Top Amazing things To Do In Gangtok
The picturesque city of Gangtok is the capital of the mountainous north-eastern state of Sikkim. Known as a popular Buddhist pilgrimage destination, Gangtok was merged as an Indian territory only in 1975. Besides the many monasteries and other shrines, Gangtok is studded with many lakes, mountainous areas, valleys and viewpoints making it an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts.
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Below Are Some Top Stimulating Things to Do in Gangtok
Experience Calm at the Many Beautiful Monasteries
Gangtok is regarded as a Tibetan Buddhist center. Many monasteries and stupas can be found here. You can visit these monasteries and get enchanted by the Tibetan architecture of these places. You can also experience peace and tranquillity at these monasteries. Some of the well-known monasteries are listed below
- Rumtek Monastery
- Do Drul Chorten
- Ranka Monastery
- Enchey Monastery
- Gonjang Gumpa Monastery
- Tsuk La Khang Monastery
Explore Picturesque Valleys and View Points
Gangtok landscape is studded with stunning valleys and vantage points which offer breath-taking views of the mountains and alleys of Sikkim. Some of these places are
- Ganesh Tok
- Hanuman Tok
- Namchi
- Tashi View Point
- Yumthang Valley
Tour the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
The foundation of this Tibetan Buddhist museum was laid by the 14th Dalai Lama himself in 1957. Get charmed by the varied murals and age-old manuscripts depicting Tibetan-Buddhist culture and history.
Enjoy Biodiversity at the National Parks
The national parks at Gangtok are home to varied and endangered species of animals, birds and medicinal plants. Explore the below mentioned reserves and parks to know more
- Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve
- Himalayan Zoological Park
Enjoy scenic beauty at the many lakes and waterfalls
- Tsomgo Lake/ Changu Lake
- Banjhakri Falls
- Gurudongmar Lake
- Seven Sisters Waterfall
Indulge in photography sessions and view the most enthralling sunsets at these water bodies.
Visit the Nathu La Pass
Embark on a journey towards the ancient silk route via the Nathula Pass. However, Indian citizens need a special permit to visit this place. Enjoy views of the Jharki waterfalls and the glacial Changu lake come across enroute the Pass. If you are lucky, besides the yak and goats, you can spot rare species like snow leopards, golden eagle, Tibetan wolf and such other animals on the journey to this pass.
Get Adventurous with Trekking
Gangtok is a trekker’s paradise. The mountainous region of Gangtok offers many trekking trails. Some of the popular trekking routes are mentioned below:
- Yuksom – Tshoka – Dzongri
- Bakim – Dzongri – Thangshing – Samuteng – Goechala
- Dzongri Base Camp – Rathong – Khangerteng
- Thangshing – Lam Pokhari – Kasturi Orar – Labdang – Tashiding
Get Adrenaline Kick with River Rafting
Jump into the ghastly waves of the rapids in the Teesta river. The Makha town near Gangtok is the starting point for this rafting expedition.
Other Adventure Activities to Explore in Gangtok
- Paragliding at Luing Resithang
- Ropeway Cable Ride between Deorali and Tashling
Have Fun with Yak Safari
Undertake a Yak safari from Gangtok to the Tsongmo Lake. You will get ample time to soak in the fascinating hues and stellar beauty of the region while moving slowly perched on a Yak.
Attend the Most Colouful International Flower Festival
Get enticed by the exotic varieties of orchids and seasonal flowers at this flower festival which takes place in the month of May.
Indulge in Shopping
Buy souvenirs, Tibetan clothes, handloomed carpets, masques, curios and other items from
- MG Road
- Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom
- Lal Bazaar
Savor Local Food of Sikkim
Enjoy the local delicacies and authentic cuisines of Sikkim such as Sikkimese nettle stew, momos and the quintessential Thupka by visiting restaurants like
- Tangerine
- Nine Native Cuisine
- Café Live and Loud
- Golden Tips Tea Shop
- Taste of Tibet
Go Mountain Biking
There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush given by the exhilarating experience of mountain biking. For all the dare-devils and nature lovers out there, this is the perfect activity for you. There are different routes and packages offered based on the number of days you wish to spend indulging in this activity. Rush through scenic villages, monasteries, rivers, waterfalls and forests filled with rich flora and fauna while mountain biking in Gangtok.
How to Reach Gangtok
Flight | Train | Bus
Nearest Airport:
Bagdogra Airport (77 km)
Book Your Flights And Save Money Using: AirAsia Offers
Nearest Railway Station:
New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (117 km away)
Nearest Bus Stops:
Regular bus services ply from Siliguri to Gangtok
Book Your Bus and Save Money Using: Travelyaari | Railyatri
Where to stay
Mayfair Gangtok | The Elgin Norkhill | Kingston Cheuden Boutique Hotel | WelcomHeritage Denzong Regency
Avail Discounts on Hotel Bookings Using: Trivago Offers | Hotel Offers | Makemytrip Hotel Offers
Rent A Car:
You can travel to Gangtok from Siliguri by road.Travel by own car and enjoy the picturesque locales of the region by taking suitable halts.
If you do not wish to take your car, you can rent one from: Blablacar | Savaari | Mychoize
