountain-biking and forest camping while a spiritual retreat can be enjoyed in Labrang Gompa, one of the most revered monasteries in Sikkim, as well as in Phadong Monastery and Tholung Monastery. Namprikdang, located at the confluence of the Kanaka and Teesta rivers, is another magnificent place to visit near Magnan.

Location: Magnan, North Sikkim, India

How to reach: Buses and private rental cars can be taken from Gangtok. Book & Checkout -  Darjeeling Tour Packages For Couple                                   Darjeeling Packages From Mumbai

Best of Darjeeling

Ban Jhakri Falls

If you wish to enjoy some delightful sightseeing and memorable picnicking in Gangtok, the Ban Jhakri falls are a great place to do so. Located inside the landscaped Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park, the 100-foot Ban Jhakri Waterfall is a beautiful spot. Nature reigns supreme here, and a still silence hangs all around, only punctuated by the powerful gushing of the water falling with force on the rocks.

The Ban Jhakri Falls occupy a potent place in local mythology since they are said to have a power which can repel evil spirits. When you are in the park, make sure to visit the man-made lake there which features an imposing dragon statue in the centre. The natural energy production sites of the park are also worth a visit.

Location: Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park, Gangtok, Sikkim, India

How to Reach: Cabs can be hired from Gangtok.

Timing: 10 am to 5 pm Book Now -  Sikkim Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Package From Mumbai                       Darjeeling Packages

Tashiding Monastery

An important tourist attraction In Gangtok, the Tashiding Monastery is a must visit when in Gangtok. It ranks amongst the most important monasteries of Gangtok besides being one of the oldest. The monastery runs under the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is rich in legends. This makes it a crucial part of the cultural landscape of Sikkim. Its location is also particularly pretty; it is located at the confluence of the Rathong Chu and the Rangeet Rivers which adds to its meditative beauty.

Spending several hours here simply gazing at the murals and paintings on the walls, the artefacts preserved in its halls, and just meditating in its serenity is a great way to enjoy a day in Gangtok. The Bhumchu festival, an important local festival, is also celebrated in this monastery, so you can plan your visit to the place such that it coincides with the festival.

Location: Yuksom, West Sikkim, India

How to Reach: Public transport and cabs are available from Yuksum and Gangtok

Timing: 9 am to 6 pm You Must Book -  Darjeeling And Gangtok Tour Packages From Kolkata                               Gangtok Tour Packages For Couple

Mahatma Gandhi Marg

The most popular tourist market in Gangtok, MG Marg cannot be missed when in the city. It is a wonderful place which incorporates the best of Gangtok and its tourist culture and presents it to its visitors in colourful displays. Free of litter and smoke, this pedestrian-only zone is a good way to spend your evenings in Gangtok. Many restaurants and bars line its streets and a carnivalesque atmosphere prevails all year long. 

Strolling leisurely along the road, stopping at quaint shops selling local goods and trinkets, enjoying warm beverages as the chilly winds blow all around, and dining in the cosy comfort of a Tibetan restaurant are some of the best things to do in MG Marg. If you are visiting in December, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the annual Gangtok Food Festival held in this place.

Location: MG Marg, Gangtok, Sikkim, India

How to reach: You will have to walk up to the main MG Marg from the parking lot

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Best of Sikkim

Himalayan Zoological Park

Located close to Gangtok, the Himalayan Zoological Park is one of the great tourist attractions in Gangtok. Though natural beauty can be enjoyed everywhere in Gangtok, the concentrated natural variety that is to be found in this zoological park gives you a different insight into nature’s bounty in Sikkim. There is a lot that can be enjoyed inside this park including a dazzling variety of flora and fauna. Red Pandas, Himalayan Black Bears, Snow Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Barking Deer find a home here as do birds like Lady Amherst Pheasant, Kalij, Satyr Tragopan among others. 

Trekking through the park is the best way to enjoy the minute details of the park but doing so will not allow you to enjoy all the areas of the 260-acre park. If you wish to enjoy the entire length and breadth of the ark, booking a jeep safari is a good idea. The park is well maintained and provides a truly enjoyable experience to its visitors. Gangtok never fails to amaze the tourist with its natural beauties and zoological park is a treasure of beautiful flora and faunas, so book your  Gangtok tour with Himalayan Zoological Park  now.

Location: Bulbulay, East Sikkim, Gangtok, Sikkim, India

Timing: 9 am to 4 pm Book Now -  Tawang Packages

Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary

A beautiful place where natural beauty bursts into its best possible bloom, the Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary should be on the top of your travel itinerary in Gangtok. A sanctuary is a delightful place which not only houses a bewildering variety of animals and birds including Red Pandas, Himalayan Beer and Civet Cat Binturongs, but also a gorgeous range of flora including bamboo and rhododendrons forests. Delightful wild orchids flourish beguilingly all around. 

Spending several hours roaming around leisurely in this sanctuary will allow you to enjoy nature’s gifts comprehensively. Gorgeous views can be had from this sanctuary, especially if you head over to Tinjure, the highest point in the place, located at a height of nearly 7000 feet. Permits are required to visit the sanctuary and can be obtained from Gangtok. This is one of the best tourist places in Gangtok and should not be missed.

Location: Approx. 30 kilometres from Gangtok, Sikkim, India

How to reach: You can take a private car or cab to the Sanctuary.

Timings: 7 am to 6 pm Must Book -  Arunachal Pradesh Tour Package From Guwahati                        Arunachal Pradesh Tour Package From Kolkata

Khecheopalri Lake

Khecheopalri Lake, also known as Kha-Chot-Palri, is a natural lake near Gangtok and is one of the places you definitely should visit in Gangtok. A destination reverberating with legends, the lake is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists for its mythical associations. The shores of the lake are associated with powerful figures like Guru Padmasambhava, Lord Shiva and Goddess Tara apart from other important mythical figures.

The Khechoedpaldri hill near the lake is also considered to be a sacred spot by the locals. Trekkers on the Yuksom-Dzongri-Goechha La trekking corridor will get a chance to visit this lake on the route. Going to the lake with a local guide will allow you to understand the history of the place better. If you visit it in October, you will also be able to enjoy the ritual Chho-Tsho festival that is celebrated on the lake. Book your  tour to Gangtok inclusive of Khecheopalri Lake, and witness the mesmerizing beauty of the lake.

Location: Khecheopalri Lake, Pelling, West Sikkim, India

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Best of Shillong

Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre

Located in the Upper Tathangchen area of Gangtok, this monastery is one of the most culturally important places to visit in Gangtok. Being the only monastery in Sikkim which belongs to the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism and is, therefore, a unique monastery to visit.

There is a lot to be enjoyed inside the monastery including ancient paintings and thangkas. In addition, a large and imposing statue of Buddha beautifies its grounds s does a stupa decorated with fluttering flags. A wonderful stillness hangs over the monastery, making it a great place for meditative thoughts.

Location: Upper Tathangchen, Gangtok, Sikkim, India

How to reach: Public transport can be availed of

Timings: 8 am to 6 pm Must Checkout -  Meghalaya Tour Packages From Chennai                               Meghalaya Trip From Delhi

Flower Exhibition Centre

There is nothing quite so delightful as the sight of flowers bursting into bloom in the mountains. The chilly air and the silent ambience adds to the beauty of the sight and makes for a very memorable experience. The Flower Exhibition Centre on the Ridge above Gangtok is one such place. The exhibition centre features a dazzling variety of flowers, arranged in an open area and a closed enclosure.

A nominal fee is required in order to enter the enclosure but the money paid is absolutely worth the while. The exhibition centre comes into prominence especially during the months from March to June, when orchids bloom wildly and are put on display inside the centre. Other flowers on display include Blue Venda Orchids, Celosia, Chrysanthemum, and Paps.

Location: White Hall Complex, Gangtok, India

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm Must Checkout & Book -  Meghalaya Tour Packages From Kolkata                                             Meghalaya Packages From Bangalore

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Gangtok Top Attractions

Nestled atop a hill in the enchanting state of Sikkim, Tashiding Monastery stands as a revered bastion of Buddhism. This sacred site, believed to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, exudes tranquility and spirituality. The monastery, adorned with intricate murals and ancient scriptures, is a repository of religious and cultural significance. Pilgrims embark on a journey to Tashiding to seek blessings and participate in the vibrant festivals that celebrate the rich Buddhist heritage.The panoramic views from Tashiding Monastery are awe-inspiring, offering a breathtaking spectacle of the surrounding Himalayan landscape. Pilgrims often ascend to witness the ethereal sunrise, a moment of profound spiritual significance. The monastery serves not only as a religious retreat but also as a cultural beacon, preserving the traditions and teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Tashiding Monastery is a testament to the harmonious blend of spirituality, history, and natural beauty in the heart of the Himalayas.

Wrapped in the beautiful drapes of North Sikkim, Kabi Langunch is a village that seems forgotten by time. It brims with timeless beauty and is an offbeat destination that not many might have heard about. If you truly wish to unplug and unwind, Kabi is ideal for you.The place has a rich, significant history attached to it, as it is believed to be the place where the “Blood Brotherhood Treaty” was signed by the Bhutia King and Lepcha Chief in the 1200s. The place where this phenomenal event had happened spans 3 km towards the Bakcha river, chaperoned by the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga. The forests of Kabi are of exquisite beauty, celebrated for the spices of wildlife and flowers that inhabit them. Take short nature walks into these forests if you seek thrill and adventure.Location: North Sikkim Highway, near Phodong, Gangtok, SikkimDistance from Lachung Bus Stand: Approx. 100 km

Hanuman Tok provides a spiritual retreat and tourists are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan range. Admire the temple’s beautiful architecture, decorated with bright prayer flags. It holds a statue of Lord Hanuman, the monkey deity celebrated in Hindu mythology for his power and devotion.It is believed that Lord Hanuman stopped here on his way back to Lanka from the Himalayas bearing the Sanjeevani herbs to cure Lord Lakshman. This is the reason why the temple is also popularly known as the wish-fulfilment temple.Climb a short flight of stairs to reach the peaceful and sacred Hanuman Tok. Admire the mesmerising vistas of the Kanchenjunga mountain range at sunrise and sunset.

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Gangtok is a picturesque town in Sikkim's eastern area with lots of attractive places to visit. At an altitude of 1600 meters, Sikkim's capital town has pleasant weather throughout the year, making it one of the most well-known hill stations in North East India. Many visitors have been fascinated by the panoramic view of Mt Kanchenjunga soaring over the slopes surrounding Gangtok. Gangtok's bustling streets, brimming with a dynamic spirit and brilliant hues, add to the city's peculiar charm. If you are considering a trip to the North-Eastern section of India, the fascinating places in Gangtok make this capital town a must-see in Sikkim.

Are you planning a trip to Gangtok? Allow North Bengal Guide to assist you in planning a custom tour package that is not only affordable but also includes most of the places in the Gangtok area, depending on the package duration you select.

Places to Visit in Gangtok (At a Glance)

Rumtek monastery.

• Mahatma Gandhi Road (M.G Marg)

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Fambong la wildlife sanctuary, tsomgo lake, nathula pass, enchey monastery, hanuman tok, places to visit in gangtok (in detail).

Gangtok has a plethora of best places to visit. Thousands of tourists visit this capital town each year to discover its gorgeous town, which has a rich tradition, a stunning view of Kanchenjunga, pleasant weather, and more. The following are some of the best places to visit in Gangtok.

Rumtek is one of the most magnificent monasteries in the world. It is around 24 kilometers away from the main city of Gangtok. The enormous architecture and vivid paintings on the walls of the palace, which was founded in 1966 by the 16th Karmapa, are simply amazing to watch. This Buddhist holy site, also known as Dharmachakra Centre, is one of the best in the world and is open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.

Ganesh Tok is one of the city's most beautiful attractions, as well as one of the most preferred places to visit in Gangtok. The magnificent architecture, dedicated to Lord Ganesh, is highly intriguing. Tourists will have an enticing view of the Himalayan range in addition to the architecture. It will be a fantastic experience to spend time here while admiring the beauty of Tibetan architecture and the natural scenery. Ganesh Tok, at a height of 6500 feet above sea level, is a must-see destination for every kind of tourist.

Mahatma Gandhi Road

Travelers wishing to visit Gangtok and discover its tourism can pay a visit to M.G Marg. M.G Marg, one of the city's busiest streets, allows visitors to observe local life, sample Tibetan cuisine, and shop. Visitors may enjoy the city's nightlife while taking a leisurely stroll, exploring the nearby stores, and sampling delectable Tibetan cuisine. In short, M.G Marg is one of the best places to visit with your friends and family.

The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is one of Gangtok's most prominent tourist attractions. It's a mansion built in the style of traditional Tibetan architecture that provides insight into Buddhist culture. Cloth paintings, documents, ritual paraphernalia, and human bone trumpets are among the items on display. There is also a souvenir shop where you may purchase jewelry, keepsakes, and other items.

Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary, which covers 51 square kilometers and is located 30 kilometers west of Sikkim, is another best place to visit in Gangtok. A wide range of will animals and avian fauna can be found in this nature sanctuary. Birds such as the hill partridge, rusty-fronted brewing, satyr tragopan, bar-throated minla, red-tailed minla, black-eared shrike babbler, fire-tailed myzornis, scaly laughing thrush, streak-breasted scimitar babbler, Yellow-browed tit, red-headed bullfinch, crimson-browed finch, Barking deer, Himalayan brown bear, red panda, takin, yellow-throated martin, and other mammals of note can be found here.

Tsomogo Lake is roughly 40 kilometers from Gangtok and is one of Sikkim's most beautiful lakes. The glacial lake is surrounded by hills and is at a height of 12,310 feet. The deep blue water of Changu Lake, with the Himalayan range in the background, provides a truly relaxing image. There is a Shiva Temple on its beach that attracts both Bholenath believers and tourists. The lake is also thought to be sacred since the surface of the lake changes color with the seasons. Local dishes can also be sampled at the nearby food stalls.

Nathula Pass is another must-see place to visit near Gangtok. It is one of the highest motorable crossings in the world, and it connects Sikkim to China's Tibet autonomous area through the Silk Route. Natula Pass is unquestionably an ideal tourist destination for those seeking solitude in nature and a view of the intimidating highlands. Visitors may definitely enjoy the quiet atmosphere of nature, fresh breeze, and breathtaking view of the snow-covered mountains as well as the lovely Chumbi valley of Tibet by spending a few hours here. In short, due to its fascinating beauty, Nathula Pass should be included in your holiday itinerary list.

Enchey, one of the oldest monasteries in the area, is another best place to visit in Gangtok. The monastery was founded in 1909 and is popular with tourists during the Cham (mask dance) festival in January. Enchey Monastery is a solitary monastery, which means that no other temples, monasteries, or structures are permitted to be erected or permitted near it. Due to its stunning architecture, serene view of the hills, and more, every minute spent here will undoubtedly be quite delightful.

Hanuman Tok, a notable Hindu holy place devoted to Lord Hanuman, is located within 2 kilometres from the Gangtok city. The temple, which is located at an elevation of 7,200 feet, gives a promising view of Kanchenjunga, the world's third tallest peak. A massive statue of Lord Hanuman stands in the centre of the temple, providing a relaxing view to visitors. Tourists can also arrive at the temple before 5 a.m. to get a stunning view of the sunrise looming over the mountain peaks, thanks to its high height. The onlookers are utterly awestruck by the surrounding scenery of the mountains and lush foliage.

Things to Do in Gangtok (At a Glance)

Enjoy gangtok cable car ride, thrilling river rafting at teesta, trek to goeche la pass, paragliding in gangtok, yak ride at tsomgo lake, mountain biking in gangtok, things to do in gangtok (in detail).

Tourists can indulge themselves in many outdoor activities while holidaying in Gangtok. The following are the most popular activities to do.

A cable car trip is one of the most popular and enjoyable activities in Gangtok. This two-link ropeway provides an excellent vantage point from which to view the city. It provides a spectacular perspective of the valleys below. During the peak season, these cars are always fully booked, and there is always a large line waiting to ride them. Make sure you schedule this ride ahead of time. The entire ride is one kilometre long and includes three stations. Deorali, Namnang, and Tashiling are the three stations where you can get down.

The Teesta River is one of the major rivers in Sikkim, not just in Gangtok. The river has a lengthy stretch, and some sections provide the best rafting opportunities. Teesta is ideal for both experienced and novice rafters because to the variety of swirls and twists generated by the ever-changing terrains. River rafting is ideal because of the large volume of water flowing through the twists and turns. Professional coordinators will help you through the entire process to ensure your safety. You will also be provided with the essential rafting equipment. Aside from river rafting, you may also spend some time relaxing by boating.

This is one of the Himalayan poluar treks where you may genuinely romance the high mountains, valleys, and beautiful weather conditions! The habitat, as well as the culture of the people who live here, is in stark contrast to the rest of the country. As you stroll through the woodlands full of Rhododendron trees that radiate exquisite pristine-ness, you are always enchanted. There is a growing feeling of delight when you are here, whether you are trekking across the wide Dzongri and Thansing meadows or admiring the gorgeous scenery of the Samiti Lake. The Kanchejunga and Pandim ranges surround you the entire way.

Paragliding is certainly one of the most popular and fun activities in Gangtok. Tourists travel from all over the world to take part in this pastime in Gangtok. You may appreciate and admire the 'scenecity' of breathtaking Himalayas, streams, and deep forests while paragliding. You can pick between a medium flight, which takes you up to 1400 metres, and a high flight, which takes you up to 2000 metres. This will be guided by a paragliding specialist to guarantee that the ride is completed safely and without incident.

Yak safari is one of the best things to do in Gangtok. Tsomgo Lake is 40 kilometres from Gangtok. Yak safari is unquestionably a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you should not miss. These gentle and fragile creatures are covered in lengthy hair to protect them from the cold climates in which they live. Brilliant mats and strips are affixed to the horns of the Yaks in this area. When you're riding a Yak, you'll be accompanied by a tutor who will keep the creature under control.

Mountain biking on a rocky terrain with a panoramic view in the background is a fantastic experience for sure as the town has some of the most beautiful bike tracks in the earth. Witness the beauty of the scene, perfection of the verdure, rich green slopes, and interesting settlements while biking through this city. Experience and absorb the splendour of Gangtok by taking a journey and snapping photos and waving to locals whose inspiring grins make your vacation worthwhile! Take note of the aroma as you pass through cardamom farms. From the peaks of the mountains, you may get breathtaking views of the city. Rejuvenate yourself by swimming in the crystal-clear mountain streams.

Best Time to Visit in Gangtok

Gangtok is truly worth visiting at any time of the year. However, if we talk about the ideal time, it will be September to mid-December and then again March to May. The climate is nice during the autumn and spring-summer months, making them perfect for sightseeing. The days are bright and sunny from late September to mid-December, with uninterrupted vistas of the Himalayas. The blooming of Rhododendron flowers between March and May is a sight to behold. It is advisable to avoid visiting Gangtok and the state of Sikkim during the monsoon season, which runs from July to early September, because severe rains trigger landslides, which can be quite inconvenient.

F.A.Q about Gangtok Tour

Sightseeing places in sikkim.

Perched on the rugged terrain of the lower Himalayas in East Sikkim at an altitude of 10100ft, Zuluk or Dzuluk

Nathang Valley

At an altitude of 13500ft Nathang Valley or Gnathang Valley is popularly known as the 'Ladakh of East India'

Rinchenpong

Situated in the West Sikkim about 40km from Gangtok is Rinchenpong a cool and calm hamlet popularly

Nestled on the lap of Himalayan foothills in the West Sikkim is a picturesque village called Kaluk

Located in North Sikkim at an altitude of 13500ft nearly 144 kilometers away from lively and warm town Gangtok is a small valley

Far away from the maddening city crowd amidst the pristine nature of the south Sikkim, Borong at an altitude of 5800ft has

Teesta Bazar

Teesta Bazar is a small town located 4km downstream from the industrial town Melli on the right bank of River Teesta

Over the past decade there has been several trade routes, which played a major role for the rise of international trades round

Sited at a distance of 56kms from Gangtok in Eastern Sikkim, Nathula is a mountain pass on the Indo-Chinese

Perched on a hilltop above the Dalapchand village under the Rongli Sub-Division of Eastern Sikkim sited adjacent to one of

Located on the edge of Himalayas in the East Sikkim at an altitude of 1498mt is a quaint village called Aritar

At an elevation of 1,650 meters, Gangtok is Sikkim's largest and the most popular town with full of tourist attractions.

Namchi is a pictorial landscape in South Sikkim situated at an elevation of 1,315 metres.

Lachen is one of the vibrant yet less explored places in Sikkim at an elevation of 2750 meters.

Approximately 115 km distance away from Gangtok, Pelling is a perfect hideout for tourists.

At an elevation of 7000 feet above sea level, Ravangla is a perfect hill station for travelers.

Lachung is a small hamlet in Sikkim surrounded by and is blessed with breathtaking tourist attractions.

Yumthang Valley

Yumthang in Sikkim offers ethereal beauty and spectacular Himalayan views which makes it a must-see destination.

Gurudongmar Lake

At an elevation of 17000 feet, Gurudongmar Lake is a serene lake in northern Sikkim.

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20 Tourist Places to Visit in Gangtok: ✔Distance, Travel Tips

Budget Hotels > Travel Blog > Destinations > Gangtok > 20 Tourist Places to Visit in Gangtok: ✔Distance, Travel Tips

Gangtok gained prominence as a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the early 1980s. Today, it is one of the most visited cities in Northeast India owing to its breathtaking natural beauty and religious significance. If you are planning a holiday in Gangtok , you must have at least 10 days to explore the top places in and around the city. The growing popularity of the destination has also given rise to a number of hotels in Gangtok . You can choose from a variety of options, depending on your budget and itinerary. Remember that most of the restaurants in Gangtok are on MG Road. If you stay anywhere else, you’ll be dependent on the hotel’s restaurant. So choose wisely!

Places to visit in Gangtok(List):

1. tsomgo lake, gangtok.

#1 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Gangtok

If you have enough time to visit just one place in Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake it is! Located at 12,400 ft. above sea level, this high altitude lake sits amidst mountains and derives its water from their melting snow. The unparalleled beauty of the site is absolutely mesmerizing. A striking feature of the lake is that it changes color with every season. It remains frozen during winters, but the snow around is replaced by blooming flowers in summers. Legends reveal that Buddhist monks used to study the lake’s color to forecast the future in olden times.

• Distance from Gangtok : 40 km
• Trivia : The Tsomgo or Changu Lake is considered sacred by the Sikkimese.
• Travel Tip : A valid permit is required by both Indians and foreign tourists to visit the lake.

Read Also  –  Places to Visit in January

2. Nathula Pass, Gangtok

#2 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Gangtok

A part of the ancient Silk Route between India and Tibet, Nathula Pass is bestowed with natural beauty and stunning scenic views. Driving through its steep, slippery slopes, up to an altitude of 14,140 ft., will make for quite an adventure. Nathula Pass sees a large number of tourists during summer and autumn. Winters might not be the best time to visit as the temperatures are quite low, and the route is often closed due to heavy snowfall. The road remains closed for public on Mondays and Tuesdays, so make sure you plan your itinerary accordingly.

• Distance from Gangtok : 56 km
• Travel Tip : Only Indian tourists with a valid permit are allowed to visit the pass

Explore recommended places to stay in Gangtok at best price

3. Hanuman Tok, Gangtok

#3 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Gangtok

Located at an altitude of 7,200 ft., this decades-old Hanuman temple is one of the most popular places to visit in Gangtok. Offering uninterrupted views of the Kanchenjunga range, this shrine is visited by tourists throughout the year for its serene ambience and stunning views. You can soak in the beauty of the lush greenery, the scenic hills and valleys and a small part of the town while climbing the paved stairs that lead to this blissfully calm divine site.

• Distance from Gangtok : 11 km
• Trivia : It is believed that Lord Hanuman rested at this site while carrying the mountain with the Sanjeevani herb from the Himalayas to Lanka

4. Himalayan Zoological Park, Gangtok

#4 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Gangtok

The first zoo in Sikkim, Himalayan Zoological Park offers an opportunity to explore the fauna in the region. Home to Snow Leopards, Himalayan Palm Civets, Red Pandas and Himalayan Black Bears, the place is unlike most of the zoos in the country. Animals are kept in open enclosures in replicated natural habitat and are not caged, which makes the overall experience a bit more pleasant. Situated at an altitude of 1,780 meters, the zoo also offers splendid views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Set aside at least 3 to 4 hours for the zoo, especially if travelling with children.

• Distance from Gangtok : 7 km
• Entry Fee : ₹ 25 for Adults and ₹ 10 for Children
• Timings : 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Closed on Thursdays)
• Travel Tip: Since the park is spread across a considerable area, it’s best to explore the area in a car though you can walk it as well

5. Ranka Monastery, Gangtok

#5 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Gangtok

The beautiful Ranka Monastery should be part of your itinerary for the stunning views it offers and of course, the opportunity to interact with Buddhist monks. You can click pictures with the monks during breaks, but you have to respect their faith and their way of life while interacting with them. Enveloped by thick forests on all sides, the monastery is a sight to behold. The quiet and the serenity here offer a glimpse of life completely different from the cities.

• Distance from Gangtok : 20 km
• Timings : 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Trivia : The monastery follows the Zurmang Kagyu Lineage of Buddhism
• Travel Tip : Keep aside a couple of hours for Banjhakri Falls when you visit the monastery. Try paragliding here for an unforgettable experience!

6. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Gangtok

#6 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Gangtok

A peek into the past of a very intriguing culture, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a must-visit if you are a history enthusiast or interested to know more about Buddhism. Exhibiting an extensive collection of art work, objects, manuscripts, mementos and one of the world’s largest collections of Tibetan documents and literature, this institute is a keeper of all things significant to the Tibetan culture. The foundation stone of the institute was laid by the 14 th Dalai Lama.

• Distance from Gangtok : 5 km
• Timings : 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (Closed on Sundays)
• Entry Fee : ₹ 10
• Travel Tip : Photography is not allowed inside the premises

7. Flower Exhibition Center, Gangtok

#7 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Gangtok

The Flower Exhibition Center is located within walking distance from MG Road and displays a huge variety of flowers from across Sikkim. A heaven for nature lovers, the exhibition center remains in full swing throughout the year, especially during the annual flower show which is held from April to May. Home to many different and unusual species of plants, the exhibition center offers a refreshing break from the never-ending road travel schedules. You can simply relax in its pleasant ambience, admire the colorful flowers, and click some amazing pictures.

• Timings : 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

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8. MG Marg, Gangtok

#8 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Gangtok

MG Marg is the center of all activity in Gangtok, and it’s on your itinerary by default! However, if you have an extra day or a couple of hours to spare, do spend time in this vehicle-free zone to learn and explore the way of life in Gangtok. This buzzing market is home to a number of shops, some of which have been there since decades along with many restaurants, cafes and souvenir stores. Do try the Hungry Heads for yum cold coffee and sandwiches .

9. Ganesh Tok, Gangtok

#9 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Gangtok

Stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range, serene ambience and the blessings of Lord Ganesha – this pretty much defines Ganesh Tok. One of the most visited places in Gangtok, this shrine is actually quite small but people come here to soak in the beautiful vistas of the town, the rolling hills and the snow-capped mountains from its enclosed viewing lounge. Situated at an altitude of 6,500 ft., this Ganesh temple sees a huge flow of visitors throughout the year.

• Distance from Gangtok : 8 km
• Timings : 6:00 am to 7:00 pm

10. Rumtek Monastery, Gangtok

#10 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Gangtok

The Rumtek Monastery, perched on a hilltop near Gangtok, is one of the largest monasteries in the state of Sikkim . Once known as the Dharma Chakra Centre, this glorious monastery is built in traditional Tibetan style. The three-storied building encompasses a splendid prayer hall with tangkhas, statues and stunning murals, the golden stupa of the 16 th Karmapa and many other unique objects and religious scriptures. Belonging to the Kargyu sect of Buddhists, this ancient monastery is known for one of world’s finest architectures and it stands beautifully against the backdrop of majestic hills and waterfalls.

• Distance from Gangtok : 35 km
• Travel Tip : Remember to carry your identity cards as the monastery comes under the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.

11. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, Gangtok

Built in the memory of a martyred soldier named Harbhajan Singh, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is one of the most popular places in Gangtok. It stands at an elevation of 4000 m (13123 feet) and anyone who visits the beautiful Nathang Valley tends to pay their respects at this temple. It is believed that Sepoy Harbhajan Singh went missing near Nathu La Pass in 1968 and the army found his body after 3 days of searching. It is said that the Sepoy himself led the soldiers to his body. Even after he passed away, he reportedly continued his duty along the border and protected the soldiers posted there. The Indian Army treats him as a soldier who never died. He was even promoted up the ranks until his retirement age.

• Distance from Gangtok: 53 km
• Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
• Travel Tip: The shrine is only 9 km from Nathu La Pass, so you can combine both the visits.

12. Mangan, Gangtok

Teeming with nature’s bounty, Mangan is a popular attraction among nature enthusiasts and peace seekers. The place is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and peppered with flowering shrubs, glittering streams, beautiful trekking trails and many sightseeing spots. Mangan also offers some stunning views of the majestic Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. As a base station for most trekking expeditions, the town draws many trekkers and backpackers as well. Colourful Buddhist flags add to the beauty of this small and scenic place and make it a must-visit.

• Distance from Gangtok: 67 km
• Travel Tip: Early winter is the best time to visit Mangan. Avoid a trip during the monsoon season.

13. Tashi Viewpoint, Gangtok

#13 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Gangtok

If you are looking to spend quality time in an unpolluted and serene environment, Tashi Viewpoint is the best option. The fresh air, picturesque ambience and magnificent views of the surrounding mountains make this place quite popular among picnickers and nature lovers. From Tashi Viewpoint, you can enjoy some breath-taking views of Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Siniolchu as well as some important monasteries in Gangtok, such as Phodong and Labrang. Shutterbugs must visit the spot early in the morning and in the evening to capture unforgettable sunrise and sunset views.

• Distance from Gangtok Centre: 7 km
• Entry Fee: No entry fee; INR 10 for using the binoculars or telescopes present there
• Timings: 5:00 am to 6:00 pm; 7 days a week
• Travel Tip: The best time to visit the point is from March to June when the weather is pleasant, and the days are bright and clear.

14. Kabi Longstok, Gangtok

Kabi Longstok, a small, scenic, and the historically significant town is located at about 17 km from Gangtok. The place is home to a peaceful and beautiful monastery known for the origin of Buddhist culture and Sikkimese history in this region, in the 13 th century. The monastery is still frequented by followers of Buddhism who wish to study the religion closely. The place also has a library, a garden and two life-size statues of Bhutia and Lepcha. Kabi Longstok is the place where the Bhutia chief Khey Bum Sar and the Lepcha chief Tekung Tek signed a friendship treaty of brotherhood. Thakurbari temple is also a popular attraction here.

• Distance from Gangtok: 17 km
• Travel Tip: Plan a trip between October and March when the temperature is mild and pleasant.

15. Seven Sisters Waterfalls, Gangtok

#15 of 20 Best Places to Visit in Gangtok

True to its name, Seven Sisters Waterfalls is a set of seven waterfalls gushing over a wide cliff. This popular attraction is located on Gangtok-Lachung Highway, about 32 km from the main town. The place is surrounded by green vegetation and the sight of milky-white water cascading amidst lush surroundings and striking the rocks below is surreal! The waterfall looks breathtakingly beautiful during and after the monsoon season when it is in its full force. The tourist sheds and ropeway near the waterfalls are perfect to enjoy the beauty of the cascade from up close. Keep your camera handy for some nature photography.

• Distance from Gangtok: 32 km
• Timings: 24×7

16. Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, Gangtok

Boasting an impressive variety of flora and fauna, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit for every nature enthusiast. The sanctuary lies between Singtam and Dikchu villages and is spread over an area of 52 sq. km. From Clouded Leopard and Red Panda to Himalayan Brown Bear and Barking Deer, the sanctuary serves as a natural habitat for a variety of mammals. You can also spot different species of birds here, such as bar-throated minla, red-headed bullfinch, crimson-browed finch and the endangered rufous-headed hornbill. The dense rainforest is home to bamboo, ferns, oaks and a range of medicinal plants. What’s more, different varieties of orchids and rhododendrons plants are also found here aplenty.

• Distance from Gangtok: 14 km
• Entry Fee: INR 5 per person
• Timings: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm; 7 days a week
• Travel Tip: To visit the sanctuary, you must get special permits from the Forest Department.

17. Do Drul Chorten, Gangtok

Built-in 1945-46 by Trulshik Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, Do Drul Chorten stupa is an important historic and religious place in Gangtok. It is nestled in the serene and scenic valleys of Gangtok and is frequented by devotees and tourists throughout the year. The stupa has 108 prayer wheels of Buddhism, all engraved with mantras that you can chant while rotating the wheels. The spire enshrines the deity of Vajra Kilaya or Dorjee Phurpa and you can find many holy Buddhist texts, mandala sets, and other objects of religious importance inside. Thanks to its picturesque surroundings, the monastery is frequented by peace seekers and shutterbugs.

• Distance from Gangtok: 5 km from city centre
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; 7 days a week
• Travel Tip: The route to the monastery is steep and the climb can be a bit exhausting.

18. Saramsa Garden, Gangtok

Nestled in the hilly slopes of Pakyong and Gangtok, Saramsa Garden is a beautiful place spread over an area of 6 acres and dotted with colourful flowers and lush greenery. It has a greenhouse as well with a variety of orchids and other plants. Besides exploring the garden, you can engage in a range of recreational activities here, such as volleyball and football. Or you can just relax on a bench and enjoy the natural surroundings.

• Distance from Gangtok: 13 km
• Entry Fee: INR 10 per person
• Travel Tip: The best time to visit Saramsa Garden is from November to May.

19. Ban Jhakri Falls, Gangtok

Cascading from a height of 100 feet amidst lush green surroundings and beautifully landscaped gardens, Ban Jhakri Falls is counted among the most popular places to visit near Gangtok. The waterfall is located inside Energy Park and is frequented by nature lovers, picnickers and peace seekers. Apart from the falls, the park has a manmade lake where you can enjoy paddle boating. It houses a swimming pool, refreshment stalls and resting places as well. The Sikkimese architecture and statues of Lyam, Lepcha, Mangpas, and Ban Jhakri ancestors all across the park accentuate the beauty of the place.

• Distance from Gangtok: 8 km
• Entry Fee: INR 50 per person
• Travel Tip: The Energy Park also houses some natural energy production sites that are worth visiting.

20. Phodong Monastery, Gangtok

Perched at an altitude of 1372 m (4500 feet), Phodong Monastery is one of the six most important monasteries in Sikkim. It was built in 1740 AD and is a must-visit if you are looking to experience the true spirituality of this state. The monastery boasts vibrant exteriors with intricate architecture, while the interiors are decorated with beautiful paintings and murals. The surrounding hills and valleys add a sense of calm and peace to the environment, making it a perfect place to unwind amidst nature.

• Distance from Gangtok: 38 km
• Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; 7 days a week
• Travel Tip: Make sure to dress appropriately and maintain peace and decorum inside the monastery.

Place to Visit in Gangtok (Video):

Frequently Asked Questions About Gangtok:

Q: What is the best time to visit Gangtok?

A: Autumn (October-November) is the best season to visit Gangtok. You can also plan a trip to Gangtok during spring that lasts from March to June to see the beautiful Rhododendron flowers in full bloom.

Q: Is there an airport in Gangtok?

A: No, there is no airport in Gangtok. However, if you wish to travel by air, you can take a flight to Bagdogra Airport (128 km) and from there, take a taxi to Gangtok. The road journey will take 4-5 hours.

Q: How to reach Gangtok by train?

A: There is no railway station in Gangtok so you will have to reach New Jalpaiguri Junction (122 km) in Siliguri by train and thereafter, travel to Gangtok by road.

Q: What modes of transport are available to get around Gangtok?

A: The best way to travel from your Gangtok hotels to different tourist attractions across the city is by a taxi. These are available on both private and sharing basis.

Q: Suggest some things to do in Gangtok for adventurers.

A: River rafting, paragliding and trekking are some of the must-do things in Gangtok for adventure seekers. Another one of the most exciting things to do in Gangtok is driving through the Nathu La pass, which is one of the most stunning motorable roads in India.

Q: Where to shop in Gangtok?

A: The most popular shopping centre in Gangtok is Lal Bazaar, from where you can buy churpi, yak cheese, Nepalese khukris, bamboo and cane baskets and Tibetan prayer flags. MG Marg is also a good place to shop in Gangtok.

Wonderful bog with beautiful pictures. Gangtok is very beautiful & tourists attractive place. This blog has an amazing information about the destination of Gangtok.Pictures are really beautiful that you mention in your post.Thank you so much for sharing the details. You can book Gangtok cabs on best deals whether online or offline. Call on +91 9696000999 for inquiry or offline booking.

Useful details I am planning to visit in Oct.

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14 Best Places To Visit In Gangtok 2023

The Capital of Northeast Indian state Sikkim, Gangtok is nestled amid the Himalayas. It is famous for its mighty peak Kanchanganga, awe-inspiring natural wonders, and vivid rich culture. To unwinds its beautiful lakes, monasteries, snowy mountain peaks, river banks and rich vibrant culture check out our travel guide to Gangtok that includes places to visit in Gangtok, things to do in Gangtok and How to reach Gangtok.

How to reach Gangtok:

Gangtok is located 113 KM from Siliguri, 96 KM from Darjeeling and 75 KM from Kalimpong. There are mainly three ways to reach Gangtok – Road, Air and Train:

By Air: Pakyong Airport in Sikkim is the nearest airport that is located just 35 KM from south of Gangtok. It is one of the highest altitude airports in India due to that you may face inconvenience while booking the flight ticket. But there is another Aiport in Bagdogra that is just 123 KM away from Gangtok. From there you can take a shared or private taxi to Gangtok that can take around 5 hour to reach Gangtok.

By Train: New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri is the nearest railway station that is situated just 117 KM away from Gangtok. From there you can take shared taxi (4 to 5 hours) that charges around 250 to 300 INR. For cheaper deals you can use government buses as well. New Jalpaiguri is well connected to other major cities including Kolkata and Delhi.

By Road: Road is the most scenic and the best way to reach Gangtok with surrounding mountain peaks and lush greenery. Most of the tourists coming from West Bengal and other nearby states prefer driving to Gangtok. You can also use rented private taxi, shared jeep and Government buses to reach there.

Best Places to Visit in Gangtok:

1. ban jhakri waterfalls park.

Located around 8 KM from Gangtok via Indira Bypass Road, Ban Jhakri fall is a beautiful picnic spot in Gangtok. This 100 Feet waterfall is situated in a forested area of 2 acres with lots of trees and flowers. There is a man-made lake where you can do boating. Also, there are lots of beautiful statues including Mangpas, Lepcha, Lyam Lymay and another ancestor of Ban Jhakri.

2. Ranka Monastery

Located just 20 KM from Gangtok and 9 KM from Ban Jhakri falls, Ranka Monastery is a Buddhist monastery that is famous for its amazing paintings and scenic view. It is also known as Lingdum Monastery. As it is quite new so you don’t find any historical significance there. However, inside the sanctum, there is a large gold-plated Buddha statue that sits in the lotus position which is one of the best things to see in the Ranka monastery. Ranka is also featured in many Bollywood movies as well.  

The way to reach here is not well maintained so you may face problems while reaching there.

3. Seven Sister Waterfall

At a distance of 32 KM from Gangtok, Seven Sister Waterfall is located on Gangtok Lachung Highway leading north to Sikkim. It is a combination of 7 cascading waterfalls therefore it is known as Seven Sister Falls. It is one of the best picturesque places to visit in Gangtok as its offers stunning views, especially in the monsoon. Every year lots of tourists come here to click some amazing pictures.

4. Rumtek Monastery

At a distance of 22 KM from Gangtok, Ruktek monastery is situated at the top of fill facing Gangtok city. Therefore, you’ll get an amazing view of the entire Gangtok city from this monastery. Rumtek monastery is also known as Dharma Chakra Center. The Golden Stupa is the main attraction of this monastery that is situated in the new room of Karma Shri Nalanda Institute.

Rumtek Monastery has one of the best Tibetan architecture and is almost a replica of the original monastery in Tsupru in Tibet. There is a Buddhist school inside the monastery where students get to know about the culture and religion of Buddhists.

5. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Established in 1958, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a research institute for Tibet and Buddhist history & Culture. The NIT is situated in between jungle that is a serene and calm place. It has a museum where you can come seven days a week and get to know about the history and culture of Tibetan and Buddhism in the way of painting, coins, statues and artworks. There is a library as well which is the third-largest collection of Buddhist text. To get inside the NIT you need to pay an entry fee of 10 INR.  

6. Trek to Kanchenjunga Mountain

The third highest peak in the world, Kanchenjunga mountain is situated at an elevation of 8585 meters. Gangtok is the best place to get the best view of this mighty peak. If you want a closer view then you do the trek to the base point of Kanchenjunga or visit the Kanchenjunga National Park where you can set the camp in the foothills of Kanchenjunga.

Best time to Visit: March to April is the best time when the sky becomes clear to get the perfect view of Kanchenjunga. On a clear day, there are many spots in Gangtok from there you witness its might peaks.

Best place to see Kanchenjunga in Gangtok: There are mainly three places in Gangtok to get an amazing view of Kanchenjunga mountain: Tosh View Point, Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok.

7. Shopping at MG Road

If you want to do shopping in Gangtok then MG road will be the perfect place for you. There you’ll get lots of shops in an area of 100 meters. There are number of taxi stands near MG road where you can hire a taxi to roam around Gangtok. Also, this place is full of hotels and restaurants where you can have famous Nepali & Tibetan food and budget to the luxurious hotel everything is available here.

8. Take a Cable Care Ropeway Ride

The Cable Car ropeway is one of the best tourist attractions in Gangtok. It allows you to get an amazing view of the entire Gangtok town from a height of 3500 feet including the valley, thundering Teesta river and Kanchenjunga peak. The cable car can carry maximum of 24 people at a time. There is no seat inside the cable car so you need to stand. 

Ticket: 117 INR for two way ride

9. Changgu Lake or Tsomgo Lake

Located just 40 KM away from Gangtok, Tsomgo is a glacial lake situated at the height of 3753 meters. Tsomgo Lake is famous for its mesmerizing beauty and snow therefore it is one of the most popular places to visit in Gangtok. The surface of the lake displays different colors in different season. During winter you can witness heavy snow around the lake that allows you to do ice skating. And in summer the lakes turn into heaven with the amazing beauty of nature including the blossom of Primula Flower and other vegetation.

Apart from natural beauty, Tsomgo lake is a sacred place for Sikhs. The lake is associated with many stories. According to the legends Buddhist Monks used to meditate here and analyze the color of water to forecast the future.

Best time to visit: You can enjoy the beauty of Changgu lake throughout the year. In winter from January to mid May Changgu lake is completely covered in snow while during October to December the lake is partially covered in snow but May to October is the best time to visit Changgu lake when the snow started to melt and wildflowers including rhododendrons, irises, and poppies bloom around the lake making it a perfect natural wonder.

How to Reach: Tsomgo Lake is located 40 KM or 2 to 3 hours away from Gangtok. To reach up there can rent a taxi from Gangtok that charges you around 300 to 500 INR.

Things to do: Trekking, Ice skating, Yak and horse riding, and enjoy the beautiful view of mountains.

Note: There is no accommodation on Tsonmgo lake therefore you need to return to Gangtok for the night stay.

10. Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass is one of the highest motorable roads in the world with a height of 4310 meters. It is famous for its picturesque snow-capped mountains along with beautiful Chumbi Valley. It is an Indo-China border that connects Sikkim with Tibet. Nathula pass uses for trading between India and China. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Gangtok with breathtaking views of mountains surrounded by clouds and snow.

How to reach: Nathula pass is located around 53 KM or 2-hours drive from Gangtok. To reach up there you need to drive along Jawarharlal Nehru road that takes you to Nathula Pass. You can also book a taxi from Gangtok to Nathula Pass that charges you around 2500 to 3000 INR for a private taxi and 400 to 800 INR for a shared taxi including all the permits that need for Nathula Pass.

Best time to visit: April to October is the best time to visit Nathula pass when the temperature varies around 10 deg C. During winters Nathula Pass receive heavy snowfall and temperature drop up to -30 deg C. So for snow lovers winter is the best time but with proper woolens.

Note: Please check timings before planning.

11. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

At a distance of 52 KM from Gangtok, Baba Harbhajan Singh temple is Located at an altitude of 13123 feet. It is located between Nathula Pass and Jelepla Pass. This temple was built in the memory of soldier Harbhajan Singh. It is believed that his spirit protects this area and every soldier who are at the border. The tourists visit this place for its spectacular surroundings of mountains.

How to reach: This temple is located on the way of Nethula Pass so don’t forget to visit this place while visiting Nethula Pass. 

12. Gurudongmar lake

Situated at an elevation of 5183 meters, Gurdongmar lake is one of the highest lakes in this world. The lake is famous for its astonishing beauty surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The lake got its name from Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhists, who visited this lake in the 8th century. It is a sacred lake in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. The lake is one of the major sources of the river Teesta.

How to reach: Gurudongmar lake is located 180 KM from Gangtok and 66 KM from Lachen. To reach there first you need to reach Lachen from there it takes around 3 to 4 hours. It is recommended to spend a night in Lachen to acclimatize the altitude.

Best time to visit: March to June is the best time to visit Gurudongmar lake when the weather becomes perfect for sightseeing and you’ll get clear skies with lush greenery in the surrounding of the lake. During this time the temperature varies around 5 deg C to -5 Deg C. Therefore, its good to keep you all warm clothes along with you.

13. Lachen & Lachung Village:

North Sikkim is all about Lachen and Lachung Village. These 2 villages are the base point of Gurudongmar Lake, Zero Point, Chopta Valley and Yumthang Valley. Lachen and Lachung are famous for their natural beauty along with some of the most adventurous treks of North Sikkim. There you’ll see vivid color, texture, shades and landscapes to capture in your camera.

As compared to other hill stations of India such as Manali , Shimla, Auli , Nanital, Jammu & Kashmir North Sikkim is much cheaper. You won’t get luxurious accommodation and nightlife but that makes this place unique and beautiful. If you choose right time then you’ll get snow as well.

How to reach: Lachen is located around 114 KM from Gangtok while Lachung is situated around 110 KM. You need to hire a taxi from Gangtok that takes around 6 to 7 hours to reach Lachen or Lachung. During your journey from Gangtok to Lachen, you’ll see lots of waterfalls where you can stop and take amazing pictures.

Notes: To enter Lachen or Lachung you need some permits. Usually, your travel agent or taxi driver arrange for you and include them in your taxi fare, if not then you can ask them and they’ll arrange all the permits for you.

14. Himalayan Zoological Park

Located just 11 KM away from Gangtok, Himalayan Zoological Park is famous for some exotic species of flora and fauna including goral, Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Himalayan Red Panda, Snow Leopard Cat, Himalayan Palm Civet, Himalayan Black Bear and Crimson Horned Pheasant. Spread in an area of 205 hectares it is a great place to watch the famous Kanchenjunga Peak. It is a great place to visit in Gangtok especially with kids and families.

Hi Guys, My Name is Pursottam Saini, living the life of my dream – From traveling one destination to another and seeing the places I still don’t believe.

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The 13 Most Popular Places to Visit in Gangtok

Gangtok provides a wide range of adventures for every type of tourist, from a thrilling yak ride around the stunning Tsomgo Lake to biking on Nathu La, the second-highest mountain pass in the world. Let the adventure be revealed when Gangtok lets you create your own fairytale, and transports you to areas that are bursting with natural beauty and stunning perspectives.

Table of Contents

List of 13 Incredible Places to Visit in Gangtok:

The list of leading places to visit in Gangtok is so large that finalizing one is a hard task. It could still be helpful to keep your list ready. The best places to visit in Gangtok are:

1. The Monastery Rumtek

One of the most famous places to visit in Gangtok is truly the Magnificent Rumtek Monastery, Gangtok. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Gangtok . The monastery is owned by the Kagyu sect of Buddhists who in the 12th century started living in Tibet.

It is one of Sikkim’s most important and splendid monasteries. The style and structure of Tsurphu, Tibet are similar to the original. In the Dharma Chakra Centre near Gangtok is the Rumtek Monastery. Make your trip to the magnificent Gangtok stopping here and bringing some pleasant memories back.

Read More: 10 Best Places to visit in Sikkim

2. Nathula Pass

Located at 14,450 ft, Nathula is a prime crossing corridor between India and Tibet. The Nathula Pass is the highest-reaching road. It is one of the most important tourist sites in Gangtok and passes by the serene Tsomgo Lake.

It has one of the world’s highest vehicle roads which is a popular destination for adventure. The height of the Nathula Pass is 4310 m. There is limited access to the area and permission to visit Nathula is necessary from the Zonal Office. You will be surprised at this place’s beauty. Read More: The Ultimate Guide To Trip To Nathula Pass, Sikkim

3. MG Marg Gangtok

MG Marg is the center of activity in Gangtok It’s included in your travel itinerary by default! If you’ve got more than a few hours take a trip to this car-free zone to discover and experience the culture living in Gangtok.

This bustling market has many shops that are in operation for years, as well as a variety of eateries, cafes, and souvenir shops. You should try the Hungry Heads for yummy cold coffee and sandwiches.

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4. Seven Sisters Waterfalls, Gangtok

As per nature, Seven Sisters Waterfalls is an impressive set of seven waterfalls that flow across a rock. The attraction is located along the Gangtok- Lachung highway, which is 32 km away from the town’s main entrance. The area is surrounded by lush vegetation and the sight of the milky-white waterfalls gushing over lush landscapes and crashing against the rock below is awe-inspiring!

The waterfall appears stunning both during and after the monsoon season when it’s in the full swing. The tourist sheds and ropeway that are near the waterfalls make it easy to take in admiring the stunning waterfall from a distance. Make sure to have your camera ready to take some photos of nature.

5. Tsomgo Lake

A Glacial Beauty, Tsomgo Lake is one of the most beautiful places in the Sikkim Mountains and is located off Gangtok Nathu la Highway at an elevation of 12,400 feet. The lake’s turquoise waters, the magical setting, and the quietness of the site are hypnotic.

One of the only places to visit in Gangtok can miss Tsomgo Lake. You will be surprised by the hypnotic beauty of the place and the hospitality of the Gangtok residents.

Read More: 10 Best Places To Visit In North East India

6. Hanuman Tok

Hanuman Tonk is one of Gangtok’s calmest places to see. Situated at an elevation of 7500 ft this ancient Hanuman Temple gives you the best view of Gangtok of Khangchendzonga. The place has always attracted tourists for football, not spirituality, but for peace.

You should spend some time visiting this place during the day and sipping under the sun and the spiritual vibes of this place can be experienced. Hanuman Tok isn’t like any other place in Gangtok. You will have the impression that you have gone into a Zen-like state.

7. Bio-Reserve Khangchendzonga

The great Gangtok natural habitat boasts a rich flora and fauna of the most natural, endangered, and nearly extinct species, one of the finest Gangtok tourist destinations. Spread across an area of around 850 sq kilometers, this Biosphere Reserve, with musk deer, snow leopards, and Himalayan Thar, is one of the few high-altitude reserves in India.

The ticket is priced nominally so that with your friends and family you can have a ball of time. Don’t forget to take a lot of pictures of the beauty of this location with your camera.

Read More: Best Places To Visit In North East India in June

Namchi means the top of the sky for a picturesque view. It has a picturesque view of the range Khangchendzonga and the Rangit valley, one of those tourist places to see in Gangtok. One of Namchi’s famous sites is the 135-feet high Guru Padmasambhava statue in the Samdruptse valley in Namchi.

The city of Gangtok is known as the best place to see. Ensure, Namchi is part of your route. We promise that in this magnificent place you will not be disappointed and have a great time.

Also Read:  20 Best Places to Visit in Assam

9. Khangchendzonga

The third highest peak in the world is Khangchendzonga. It is the third-highest peak in the world for those of you who don’t know. This mountain was once considered the highest mountain in the world before Mt. Everest was recalculated and became one of Gangtok Darjeeling’s most important sites to visit.

Tashi Viewpoint is one of the best places to view. So, go with your cameras to this place and make memories you can keep for a lifetime. Before sunrise/sunset, make sure you reach this place to capture the full splendor of the sky. Read More: Top 100 Places to Visit in India

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10. Drul Chorten Stupa

If you love peace, spend a while in one of the most serene tourist places of Gangtok, Drul Chorten Stupa. Drul Chorten Stupa is one of Gangtok’s most popular places and is a stupa surrounded by 108 prayer rollers.

Those of you who are looking for serenity should visit the place because the place isn’t crowded. In a calm atmosphere, you can relax and meditate. You will turn your day around with the spiritual vibration that you receive from this place. This place with friends and family is highly recommended to visit.

11. The Buddhist Monastery

The monastery is a famous tourist attraction in Sikkim and its walls, platforms, and plates are extravagantly ornately decorated with pictures and pictures of the Buddha, Bodhisattva, and other Tantric Buddhism idols. All who take the path to spirituality and Buddhism should visit the monastery without any doubt.

It is one of Gangtok’s top spots to visit. The glamorous walls of this popular attraction are must-see and you will not want to leave here after having spent two solid hours. The aura that surrounds this site is magical and gives visitors a long-lasting impression.

12. Tashi Viewpoint, Gangtok

If you’re seeking to enjoy a relaxing time in peaceful and peaceful surroundings The Tashi Viewpoint is a perfect choice. The fresh air, the picturesque atmosphere, and stunning views of the mountains surrounding make this spot a favorite for nature lovers and picnickers.

At Tashi Viewpoint, you can get stunning panoramic views over Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Siniolchu, and also some of the most significant monasteries located in Gangtok including Phodong or Labrang. Shutterbugs should visit the viewpoint before dawn and later in the evening to capture stunning sunrise and sunset shots.

13. Phodong Monastery, Gangtok

It is located at an elevation of 1372 meters (4500 feet), Phodong Monastery is one of the most important six monasteries located in Sikkim. It was constructed around 1740 AD and is a must-visit when you want to feel the spirituality of Sikkim.

The exterior of the monastery is vibrant that are adorned with intricate architectural details, while the interiors are embellished with gorgeous paintings and murals. The hills and valleys surrounding the monastery provide a sense of tranquility and tranquility to the surroundings and make it an ideal spot to relax and unwind in the beauty of nature.

Best Time to Go to Gangtok:

The ideal season to go to Gangtok is from September through June. Tourists of all sorts visit Gangtok in these months. Since it is the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok has always been a major draw for tourists. It is also among the most visited destinations to visit across the state. There are numerous beautiful and relaxing spots in Gangtok.

Gangtok Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit gangtok.

The ideal time to go to Gangtok lies between April and June or Mid July in the summer months.

How to reach Gangtok by train?

There's no rail road station at Gangtok therefore you'll be required to get to New Jalpaiguri Junction (122 km) in Siliguri via train. Then take a road trip to Gangtok via road.

How to reach Gangtok via Air?

If you are in Gangtok to travel via air. You can fly from Bagdogra Airport (128 km) and then take a taxi ride to Gangtok. The journey by road can take between 4 to 5 hours.

Also, read more information in Sikkim:

• Top 8 Destinations to Enjoy Nightlife in Gangtok
• Gangtok 10 Famous Luxury Hotels & Resorts
• 11 Popular Destinations to Sikkim See in May 2023
• Top 7 Honeymoon Places in Sikkim
• Sikkim’s 6 Most Famous Offbeat Destinations
• Top 5 Famous Trekking Destinations in Sikkim
• Sikkim 5 Popular Historical Places to See
• 10 Most Beautiful Hill Stations in Sikkim

About The Author

Tusk Travel Team

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8 Best Places To Visit In Gangtok

It is said that “All Great Things Comes in Small Packages”. Bordered by Buddhist powerhouses of Bhutan and Tibet, Sikkim is a strong preserve of the religion’s tradition, beliefs and spiritual practices. Despite being one of the smallest states of India, Sikkim is a treasure trove of visual potpourri. Located in the Eastern Himalayan Range at a height of approximately 5500 meters, Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a kaleidoscope of magnificent monasteries, beautiful temples, spectacular stupas, quaint cafes and sprawling parks. With the inauguration of the first airport of Sikkim in Pakyong, a visit to this beautiful place has become easier and faster. And there are some amazing places to visit in Gangtok. And these recommendations come based on my personal experience.

Best places to visit in Gangtok

Rumtek monastery.

After China annexed Tibet in 1950, many religious gurus relocated from Tibet to Sikkim. Located 23 km from Gangtok, it is the largest monastery in Sikkim and is the seat of the Karmapa Lama – the third highest monk in Tibetan Buddhism. It is also the most important seat for the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet. Surrounded by monks’ quarters, the architectural design of the four-storied building looks like the replica of the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet. The spacious stone courtyard in the middle serves for the ritualistic lama dances on specific spiritual occasions as per the Tibetan Buddhist calendar.

Enchey Monastery

A legendary Lama known as Drubthob Karpo, apparently known for his flying powers is credited with the foundation of the Enchey Monastery in 1840. One of the major recognized Gompas of Tibetan Buddhism, it was rebuilt in 1908 by the 10 th Chogyal (King) – Sikyong Tuluku. Constructed in the shape of a Chinese Pagoda, the interiors are replete with colourful traditional Tibetan monastic paintings.

Do Drul Chorten Stupa

Trulshig Rinpoche, a celebrated Lama and head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism built the Do Drul Chorten Stupa in 1946. Apparently, the place was known to be haunted before the establishment of this structure. Considered to be one of the holiest stupas in Sikkim, it consists of 108 Mani Lhakor (prayer wheels), the turning of which represents an important aspect in the chanting process of the devout Buddhist. Visit this place and get the prayer wheels rolling.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Located near the Do Drul Chorten, one must visit this unique institution. Established in 1958, it has the largest collection of Tibetan arts and works in the World outside of Tibet. A delight for history enthusiasts, it contains rare collection of statues, traditional art forms, thangkas (painted, woven and embroidered scrolls) and age-old manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese and Lepcha.

Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok

Apart from harbouring these magnificent monasteries and stupas, Gangtok in its upper reaches houses two beautiful temples – Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok, the former being more popular among the locals and tourists.

Ganesh Tok at 6500 feet above sea level is a small, clean, well-maintained temple of Lord Ganesh. A shop on the ground floor sells the usual religious paraphernalia and even fashion accessories! A nearby café serves fresh momos, noodles, parathas and other refreshments. This place provides sweeping views of the valley and arguably is the best vantage point to see the beautiful city of Gangtok.

A 4 km steep drive through serpentine roads will take you to Hanuman Tok. At 7200 feet, this place provides an unimpeded view of the majestic Mt.Kanchenjunga. Visit Hanuman Tok if you prefer quietude and solace.

Banjhakri Falls

4 km from Gangtok, located amidst lush green flora in a beautifully landscaped theme park, is the Banjhakri Falls. Falling from a height of 70 feet, it’s a small vertical fall with few artificial hurdles created by the tourism department. Traditional gazebos, colourful narrow footbridges, manicured garden, flowered pathways, life-size statues and figurines relating to Shamanic culture and exhibits of tribal life form make it one of the popular tourist spots.

Tsangu Lake & Nathulla Pass

The flamboyant city is also the ideal base to visit the glacial lake of Tsongmo. More popularly known as Tsangu Lake, it’s at an altitude of more than 12000 feet in East Sikkim. 35 km from Gangtok, frequent landslides and infrequent repair work on the roads will make the travel experience quite similar to a ride in a bullock cart on a rocky road. The destination though makes you forget the ordeal.

Walled by steep snow-covered mountains, the lake glitters in the afternoon sun. The small scattered white puffs of clouds cast the crystal clear water in a soft, diffused glow. To visit this place, a Restricted Area Permit is required which is easily arranged by an authorized travel agent.

Further up the road from Tsangu Lake, an additional one hour journey will get you to Nathula Pass (border with China) at a height of 14140 feet – the offshoot of the ancient Silk Road connecting Sikkim to China’s Tibet autonomous region.

The nippy evenings in the city are best enjoyed on MG Road – a small paved stretch with a plethora of shopping, lodging and dining options. It is all bustles, jostling with cafes and bars and people chattering in varied languages. The beautifully decorated road with lampposts, park benches and colourful flowers looks quaint and retro chic.

Why visit Gangtok?

Most of the popular hill stations in India have been devoured by commercialization and Gangtok is not completely denuded of this demon. But you can do it all – eat by a hillside cosy cafe, meditate in a monastery, window shop for hours together, take pictures of the towering mountains, experience subzero temperatures or share a drink with the friendly locals.

With just enough of an alternate city vibe, Gangtok with cursory views of the radiant Himalayan peaks and threaded by gurgling streams is the quintessential destination of North East India.

Getting There:

Spicejet flies daily from Kolkata to Pakyong airport. Gangtok is an hour’s drive from here. Airfares on this route are quite expensive and one can also choose to drive to Gangtok from Bagdogra airport (4.5 hrs).

Best Time to Visit:

November to May

You might also want to read about the reasons to visit Pelling in West Sikkim.

Gangtok is once to be the most beautiful Hill station, Thanks for sharing amazing post. Beautiful photography and excellent article.

You can give proper information regarding these places. Specially distance, Helpline numbers, vehicles and other important information

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Best places to visit in India this October

October is the perfect pause between lashing rainfall and chilly winters in many parts of the country—a brief window when you can be outdoors without worrying too much about the weather, and enjoy cooler temperatures without having to pack those sweaters. Whether you want to use this window to learn a new skill at sea or immerse yourself in soulful tunes at a historic monument, here are the best places to visit in India this October.

While rhododendron season in Sikkim is long gone in April, October brings cooler weather and clearer skies to the state. October is a great time to visit because though the temperature falls, it’s not too cold and Sikkim’s lakes are not yet frozen over. This is your last chance in the year to visit Gurudongmar Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 17,800ft and remains frozen for the better part of the year. It becomes inaccessible once winter sets in as a result of road blockages due to snow. October is also a great time to drive through Nathu La pass, one of the highest motorable roads in India situated on the old Silk Route that connects India and China. Once winter sets in, the region experiences heavy snowfall, which makes getting here extremely difficult. In October, the temperature and weather are typically at their best, with clear skies that are ideal for long days outdoors. Squeeze in a stopover in Gangtok, where a range of restaurants and new openings offer travellers a chance to immerse themselves in local food and culture.

October marks the beginning of surf season in Goa . Once the rain subsides, the weather and gentle sea conditions are favourable for beginners. “Unlike some of the more challenging surf spots around the world, Goa’s waves are forgiving, making it easier for beginners to get a grasp of the basics,” says Arun Vasu, President of the Surfing Federation of India. Most of the state’s surf schools are concentrated in North Goa, along Ashwem, Mandrem and Arambol. Surf Wala in Arambol is among the best-known surf schools, with one to three-day courses and simple accommodations. Vaayu Kula in Mandrem is a boutique resort with a beach club and surf shop, and ISA-certified instructors. Kids will enjoy Octopus Surf in Morjim, where the friendly instructors make sure little ones are safe while splashing about in the waves.

A performance at Jaswant Thada

Jodhpur’s annual Rajasthan International Folk Festival (Jodhpur RIFF) is set to take place between 16 and 20 October this year and while the lineup is not out yet, the experience is always special. The festival features concerts, cultural performances, film screenings and special performances and workshops for children, all in and around Jodhpur’s beautiful Mehrangarh Fort. Expect Rajasthani folk musicians, indie artists from the country as well as international artists. If you’re attending, don’t miss the late night concerts under the full moon and the performances that take place at dawn at the fort. Lineups from previous years have included musicians like Manu Chao, Pete Lockett, Padma Shri Lakha Khan, folk singers Sumitra devi and Mohini devi, sarangi player Dilshad Khan and singer Jasleen Kaur Monga. Stay at boutique hotels like Daspan House , RAAS Jodhpur or The Rohet House, or opt for a stay at the grand Umaid Bhawan Palace. When you’re not at the festival, explore some of Jodhpur’s lesser-known attractions , including its beautiful havelis, stepwells and traditional shops. Keep up with updates on Jodhpur RIFF on the official website or Instagram

Rann of Kutch

While the Rann Utsav only begins in November, if you want to visit the Rann of Kutch minus the crowds, try heading there a few weeks before the festival. Late October is a good time to visit —the weather slowly turns pleasant but isn’t too chilly, which means you can spend ample time outdoors taking in the mesmerising landscape. Spend your days enjoying vistas of pristine white sand as far as the eye can see. You can also opt for open-air jeep safaris to spot animals like the endangered Indian wild ass, nilgais, golden jackals, striped hyenas, Indian wolves, Indian and white-footed desert foxes, desert cats, lizards and reptiles at night.

The majestic Taj Mahal is a sight to behold at any time of the year, but something special happens in October that makes it particularly beautiful. Every year, around Sharad Purnima, the full moon reaches an angle from where its abundant light reflects off the marble facade to draw an illusion of flickering lights. Sharad Purnima falls on 16 October this year and the monument is open for a night viewing on 17 October. Gates to the monument open for four hours from 8.30pm to 12.30am. The viewing is divided into eight half-an-hour slots. The slots are allotted to you at the ticketing office, with each session being capped at a capacity of 50 people. The entry happens from the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal. Book a slot at the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) office a day prior to the viewing or book online here . Though the process might seem cumbersome, the stunning night views of the Taj will more than make up for it. Ria Gupta

Bandhavgarh

October is the very beginning of safari season in several national parks in the country and while most visitors plan their trips starting November, you can beat the crowds—which tend to build up a fair bit during the peak winter season—by going for a safari in October. Core zones in Bandhavgarh National Park typically open early in October after the monsoon season. You could spot tigers, leopards, sloth bears, jackals, and wild dogs, as well as over 300 species of birds, including the pond heron, white-necked stork and scarlet minivet. Naturalist Prakash Dwivedi, who has spent 14 years as a safari guide at Bandhavgarh National Park, suggests doing at least one safari in each of the three core zones to really experience the park and pick the morning slot to spend maximum time in the park. Find more of Dwivedi’s tips on safari slot bookings, tiger sightings and the best zones here .

Amadpur Durga puja

Pujo this year is from 9 to 13 October, which means Kolkata will come alive with bright, creative pandals and an almost electric energy. In the capital, visit fascinating pandals, many of which are centred around various themes and offer grand sights and delicious Bengali snacks and sweets. While Pujo in Kolkata may be all about the biggest, brightest and most creative pandals, the erstwhile rajbaris and zamindar households across Bengal have managed to retain the traditional grandeur of Durga Pujo by holding on to their age-old practices. At the Amadpur Chaudhuri Bari in Bardhaman (two hour drive from Kolkata)), for instance, Maa Durga is treated to 14 varieties of mishti, and propitiated with a symbolic sacrifice of sugarcane—a tradition that has lasted over 360 years. At the Bishnupur Rajbari in Bankura (four hour drive from Kolkata), the firing of a canon marks the arrival of the goddess, while at the Rajbari Bawali in South 24 Parganas (1.5 hour drive from Kolkata), you can partake in the actual chores of Pujo along with the priest with a daycation package. Rituparna Roy

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