Best Places to visit in Gangtok

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Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Gangtok emerges as a treasure trove of mesmerizing sights, inviting exploration into the Best Places to Visit in Gangtok. This city brims with breathtaking natural marvels, from the towering snow-capped peaks to captivating, verdant forests, showcasing the pinnacle of nature’s beauty. When it comes to tourism in Gangtok, these landscapes stand as iconic representations.

Local drivers in Gangtok offer various standard sightseeing tour packages, giving you opportunities to explore Gangtok tourist spots and discover places to visit near Gangtok:

3-Point Tour (Half Day): Tashi View Point, Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok

7-Point Tour (Half Day): Tashi View Point, Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok, Bakthang Waterfall, Enchey Monastery, Flower Exhibition Centre, Handicraft Centre

10-Point Tour (Half Day): Tashi View Point, Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok, Bakthang Waterfall, Enchey Monastery, Flower Exhibition Centre, Handicraft Centre, Chorten Stupa, Institute of Tibetology, Ropeway

10-Point Tour (Full Day): Ranka Monsatery, Banjhakri Waterfall, Rumtek Monastery, Botonical Garden, Shanti View Point, Enchey Monastery, Ganesh Tok, Ropeway, Institute of Tibetology, Tashi View Point

While these tours offer predefined destinations, you have the flexibility to customize your local sightseeing in Gangtok by discussing options with the driver. Altering the tour or choosing specific points might incur additional charges, but it offers the freedom to explore preferred locations, ensuring an enriching Gangtok city tour experience.

Let’s explore an overview of the top Gangtok tourist spots, aiding in planning your local sightseeing in Gangtok. This comprehensive guide covers the best places to visit in Gangtok and nearby attractions, ensuring an immersive experience in this vibrant city.

Bakthang Waterfall
Enchey Monastery
Hanuman Tok
Ganesh Tok
Ranka Monastery
Banjhakri Falls
Do Drul Chorten Stupa
Gangtok Ropeway
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Tashi Viewpoint
Flower Exhibition Center
Rumtek Monastery
Himalayan Zoological Park
Gangtok Excursions (Day Trip)
Local Transportation
Travel Agent Recommendation

Bakthang Waterfall

Situated along the North Sikkim Highway (NH10), this picturesque waterfall is approximately 4 kilometres away from Gangtok town. It’s a beautiful natural cascade, streaming down rocks into a small pool, offering a mesmerising sight accessible via a simple footbridge. The falls originate from Ratey Chu, which serves as the primary water source for the Gangtok area. Visitors can also enjoy a rope-slide adventure here for Rs. 100 per person.

Entry Fees: Free

Enchey Monastery

Enchey Monastery, an ancient Buddhist monastery in Gangtok, Sikkim, graces a serene hilltop near the Gangtok TV Tower. Just 3 kilometres away from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, this monastery is a revered site along the Gangtok-Nathula road, renowned for its religious significance, and is among the top attractions in Gangtok.

Translated as the ‘Solitary Monastery,’ Enchey Monastery boasts a distinctive Chinese pagoda-style design, adding to its allure and making it a notable architectural gem in the region.

Entry Fee: Rs 10 per person

Hanuman Tok

This temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, rests at an altitude of 7,200 feet along a road branching off from the Gangtok-Nathula highway, just before the 3rd mile check post. Located approximately 11 kilometres from Gangtok town, locals believe that Lord Hanuman paused at this spot while returning with the Sanjeevani booti. Renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, the site boasts a viewing area that showcases breathtaking vistas of the majestic Kanchenjunga range.

Entry Fee: Free

Ganesh Tok

Ganesh Tok offers breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range, coupled with a tranquil atmosphere and the divine presence of Lord Ganesha. Despite its small size, this shrine attracts visitors eager to immerse themselves in the stunning panoramas of the town, rolling hills, and snow-capped mountains visible from its enclosed viewing lounge.

Situated at an altitude of 6500 feet, just 6 kilometers from Gangtok town, Ganesh Tok also features a gift and souvenir shop within its complex. Additionally, visitors can find some food stalls in the parking area, adding to the convenience of the visit.

Entry Fee: Free

Ranka Monastery

Also known as the Lingdum Monastery, this site is positioned 20 kilometres away from Gangtok. The access road to the monastery is notably in poor condition. The monastery is enveloped by forested mountains on all sides and offers a picturesque setting.

You will find a restaurant and gift shop located outside the monastery premises, adjacent to the car park. Additionally, Gangtok paragliding activities take place in the vicinity of this monastery.

Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Banjhakri Falls

Banjhakri Falls, tumbling down from a height of 100 feet amidst lush greenery and well-manicured gardens, stands as a top attraction near Gangtok. Nestled within the Energy Park, this waterfall draws nature enthusiasts, picnickers, and those seeking serenity. Alongside the falls, the park features a manmade lake adorned with a central dragon sculpture, offering paddle boating experiences.

The park itself boasts a swimming pool, refreshment stalls, and resting spots. Its Sikkimese architectural elements and statues honouring the Lyam, Lepcha, Mangpas, and Ban Jhakri ancestors scattered throughout the grounds add to the park’s enchanting ambiance.

The name “Ban Jhakri” translates to Jungle Priest or Jungle Magician. Known as the Energy Park for its utilisation of non-conventional energy sources like solar power, it sits in close proximity to the Ranka Monastery.

Entry Fee: Rs 70 per person
Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Do Drul Chorten Stupa

Located just 3 kilometres away from Gangtok, the Do Drul Chorten stands as a significant Buddhist stupa. Positioned adjacent to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, it ranks among the largest stupas in Gangtok and remains a prominent spot for experiencing Gangtok’s tourism offerings.

This stupa is surrounded by a cluster of 108 prayer wheels, each inscribed with sacred mantras. Its distinguished feature includes a golden apex adorned with an enshrined deity, marking its spiritual significance.

Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Gangtok Ropeway

The cable car ride in Gangtok spans from its lowest point at Deorali Market, near the Institute of Tibetology, to its highest point at Tashiling, situated below Gangtok Palace. With a midpoint stop at NamNang, the operational route covers the stretch from NamNang to Deorali. This 10-minute journey offers a breathtaking view of Gangtok and its surrounding areas.

Regarded as one of the most captivating experiences in Gangtok, the cable car ride is a double-cable zig-zag ropeway that shouldn’t be overlooked. Each cable car can accommodate up to 24 passengers, though seating might not be available, requiring travellers to stand during the ride.

Entry Fee: Rs 130 per person (2-way ride) + Video Camera Charges (Rs 100 per camera)
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Located in Deorali and 2 kms form Gangtok town, it is perched in a small forest. It does research in areas of Tibetan language and culture. It houses a museum located on ground floor, and a library. There is a small souvenior shop jsut opposite to the institue. You can enjoy the Baker’s cafe as well.

Entry Fee: Rs 10 per person
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Sunday closed)

Tashi Viewpoint

Located approximately 8 kilometres from Gangtok, this spot offers a panoramic view of the majestic Kanchenjunga snow peaks. Renowned for its stunning sunrise vistas, it features a circular viewing area, providing visitors with an exceptional experience of the sunrise against the backdrop of the Kanchenjunga range.

Entry Fee: Free; Rs 10 for using the binoculars or telescopes
Timings: 5:00 am to 6:00 pm

Flower Exhibition Center

The Flower Exhibition Centre, situated within a 20-minute walk from MG Road, is a notable attraction. Hosting an annual orchid show, the center shines best between March and May. It boasts a diverse array of flowers, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the vibrant blooms.

Entry Fee: Rs 10 per person
Timings: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Rumtek Monastery

Situated in Rumtek, 23 kilometres from Gangtok, across the adjacent mountain, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center. This expansive monastery complex, standing at an altitude of 5500 feet, is renowned as the largest in Sikkim. Notably, a short 15-minute downhill stroll from the main building leads to the original or old Rumtek Monastery.

Entry Fee: Rs 10 per person
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Himalayan Zoological Park

Located across from Ganesh Tok and positioned at an altitude of 1,780 metres, this site holds the distinction of being Sikkim’s inaugural zoo. It’s a unique sanctuary for various species, including snow leopards, Himalayan palm civets, red pandas, and Himalayan black bears.

Notably, the animals here reside in open enclosures that mirror their natural habitats, allowing them to roam freely without confinement.

Entry Fee: Rs 25 per adult, Rs 10 per child
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Thursday closed)

These attractions not only showcase Gangtok’s allure but also offer diverse experiences catering to every traveller’s desire for adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty. Planning your sightseeing in Gangtok allows for an in-depth exploration of the region’s best places to visit, along with immersing yourself in its vibrant local culture.

Gangtok Excursions (Day Trip)

A full-day excursion from Gangtok provides visits to tourist places near Gangtok like Baba Mandir and Tsomgo Lake. If permits are secured and Nathula Pass is accessible to visitors, it can also be included in this exciting trip.

For detailed information on each of these places and things to do in Gangtok, click on the links below to discover these remarkable locations:

Nathula Pass
Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple (referred to as Baba Mandir)
Tsomgo (Changu) Lake

Nathula Pass, Gangtok, Sikkim — Nathula Pass

Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, Gangtok, Sikkim — Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

Changu Lake, Gangtok, Sikkim — Changu Lake

Local Transportation

Deorali Taxi Stand:
Situated at Deorali Bazar along NH10, approximately 2 km from Gangtok’s town centre, the Deorali Taxi Stand, also known as the Mainline Taxi Stand, is a prominent hub for taxis. Beyond this point, commercial taxis from West Bengal and other states aren’t permitted into Gangtok town.

Services available:
Small taxis and SUVs for local sightseeing within Gangtok.
Shared sumos heading towards Siliguri, NJP, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong.

M. G. Marg Taxi Stand:
Located below the bustling M.G. Marg, this taxi stand offers various services for travellers.

Services available:
Private and shared taxis to destinations in West and South Sikkim.
Shared jeeps to places such as Pelling, Geyzing, Rinchenpong, Jorethang, Ravangla, and Namchi.
Private cars are available for local sightseeing within Gangtok.

Vajra Taxi Stand or North Sikkim Taxi Stand:
Located near the Vajra Cinema Hall, close to Swastik Gate in Gangtok, this taxi stand caters to travellers heading towards North Sikkim.

Services available:
Shared jeeps commuting to various locations in North Sikkim, like Mangan, Phodong, and Kabi Lungchok.
Larger SUVs are available for destinations such as Lachen and Lachung.

These taxi stands offer convenient options for travellers, whether for exploring the best places to visit in Gangtok or for venturing to different regions in Sikkim and neighboring states. If you’re keen on places to visit near Gangtok or want to explore local sightseeing in Gangtok, these stands serve as starting points for your expeditions.

For those engaging in tourism in Gangtok, it’s advisable to pre-plan your travel by booking with local tour operators. This ensures a seamless Gangtok city tour experience and facilitates visits to the top attractions while maximizing your time.

However, for travellers preferring a self-guided adventure, renting taxis from these stands and negotiating prices according to your itinerary is a feasible option. This approach provides flexibility in exploring the local sights and enhancing your overall sightseeing in Gangtok.

Travel Agent Recommendation

For the best experience exploring Gangtok and places to visit near Gangtok, I highly recommend booking your travel plans in Sikkim through local tour operators based in the region. These experts possess an intricate understanding of tourism in Gangtok and have the expertise to effectively plan your Gangtok city tour. Their deep knowledge of local conditions ensures a seamless experience, especially in arranging visits to the best places to visit in Gangtok and managing permits for restricted areas during your local sightseeing in Gangtok.

Collaborating with these local operators guarantees access to recommended vehicles that comply with travel regulations in restricted zones. They handle permit management effortlessly, providing you with a hassle-free experience during your sightseeing in Gangtok.

I personally had an exceptional experience booking my tour through E-Sikkim Tourism, discovering the finest Gangtok tourist spots. Their professional services and personal attention throughout the tour was commendable. Mr. Pradeep Valechha (7838052199) is easily accessible and holds extensive knowledge about the region, ensuring a comprehensive and fulfilling exploration of Gangtok and its nearby attractions.