Gangtok

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
• Ganesh Tok
• 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 Monastery

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

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.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

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

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.

Tsomgo Lake

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

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 Monastery

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

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.

Enjoy Gangtok Cable Car ride

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.

Thrilling River Rafting at Teesta

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.

Trek to Goeche La Pass

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 in Gangtok

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 Ride at Tsomgo Lake

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 in Gangtok

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