Gangtok, the main city of Sikkim, is in the Himalayas and is an excellent place for nature lovers, adventurers, and people who want to relax in the mountains.
In the early 1980s, Gangtok became essential for Buddhists to pray. Many people visit this city in northeastern India because of how beautiful it is and how important it is to religion. If you choose to vacation in Gangtok, you should check out these best tourist places in and around the city.
Read this blog to learn about the best places to visit in Gangtok, fun things to do, and how much they cost.
Let’s See the Top Places To Visit In Gangtok
There are so many great places to visit in Gangtok that it’s hard to choose just one. Still, having one ready might be helpful. Here is a list of the top places to visit in Gangtok:
1. Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass is one of the best places to visit in Gangtok. Gangtok captivates travelers with its breathtaking beauty. This is one of the highest roads in the world.
It goes from Sikkim to China and is 4310 m above sea level. You need a zonal ticket to get in, but crossing this Himalayan pass is a unique experience that makes it a must-see in Gangtok.
The Best Time to Visit Nathula Pass: April to June and October to December are the best months to visit, timings are Wednesday to Sunday, 8 AM to 6 PM.
Things to do in Nathula Pass: Mandakini Waterfalls, Trekking, and enjoying the beautiful splendor.
How to get there: During peak season (April to June and October to November), a shared vehicle to Nathula costs around INR 900 to 2000 per person, including the permission charge.
2. Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake, sometimes called Changu Lake, is a beautiful glacial lake in Sikkim. It is located at 12,400 feet along the Gangtok Nathu La Highway. The calm feeling comes from the turquoise seas and stunning scenery.
It is one of the must-see tourist attractions in Gangtok, and its peaceful atmosphere attracts people. The experience at Tsomgo Lake is one you’ll always remember. It shows off the natural beauty and friendly people of Gangtok.
The best time to visit Tsomgo Lake: The best months to visit are January to March, and it is open all day from 8 AM to 6 PM.
Tsomgo Lake Activities Include:
- Yak and mule rides.
- Eating hot noodles.
- Ice skating.
- Walking along the river during the winter.
How to get there: It is located on the steep Jawaharlal Nehru Road, which leads to Nathula Pass.
Entry Fee: Tsomgo Lake fee charges is 200 Rs.
3. Rumtek Monastery
One of the popular places to visit in Gangtok, Sikkim, is the Rumtek temple. The monastery is for Buddhists from the Kagyu group, who first came to Tibet in the 12th century. It is one of Sikkim’s most essential and beautiful temples.
The style and construction are similar to the original, which is in Tsurphu, Tibet. The Rumtek Monastery is in the Dharma Chakra Center, which is not far from Gangtok. Don’t forget to stop by this famous place on your trip to the beautiful Gangtok. It will evoke some pleasant memories.
Best Time to Visit Rumtek Monastery:
- Winters: 10 AM to 5 PM.
- Summers, 8 AM to 5 PM.
Things to do in Rumtek Monastery:
- Marvel at the Golden Stupa.
- Bask in the piousness of the area.
- Observe the architectural wonder.
How to get there: You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to Rumtek Monastery. The distance between the airport and the monastery is around 34 kilometers, which takes an hour and a half to two hours to travel by taxi.
Entry Fee: Rumtek Monastery’s entry fee is Rs 10 per person.
4. Ganesh Tok
When you’re in Gangtok, you should go to the Ganesh Tok Temple to see the breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga Hill.
The temple is one of the most exciting and beautiful places in Gangtok. It is on top of a hill and has fantastic city views, especially in the winter when it snows. Photographers and people who love nature will love this spot in the city.
The best time to visit Ganesh Tok: The best month to visit Ganesh Tok is March to June, and opening timings are 9 PM.
Things to do in Ganesh Tok: Admire the picturesque scenery, seek blessings from Lord Ganesha, and enjoy street food.
How to get there: It’s 6 kilometers from town and easily accessible via taxi.
Entry Fee: No entry fees are required to visit Ganesh Tok.
5. Himalayan Zoological Park
If you are going with kids, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park should be on your list of things to do in Gangtok. People go there to see pandas, snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, Himalayan palm civets, big Indian civets, and many other animals.
Take care not to get too close to the animals, and don’t feed them while you’re here to keep yourself and the animals safe.
Best time to visit Himalayan Zoological Park:
Friday to Wednesday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Thursday – Closed
Entry Fee: The ticket price for Himalayan Zoological Park is Rs. 25 for adults and Rs. 10 for children.
Activity: The Himalayan Zoological Park offers a variety of activities, such as animal observation and nature walks.
How to Get There: The park is in Bulbulay, about 6 km from Gangtok. Along a small walk across from Ganesh Tok, you can enter the Himalayan Zoological Park. You can get here by taxi.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, Gangtok is an excellent place for all kinds of tourists to have a memorable experience because it has beautiful scenery, a lot of history, and exciting things to do. Gangtok has something for everyone, whether you love going outside, trying new things, or learning about history.
You can make your trip to Gangtok memorable without breaking the bank by checking out the best places to see, doing fun things, and following tips that won’t break the bank.
You can have experiences that will last a lifetime in the heart of the Himalayas, so pack your bags and get ready for this fantastic trip.
October through November is the ideal time of year to visit Gangtok. To witness the stunning rhododendron blooms in full bloom, you can also schedule a vacation to Gangtok during the spring, from March to June.
No, Gangtok does not have an airport. If, on the other hand, you prefer to travel by air, you can fly to Bagdogra Airport (128 km away) and then take a taxi to Gangtok. Traveling by car will take four to five hours.
Since Gangtok lacks a railway station, take a train to Siliguri’s New Jalpaiguri Junction (122 km away) and then take a road to Gangtok.
A taxi is the most convenient way to get from your Gangtok hotels to the various tourist destinations. Both private and shared versions of these are accessible.
Adventure enthusiasts should try trekking, paragliding, and river rafting in Gangtok. One of the most thrilling activities in Gangtok is traveling across the breathtaking Nathu La Pass, one of India’s most beautiful motorways.
Our recommendations for the top tourist places in Gangtok are Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, Rumtek Monastery, Ganesh Tok, and Himalayan Zoological Park.
