Gangtok

Gangtok is a small hill town located in the northeastern state of Sikkim, India. Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Gangtok offers stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and the lush green landscape. Known for its rich culture and natural beauty, Gangtok is a popular destination for tourists who are looking to explore the northeast of India. With its quaint streets and friendly locals, Gangtok has a charm that is hard to resist. The town offers a mix of natural beauty, adventure activities, and cultural attractions, making it a must-visit destination for anyone who is looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

In this travel guide, we will explore the various things to do in Gangtok and provide you with all the information you need to plan a trip to this beautiful hill town. From the best time to visit to the must-see attractions, we have got you covered. So, if you’re planning a trip to Gangtok, read on to find out everything you need to know about this charming destination.

Major Things to Do in Gangtok

Gangtok is a beautiful city located in the Indian state of Sikkim. Known for its stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range, this city is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of nature and the charm of the local culture. Here are some of the top things to do in Gangtok:

Visit the Tsomgo Lake – Located at an altitude of 12,400 feet, the Tsomgo Lake is a picturesque destination that is perfect for a day trip. The crystal clear water of the lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it a perfect spot for photography. Visitors can also take a ride on a Yak to explore the surrounding areas.

Visit the Rumtek Monastery – The Rumtek Monastery is a beautiful Buddhist monastery that is located just outside Gangtok. It is the largest monastery in Sikkim and is known for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can explore the monastery and learn about Buddhist culture and traditions.

Visit the Ban Jhakri Falls – The Ban Jhakri Falls is a stunning waterfall that is located just outside Gangtok. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful picnic. Visitors can also take a walk along the hiking trails and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Visit the Ganesh Tok Temple – The Ganesh Tok Temple is a small but beautiful Hindu temple that is located on a hilltop in Gangtok. The temple offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the temple and learn about the Hindu culture and traditions.

Visit the Gangtok Ropeway – The Gangtok Ropeway is a popular tourist attraction in Gangtok. The ropeway offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can take a ride on the ropeway and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Go Shopping in MG Marg- For those interested in shopping, the MG Marg market is the place to be. This pedestrian-only market is a bustling hub of activity and offers a wide variety of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional clothing. Visitors can also try the local cuisine at the many restaurants and food stalls in the market.

Pay a Visit to Kanchenjunga National Park- For adventure enthusiasts, the Kanchenjunga National Park is a must-visit. This park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the snow leopard and the red panda. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park and spot some of the rare species of animals and plants.

Visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology- For those who are interested in the local culture, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a must-visit. This institute has a collection of rare manuscripts and artifacts related to Tibetan culture and Buddhism.

Go for a sightseeing Excursion to Nathula Pass- Another popular attraction in Gangtok is the Nathu La Pass, located at an altitude of 14,140 feet. This mountain pass is a major trading route between India and Tibet and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Visitors can take a day trip to the pass and enjoy the fresh mountain air and the panoramic views.

Try Gangtok’s Local Cuisine- Gangtok is also famous for its local cuisine. You must try the momos, a popular Tibetan dish made with steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables. Another popular dish is the thukpa, a hearty soup made with noodles, vegetables, and meat.

Enjoy Cable Car Ride- If you’re an adventure junkie, then you must try the popular rope-way ride in Gangtok. The cable car ride offer s stunning views of the town and the surrounding mountains. You can also go for trekking and hiking in the nearby areas.

In addition to these top attractions, Gangtok also offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and white water rafting. The city also has a vibrant nightlife with a number of bars and restaurants that offer a variety of local and international cuisines. Overall, Gangtok is a stunning destination that offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled holiday, Gangtok has something for everyone. So why wait? Plan your trip to Gangtok today and experience the charm and beauty of this stunning city.

Major Things to Do in Gangtok

Gangtok is a beautiful town located in the mountainous valley of Sikkim. It is the perfect base for exploring the region, as it is surrounded by dense deciduous forests of oak and elm trees. Gangtok offers a wide range of amenities and facilities to its visitors, including shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and pubs. There are many places to visit in Gangtok, including some old monasteries and temples that are easily accessible. One of the most popular sights in Gangtok is the Enchey monastery.

Enchey monastery or the Solitary monastery is the oldest monastery of the Gangtok. It was established in 1909 on a stunning ridge of a hill above Gangtok city on Gangtok-Nathula road, to its northeast from where the Khangchendzonga range is visible. Hanuman Tok, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is situated at an altitude of 7200 feet at a distance of about nine kilometers uphill from Gangtok on a blissfully calm and quiet hilltop. The location is completely free from the pollution of city life. Apart from the clear view of the peaks surrounding Mount Khangchendzonga, and some portions of Gangtok town, one also gets a bird’s eye view of the Selep water works, which supplies drinking water to Gangtok. One of the famous things to do in Gangtok is to visit MG Marg.

MG Marg located on the main street of Gangtok town is a great place to rest and relish the lively ambiance of Gangtok town. The country’s first litter and spit-free zone, no vehicular traffic is allowed into the marg. Visitors can sit at Titanic Park or at the various benches stretched across the mall and take in the carnival-like atmosphere, especially during the tourist season. The Mall is lined with shops on both sides of the road so shopping becomes an added pleasure. Gangtok is also endowed with some surreal beauty of nature like Tashi view point about 8km from the main town Gangtok offers a panoramic vista of the snowcapped mountains and it’s one of the best places to see an awe-inspiring sunrise over the Himalayan Range. Ban Jhakri falls 7km from Gangtok a 100-foot waterfall located in a landscaped park with a forested area is a wonderful example of the surreal beauty of nature and a great place to learn about the shaman culture of the mountainous valley.

From shopping malls to monasteries, Gangtok has something to offer every visitor. The picturesque view of the lofty mountains and snowcapped Himalayan range with the heart-swelling Sikkimese hospitality has made Gangtok a must-visit tourist destination of Sikkim.

Overall, it is easy to reach Gangtok by air, rail, or road. The city is well-connected and offers multiple transportation options to suit different budgets and preferences.