Places to visit in Gangtok for an exhilarating experience

Gangtok is the capital of the Northeast-Indian state Sikkim. The metropolis is full of exhilarating activities you can experience with accompanying gorgeous views of the Himalayan Mountain Range that surrounds the city. You can reach Gangtok in one of the following ways:

By Air: To reach Gangtok by air, Bagdogra Airport (IXB), about 100 km from Gangtok,  is the closest airport to the city from where you can take a bus or a cab. 

By Train: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is the New Jalpaiguri railway station in Siliguri, about 120 km from Gangtok city. 

By Road: You can take frequently available buses and cabs to Gangtok from here. 

To help you further in your travel planning to Gangtok, here is a list of places to visit in Gangtok for your reference. 

Best Time To Visit Gangtok

The weather in Gangtok gets considerably intense during the months of Summer from June to August and the Winter from Late December to Early March. This makes the autumn and spring months of September to Mid December and March to May, respectively. The temperature during this time is very idyllic for things to do in Gangtok. 

Top 14 places to visit in Gangtok

• Tsomgo Lake

Not only is Tsomgo Lake breathtaking, filled with pristine water and surrounded by snow-capped mountains that give very picturesque views, but it also is a place of worship for the locals. You can enjoy your time in the beautiful snowy mountains at the lake and the 35km journey from the city centre of Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake. There are no timing or entry ticket requirements for visiting Tsomgo lake. 

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See also: Top 10 tourist places to visit near Kolkata for a short vacation

• Nathu La Pass

One of the most ambitious Trekking Passes for aspiring mountaineers, the Gangtok NathuLa Pass is one of the most challenging and scenic mountain passes in the country. Since the pass is a path of connection between Sikkim and Tibet, you will need a special pass as an Indian citizen, which is only available on certain days of the week. You can visit Nathula Pass between 10 AM to 4 PM.

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• Rumtek Monastery

One of the holiest monasteries in all of Buddhism, Rumtek monastery is a must-visit for any tourists. Devotees from across the world travel thousands of miles to come to see the monastery and perform significant Buddhist rites at the monastery. You can visit Rumtek Monastery between 6 AM to 6 PM every day of the week for an entry fee of Rs.10.

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• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

As an onlooker, it may be too difficult to understand the cultural and historical significance of Tibetan Heritage in India. If you want to learn more about Tibetian culture, you can visit and explore the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok. You can visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology between 10 AM to 4 PM on all days of the week except Sunday for a minimal fee of Rs.10. 

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• MG Road

The most popular place to spend a fun evening shopping your heart out is MG road in Gangtok. Lined with remarkable restaurants and cafes, MG road is the most happening part of the city of Gangtok each evening. Try delicious Tibetan food and shop local handicrafts at MG road in Gangtok.

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• Baba Mandir

While visiting NathuLa Pass, a pit stop can be made at Baba Mandir. This temple is a small but important shrine dedicated to a saint who is believed to be a guardian spirit for the soldiers that serve at the border of India.  

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• Kangchenjunga

The tallest peak in India, the Kangchenjunga, is prominently visible from the city of Gangtok on a clear day. The awe-inspiring view of the third-tallest mountain peak in the world and a chance to experience trekking through beautiful trails should be reason enough to visit Gangtok.

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• Ganesh Tok

Another place of worship that devotees often flock to in Gangtok is Ganesh Tok. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Devotees are in for an experience at Ganesh Tok because the temple is so tight in size that it can only accommodate one person at a time if they are crawling through the caves. 

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• Seven Sisters Waterfall

The highest natural waterfall in India, the Seven Sisters Waterfall, is stunning to look at. The cascading water running through lush green hills creates a magnificent view of the beauty of nature in Gangtok.

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• Himalayan Zoological Park

If you want to learn more about the animal and plant life of the region, the Himalayan Zoological Park is a highly recommended place to visit in Gangtok. Moreover, if you are travelling with children, visiting the park could be a very fun and explorative activity for their curious minds, and they can learn about some rare types of animals from across the world. The timings for the park are between 9 AM to 4 PM for all days of the week except Sunday. While the cost of entry for Indian citizens adults is Rs.25, for foreigner tourists it is Rs.50. You can also take a small vehicle for Rs.40 and a big vehicle for Rs.50 for effectively travelling through the park. 

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• Do Drul Chorten

The Do Drul Chorten is a significant place of prayer or “Stupa” that was built in Sikkim. The monument is home to over a hundred prayer wheels and is of great meaning to the Buddhist majority of the state. As a tourist or a devotee, you can spend your time here learning about Buddhist culture and tradition. 

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• Reshi Hot Springs

On your way down toward Rangit River Valley, you will find yourself at the gates of Sikkim’s most popular Hot springs. Reshi Hot Springs also have religious significance to many visitors, which makes it the most popular hot springs in Sikkim out of the many. 

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• Kabi Longstok

A paradise for history buffs, not only is Kabi Longstok a gorgeous quaint town in Sikkim at a drive of about 17kms from the north of Gangtok, but it is also of great importance in Sikkimese history. A drive out here away from the city of Gangtok can give you more meaningful insight into Sikkimese heritage.

• Saramsa Garden 

Locally known as the ‘Ipecac Garden’, the Saramsa Garden is a beautiful artificial garden built in Gangtok that allows visitors a spot to picnic surrounded by flowers and clean freshly-cut grass. You can spend a leisurely evening here strolling in the garden or exploring the greenhouses on the premise that they grow the rather rare flowers like orchids in the region. 

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FAQs

What is the most convenient mode of transport in Gangtok?

The most convenient mode of transport for Gangtok is a private cab service or local public transport.

What are some good restaurants in Gangtok?

Cafe Live and & Loud is a great outdoor restaurant in Gangtok for some delicious food. If you are looking for authentic Tibetan food, Taste of Tibet is a local recommendation.