Things to do in Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and is also the connecting point to different parts of Sikkim. If you are planning to visit Gangtok, then there are a number of things that you can engage in to help spend your leisure time and make your vacation more splendid.

Gangtok is situated at an elevation of 5500 feet above the sea level. Gangtok offers a unique combination of both modernity and traditions. There are a number of places around Gangtok where you can experience traditions, fun, adventure and mouth watering cuisines. The best time to visit Gangtok is during the summer season, as the routes to different destinations around Sikkim can be accessible due to the pleasant weather conditions.         

Here are the 16 things that you must do when you visit Gangtok that will help you make your vacation wonderful. 

1. Visiting Enchey Monastery
2. Visiting Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre
3. Traveling to Ban Jhakri Falls Park
4. Visiting Himalayan Zoological Park
5. Visiting Hanuman Tok
6. Witnessing breathtaking views from Tashi Viewpoint
7. Visiting GaneshTok
8. Enjoy Cable Car Ride
9. Enjoy Yak Ride
10. Enjoy Helicopter Ride
11. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
12. Shopping at MG Marg
13. Enjoying Local Cuisines
14. Driving to Nathula Pass
15. Visiting Do Drul Chorten
16. Enjoying Games at Casino Mahjong

16 Things to do in Gangtok

Visiting Enchey Monastery

Enchey Monastery is a renowned monastery of Gangtok and is also known as the solitary monastery. The monastery is around 200 years old and follows the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. The monastery houses 90 monks and images of a number of Gods and Goddesses.

The monastery is situated at a distance of 2.9 km from Gangtok and would take around 9 minutes to reach the monastery. The architecture of the monastery reflects traditional Tibetan and Sikkimese style and has a large prayer hall with carvings and murals. 

Best time to Visit: The best time to visit the Enchey monastery is during the spring (March and June) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During this season you will witness pleasant weather and also be able to witness the surreal beauty surrounding the monastery.    

Visiting Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre

Rumtek monastery is yet another popular monastery of Gangtok that attracts religious enthusiasts from different parts of India. The monastery has a vast collection of religious artifacts that belongs to Tibetan culture and Buddhism. It is the largest monastery of Sikkim that highlights Tibetan architecture and is the replica of the original monastery that is located in Tsurpu, Tibet.

This center is renowned for offering Kagyu teachings around the globe. One of the main attractions of the Rumtek monastery is the golden stupa, which contains the relics of 16th Karmapa. This monastery is situated at a distance of 21.7 km from Gangtok and will take around 49 minutes to reach the monastery.   

Best time to Visit: The best time to visit Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre is during the summer (March to June) and autumn (October to December) seasons. During these seasons, you will get a pleasurable climate and will be able to enjoy the surrounding scenery.  

Also Read : Things to do in Sikkim

Traveling to Ban Jhakri Falls Park

Ban Jhakri Falls Park is a renowned tourist attraction that is spread across a vast expanse of 2 acres of forestland. The park also features man-made footbridge, paved pathways, gazebos and lakes.

This park highlights the myth associated with Ban Jhakri, who is a shamanic deity and is believed to be the God of the forest as well as the founder of Nepali shamanism. You need to pay an entry fee of ₹50 to enter Ban Jhakri Falls Park, where you can also visit the freshwater springs. The Ban Jhakri Falls Park is situated at a distance of 7.5 km from Gangtok that will take about 22 minutes to reach the destination.  

Best time to Visit: The best time to visit Ban Jhakri Falls Park is between the months of October and February, when you can experience pleasurable weather that is ideal for sightseeing and witnessing the natural flora and fauna in the park. 

Visiting Himalayan Zoological Park

The Himalayan Zoological Park is a treasure trove of natural vegetation and wildlife, which attracts numerous tourists to visit this place from different parts of India. The park is placed at a distance of 7.7 km from Gangtok, which will take approximately 21 minutes to reach the destination. The elevation of the park ranges between 6500 feet to 8000 feet above the sea level.

This zoo is maintained by the Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department under the Sikkim Government. This zoological park has a wide variety of animals such as porcupine, yaks, Himalayan tahr, serow, barking deer, gorals, large Indian civets, Himalayan palm civets, Tibetan wolf, leopard cat, common leopard, clouded leopard and Himalayan black bear.    

Best time to Visit: The best time to visit Himalayan Zoological Park is between September to December and February to May, as the climate during these months remains pleasurable that will help the visitors enjoy their time at the zoological park. 

Visiting Hanuman Tok

Hanuman Tok is another wonderful tourist destination that attracts Indian tourists as well as the locals. Hanuman Tok is located at a distance of 7.9 km from Gangtok and takes about 23 minutes to reach the destination. Hanuman Tok was established back in the year 1968 and is situated at an elevation of 7200 feet above the sea level.

At present this temple is maintained by the Indian army and you need to take off your shoes before entering the premises. The panoramic vistas from the top of the temple will offer a pleasant experience.  As per the locals, it is believed that during the epic battle of Ramayana, when Lakshmana was hurt then while flying back carrying Sanjeevani Hanuman is said to have rested here.  

Best time to Visit: The best time to visit Hanuman Tok is between the months of January and March, when the weather remains pleasant and enjoyable. Moreover, clear skies will also allow you to witness the surrounding sites. 

Also Read : Places to Visit in Sikkim

Witnessing breathtaking views from Tashi Viewpoint

Tashi Viewpoint is a renowned tourist attraction that is known for offering a splendid view of Gangtok valleys and surrounding lofty mountains. This viewpoint is situated at an elevation of 6000 feet above the sea level. You can get some of the best views of the sunrise and sunset along with the view of Mt. Kanchenjunga on a clear day.

The panoramic vistas that you will witness from the viewpoint will leave you mesmerized. Nature lovers are highly attracted to this destination. There is also a souvenir shop near the viewpoint from where you can purchase various items. The viewpoint is situated at a distance of 7.3 km from Gangtok which will require a time of around 20 minutes to reach.    

Best time to Visit: The best time to visit Tashi Viewpoint is during the months of March to June, as the temperature during this period is comparatively warm and offers a pleasurable experience to the visitors. Moreover, the skies remain clear, which helps in offering a view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. 

Visiting Ganesh Tok

Ganesh Tok is a temple situated at a hilltop that is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is believed to have spiritual significance, as devotees believed that praying in this temple helps in fulfilling one’s wish. The temple is winded by colorful flags that enhance the beauty of the temple. This temple also houses a lounge and balcony.

From the balcony you will get a scenic view of the valleys and lofty mountains. The spellbinding effect of the panoramic vistas attracts both tourists as well as spiritual enthusiast. Ganesh Tok is located at a distance of 4.7 km from Gangtok, which will take around 19 minutes to reach the destination. 

Best time to Visit: The best time to visit Ganesh Tok is between the months of March to June

Also Read : Places to Visit in Gangtok

Enjoy Cable Car Ride

Gondola ride or cable car ride is another popular attraction that offers the visitors to gain an aerial view of Gangtok. The ride route is between Deorali Bazar and Tashiling Secretariat. The fare for the cable car ride is ₹81 for children between the age of 3 to 5 years and ₹153 for childrens above 5 years and adults.

The cabin can hold upto a person of 24 people along with a cabin attendant. This ropeway ride was built back in the year 2003 and helps in connecting two points of Gangtok. The birds eye view of the surroundings attracts a number of tourists to witness stunning panoramas.       

Best time to Visit: It is best to visit during the months of April and June as the skies will be clear that will allow you to witness the surrounding scenery.  

Enjoy Yak Ride

Yak ride is yet another attractive activity that you can engage in. Yak are the local and domesticated animals that help in transporting luggage from one place to another. The nearest place to Gangtok where you can experience yak riding is in Tsomgo or Changgu lake that is located at an elevation of 3753 meters.

The lake is situated at a distance of 41.6 km that will take around 1 hour and 10 minutes. People of different age groups can enjoy yak rides and it also reduces the hassle of walking to the lake. Short yak rides may cost upto ₹300 whereas long yak rides may cost around ₹700.     

Best time to Visit: The best time to enjoy the yak ride is during the winter season, which is between December and January, which will offer you to ride over snow tracks to reach your destination.  

Enjoy Helicopter Ride

There are different packages of enjoying the  joyride such as ₹3000 per person for a 20 minute ride, Besides there are also different other helicopter ride packages that help in exploring different other parts of Sikkim as well. There is a weight limitation of persons carrying upto 10 kg only and no additional weights are being considered. One can also travel from Bagdogra to Gangtok by flying for 20 minutes in the helicopter, which costs around ₹3500 per person and is operated by Pawan Hans. 

Best time to Visit: The best time to enjoy the helicopter ride is during the winter season (December to February), when the alpine pastures are covered with snow and offer a splendid view to the tourists riding in the helicopter. 

Also Read : Places to Visit in Lachung

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology was established back in the year 1958 by Late PM, Jawaharlal Nehru, whereas in 1957, the 14th Dalai Lama laid its foundation stone. This institute promotes and sponsors Tibetan religion, culture, art, language and history. The entry fee to the museum and library is ₹25. This institute is located at a distance of 2.2 km that will take around 9 minutes to reach from Gangtok.

The museum present in the institute comprises a rare collection of thangkas, coins, statues, ancient manuscripts. The institute also has over  60000 volumes of Tibetan documents, which consist of translation of original Buddha teachings along with thesis and articles of past Buddhist scholars.    

Best time to Visit: The best time to visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is during the month of September to November and March to June.  During this period, the weather remains pleasant with clear skies.  

Shopping at MG Marg

MG Marg can be considered as the central point of Gangtok as it features some of the popular hotels, restaurants, pubs, bakeries and shops. You will find a number of shops from where you can purchase handicraft items, souvenirs, tea, bakery items, alcoholic beverages, decorative items, clothing, fashion accessories and many more.

Some of the popular things that can be purchased from MG Marg are Tibetan style wall hangings and lanterns, Lord Buddha figurines, Sikkim tea, Buddhist prayer flags, Sikkimese teapots and cups, Tibetan cups, black cardamom, Tibetan alpine cheese, thangkas and wooden Buddhist masks. 

Best time to Visit: The best time to visit MG Marg is between the months of September to December and March to June, when you can enjoy the pleasant climate.   

Also Read : How to Reach Sikkim?

Enjoying Local Cuisines

Gangtok offers cuisines from different cultures such as Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Tibetan, Sikkimese and Nepalese. Each of the cultures offers different tastes, flavors and richness. Some of the popular places where you can enjoy the local cuisines in Gangtok are in Nimtho, Taste of Tibet, Shuffle Momos, The Dragon Wok, Osm Restro & Lounge and many others.  

Best time to Visit: You can enjoy the cuisines at Gangtok throughout the year. However, during December, the annual Gangtok Food and Culture Festival takes place, where you can enjoy a wide array of local cuisines along with traditional dance performances and music. 

Driving to Nathula Pass

The route to Nathula Pass is a scenic drive that will help you enjoy the snow covered mountains along with the change in color of the surrounding vegetation as you drive higher. Nathula Pass is located at an elevation of 4310 meters above sea level. Nathula Pass is located at a distance of 58.3 km from Gangtok and takes about 1 hour and 41 minutes to reach the destination. However, before visiting the pass, you are required to issue a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to travel to Nathula Pass as you are traveling to a sensitive area near the Indo-China border.   

Best time to Visit: The best time to visit Nathula Pass is between October to November, when you will get pleasant weather as the temperature ranges between 10°C to 15°C. 

Visiting Do Drul Chorten

Do Drul Chorten is another tourist hotspot that was built by Trulshuk Rinpoche back in the year 1945. The center of attraction of this destination is the pearly white dome with shiny golden spire that is dedicated to an important deity of Tibetan Buddhism called Vajrakilaya, also called Dorjee Rinpoche. The stupa is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels that are carved with sacred mantras.

This place also has a collection of sacred Kangyur relics and manuscripts that are related to Dorje Purba. Moreover, there is also a complete collection of mandala sets of Dorjee Rinpoche and Zurma mantras. 

Best time to Visit: The best time to visit Do Drul Chorten is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) seasons, when the weather will be pleasurable and the skies will be clear to witness the surrounding beauty. 

Also Read : How to Reach Gangtok?

Enjoying Games at Casino Mahjong

Enjoying games at Casino Mahjong will help to spend your leisure time in Gangtok. There are different games to be enjoyed at the casino such as slot machines, blackjack, baccarat, flush, pontoon, poker and roulette. In order to enter the casino to play games, the person needs to be over the age of 21 years and the entry fee is ₹1500 per person, which includes dinner and drinks. 

Best time to Visit: The best time to visit at Mayfair Spa, Resort and Casino is during the winter season, as during the winter, the Christmas event is celebrated that welcomes more guests. 

Thus, the above discussed activities will help you engage and spend your time in an entertaining manner. The different activities will offer you new experiences and memories that will cheer you to visit Gangtok again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Gangtok?

There are many activities to do in Gangtok, such as visiting museums, enjoying yak rides, shopping at MG road and many more.

What are the adventure things to do in Gangtok?

There are many adventurous things to do in Gangtok, Sikkim, India, like ropeway rides, river rafting, mountain biking and paragliding

What are the most popular things to do in Gangtok with kids?

There are plenty of well-liked kid-friendly activities in Gangtok, such as going on a yak ride, walking through MG Marg, visiting Himalayan zoological park and others

What are the most popular things to do in Gangtok with family?

Temples, museums, monasteries and waterfalls are just a few of the well-liked family-friendly activities in Gangtok.

What are some famous treks in Gangtok?

Some of the popular treks around Gangtok are Dzongri trek, Goecha La trek and Green Lake trek.