Explore The Scenic Places To Visit In Gangtok In April, This Spring Season

Bakthang Waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs, one of the top places to visit in Gangtok in April

April brings a magical transformation to Gangtok as winter retreats and vibrant spring take over. The places to visit in Gangtok in April include peaceful Buddhist monasteries, colourful flower exhibitions, alpine wildlife sanctuaries, and scenic trekking routes. With rhododendrons in full bloom and clear blue skies, the town is a blend of colour, calm, and cool mountain air. Whether you’re a nature lover, peace seeker, or travel photographer, Gangtok in April offers the perfect setting to explore, unwind, and capture Sikkim’s springtime beauty at its best.

10 Must-Visit Places In Gangtok In April

The places to visit in Gangtok in April convey the endless charm of the spring season, dancing in blooming gardens, peaceful monasteries, mountains, and more.

1. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary with blooming flora, is among the top places to visit in Gangtok in April

Photo: Ankit Pai N / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is approximately 31 km east of Gangtok along the road to Tsomgo Lake and is a pristine area with a high degree of biodiversity and an alpine ecosystem. Over 31 square kilometres of land harbouring rare Himalayan plant life such as rhododendrons, primulas and the endangered ground orchid, as well as rare animals such as red pandas, the Himalayan black bears and blood pheasants, is housed in this sanctuary. The cool climate and clear skies also provide outstandingly beautiful mountains and valleys.

Entry Fee: ₹100
Timings: 8 AM – 3 PM
Nearby Attractions: Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass

2. Saramsa Garden

Morning sunlight filtering through tall trees in Saramsa Garden, Gangtok, Sikkim.

Photo: Shajahan T / Wikimedia Commons

Saramsa Garden is located around 14 km outside Gangtok, and it is a beautifully landscaped botanical garden which provides a lush break in the natural surroundings. The garden was originally designed in 1922 to produce fruits such as oranges and pineapples for the royal family, after which it was transformed into an orchid and medicine production garden. The springtime of April enhances the charm of Saramsa garden with fresh seasonal flowers and favourable weather, setting the spring and making it one of the most popular places to visit in Gangtok in April.

Entry Fee: ₹20
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Banjhakri Falls

3. Bakthang Waterfall

Bakthang Waterfall cascades down rocks amongst the best places to visit in Gangtok in April.

Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Bakthang Waterfall is a broad scenic fall, a short distance South of Gangtok along the North Sikkim Highway, which flows over the Ratey Chu river. With thick trees and high pine trees around the place, this natural attraction has a quiet environment and easy access. The water cascades down a wide rock face in a curtain-like formation and is particularly photogenic in the spring. With the weather being cool and pleasant, it can be considered one of the freshest destinations to visit the beauties of Gangtok, to take a scenic break in the lap of nature.

Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Tashi Viewpoint

4. Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre

An image of Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre with traditional architecture, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains.

Photo: Labun Hang Limboo / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre, located in Upper Tathangchen, about 5 km outside Gangtok, is the only Sakyapa sect monastery in Sikkim. The monastery was founded in 1961 by His Eminence Luding Khen Rimpoche and blessed later by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Sakya Trizin. It is a beautiful monastic complex in the traditional Tibetan architecture, with the exterior of the buildings colourful and painted murals within each. The centre has a large statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, surrounded by sunlit lawns and fluttering prayer flags, backed by the white stupa and sporadic views of the hills.

Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

5. Enchey Monastery

Enchey Monastery with a wet courtyard and vibrant facade surrounded by trees, one of the top places to visit in Gangtok in April.

Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons

The Enchey Monastery is a popular reverential monastery on the northeast coast (approximately 3 km) of central Gangtok. It is famous because of its spiritual importance and the beautiful environment situated on a hillock. The monastery was built in the 1840s originally by Lama Druptob Karpo and rebuilt in 1909 in the distinctive Chinese architecture of pagodas. Its walls are painted with colourful murals, giant prayer wheels, and religious masks, which are used during the annual Cham dance festival. With great views of the Kanchenjunga range and a peaceful environment, the monastery provides an ideal destination.

Timings: 6 AM – 4 PM
Nearby Attractions: Ganesh Tok

6. Ridge Park And Flower Exhibition Centre

Colourful flower displays at Ridge Park and Flower Exhibition Centre, one of the beautiful places in Gangtok.

Photo: Ayesha Hashmi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Ridge Park and Flower Exhibition Centre, located close to the residence of the Governor at Gangtok, gives one a relaxing exposure to the colourful world. The park is greatly landscaped with a beautiful promenade, which is coated with seasonal flowers, fountains, and an aesthetically pleasing gazebo where one can take long strolls. Directly under the park is the Flower Exhibition Centre, the greenhouse is packed with exotic orchids, lilies, gerberas, other decorative plants and is beautifully organised to show off. There is a small footbridge and a pond, which contributes to the peaceful expression.

Entry Fee: ₹20
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Nearby Attractions: Palace View Point

7. Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park

A cheetah sitting enclosure at the Himalayan Zoological Park, one of the places to visit in Gangtok in April.

Photo: Matthew Wilson / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The first wildlife park in the state, called Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park, is strictly reserved to preserve Himalayan fauna in naturalistic environments. It is found in Bulbuley, around 3 km away from Gangtok. Located on the side of the hill that has a forest cover of 200 hectares, the park was established in 1991 and is at an altitude of about 1,780 meters and has been called the most scenic park in the Sikkim region because of the beauty that emanates due to the sight of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Animals in this zoo, such as the red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan monal, Himalayan black bear and goral, are housed in large enclosures, which resemble forests and are significantly bigger than zoos found elsewhere.

Entry Fee: ₹25
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM (Closed on Thursdays)
Nearby Attractions: Ganesh Tok

8. Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre

A serene view of Rumtek Dharma Chakra, Gangtok, with colourful facade and ornate golden roof.

Photo: Anjan Kumar Kundu / Wikimedia Commons

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre Back Trail is a serene walk amid the forested ridges behind the majestic Rumtek Monastery, which is roughly 24 km away in Gangtok town. This is a less popular pathway which leads through pine and rhododendron forests, beside prayer wheels, little stupas and resting places which are perfect for meditation. The trail gives occasional views of the golden-roofed monastery amidst trees and unfolds to dramatic views of the Gangtok valley and faraway Himalaya peaks. A dream location for the pursuit of both spiritual enlightenment and lovers of nature.

Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Rumtek Monastery

9. Gonjang Monastery

Outside view of Gonjang Monastery in Gangtok with paved ground, one of the top places to visit in Gangtok in April.

Photo: Anjan Kumar Kundu / Wikimedia Commons

Gonjang Monastery is located in and around Tashi Viewpoint (7km from Gangtok) and is at an altitude of about 6,066 feet. The monastery was established in 1981 by a highly reputable reincarnated lama, H.E. Tingkye Gonjang Rimpoche, in the Jangter sub-tradition of Nyingmapa school. Its place of prayers is beautified with images of lord Buddha, 25 followers of Padmasambhava and the three founding fathers of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery serves as an educational institution providing instructions in Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan, and English, in addition to being a worship place.

Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Bakthang Falls
Location: Near Tashi Viewpoint

10. Kabi Longstok

Statue at Kabi Longstok representing the historic friendship pact amid lush greenery

Photo: Dadul lepcha / Wikimedia Commons

Kabi Longstok, located 17 km north of Gangtok on NH-31, is a historic site where a 13th-century friendship pact was formed between Lepcha chief Thekong Tek and Tibetan prince Khye Bumsa. Marked by statues and stone monuments amidst a backdrop of dense forest and prayer flags, it symbolises unity and peace. A quiet monastery nearby offers calm and reflection. In April, blooming flora enhances its serene charm, making it one of the most peaceful places to visit in Gangtok in April for history and nature enthusiasts.

Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Phodong Monastery

April colours Gangtok with spring’s vibrancy, making it a perfect time to explore its beauty and culture. From peaceful monasteries and crashing waterfalls to blooming gardens and forested sanctuaries, the places to visit in Gangtok in April offer a mix of adventure and calm. With clear skies and rhododendrons in full bloom, every moment feels refreshing. Plan your spring getaway with TripXL and experience Gangtok in a truly different light.

Cover Photo: Soumya Banerjee / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Snow is unlikely to be present in Gangtok town, although Nathula Pass and a couple of others could have snow if visiting early in the month, since they are at high altitude.
You should pack light woollens for the evening, a full-sleeved t-shirt, a jacket for the early morning, and walking shoes.
Yes, without a doubt! You can trek on many great trails around the area, like the Rumtek back trail and Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, and in April, you will have a dry and very clear scenic trail to trek on.
Rhododendrons, orchids, magnolias, and cherry blossoms can be seen blooming in parks and forested areas in April.
Thukpa, Phagshapa, Sel Roti, Gundruk, Shah-Phaley, Sinki and Kinema are some of the must-try dishes in Gangtok.

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