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Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok, is a dynamic blend of ancient culture and natural beauty nestled in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas. At an altitude of 5,410 feet, this charming hill station offers a wealth of opportunities for travellers seeking adventure or a spiritual journey. As travellers explore these places to visit in Gangtok, each one provides a unique glimpse into the essence of this captivating city. From vibrant marketplaces and monasteries to scenic natural locations, Gangtok has a myriad of options for travellers to explore.
10 Places To Visit In Gangtok
In this blog, let’s explore the places to visit in Gangtok so one can truly comprehend the captivating beauty of this Himalayan treasure.
1. Nathula Pass
Photo: Vijayanand7 / Wikimedia Commons
The Himalayan mountain pass that connects China and Sikkim is home to one of the world’s highest motorable highways, Nathula. This pass is located at 14,450 feet above sea level on the Indo-Tibetan border. La signifies “pass,” while Nathu means “listening ears.” Famous for its stunning scenery and green surroundings, Nathula is one of the three major open trading border checkpoints connecting China and India. This area becomes a popular tourist destination during the summer due to consistently cooler temperatures.
Major Attractions: Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple
Timings: 8 AM – 3 PM (Wednesday-Sunday)
Entry Fee: No entry fees, but a permit is necessary
Temperature: 26°C to 17°C
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Gangtok For An Ideal Getaway
2. Tsomgo Lake
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
Tsomgo Lake is one of India’s rare high-altitude lakes, which makes it a popular tourist destination in Sikkim. It is also known as Changu Lake and is situated between the Himalayas at an elevation of 12,400 feet above sea level. This glacial lake is famous for its crystal-clear and tranquil waters, which reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Both Buddhists and Hindus revere Tsomgo Lake, which holds great cultural significance for the Sikkimese people.
Entry Fee: No entry fees, but a permit is necessary
Temperature: 26°C to 17°C
3. MG Road
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
MG Road is the busiest and most centrally located area in Gangtok. Hosting a variety of shops, restaurants, and accommodations, it serves as the main commerce district of this state capital. MG Road is also every traveller’s favourite shopping destination and is on the Gangtok tourist places list. It boasts an open-air mall and a boulevard square that is commonly considered the town hub. You may enjoy dining at the eateries or strolling around this area. On this kilometre-long road, cleanliness is the first thing that catches one’s attention.
Timings: 8 AM – 7 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Temperature: 26°C to 17°C
Top Experiences: Gangtok food and culture festival
Suggested Read: Your Complete Guide For Trekking In Gangtok
4. Ganesh Tok
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons
In Gangtok, you can find an isolated temple called Ganesh Tok, which offers an excellent view of the mountains. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Gangtok, with amazing views of the Kanchenjunga Peak. This charming location sits on a hill and offers stunning views year-round. It can only accommodate one person at a time due to the temple’s modest size, which is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. In front of the temple, there is a major draw of the area, a lounge, and a balcony as well.
Major Attractions: Hanuman Tok
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Temperature: 26°C to 17°C
5. Rumtek Monastery
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
The Rumtek Monastery, located 23 miles from Gangtok, is one of Sikkim’s largest and most important monasteries and sits atop a hill. Founded in Tibet in the 12th century, this Buddhist organisation maintains affiliation with the Kagyu sect. It was formerly known as the Dharma Chakra Centre. Surrounded by verdant green mountains that provide scenic pleasure, the monastery serves as a place of spiritual consolation. The magnificent Rumtek Monastery, which was founded to disseminate Buddhist teachings globally, has a stunning shrine temple and a monastery housing monks.
Major Attractions: The Golden Stupa
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Temperature: 26°C to 17°C
Entry Fee: ₹10
Suggested Read: Discovering The Best Food In Gangtok
6. Kanchenjunga
Photo: My Discovery / Wikimedia Commons
Mt. Kanchenjunga, a majestic mountain and the third-highest peak in the world, is one of the places to visit in Gangtok. Nepal, Sikkim, and Tibet surround it, with the first climb occurring in 1955. Kanchenjunga is a Tibetan name meaning ‘The Five Treasures of the Great Snow’. People believe these five treasures to be gold, silver, precious stones, grain, and holy scriptures, symbolizing the five reservoirs of God through wealth. Kanchenjunga offers numerous hiking trails that meander through tranquil rural and wooded areas.
Major Attrations: Kanchenjunga National Park, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Temperature: 26°C to 17°C
Best Time To Visit: December to January
7. Namgyal Institute Of Tibetology
Photo: KaranKapoor1314 / Wikimedia Commons
The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT) is one of the very few places in the world where you can immerse yourself in the rich history and centuries-old culture of Tibetan Buddhism. NIT, one of Gangtok’s primary attractions and best places to visit, boasts an outstanding collection of antiquities found in its museum and library. These relics preserve the nation’s historic past, religion, and priceless culture. It serves as a retreat for travellers and history buffs, and it is known for its peaceful campus.
Major Attractions: The museum and library at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Temperature: 26°C to 17°C
Timings: Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM (Closed on Sundays, Second Saturdays and Government Holidays)
Entry Fee: ₹10
Suggested Read: Enjoy Shopping In Gangtok At These Places Where You Can Shop Your Heart Out
8. Himalayan Zoological Park
Photo: Balajijagadesh / Wikimedia Commons
The Himalayan Zoological Park, founded in 1991, is located near Bulbuley, which lies 3 kilometres from Gangtok. It is home to a variety of wildlife, such as the Himalayan red panda, Himalayan palm civet, crimson-horned pheasant, snow leopard, Himalayan monal pheasant, and more. This zoological park offers a view of Mount Kanchenjunga, situated 28,169 feet above sea level. The Himalayan Zoological Park provides a natural environment for the animals while keeping them safe and protected.
Temperature: 26°C to 17°C
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: ₹25 for Adults, ₹10 for kids, and ₹50 for foreign tourists
9. Seven Sisters Waterfalls
Photo: Rohan Mahanta / Wikimedia Commons
The Seven Sisters Waterfalls are a must-see attraction in Gangtok. These seven waterfalls, named after the seven Northeast states, cascade down the landscape and offer a mesmerizing view. This well-known waterfall is 32 kilometres from Gangtok and can be accessed via the Gangtok-Lachung Highway. It’s a spectacular waterfall that comes to life after heavy rainfall. The sound of the flowing water roars as it rushes through the lush greenery and onto the granite rocks of this region.
Temperature: 26°C to 17°C
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Explore A Different Side Of Sikkim By Witnessing The Nightlife In Gangtok
10. Tinkitam Rayong
Photo: Rishu.rsingh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tinkitam Rayong, a small village in Sikip Tehsil in Sikkim’s South District, is one of Gangtok’s best tourist attractions. Mount Kanchenjunga, the town’s backdrop, supports the rare species of orchid known as Paphiopedilum faireanum, or lady’s slipper. October through November are the best times to visit this location because this orchid is terrestrial, unlike other wild orchids that grow on trees. Tourists can also go on a walk from Dentham to Tendong National Park in this district to enjoy the view of a dormant volcano.
Temperature: 26°C to 17°C
Places to visit in Gangtok will surely let you experience this city’s wonder. Plan a trip with TripXL to discover scenic places in Gangtok and Darjeeling and experience their captivating appeal. The allure of these places will stay with you even after you leave their peaceful surroundings. This amazing destination will provide you with both adventure and a sense of calm.
Cover Photo: Srikanthkashyap / Wikimedia Commons
