Places to Visit in Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and is a vibrant hill station that offers the tourists with rich cultural heritage, bustling crowd, a wide array of shops and cuisines and a blend of natural beauty. Gangtok is situated at a height of 5600 feet above the sea level.

The town offer mesmerizing view of Mt. Kanchenjunga that attracts tourists from across different parts of India. Gangtok also serves as a point for number of adventurous activities such as paragliding, mountain biking and trekking. Moreover, the nightlife of Gangtok also offers a charming experience to the visitors. M G Marg offers a unique mix of pubs, cafes, and cultural delights that helps in developing a lively atmosphere, as the pubs stay there open up till 11 pm.

The number of shops across the town offers numerous choices to the tourists to purchase various items, based on their choices and preferences. The breathtaking panoramas around Gangtok consists of a number of places to visit that will allow the visitors to refresh themselves from the bustle of city life.

There are also places where you can witness the traditional cultural shows of Gangtok such as Sikkimese folk dances, rituals and music. At times there are also live shows in the MG Marg that attracts the tourists and helps in representing the cultural values and beliefs to the tourists.

Here Are the Top 15 Places to Visit in Gangtok to Attain an Unforgettable Experience

1. Ban Jhakri Falls

Ban Jhakri Waterfalls is a popular tourist destination, situated at a distance of 7.5 km from Gangtok, which may take around 25 minutes to reach. The 100 foot Ban Jhakri Waterfalls is a natural place that offers peace and you can hear only the gushing sound of waterfall.

Ban Jhakri Falls Travel Tips

In order to reach Ban Jhakri Falls, you can hire a taxi to visit the falls, as it will take around 25 minutes to reach the place. The best time to visit the falls is between October and February, as during that period of time, the visitors will experience a pleasant weather.

Ban Jhakri comprise of two words, Ban means jungle and Jhakri means traditional healer. The Ban Jhakri falls opens from 10 am and closes at 5 pm. At the time of visiting Ban Jhakri falls, you can also visit the man-made lake that features a dragon statue.

Ban Jhakri Falls Facts

The forestland near the Ban Jhakri Falls spreads over 2 acres of land across the lush green vegetation. The tranquility of place offers the tourists with soothing ambience. Hiring a local guide will help in obtain9ing information regarding the myths and stories associated with the Ban Jhakri falls.

Main Highlights

The ethnic figurines located around the Ban Jhakri falls also serves as interests towards attracting the tourists. The falls ends in a pool of crystal clear water highlighting the surrounding place.   

2. Gangtok Ropeway

Gangtok Ropeway is yet another point of interest for the tourists as it offers an aerial view of Gangtok. The bi-cable big jack passenger ropeway offers panoramic vistas to the tourists while travelling from Deorali Bazar to Tashiling Secretariat.

The Gangtok ropeway is situated at a distance of 1.9 km from the centre of Gangtok. The ropeway was built back in the year 2003 and the starting point of this ropeway is Deorali Bazar.

Gangtok Ropeway Travel Tips

The ropeway services are available from 9:30 am till 6 pm. The tickets can be collected both online and offline, however, the online tickets are valid for the date issued in the tickets and within a time period of 4:30 pm.

Gangtok Ropeway Facts

The cabin capacity of the ropeway has a seat capacity of 24 persons along with the cabin attendant. The price for the two-way tickets for children between 3 and 5 years is Rs 68 and the two-way fare for people above years is Rs 130. There will be no fares charged for differently-abled persons and children below 3 years.

Main Highlights

The Gangtok ropeway is 935 meters long that offers a panoramic views. The timing for the ropeway may be adjusted due to the weather conditions and sunlight. It is also one of the cost and time effective means of transportation for the tourists.  

Also Read : Best Things to do in Sikkim Trip

3. Mahatma Gandhi Marg (M G Marg)

Mahatma Gandhi Marg is a renowned location of Gangtok, as it helps in highlighting the culture and colorful displays. M G Marg is also a smoke and litter free zone that can be used by pedestrians only.

There are number of shops, bakeries, restaurants, hotels that highlights the area and grabs the attention of the tourists. You can also enjoy the lively audience and the live shows that at times occurs.

M G Marg Travel Tips

M G Marg is a road is filled with various shops, hotels, restaurants and is bustling with crowds as it is considered as shopper delight.

M G Marg Facts

In the month of December, there occurs the Gangtok food festival, which will help you enjoy numerous cuisines. This location is the first litter free and smoke free place in Gangtok.

M G Marg also depicts the union between Sikkim and India back in the year 1975. It is also referred as “London Street” due to paved pathways and Victorian style street lights.

Main Highlights

MG Marg is considered as the heart of Gangtok as it offers engaging and lively experience to the visitors. The pedestrian friendly path along with number of restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops that helps in offering tourists engaging and lively experience.

The M G Marg also boasts Statue of Unity that helps in promoting themes of harmony, love and peace.

4. Lingdum Monastery

Lingdum Monastery, also known as Pal Karma Zurmang Shedup Chokhor Ling Lingdum Monastery is located in Lingdum village, which is 15.4 km far from Gangtok and requires a travel time of around 45 minutes.

The building was completed back in the year 1999 and represents the Zurmang Kagyu culture of Tibetan Buddhism. The Monastery is surrounded by forests, valleys and snow-capped mountains that offers scenic views to the visitors.     

Lingdum Monastery Travel Tips

The best time to visit Lingdum Monastery is in Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September and October). You can opt for hiring jeep or taxi to travel to the destination that helps you reach the monastery.            

Lingdum Monastery Facts

The monastery has a large Buddha statue along with different meditation halls and chapels. Zurmand Gharwang Rinpoche, the 12th successive incarnation of Zurmang Gharwang of the Kagyupa Sect has built this monastery.

Main Highlights

The Lingdum monastery reflects Tibetan architectural style and testifies the significance of people as a place of worship. A time period of 7 years was taken to complete the construction since 1992. 

Also Read : Best Nightlife Activities in Sikkim

5. Hanuman Tok

Hanuman Tok is more than a Hindi temple and is located on a hilltop of Gangtok and is devoted to ord hanuman. The temple offers their devotees and visitors with serene tranquility and spirituality, which attracts the tourists.                                                                                                                    

Hanuman Tok Travel Tips

Hanuman Tok is located at a distance of 7.9 km from Gangtok and requires a travel time of 20 minutes. You need to book a taxi or cab from Gangtok to reach Hanuman Tok.    

Hanuman Tok Facts

Hanuman Tok depicts the story of Lord Hanuman who rested in this place while carrying back Sanjeevani herb for reviving Lakshmana who have been injured in the battle of Ramayana. The Indian army maintains the temple complex that helps in ensuring a serene atmosphere. The vibrant prayer flags offers a colorful scenery to the temple. 

Main Highlights

Hanuman Tok offers a picturesque landscape to the visitors, however one cannot take pictures of the deity. Back in the year 1968, when the entire area was handed over to the Indian army, after which the temple is being maintained by the Indian army,

The holiness of the temple also has a myth for fulfilling wish that drives numerous tourists to visit this temple to get their wish fulfilled.  

6. Black Cat Museum

Black Cat Museum is a state of the art museum that has been created to showcase the rich history of Sikkim. The museum consists of a phoo gallery that serves as witnesses to many great events that took place in the past along with highlighting the rich traditions, culture and history of the Sikkim.

The museum was established back in 2018 that was a tribute to the Special Frontier Force (SFF) also known as the “Black Cats”.  

Black Cat Museum Travel Tips

The Black Cat Museum is open on all days and the visit time is between 9 am and 7 pm. There is no entree fees to enter this museum and offers a souvenir shop, audio tour guide system and one of its kind selfie room.

The museum is located at a distance of 3.5 km and may take around 22 minutes to reach the destination. You can travel to the Black Cat Museum from Gangtok, using a taxi or cab.       

Black Cat Museum Facts

On 14th May 2022, Governor of Sikkim, Shri Ganga Prasad unveiled a 10 feet tall Ashok Stambh at the museum.

Main Highlights

The museum displays military artifacts, comprising of equipment, uniforms and weapons that are used by the SFF. There are also interactive displays such as touchscreen panels, videos and display of life-size figures.     

7. Ganesh Tok

Ganesh Tok is a temple that also serves as a viewpoint in Gangtok. The temple is located on the top of a hill and helps the visitors acquire a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga hill.

The colorful flags that are tied across the stairs helps in adding spiritual charm to the temple. The temple is located at a height of 6500 feet above the sea level.   

Ganesh Tok Travel Tips

Travelling to Ganesh Tok in early morning will help you sight a mesmerizing view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Ganesh Tok is located at a distance of 5.1 km from Gangton and may take upto 16 minutes of drive to reach. You can hire private taxi or jeep to reach the temple.

Ganesh Tok Facts

One need to wash their hands and remove their shoes before entering into the temple to maintain the sanity and tradition of the temple. The temple also has a balcony and lounge in front of the temple to help the visitors rest as well as enjoy the scenic view.    

Main Highlights

Ganesh Tok is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and offers a serene ambience to the travellers from their monotonous routine and is a ideal place for photographers and nature lovers. The temple has a religious significance and is located within a peaceful surrounding.   

Also Read : Best Locations in Sikkim to not Miss

8. Enchey Monastery

Enchey Monastery, also known as “the solitary temple” is a holy place for the Buddhists and is surrounded by lush green vegetation. This monastery is situated in the north-east of Gangtok and helps the pilgrims and tourists find peace amidst the serene ambience.         

Enchey Monastery Travel Tips

Enchey monastery is 2.6 km away from Gangtok and takes around 8 minutes to reach. The surrounding offers a serene ambience and helps you relax from the bustle of the crowd.    

Enchey Monastery Facts

Enchey Monastery is around 200 years old that depicts the story of Lama Drupto Karpo, who was renowned to have flying powers and have built this hermitage at this exquisite location and was later renovated by Sidkeong Tulku in Chinese pagoda style.

The monastery was established back in the year 1909 and has been built with reference of Gyanak Riwo Tse-Nga,  sacred mountains.    

Main Highlights

Enchey Monastery is a house to 90 monks and is devoted to Loki Sharia, Guru  Padmasambhava and Lord Buddha. There are also numerous images of Tantric, Gods and Goddesses.

The monastery also boasts depictions of Buddhists deities and tales that adds to the spiritual ambience. The courtyard also offers scenic views, including the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga.           

9. Tashi Viewpoint

Tashi Viewpoint is another mesmerizing location situated at an elevation of 6000 feet above the sea level. The breathtaking panoramas one can witness from this viewpoint of the Kanchanjanga, the world’s third highest mountain across the globe, attracts numerous tourists from different parts ofthe globe.       

Tashi Viewpoint Travel Tips

Tashi viewpoint is located at a distance of 7.3 km that will take you around 30 minutes to reach the destination. There is no entry fee to enter to viewpoint and you can also see Labrang and Phodong monasteries situated in the nearby hills.   

Tashi Viewpoint Facts

The viewpoint is renowned for offering scenic views at the times of both sunrise and sunset. 

Main Highlights

Tashi viewpoint offers a number of activities for the tourists such as birdwatching and photography.         

10. Menmecho Lake

Menmecho Lake is situated amidst the breathtaking Himalayas and at an elevation of 12500 feet. The lake is renowned for its serene atmosphere and pristine beauty. The crystal clear water reflects the surrounding mountain that produces a scenic panorama for the visitors.    

Menmecho Lake Travel Tips

Menmecho lake is located at a distance of 63.9 km from Gangtok, which may take around 2 hours of travelling time to reach the spot. You may book a taxi or jeep to visit the place and must also ensure to collect the necessary permits for travelling to the lake.

You may also take a 4 km walk trail from Baba Mandi, which is located  at a distance of 58.1 km from Gangtok that will help you reach Lake Menmecho. The bes time to visit this lake is during the late summer months, as this lake freezes quickly during the winter season.

Menmecho Lake Facts

Menmecho lake is situated at an elevation of 12500 feet above the sea level that offers a pleasant climate and serene ambience due to the less population around the area.      

Main Highlights

The calm waters at menmecho lake will offer you a serene and peaceful ambience surrounded by mountains and forests that makes you feel your presence amidst the nature.

Also Read : Best Secret Places in Sikkim to Explore

11. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is a reowned temple of Sikkim that has rumours of the ghost of an Indian soldier protecting the border area. Baba Harbhajan Singh temple lies between the road to Nathula Pass and Jelepla Pass.

This temple is aslo known as Baba Mandir and is devoted to an honorary captain of he Indian army that died during serving his country.    

Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple Travel Tips

The temple is situated at a distance of 58.1 km from Gangtok and may take a travelling time around 1 hour 45 minutes. The temple offers a myth-status along with surrounding scenic beauty. Before travelling to Baba Mandi, you need to acquire Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit this temple, which can be obtained easily either online or offline.     

Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple Facts

Harbhajan Singh died in a battle at Natghula pass during the Sino-Indiar war back in 1965. It is believed that while transporting supplied to an army outpost, he was drowned into a melting glacier. After his death, his soul guided his fellow soldier to find his body and also asked to create a memorial shrine.

He also warns his fellow comrades regarding any signs of danger or attack. During flag meeting between India and China, a chair is kept empty to show respect.          

Main Highlights

In the year 2006, Baba Harbhajan Singh became retired and since then it is believed that his sould rest in peace at his shrine. This myth is strongly believed by the Indian army and also attracts tourists visiting Gangtok. 

12. Deoralli Orchid Sanctuary

Deoralli Orchid Sanctuary is a beautiful sanctuary that has a collection of over 200 species of orchids and offers a delicate fragrance to the visitors. It is also considered as an ecological hotspot for the tourists that helps them attain a scenic pleasure.   

Deoralli Orchid Sanctuary Travel Tips

The best time to visit Deoralli Orchid Sanctuary is between March and June, when there will be pleasant season and this period is also considered as the peak season. The sanctuary is located at a distance of 2.2 km and will take around 10 minutes to reach.      

Deoralli Orchid Sanctuary Facts

Deoralli Orchid Sanctuary was established in the year 1974 and it offers a diverse collection of orchids making it one of the largest sanctuaries of orchids in the Eastern Himalayas. This sanctuary is located adjacent to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.  

Main Highlights

Deoralli Orchid Sanctuary beside offering a variety of orchids and the blooming period of orchids can be witnessed in between April to May, July to August and October to November. Many visitors visit the sanctuary during these periods to attain a spectacular display of colors. 

13. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a renowned institute of Sikkim that has contributed significantly towards the growth of the culture an history of the Tibetan language. This institute was established back in the year 1958 and was named afte the 11th King of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal.

The building design of the institute was based on traditional Tibetan design as well as reflect partial Sikimes architecture.    

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology Travel Tips

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is located at a distance of 2.2 km from Gangtok and may take around 10 minutes to reach there. The museum at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is only open from Monday to Saturday between 10 am and 4 pm.     

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology Facts

The first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru has laid the first foundation stone for this institute on October 1st 1958, along with the 14th Dalai Lama. Later in 2018, the institute expanded that helped in introducing the Department for the study of Tibetan Medicine.

Main Highlights

The institute is renowned for their Tibetan culture and language and helps in spreading the work of Tibetan culture. The institute also consists of a museum that contains of rich collection of things that are associated with Tibetan and Himalayan origins. 

14. Gonjang Monastery

Gonjang Monastery is a popular tourist attraction that offers a calm and peaceful ambience. The monastery also offers a panoramic view to the visitors. The monastery also highlights Tibetan Buddhism for the beautiful architecture.     

Gonjang Monastery Travel Tips

Gonjang Monastery is located in Fatak Bojhogari near Tashi viewpoint. Gonjang Monastery is located at a distance of 7 km from Gangtok and may require a travel time of 26 minutes (approx.). You can hire a private taxt or jeep to visit the monastery.  

Gonjang Monastery Facts

Gonjang Monastery is located at a height of 6066 feet above the sea level and was established in 1981. The monastery was founded by H.E. Tingkye Gonjang Rmpoche and follows the Nyingmapa school of  Tibetan Buddhism and is home to 100 monks.    

Main Highlights

The monastery is home to a large statue of Buddha Shakyamuni and also a number of other Buddhist deities. Moreover, the monastery also consists of a library that is home to Buddhist texts and also offer schooling to young monks.    

15. Do Drul Chorten

Do Drul Chorten is a stupa located in Sikkim and is also one of the most recognisable stupa. The historical background and cultural significance offers This stupa is also a testament to history and spirituality.   

Do Drul Chorten Travel Tips

Do-Drul Chorten is located at a distance of 2.5 km from Gangtok and takes a travel time of around 15 minutes. You can visit this stupa on all days from 8 am to 6 pm and there is no entry fee for visiting this stupa. The best time to visit here is between October and June.  

Do Drul Chorten Facts

Do Drul Chorten was built in the year 1945 by Trusishi Rinpoche after World War 2 . The Queen of Sikkim had invited him to build this stupa, which also reflects Tibetan Buddhist traditions and practices. It was believed that the stupa was built to cast away evil spirits that are believed to reside in the areas.  

Main Highlights

Do Drul Chorten stupa is surrounded by 108 Mani Lhakors, which devotees spin to gain spiritual merit. It also offers shelter to over 700 Buddhists monks and also offers the visitors to observe the pilgrims and monks while engaging in prayers and other religious activities. 

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