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The word ‘Gangtok’ literally translates to ‘Top of the Hill’. It is the capital city of the north east Indian state of Sikkim. It is picturesquely located in the Himalayan range and serves as the gateway to the rest of the state. Gangtok is known for its stunning physical beauty, pleasant climate, remarkable architectural beauty of the famous monasteries and rich cultural heritage. Apart from these attractions, Gangtok is also known for adventure activities like trekking, paragliding, river rafting and other thrills.
The city has a beautiful blend of traditional and modern elements, with temples, traditional Buddhist monasteries existing alongside modern cafes and shopping centres against a mesmerizing background of towering mountains, misty hills and lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls and streams along with the whiteness of snow.
Before you start planning your Gangkok trip, read below about all the top places to see in Gangtok.
Suggested Read : Gangtok Tourism
Table of Contents:
Frequently Asked Questions
MG Marg is a beautiful central point and a busy market place in Gangtok. It is always buzzing with life and activities. This is one place you can never miss if you are looking for places to visit in Gangtok in 1 day. The colourful crowd, smiling, joyful faces will win your heart and you can take a leisurely stroll through the market for a stretch of 200 metres.
The neat and clean as well as attractive shops loaded with an immense variety of goodies sold at reasonable prices will tempt you all along. In the evening, the whole MG Marg comes alive and throng with vibrations of a vacation mode of relaxed life. Visit the restaurants and gorge at the city local delicacies and you shall never be able to compare the taste with any other part of India.
MG Marg is the street to book your further day tours and trips in and around Sikkim with various local tour and travel operators working locally. The shops are full of attractive merchandise, and you won’t be able to resist shopping. You will see gift shops, fast food counters, woollen clothes being sold and exclusive showrooms too. Buy mementos and carry souvenirs to make the Gangtok trip a memorable one. Bargaining happens a lot at the local shops.
When dusk falls, the hues of the sky along with the towering mountain ranges create a surreally beautiful ambience to be cherished. If you want to avoid the effervescent crowd, you can take a seat at one of the nice quiet corners. Watch the camaraderie of nature and man, mingling and bustling and jostling with each other.
Suggested Read : Sikkim tour packages
The Himalayan Zoological Park is a popular place in Gangtok to visit with family and friends. It is diligently manicured and showcases a wide variety of animals, birds, insects and reptiles. The museum attached to the zoo is a rare feast to the eyes of visitors of every age. The park contains some rare species of trees like Peepli, and the zoo showcases a wide and rare variety of birds and fishes, such as red panda, cheetah, etc.
This zoo has very clear guidelines to the visitors. The guards display a genuine affection for the animals and tend the flora and fauna attentively. Enjoy the neatly lined shops selling gift items, native dress and a variety of souvenirs. Enjoy wandering across the well-maintained walkways and view the animals roaming freely in the open in protected areas. The park is absolutely stunning and offers sightings of Himalayan Leopard, Red Panda and Black Bear among others.
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Namgyal Institute of Tibetology was founded by the 14th Dalai Lama in the year 1958, as a centre for promoting religion, history, language, art and culture practiced in Tibet and showcase the uniqueness and beauty of it. It is located at a distance of 2 km from Gangtok City Centre in Deorali, comprising a large museum and a resourceful library containing a commendable collection of reference and study material on the subject of Tibet and Himalayas.
The first floor exhibits a precious and historic collection of coins, thangkas, valuable statues and ancient manuscripts written in various languages like Chinese, Sanskrit, Tibetan and other artifacts. It also has the largest collection of Tibetan documents. The NIT library has published the Bulletin of Tibetology since 1964 and numerous other books over the past years. It serves to document the social history of Sikkim’s approximated 60 monasteries and record this on a computer.
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Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden is located near the Rumtek monastery offering a charming view of the lush green mountain slopes, orchids and rhododendrons to steal the hearts of all nature lovers. Get a chance to see the spectacular exotic Himalayan flower species in this vast Botanical garden situated on the top of a hill. It occupies a large portion of Yumthang Valley. Here you will find a large playground for kids, a small yet pretty lake edged with a well-manicured garden and a variety of flowers. Soak in the beauty of the fiddlehead ferns, silver firs and looming oaks.
Suggested Read : Rumtek tourism
Tashi Viewpoint is an amazing viewpoint that offers enthralling views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range and its surrounding valleys. It is a popular spot for tourists to enjoy the scenic beauty of Gangtok. The viewpoint attained its name from Tashi Namgyal, who was the king of Sikkim between 1914 and 1963, and who built the viewpoint. It is a cheerful and bustling picnic place for the local people, as well as for Indian and foreign tourists. Enjoy the beauty of the surroundings with a hot brew from the cafeteria built in the location and get caught in a Himalayan trance of charming natural beauty.
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A veritable balm to the senses. The quietude apart from the tinkering Banjhakri Waterfalls
like a white sheet rushing down from among the rocks is a sight to watch. Counted as one of the best places in Gangtok for families, the lush greenery that surrounds this waterfall is a solace to tired hearts and minds. The waterfall is more or less a half day tour and in case you want to indulge in sports and activities it will take the whole day. Try out the adventure activities such as ziplining, rope walking above water flow, the food stalls, restaurant, shops selling souvenirs, gardens and viewpoints. You can also try paragliding enroute to the fall.
This waterfall is a pristine location just a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of Gangtok Town. Banjhakri Falls serves as an ideal place for a picnic, or a leisurely stroll amidst nature. The pleasant park surrounding the falls is spread across an area of 2 acres of forestland. It has a man-made lake, gazebos, paved pathways and a footbridge.
The park is landscaped and beautified in accordance with the myth surrounding the Ban Jhakri, a shamanic deity, who is believed to be the god of the forest and founder of Nepali shamanism. The water source of the Banjhakri Falls are the freshwater springs located higher up in the mountains. The falls is the heart of beauty of the park and adds to the aesthetic appeal of this Gangtok tourist attraction.
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Kanchejunga Base Camp is located at the height of almost 14,000 ft above sea level in Dzongri. It is one of the best tourist places near Gangtok to visit with friends. It’s a haven for travel enthusiasts and adventurers. It is an exquisitely beautiful location on the Himalayas and is a bit difficult to access.
The trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp requires a good level of fitness and experience in high-altitude trekking and the trekkers enjoy beautiful forests, remote villages and high mountain passes on their way to the base camp. Adequate acclimatization and gradual ascent are recommended to minimize the risk of altitude-related health issues for the trekkers.
Trekkers are advised to follow a proper acclimatization schedule and get trained by experienced trekking guides before attempting it. This place offers the real thrill of watching the third highest mountain in the world up close.
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Hanuman Tok is a picturesque temple complex dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is a sacred place for Hindus especially and is located in the upper reaches of Gangtok. The temple was established in 1952 and is managed by the Indian Army. Get lost in the mountain flavour of this exquisite location.
On a clear day the view of the towering peaks of Himalayan ranges will leave you wonderstruck. The temple premises and the adjoining garden is impeccably maintained by the army personnel. The local myth about this temple tells us that when Hanuman was flying to Dronagiri Mountain to procure the medicine Sanjeevani to save Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana, he rested on the spot for some time where his temple now exists.
The temple location offers enthralling views of Mt Kanchenjunga. It is a beautiful viewpoint and is bound to leave you awed by the beauty of nature that exists all around it. The building exactly opposite to the main Hanuman temple has the whole story of Hanuman Tok beautifully engraved and written and must be visited. The peaceful and quiet ambience is ideal for paying your obeisance to the deity and also for meditation or some soul searching.
Suggested Read : North sikkim travel guide
Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple is among the famous tourist spots to visit in Gangtok. This temple is located close to Nathula Pass and after visiting Nathula Pass, this spot has become an important stopover while returning from Nathula Pass. There is a beautiful and inspiring story attached to this favourite tourist attraction. The story says that Harbhajan Singh was an Indian Army Jawan, who was patrolling the border diligently carrying out his duty. One day he dies while in his duty of delivering supplies leading a herd of mules by getting drowned in one of the glaciers.
Myths says he himself guided the soldiers and helped them to discover his body after three days of his death. It is believed by the local people that his room is still used, and his bed gets regularly soiled as if being used by someone even after his death. The local belief that Baba Harbhajan’s spirit still guards and protects the local people. The locals have built a temple around his living room with his artifacts for all believers and patriots to pay homage to this great soul.
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Ganesh Tok is located on top of a hill at a height of 6500 ft. close to Tashi Point. It has a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and offers some surreal views of the snow-capped peaks of Himalayas, especially the Kanchenjunga Peak. You can enjoy the panoramic view from the lounge provided with a balcony and fitted with glass panels for unhindered viewing. The inner shrine can be approached by climbing a flight of stairs and then crawling through a narrow passage to worship the idol of Lord Ganesha.
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This is an ancient 200-year-old Buddhist monastery. It forms an important part of the local Buddhist tradition and culture and is one of the major religious places to visit in Gangtok. Enchey monastery is famous for its astounding and unique architecture and tranquillity and peace prevailing all around. It was established in 1909 and belongs to the Nyingma order of Buddhism. It offers stunning views of the Khangchendzonga range and overlooks Gangtok.
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Tsomgo Lake is situated at an altitude of about 12,400 feet and is also known as Changu Lake. It is a stunning glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is a popular tourist destination and offers breath-taking views. The beautiful lake remains frozen in winters and is a source of water during summers from its melting snow. It is oval in shape and the catchment area is covered by Alpine forests.
In the middle of May, the periphery of the lake gets covered by a wild rush of blooming rhododendrons. This makes Tsomgo Chho one of the best places to visit in Sikkim in May. Joy rides on decorated yaks and mules and a visit to the small temple on the banks will complete your visit to the lake and make it memorable.
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Located on a hilltop about 24 km from Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery is also known as Dharma Chakra Centre. It was inaugurated 1966 and is one of the most significant Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim. It is the seat-in-exile of Gyalwang Karmapa, the third highest Lama in Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is currently the largest in Sikkim and is home to a golden stupa possessing the relics of the 16th Karmapa.
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The Phodong Monastery is one of the six premier monasteries of Sikkim housing 260 monks of the Kagyu lineage and is one of the three monasteries of the Kagyu sect in the state. It was established in the early 18th century by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal, the then ruler of Sikkim, and is a major tourist attraction of Sikkim. The walls of the monastery are adorned with beautiful murals, paintings, and frescos the beauty of which leaves the visitors in awe.
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Located close to the Research Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten is a massive stupa that was built by Trulshik Rinpoche, who was the head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism and the 14th Dalai Lama. The structure is unique and topped by a golden dome and was established in 1946. It has a total of 108 prayer wheels and several small stupas around.
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Visiting Nathula Pass is one of a kind of adventure at a height of 14000 ft. It can be comfortably marked as a must visit place while visiting East Sikkim. The height of Nathula Pass is astounding and thus might cause breathing problems, headache or nausea due to scarcity of oxygen. The weather is intensely cold and wrapping up oneself in warm woollens can give better comfort to the visitors. Reaching the Pass also involves climbing high and steep steps. One way to beat the fatigue while climbing is to have a relaxed approach and breathe deeply.
Nathula Pass is an immaculately beautiful destination and the approach road towards the pass is immensely picturesque. Some documentary formalities are required such as arranging permits to enter the Nathula Pass as it is very close to the Indo-China border and is heavily protected. Documents have to be submitted along with ID proofs a day in advance. These formalities can easily be arranged and completed by the local travel and tour operators or even the hotel where you plan to say.
The thrill peaks after you reach the top of the mountains. It’s an amazing view of snow-capped mountains with misty mountains and to witness the dedication of the Indian Army in protecting our country’s border in this freezing cold is a privilege. Chinese Flags along with their Chinese structure or gates can be seen at a distance of a few feet. Taking pictures is prohibited at the top. Also, just before the steep climb starts, there is a small hut where the visitors can take some rest. Also a small stall selling some delicious momo along with refreshments such as tea and coffee is also available.
Nathula Pass is unprecedented in its ethereal mountain beauty. It is also a prominent symbol of the historical, cultural and geopolitical ties between India and China. The view of the surrounding hills of some of the highest peaks of the Himalayan range is not to be found anywhere else in the world.
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Bakthang Waterfall is among the most romantic places in Gangtok for couples. This cascading and misty waterfall is a symbol of Himalayan beauty, preserved nature and serenity. It is approximately half an hour’s drive away from Gangtok and is a photographers’ heaven.
Couples, nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts frequent this tourist destination of Gangtok. The waterfall takes birth from the main water source of Ratey Chu, and gushes down in a melodious symphony. It should be included in your Gangtok itinerary for a relaxed, peaceful and pleasant visit.
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A visit to a peaceful garden with blooming flowers cannot be undermined on a romantic trip. Saramsa Garden is considered as one of the best places in Gangtok for couples to go. The neatly landscaped garden is perfect for romantic outings and picnicking. Also known as Ipecac Garden, the lush trees, paved cobblestone pathways, and gazebos that give a fairytale-like appearance to this place. There is also an artificial pond inside the garden besides which you can enjoy each other’s company.
Visit the Botanical Garden inside Saramsa where you can see different types of floral bloom, plants and cacti. The garden is also an excellent venue to celebrate and host birthdays, wedding anniversaries or a romantic date.
Suggested Read : Saramsa garden
A 7 hour of beautiful drive from Gangtok will take you to Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. As the name suggests, this sanctuary is famous for its spectacular rhododendron blooms.
Take a walk hand-in-hand with your partner in one of the most beautiful places in Gangtok, Ridge Park. A scenic and very well-maintained park that is situated on the ridge above the Gangtok town. It gives sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and the city.
Ridge Park is bordered by the White Hall and a beautiful Pagoda top and exhibits a wild array of plants, including exotic looking shrubs and also hosts an annual Orchid show. The vibrant colours of the Ridge park and the charming beauty around will make you feel refreshed and relaxed. It is a heaven for nature lovers and forms a must-see Sikkim tourist place.
A picturesque waterfall to admire with your significant other, the seven sister waterfall is a sight to behold. Just like its name, this waterfall cascades side by side, making a string of seven slender waterfalls. It’s an amazing place to visit in Gangtok for capturing some cool waterfall shots with your camera. There is a waiting shed and a cafeteria where you can satisfy your hunger pangs. The gurgling sounds, the thundering splashes, and stream of milky white streams across a panorama of green blanket creates a harmonious picture. It’s a must-see tourist attraction for couples in Gangtok.
A place to thrill and chill, Casino Mahjong is full of excitement and entertainment. It is a posh casino and is a part of the Mayfair Hotels and Resorts in Sikkim. You can enjoy the chic ambience and the innumerable casino games such as Roulette, Baccarat, Texas Hold’em Poker, Blackjack, Flush and classic slot machines. The crowd is boisterous and cheerful and is very popular among crowds of all ages.
If you’re looking for some exquisite places to visit in Gangtok for a nightly rendezvous, X’ Cape won’t disappoint you. It’s one of the most popular nightclubs in Gangtok known for its vibrant musical nights, mind-blowing cocktails, and scrumptious snacks. The friendly staff and amiable atmosphere makes even the most uptight individuals to get up and dance. The remarkable interiors add a glowing charm to this place. Don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes and grove on the dance floor as you step in X’Cape.
Who said Sikkim was all about hills and monasteries? As the sun goes down, in its capital, the clubs and bars prepare themselves to welcome all the night wanderers. One such club and a cool place to visit in Gangtok at night is Pub 25. The mere entry to this place will make you feel as though you have entered a British pub (somewhere in London). It’s partly also because of the British-styled theme incorporated in its interiors.
Enjoy a night out at this pub, relishing their cocktails/ mocktails and appetisers like sauteed mushrooms. The club also hosts regular DJ nights to keep their guests entertained and the nightlife full of high spirits.
Gangtok’s nightlife would be incomplete without the mention of Cafe Live & Loud, such is the reputation of this place. Cafe Live and Loud is the go-to place for all the nightcrawlers. Want to groove to music, savour a delicious drink and have a gala time? This cafe/ nightclub covers it all.
The club is always buzzing with a boisterous crowd hungry for drinks, dance, and music. Be a part of their DJ parties taking place every Thursday and Friday. Those who enjoy live music, live bands play in this cafe on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
As the name goes, a swanky and uber cool place to visit in Gangtok after dark is the After Darkk Discotheque. It is one of the most happening places to experience the high of nightlife in Gangtok. Go out with your friends and have the time of your life dancing and drinking at this club. The place mostly plays techno music and similar genres with a good mix of nostalgic tracks and latest hits. The good food and mix of music and lights will put you in a jovial mood.
The undulating meadows nestled in the lap of the Himalayas at an elevation of around 3,500 meters is a grazing ground of yaks by the banks of the wild Teesta river. It is a fairy land of hot springs surrounded by the towering mountain peaks. Yumthang valley is among top tourist places to visit around Gangtok.
The valley of flowers is sprawled at a height of more than 11,000 feet and is home to the famous and exquisite Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. During the months from February to mid-June, the valley comes to life with countless flowers blooming together and transforming this valley to a rainbow spread of vivid hues.
The Rhododendrons blooming in full glory gives the name to the valley. When the Losar festival is celebrated by the locals in late February to March, the festivities enthuse a rare charm to the valley. Yumthang Valley is a coveted tourist attraction in Sikkim for its stunning natural beauty and abundance of alpine flowers, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Lachung is a small sleep town with a unique charm and is located at an elevation of 9,610 ft. in North Sikkim. The Lachung Monastery surrounded by apple orchards is a stunningly beautiful tourist attraction. The village is situated close to the Indo-Tibetan border. The Yumthang Valley’s major tourist attraction, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is located just 26 km from the town, which is about a one-hour journey. The Yumthang Valley is also known for its mesmerizing waterfalls, pine forests and relaxing and healing hot springs.
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Pelling is the second most popular town after the capital city of Gangtok in Sikkim. Tourism is the most important industry here in the locality. Pelling is located at the altitude of 2000 meters, where the temperature ranges from 25 degrees Celsius to 1 degree Celsius in winters. Summer months are pleasant, and the time is perfect for tourists.
Pelling is a quiet and charming hill town sited at a height of 6800 ft with thick forest that are home to many indigenous wild animal species This ridge lying between the two old Buddhist monasteries of Pemayangtse and Sangacholing gradually over the years developed into the quaint town of Pelling. Today, Pelling is a very popular tourist destination in Sikkim and is widely known for its natural beauty and the panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga.
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Ravangla is a lesser-known quaint hilly village amidst the high mountains of Eastern Himalayas in South Sikkim. Located at an elevation of around 8000 feet it has a breath-taking landscape beauty to offer to its visitors. The hues of the third highest peak of Kanchenjunga along with its sister peaks of Kabru, Pandim and Siniolchu will mesmerise you. Ravangla is known for the incredible tourist destinations of Buddha Park or Tathagata Tsal, Ralong Monastery, Temi Tea Garden, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary and Rayong Sunrise Viewpoint.
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Yuksom is a small and picturesque historical town in the West Sikkim district and is also known as the “getaway to Kanchenjunga.” Yuksom has a long list of trending tourist spots in and around and makes for a must-visit tourist destination while on a Sikkim Gangtok tour. Some of the coveted and popular highlights are Tashiding Monastery, Coronation Throne, Dubdi Monastery, Complex of Tashi Teenka, Kartok monastery and Khecheopalri Lake to be included among the most interesting heritage places to visit in Yuksom. Yuksom is an ideal place to pursue trekking and hiking thrills too.
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Zuluk is located at a height of 10,000 feet and is surrounded by the majestic lower Himalayan mountains. It is an infinitely picturesque small hamlet that gives a new meaning to natural beauty. Situated close to the Indo-Tibetan border, Zuluk has a historical significance as it is also a part of the major and historic Silk Route of ancient times. The summers in Zuluk are for enjoying the beauty of blooming rhododendrons, clear skies and panoramic mountain views.
Nestled atop a staggering 3,962 m, the spellbinding Thangu Valley is shrouded under a great carpet of snow almost throughout the year. May and June see the entire places dotted with lush alpine flora. Thangu is also a base for the famous Chopta valley and Muguthang treks. Trekking is a common activity done in Thangu valley, as it has many trekking trails ranging from easy to challenging. Remember to get your permits before visiting this valley from police check posts or ask your tour operator to arrange it for you.
Spread across the western gradients of Mount Kanchenjunga, the Khangchendzonga National Park is also known as Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve. In 2016, UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site considering its significant natural and cultural heritage.
This park has a series of natural wonders along the trekking trails that pleasantly surprise the trekkers and urge them to complete the journey till the destination with a hope of soaking in the pristine beauty that surrounds the region. The trails pass through the picturesque and peaceful lands of Yuksom, Dzongri, the vast Zemu Glacier, Goechala, Rathang, Bakim, Tshoka and many more.
What are the top attractions for a trip in Gangtok?
The top attractions to visit in and around Gangtok would be Nathula Pass, MG Marg, Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple, Banjhakri Falls and Hanuman Tok.
What is Gangtok most known or famous for?
Gangtok is peaceful and offers an amazing view of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain peak in the world. Gangtok enjoys an abundance of natural beauty and has various natural attractions such as the Tsomgo Lake, Ban Jhakri falls, Tashi viewpoint and some precious hidden jewels to offer you a brilliant respite from your busy life and get lost in the folds of nature.
How many days are sufficient for Gangtok?
Gangtok has a rich mix of natural beauty and man-made structures such as Mount Kanchenjunga and waterfalls, hot springs and cascading streams, monasteries to suspended bridges. It has ample opportunities for exciting adventures and would require at least 3-4 days of tour and travel to explore the highlights or prime attractions. An extended tour is recommended for covering the various flavours of Gangtok beauty.
Is Pelling better or Gangtok?
Gangtok has better cheerful vibes and is comparatively more frequented as a destination. It is the centre for all hustle and bustle being the state capital. It offers more activities and excitement than Pelling, but Pelling has its own unparalleled and spectacular beauty that will make any nature lover’s heart sing and dance.
Is Gangtok a hill station?
Gangtok is a unique and richly beautiful hill station offering a spectacular view of grand Mount Kanchenjunga, which can be seen from almost every corner. Its Buddhist monasteries, pristine lakes, sparkling waterfalls, cascading streams and bustling market will make for a memorable mountain retreat.
How far is Baba Mandir from Gangtok?
Baba Mandir is around 56 km away from Gangtok that is dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh. He was a soldier and is now honoured as a hero. This temple is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. You can also club Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake with Baba Mandir on the same day trip. Baba mandir is about 16.3 km from the temple, which takes around 30 minutes by car.
How far is Gangtok from Darjeeling?
The distance between Gangtok and Darjeeling by road is approximately 100 km.
Is there a breathing problem in Gangtok?
The visitors won’t be having breathing problems within the city but might face issues at 0 point in Gangtok. Very small children or aged people might suffer from breathing issues.
Is there a mall road in Gangtok?
Gangtok’s Mall Road is the heart of the city which comes alive in the evening. The tourists throng the mall road, sipping a cup of tea or coffee at a trendy bakery, browse through the books at a pop-up store, watch the sunset across the Himalayas, spend a quiet time on one of the benches put in a corner. Gangtok’s Mall Road has a modern look and is incredibly well planned and very well maintained.
Which is the nearest place from Gangtok to see snow?
Nathula Pass, at a staggering height of 4,310 m above the sea level and a distance of 60 km from Gangtok, is the best option for experiencing snowfall in Sikkim.
On which day Gangtok;s markets are closed?
The market places in Gangtok are closed on Tuesdays.
What is the easiest way to reach Gangtok?
The easiest way to reach Gangtok is by air. For flying to Gangtok, the best option is to land at the Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal. From there, Gangtok is about 125 km away by road, which takes about four hours to cover.
Do we need to pack sweaters for the Gangtok trip?
During daytime in summers, usual cotton clothing like jeans and shorts would feel comfortable in Gangtok. Nights are however colder, and you are advised to carry shawls, jackets or light woollens. For visiting higher altitudes like Nathula Pass and Zero Point, heavy woollens are necessary. Also in autumn and winter, heavy woollens are needed.
What is the name of the biggest market in Gangtok?
Lal Bazaar, established in 1956, is one of the oldest and best markets in Gangtok. The countless shops here sell several items, including souvenirs, Tibetan Alpine Cheese, incense sticks, Sikkimese cups, teapots and more.
Which is the Zero Point in Gangtok?
Zero Point is located at a height of 15,300 feet. Also known as Yumesamdong, it is famous for the gorgeousness of its landscape. It is called Zero Point, since it is here that the road comes to an end amidst remoteness and mountains.
Can we travel at night in Gangtok? Is Gangtok safe at night?
The stunning city of Gangtok is visited by a lot of travellers every year from all across India and even across the world. Gangtok is completely safe for all during night and day, and you can enjoy nightlife here without worrying about your safety.
Does snowfall happen in Gangtok?
Winter begins from October and continues till March but the snowfall time in Gangtok, if at all it snows, is the month of February.
Which mountain pass is near Gangtok?
Nathu La is situated close to Gangtok. It is one of the three frequently used passes between Sikkim and the Chumbi Valley. The other two passes are Cho La and Jelep La.
Can we drive our own car in Gangtok?
You can drive your own car in Sikkim without any hassles. Skills for hill driving is a basic necessity. Mountainous winding roads can be enjoyed with exquisite natural beauty all around. You should however get your passes arranged for areas where permit is required. You can get permits from various locations such as Gangtok, Rongli, Mangan, etc.
In which month does it snow in Gangtok?
The best time to enjoy snowfall is between December and February. The probability of snow is most in the month of February. But Gangtok sees snow quite rarely, so you have to be lucky. Enjoy snowfall in Nathula Pass and Zero Point located not very far away from Gangtok.
Which famous mountain peak is visible from Gangtok?
The third highest mountain peak in the world, Kanchenjunga, can be seen beautifully from Gangtok. It forms one of the most popular viewpoints, especially for watching the sunrise and sunset. Kanchenjunga can be seen from many other high-altitude locations of Sikkim apart from Gangtok.
Is alcohol allowed in Gangtok?
Drinking laws in Gangtok are as usual and prevalent in the rest of the country.
Drinking and smoking in Gangtok is prohibited for people under the age of 21. While in Gangtok you should taste a bottle of chhang, the local brew.
How far is Gangtok from the Tibet border?
The distance between Gangtok, the capital city of the Indian state of Sikkim, and the India-China border at the closest point is approximately 54 km through the Nathu La Pass.
(Add) What are the places to visit in Gangtok in 3 days?
In three days, you can cover a variety of places in Gangtok. These places include:
