Gangtok is the capital city of the Indian state of Sikkim, located in the northeastern region of India and a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty, beautiful weather, and vibrant culture. Gangtok offers a unique blend of modern and traditional cultures. This city has a rich history and is known for its stunning natural beauty. The local people are warm and hospitable, making Gangtok a welcoming and inviting destination for visitors. Gangtok is well connected by road and air to other parts of India. Gangtok is a unique and memorable destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. Visitors can explore the stunning monasteries, enjoy the local cuisine, participate in adventure sports, and experience the vibrant nightlife. Gangtok is truly a gem in the northeastern region of India and there are many Tourist places to visit in Gangtok during your Sikkim Trip.
Famous Tourist Places in Gangtok that Shouldn’t miss Durin Sikkim Trip
1. Enchey Monastery
The monastery is known for its intricate woodwork and murals. The main prayer hall of the monastery houses a statue of Guru Padmasambhava, who is considered the patron saint of Sikkim. The hall is adorned with beautiful murals depicting various scenes from Buddhist mythology. The monastery also has a small temple dedicated to the goddess Tara, the female Buddha of compassion. Enchey Monastery is also famous for its annual Enchey Cham festival, which is celebrated on the 18th day of the 12th lunar month of the Tibetan calendar (usually falls in December). During this festival, monks perform traditional masked dances to ward off evil spirits and bless the devotees. The festival is attended by large crowds of locals and tourists alike and is counted as one of the best Tourist Places in Gangtok.
Entry Timings: 09:00 Am – 05:00 Pm
Explore Timing: 3-4 Hours
Entry fee: Not Required
2. Rumtek Monastery
This Sightseeing in Gangtok was originally built in the 16th century by the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje, but it was later destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current structure was built in the 1960s by the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, with the help of the Indian government. The monastery is known for its stunning architecture and intricate murals. The main prayer hall of the monastery houses a 5-meter-tall golden statue of the Buddha, along with several other statues of important Buddhist figures. The hall is adorned with beautiful murals depicting various scenes from Buddhist mythology. Rumtek Monastery is also home to several precious artefacts, including ancient manuscripts, thangkas (Buddhist paintings), and statues. The monastery is also the seat of the Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Entry Timings: 09:00 Am – 05:00 Pm
Explore Timing: 3 – 4 Hours
Entry fee: Not Required
3. Ganesh Tok
This Tok is a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, located on a hilltop near Gangtok in Sikkim, India and consider as the most famous Tourist Places to visit in Gangtok which offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Ganesh Tok is small and can accommodate only a few people at a time. However, it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike due to its unique location and serene surroundings. Visitors have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the temple, which is surrounded by lush green forests and offers breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. The temple is believed to be very auspicious, and many people come here to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha for good luck and prosperity. There is also a small gift shop near the temple where visitors can buy souvenirs and other items.
Entry Timings: 06:00 Am – 06:00 Pm
Explore Timing: 3 – 4 Hours
Entry fee: Not Required
4. Hanuman Tok
This Hindu temple is located on a hilltop in Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim and is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god, who is considered a symbol of strength, devotion, and loyalty in Hindu mythology. Hanuman Tok offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Additionally, visitors have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the temple, which is surrounded by lush green forests and offers breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. This sightseeing in Gangtok can accommodate only a few people at a time. However, it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike due to its unique location and serene surroundings. Visitors can offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Hanuman for good health, strength, and prosperity.
Entry Timings: 06:00 Am – 06:00 Pm
Explore Timing: 3 – 4 Hours
Entry fee: Not Required
5. Tashi Viewpoint
Viewpoint is a popular tourist attraction in Gangtok, the capital city of the Indian state of Sikkim. Tashi Viewpoint is situated about 8 km away from the city centre and offers panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Himalayas, including Mount Kangchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. The viewpoint is named after Tashi Namgyal, the late king of Sikkim, and is situated at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level. It is a great place to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the city of Gangtok. To reach the viewpoint, visitors need to take a short walk uphill from the parking area. The pathway is well-maintained, and there are several shops and small cafes on the way where visitors can rest and enjoy some snacks and drinks.
Entry Timings: 27*7
Explore Timing: 3 – 4 Hours
Entry fee: Not Required
6. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
This is a research centre and museum located in Gangtok, the capital city of the Indian state of Sikkim. The institute was founded in 1958 by the last Chogyal (king) of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal, and is named after him. The institute is dedicated to the study and research of the Tibetan language, culture, and Buddhism. It has a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and rare documents related to Tibetan studies, making it one of the most important centres of its kind in the world and one of the top Tourist Places To visit in Gangtok. It also has a library with over 60,000 books and journals, making it one of the largest collections of Tibetan literature in the world. The institute also offers courses and programs in Tibetan language and culture and hosts regular seminars, workshops, and conferences on various topics related to Tibetan studies.
Entry Timings: 09:00 Am – 06:00 Pm
Explore Timing: 3 – 4 Hours
Entry fee: Not Required
7. Flower Exhibition Centre
It is a unique centre that showcases the rich floral diversity of the region through a wide range of flowers, plants, and orchids. The flower exhibition centre is spread over a large area and has a vast collection of flowers and plants, including some rare and exotic species that are native to the region. The centre also has a greenhouse that houses a variety of orchids, including some rare and endangered species. This centre is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the spring season when the flowers are in full bloom, and the centre is decorated with a wide range of colourful flowers and plants. Apart from showcasing the floral diversity of the region, the centre also provides valuable information about the various species of flowers and plants, their medicinal properties, and their use in traditional medicine.
Entry Timings: 09:00 Am – 06:00 Pm
Explore Timing: 3 – 4 Hours
Entry fee: INR20 Per traveller
8. MG Marg
This is a popular pedestrian-only street located in the heart of Gangtok, the capital city of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is a vibrant and bustling street that is lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. MG Marg is known for its vibrant atmosphere and is one of the popular Tourist Places in Gangtok gathering places for locals and tourists alike. The street is beautifully decorated with colourful flowers, and it is a great place to relax and soak up the local culture. Visitors can shop for a wide range of products, including traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and local specialities like tea and spices.
MG Marg is also a food lover’s paradise, with a wide range of restaurants and cafes serving local and international cuisine. It is a great place to sample local delicacies like momos, Thukpa, and Churpee, as well as international favourites like pizzas and burgers.
9. Tsomgo Lake
This lake, also known as Changu Lake, is a stunning glacial lake located about 40 km from the capital city of Gangtok in the Indian state of Sikkim. Tsomgo Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region and is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains. The crystal-clear waters of the lake change colours depending on the season, and it is surrounded by lush green forests, making it a beautiful sight to behold. The lake is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including Brahminy ducks, which are a rare species of duck found only in high-altitude lakes. Visitors to the lake can enjoy a variety of activities, including boating, yak riding, and hiking in the surrounding hills. A lake is also a great place for photography enthusiasts, who can capture stunning shots of the surrounding mountains and the lake.
Entry Timings: 09:00 Am – 06:00 Pm
Explore Timing: 3 – 4 Hours
Entry fee: INR20 Per traveller
10. Nathula Pass
This is a high-altitude mountain pass located on the Indo-China border in the Indian state of Sikkim. Nathula Pass is located at an altitude of 4,310 meters above sea level and is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The pass was an important trade route between India and Tibet in ancient times and was reopened for trade in 2006 after a gap of 44 years. Nathula Pass is also an important tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas from Nathula Pass. The pass is also home to several attractions, including the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple, which is a popular pilgrimage site for people from India and Tibet.
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is located in the northeastern part of India. Here are the different ways to reach Gangtok
By air: The nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport, which is located in West Bengal and is about 124 km away from Gangtok. Several airlines operate regular flights to Bagdogra from major cities across India. From Bagdogra, visitors can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Gangtok.
By train: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is located in West Bengal and is about 148 km away from Gangtok. Several trains operate daily from major cities across India to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. From the station, visitors can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Gangtok.
By road: Gangtok is well-connected by road to major cities in the region. Visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi from nearby cities like Siliguri or Darjeeling to reach Gangtok. The journey from Siliguri to Gangtok takes about 4-5 hours.
A. The number of days required to complete a trip to Gangtok depends on the preferences and interests of the visitors. A trip of 4-5 days would allow visitors to experience the best of Gangtok and nearby attractions, and it would also give them enough time to relax and soak in the natural beauty and vibrant culture of the region. However, visitors with more time can extend their trip to explore other parts of Sikkim or neighbouring states like Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
A. Yes, Gangtok is a worthy destination for a honeymoon and there are many tourist places to visit in Gangtok during your Sikkim Travel. The city’s stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality make it a perfect romantic getaway for newlyweds. Gangtok offers a range of romantic experiences that couples can enjoy together, such as a stroll along the picturesque MG Marg, a visit to the beautiful Tsomgo Lake, and a cable car ride over the lush green valleys of the region. Couples can also enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas from various viewpoints in the city or take a romantic walk in the lush green parks and gardens.
Conclusion
There are many Tourist Places To Visit in Gangtok with the beautiful and vibrant sightseeing which is located in the Indian state of Sikkim. It is a popular tourist destination in Sikkim, offering a unique opportunity to experience the local culture, cuisine, and natural beauty of the region. Visitors to Gangtok can explore the city’s many attractions, including the Flower Exhibition Centre, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, and the MG Marg. There are several travel packages available for visitors to Sikkim, which offer a variety of options for exploring the region. These packages typically include accommodation, transportation, and guided tours of the city and its surrounding areas. They are a great way to experience the best of Sikkim and ensure that visitors have a memorable and hassle-free trip.
