MG Road Gangtok Discover MG Road in Gangtok: Travel Guide

MG Road, Gangtok, Sikkim – Introduction

MG Road throbs with life and action and is located in the heart of Gangtok. MG Road is known for being a shopper’s paradise and tourists continuously pour into this beautiful location of the state capital. This road is lined with rows of vibrant shops, restaurants and busy hotels on both sides. This place can be described as an open mall or boulevard square akin to a town centre and is a convenient place for shopping in Sikkim. If you want the real vibes of the local community and want to carry bags full of stories back to your native place, just take a stroll along the MG Road or simply sit idly on the benches and watch the day-to-day activities happening all around you as you take in the peace and beauty of the location.

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The approximately 1-km stretch of MG Road is known for its impeccable cleanliness. As you watch the warning and cautionary signs on the boards everywhere reminding you, “Welcome to M.G. Marg, Spit, and Litter Free Zone,” you get alerted not to spoil the beauty of the place by your insensible actions. The entire area is free of smoke, litter and the disturbing noise of the city-life vehicular traffic. It is a pedestrian-only road where vehicles are not allowed. To fall in line with the unique government green initiative, the buildings on both sides of MG Road in Gangtok are painted green. MG Road comes to life manifold in the month of December when the Gangtok Food and Culture Festival is held in December. People from all corners of the globe commingle to be a part of this special extravaganza.

The Statue of Unity that overlooks MG Road belongs to the Bhutia Chieftain Khye Bumsa, the Lepcha leader Thetong Tek and his wife Ngo Kong ngol. This statue promotes peace, love and harmony among the localites and the visitors equally. About midway is a grand statue of the great Mahatma Gandhi. The Victorian lamps add to the charm. Gangtok’s MG Road dons a vibrant magical hue after dark when the lights get lit.

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Ideal Time to Visit Gangtok’s MG Road

MG Road is bustling throughout the day but sees a new lease of life in the evenings. The best time to visit is during the tourist seasons in the months of spring from March to May and then again in the autumn season stretching from September to November, when the weather remains delightful and many cultural events occur.

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Must Know Information Before Visiting MG Road

• Smoking is not allowed at MG Road in Gangtok. Note that smoking is an offence, and you are liable to be punished by fines if caught.
• No vehicles are allowed as it is a pedestrian-only zone as in with most mal roads of Indian hill stations. You will need to park your vehicle at a distance and walk the road. Thus this road is a pleasant area for walking and exploring. The absence of vehicles adds to the peace and cleanliness of the environment.
• The road is a focal point for obtaining all kinds of tourist information and services. Visitors can find information centres, travel agencies and tour operators lined across on both sides to help plan trips in and around Sikkim.
• MG Road is known for its cleanliness and well-maintained public spaces. There are benches for resting, which is a huge bonus for elderly people and children. The attractive street lighting and beautifully landscaped areas lined with plants and flowers create a surreal ambience that fills the visitors’ hearts with joy and peace.
• Shoppers can heartily bargain here without hesitation while choosing and buying the unique souvenirs and various local products.
• MG Road is a food lover’s paradise and one must try the local snacks and delicacies, such as momos or dumplings, thukpa or the flavourful noodle soup, and chhurpi which is a traditional Sikkimese cheese.
• The exquisite and unique beauty of the area is makes for mandatory and memorable photographs. The joys of colour and the fervour and energy of the localites can be beautifully captured with your camera.

Gangtok Food and Culture Festival, Sikkim

The Gangtok Food and Culture Festival is a yearly event and one of the major tourist attractions happening in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, India. This festival is a brilliant showcase of the state’s rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary traditions. It typically attracts both locals and tourists, offering the cherished opportunity to experience Sikkim’s cultural diversity and mouthful of foody delights. The festival is a paradise for food lovers. It has as a part of its attraction a milieu of local Sikkimese dishes and delicacies, including traditional cuisines from the various communities in the state, such as the Lepcha, Bhutia, Nepali and Tibetan. Popular dishes include momos, thukpa, gundruk, sinki and chhurpi.

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The festival also brings to light fusion foods and international cuisines and caters to diverse tastes. Alongside the culinary treats, the festival hosts cultural performances that are expressions of Sikkim’s rich traditions. These performances include traditional dances, music and songs by local artists. The festival often features performances of classical Sikkimese dances, such as the Bhutia dance, Lepcha dance and Nepali dance.

The festival also provides a platform for local artisans to display and sell traditional handicrafts, textiles and artworks. Visitors can find a variety of handcrafted items, including traditional Sikkimese clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.

The festival offers entertainment and activities for all age groups, including games, competitions and workshops. It is a family-friendly event that provides something for everyone. Organized by the Sikkim Tourism Department, the festival aims to promote Sikkim as a tourist destination. It provides information about various tourist attractions in the state, trekking routes and adventure activities. The festival not only celebrates Sikkim’s cultural heritage but also fosters a sense of community and unity among the state’s diverse communities.

Restaurants and Bars at MG Road, Gangtok, Sikkim

MG Road is a bustling hub of well-established restaurants, dynamic bars, cosy cafes and popular eateries offering a variety of cuisines, including traditional Sikkimese dishes, Tibetan cuisine, Indian food and international cuisines. It is a great spot to try local delicacies. The different tastes and preferences of the mix of locals and international tourists are well taken care of. Chill with relaxing vibes of music sipping your own favourite drink.

• Baker’s Café serves multi-cuisine food, including Italian, continental, and bakery items. It has a cozy and casual ambience with a great view of the bustling streets outside. Do try out the specialties of this restaurant such as pizzas, pasta, sandwiches and delicious pastries.
• Taste of Tibet is another popular eatery that serves Tibetan and Asian cuisines. The ambience is casual, warm and welcoming with the intricacies of Tibetan decor. Try the specialties of this place that comprise momos, thukpa and other Tibetan delicacies.
• Parivar Restaurant as the name itself suggests is a family restaurant and serves Indian, Chinese and continental cuisines. This restaurant has a family-friendly and comfortable ambience. Visitors and tourists love the specialities of this place such as Indian curries, tandoori dishes and a variety of vegetarian options.
• The Dragon Wok is known for its oriental-themed outlet with a cozy setting. Asian-inspired cocktails, beers and wines are served to the pleasure of the visitors. Specialties include Asian fusion cuisine with a focus on Chinese dishes. If you are looking for an authentic Chinese flavour, this is the place to be.
• Mu Kimchi as the name suggests is a Korean restaurant with a simple and cozy atmosphere. The specialties of this place are Korean BBQ, kimchi and bibimbap.
• The bars and pubs include cafés such as Cafe Live & Loud with a vibrant and lively ambience with live music performances. Drinks such as a wide selection of cocktails, beers and spirits are served with elan. Specialities include music-themed decor and a dance floor.
• Infinity Futsal Arena has a sports bar vibe with a futsal ground aptly expressed by the name. Visit this bar for feisty drinks such as cocktails, beers and a variety of alcoholic beverages. Specialties of this place include sports screenings and casual bites.
• The Square has an ambience of a modern and chic restaurant with lounge. Drinks served include a range of cocktails, wines and spirits. Specialties such as tapas and snacks served here are perfect for a relaxed evening.
• 9ine Native Cuisine brings to plate a mix of traditional Sikkimese and Indian dishes. The unique rustic and cozy ambience with a focus on local culture is the highlight of this place. Specialties of this restaurant on MG Road, Gangtok, comprise Gundruk soup, Sikkimese thali and pork dishes.
• The Irish Pub serves a selection of beers, whiskeys and classic cocktails with funky pub food in a lively atmosphere. The classic pub setting with Irish décor is the focus of this place.
• The Roll House is known for fast food and Indian snacks. Though the restaurant is small and informal, it serves tasty food. The evergreen Indian favourites such as kathi rolls, samosas and other quick bites are worth trying by tourists on a constant move.

MG Road, Gangtok, Sikkim – Shopping

MG Road in Gangtok is lined with shops selling a wide range of products, including traditional Sikkimese handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs and more. It is an excellent place for shopping for local goods and handicrafts and carrying back mementos and souvenirs. The road is a bustling shopping destination known for its variety of shops and vibrant atmosphere. As a pedestrian-only street, it offers a pleasant shopping experience with a mix of local and branded stores. The choice offered in terms of souvenirs, local crafts, clothing and more is remarkable.

The Kinds of Shops in MG Road, Gangtok, Sikkim

• Handicrafts and Souvenir shops: Look for traditional Sikkimese crafts, including hand-woven carpets, woollen shawls and intricate wood carvings among the major items sold in the shops. Souvenirs include a wide range of items, such as prayer flags, masks, thangkas, which are Tibetan Buddhist paintings and traditional Tibetan jewellery.
• Jewellery and Accessories: Traditional Tibetan and Sikkimese jewellery enjoys popularity. These are made from silver, turquoise and other semi-precious stones. Modern accessories like bags, belts and scarves present an eye-catching variety.
• Clothing and Accessories: Traditional Clothing shops offer traditional Sikkimese and Tibetan clothing, such as bakhu (traditional Sikkimese dress), as well as shawls and scarves. These are crafted mostly by the local people and sold at bargainable prices. Nowadays there are also stores selling clothing to keep up with the modern styles and fashion trends, including branded items, winter wear and trendy accessories.
• Local Food and Specialties: Sikkim is known for its tea, especially organic varieties. Buy different types of tea leaves, including those from the Temi Tea Garden, the only tea estate in Sikkim. Look out for chhurpi, a traditional Sikkimese cheese that comes in both hard and soft varieties. Local Snacks and Pickles like dried bamboo shoot and fermented soybean products are worth trying.
• Books and Stationery: Some shops specialize in books about Sikkim’s history, culture and natural beauty apart from general literature and travel guides.
• Electronic Gadgets and Gifts: Several stores sell electronic gadgets, gift items and quirky souvenirs.

MG Road is a happy place and is more than just a shopping street. It is a cultural and social hub where visitors can feel the vibes of the local culture and lifestyle of Gangtok.