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
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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)
| Bagdogra to Gangtok | INR 3000 – INR 3500 |
| New Jalpaiguri to Gangtok | INR 2700 – INR 3200 |
| Darjeeling to Gangtok | INR 2700 – INR 3000 |
| Kalimpong to Gangtok | INR 2500 – INR 2900 |
| Pakyong Airport to Gangtok | INR 1200 – INR 1500 |
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.
