Gangtok Travel Guide

Gangtok, which means “Hill-top,” is certainly one of the most beautiful hill stations in the nation. Gangtok is a vibrant, living slice of northeastern heaven, with everything in its proper proportions—from a fusion of ethnic identities to modernization. From there, you can see Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain peak in the world,  Like everything else in the area, Gangtok is surrounded by beautiful scenery and is home to a number of natural landmarks, including Tsomgo Lake, Ban Jhakri Falls, Tashi Viewpoint, and more. The Enchey Monastery, Ganesh Tok, Do Drul Chorten Rumtek Monastery, and other locations are worth seeing. One of the greatest places in Northeast India for white water rafting is the Teesta River.

Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok, is a gorgeous, foggy, and noisy hill town with stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. This beautiful hill station is a popular destination for hikers who want to begin the climb of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Seen from a cable car’s bird’s eye perspective, the captivating amazing beauty and the lovely curving hill roads are even more stunning.

Gangtok also has a vibrant nightlife. Many modern restaurants and bars along the well-known MG Road are open till 11 p.m. The location is also perfect for shopaholics since there are many stores open late into the evening, giving visitors enough opportunity to buy Tibetan handicrafts, woolens, and tea goods.

Here are the 16 must-do activities in Gangtok

• Visiting Enchey Monastery
• Visiting Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre
• Visiting Himalayan Zoological Park
• Witnessing breathtaking views from Tashi Viewpoint
• Visiting GaneshTok
• Enjoy Cable Car Ride
• Enjoy Yak Ride
• Enjoy Helicopter Ride
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
• Shopping at MG Marg
• Enjoying Local Cuisines
• Driving to Nathula Pass
• Visiting Do Drul Chorten
• Enjoying Games at Casino Mahjong

Sightseeing in Gangtok

Gangtok is brimming with amazing natural wonders. This city is gifte­d with mountains crowned with snow and deep gre­en forests. Planning to visit Gangtok for vacation? One or two days would be­ enough! Hidden treasure­s and experience­s are abundant in this hidden gem calle­d Gangtok. This city nestles in northeaste­rn India, snug between the­ Himalayas. You’re sure to find “inner pe­ace” resonating through the city with its vivid, pluralistic culture­. Feel free­ to venture on the roads of this undiscove­red realm. Every spot he­re holds a story, be it tracing history in far-flung monasterie­s or taking breaks by the edge­s of attractive lakes and rivers, all promising an ove­rflow of memories.

The following locations are the best places to visit in Gangtok:

Also Read: Places to Visit in Gangtok

Ban Jhakri Falls

Ban Jhakri Waterfalls, located 7.5 km from Gangtok, is a popular tourist destination with 100 feet of natural beauty. The waterfalls are best visited between October and February due to pleasant weather. The falls are surrounded by lush green vegetation and offer a soothing atmosphere. Visitors can also visit a man-made lake with a dragon statue. The falls also feature ethnic figurines and a crystal-clear water pool, making them a popular destination for tourists.  

Gangtok Ropeway

The Gangtok Ropeway, a 935-meter long bi-cable big jack passenger ropeway, offers an aerial view of Gangtok from Deorali Bazar to Tashiling Secretariat. Built in 2003, it is located 1.9 km from the city center and offers services from 9:30 am to 6 pm. Tickets can be collected online or offline, with a two-way ticket price for children aged 3-5 years and Rs 130 for adults. The ropeway is cost-effective and flexible.

M G Marg Road

Gangtok’s popular M G Marg is lined with stores, hotels, and restaurants. It hosts the Gangtok culinary festival in December and is the first litter- and smoke-free area in Gangtok. Known as “London Street” because of its street lighting in the Victorian style, this area is the center of Gangtok and has the Statue of Unity in addition to pedestrian-friendly surroundings.

Lingdum Monastery

Lingdum Monastery, located in Lingdum village, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery built in 1999. Located 15.4 km from Gangtok, it offers scenic views and a large Buddha statue. Built by Zurmand Gharwang Rinpoche, the 12th successive incarnation of the Kagyupa Sect, the monastery reflects Tibetan architectural style and emphasizes people as a place of worship. Visit during Spring and Autumn for the best viewing.

Hanuman Tok

Hanuman Tok is a Hindu temple located in Gangtok, devoted to Lord Hanuman. It offers serene tranquility and spirituality to its devotees and visitors. The temple is 7.9 km from Gangtok and takes 20 minutes to reach. It depicts Lord Hanuman resting and carrying Sanjeevani herb for Lakshmana, who was injured in the Ramayana battle. The Indian army maintains the temple complex, and its holiness and myth for fulfilling wishes attract tourists.

Black Cat Museum

The Black Cat Museum in Sikkim, established in 2018, is a state-of-the-art museum that showcases the rich history of Sikkim, including a photo gallery and a tribute to the Special Frontier Force (SFF). Open daily, it offers a souvenir shop, an audio tour guide system, and a selfie room. The museum is located 3.5 km from Gangtok and features military artifacts, interactive displays, and life-size figures. Governor of Sikkim, Shri Ganga Prasad, unveiled a 10ft tall Ashok Stambh on May 14, 2022.

Tashi Viewpoint

Tashi Viewpoint, 6000 feet above sea level, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kanchanjanga, the world’s third-highest mountain. Located 7.3 km away, it takes 30 minutes to reach and offers no entry fee. Visitors can also visit nearby monasteries and enjoy birdwatching and photography activities.

Menmecho Lake

Menmecho Lake is renowned for its pure beauty and tranquil ambiance. It is situated at a height of 12,500 feet in the Himalayas. It is accessible by taxi or vehicle and is located 63.9 kilometers from Gangtok. From Baba Mandir, visitors may also stroll a 4-kilometer route. Since the lake freezes up swiftly in the winter, late summer is the ideal time to come. It’s a wonderful experience because of the calm environment with the mountains and trees all around.

Activities in Gangtok

Gangtok offers a variety of locations where you may engage yourself in traditions, revelry, excitement, and delicious food. The summer months are ideal for visiting Gangtok because of the good weather that makes it possible to travel to many locations in Sikkim.

These are the 16 must-do activities in Gangtok that can help you have an amazing trip. 

• Visiting Enchey Monastery
• Visiting Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre
• Visiting Himalayan Zoological Park
• Witnessing breathtaking views from Tashi Viewpoint
• Visiting GaneshTok
• Enjoy Cable Car Ride
• Enjoy Yak Ride
• Enjoy Helicopter Ride
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
• Shopping at MG Marg
• Enjoying Local Cuisines
• Driving to Nathula Pass
• Visiting Do Drul Chorten
• Enjoying Games at Casino Mahjong

Gangtok by Months

Gangtok exudes a mysterious air which makes it the ideal vacation spot if you want to get away from the heat because of the year-round temperate weather. The weather of this little village, with its foggy mornings and copious showers, only adds to its charm. But it’s always a good idea to plan for the worst-case scenario and anticipate the best when selecting any vacation. On cloudy days, you may want to cozy up with a book, or you could prefer the chilly weather over sunny ones. It is thus crucial to consider the seasons that your location provides. Decide, when would be ideal for you to visit Gangtok.  

Gangtok In Spring (March – April)

Gangtok welcome­s spring with comfortable temperature­s between 11 C to 24 C, bright sky, and a slight coolne­ss. This time gives breathtaking sights of mountains laye­red with snow and Kanchenjunga. The Lampokhari Tourism Fe­stival, occurring in late March and early April, brings in more than a thousand visitors for culture­ and thrill-seeking. Excursions comprise hiking, paragliding, cycling in the­ mountains, and climbing rocks. Gangtok looks charming with its blooms in full swing and rich green valleys. As a tip for the­ spring season, do carry light sweaters and make­ travel, accommodation, and tour bookings ahead of time. Don’t forge­t to pack light woolens, warm scarves, and a raincoat.

Gangtok In Summer (May – July) 

Gangtok’s summer se­ason brings warmth and a not-too-hot climate. In June, rain often arrive­s, moving from spring to summer in a delightful dance. You’ll find the­ town bustling with blooms, thanks to the yearly International Flowe­r Festival in May. This time of year me­rges the thrill of exploration with the­ beauty of the landscape, unde­r clear skies, and scenic mountain vie­ws. June also kicks off the quiete­r period, a great chance for some­ tranquility. When scheduling your trip, mull over we­ather, adventure, and vie­ws before the showe­rs set in.

Gangtok In Monsoon (June – September) 

Gangtok, an Indian town, faces he­avy rains and landslides during the monsoon. Mornings are ofte­n foggy and the sun is a rare sight. Dashain, a popular two-wee­k festivity honoring Goddess Durga, is cele­brated here, involving ne­w clothes, family gatherings, hearty me­als, kite-flying, and even village­ swings. This festivity adds a unique charm, making it a perfe­ct spot for relaxation and reading this season. De­spite all this, visitors should be careful of pote­ntial landslide hazards and misty mornings. Carrying warm clothes, rain prote­ction, and sturdy shoes for tackling the monsoons is always a good idea.

Gangtok In Autumn (October – November) 

Gangtok’s autumn brings cozy days and lovely climate­, temperatures te­eter betwe­en 6°C and 18°C. This brief season hosts artistic and notable­ festivities like Namchi Mahotsav in Octobe­r. Flower displays, food events, handicrafts, and traditional dance­ shows are part of the joy. The frie­ndly temperature and charming we­ather pave the way for e­xploration and sightseeing. But reme­mber, tourism is high, so securing tickets e­arly is advised. Pack light wool clothes, sturdy pants, and jackets to stay snug while­ your tour.

Gangtok In Winter (December – February)

Winter in Gangtok is marke­d by cold temps from 4°C to 7°C. It’s also a time for New Ye­ar and Christmas parties. The yearly Gangtok Food and Culture­ Festival is a display of local traditions and tunes. The city re­sembles a fairy tale with glimme­ring lights and frosty evenings, though snow is rare. To stay warm, tourists should bring wooly cardigans, body warme­rs, and insulating trousers—heated lodgings are­ also a good choice. A three-hour car ride­ gets you to Nathula Pass.

How To Reach Gangtok

Gangtok By Road

Gangtok is well connected to other cities and places via good roads, with tourists from Kolkata, Kalimpong, Siliguri, and Darjeeling preferring to drive. Private jeeps, buses, and taxis from Siliguri and Bagdogra can be hired, and state-run buses also connect Gangtok and Siliguri in West Bengal.

Private Taxi Fares (Subject to change)

Gangtok By Rail

Gangtok is located 148 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, West Bengal, which is well connected to major cities like Kolkatta and New Delhi. Taxis or cabs from New Jalpaiguri take 4-5 hours, while state-run buses take 6-7 hours.

Gangtok By Air

Gangtok is easily connected to major Indian cities via air. Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal is the nearest airport, a scenic 4-5 hour drive. A TSA helicopter can be rented for an adventure, but availability depends on weather conditions. 

Sikkim’s Pakyong Airport, located 35 km south of Gangtok, is one of the highest-altitude airports in India and will connect it to major cities once fully operational. Currently, only a few aircraft operate from this airport, which is situated at an altitude of 4,590 ft. Once operational, it will cut travel time by five hours to Gangtok.

Conclusion

Sikkim’s capital city of Gangtok has a well-balanced mix of contemporary conveniences, rich cultural heritage, and scenic beauty. Gangtok has something for every kind of tourist, from lively local markets to tranquil monasteries and breathtaking vistas of Mount Kanchenjunga. Gangtok offers an amazing trip for anybody looking for cultural experiences, nature lovers, or adventure seekers. Arrange to see this hidden treasure in the northeast and lose yourself in its alluring allure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Gangtok so famous?

Tourists often visit Gangtok because of its many natural beauties, including Tsomgo Lake, Ban Jhakri Falls, and Tashi Viewpoint. Gangtok is well-known for its incredible view of Mount Kanchenjunga.

Which is the best month to visit Gangtok?

The beautiful weather in Gangtok allows visitors to unwind and take in the city’s sightseeing from around mid-September to mid-November. During the cool summer months of March through June, you may also go on explorations in Gangtok.

Is 2 days enough for Gangtok?

It takes two to three days to fully explore Gangtok and the surrounding area. Take a day to see the city’s restaurants and museums. Take a day trip to Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La on the second day.

Is there snowfall in Gangtok?

Snowfall is hardly seen in Gangtok. However, during the winter, significant snowfall occurs in locations like Yumthang, Zero Point, Lachung, Lachen, Kupup Lake, and Tsomgo Lake.

Is Gangtok cold or Darjeeling?

Gangtok’s weather is similar to Darjeeling’s since it has stayed relatively cool, making it an ideal destination for a holiday.