Places to visit in Gangtok
Snuggled in the lap of the Northeast Himalayas, Gangtok is the capital of the eastern Indian state of Sikkim. Truly magical, this hill station is one of the must-visit places in India. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayas and offering magnificent views of the mighty Mount Kanchenjunga (Kangchenjunga), Gangtok is a charming destination for an unforgettable holiday. If breathtaking vistas, Buddhist monasteries, exquisite flora and fauna, hundreds of butterfly species, and exciting adventure activities appeal to you, Gangtok is the perfect destination.
The unexplored gem of Sikkim offers an impressive list of attractions and experiences. Tourist attractions in Gangtok include the Do Drul Chorten, one of the most important Buddhist stupas in Sikkim; the serene Enchey Monastery; the Orchid Sanctuary with its remarkable collection of orchids; the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology; and Tsuklakhang, the principal place of worship for the local Buddhist community. The famous Rumtek Monastery, one of the most significant monasteries in Sikkim, and the beautiful Phodong Monastery are also among the region's must-visit attractions.
For a bird's-eye view of Gangtok, take a ride on the Gangtok Ropeway, which offers spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga range, the town, and the valley below on clear days. Tashi View Point provides stunning panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains, while Ganesh Tok, located about 7 km from the town, is another popular viewpoint. Hanuman Tok, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman situated at an altitude of 7,200 feet, offers a peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking scenery. Lukshyama, the royal cremation grounds of the former Sikkim royal family, is another place of historical interest. Beyond Gangtok, popular excursions include Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, Lachung, Lacheng, Pelling, and the beautiful Yumthang Valley.
Gangtok is well-equipped with modern tourist amenities. MG Marg, the town's vibrant pedestrian street, is the heart of local life. Its clean surroundings and vehicle-free environment make it a favorite gathering place for both locals and visitors. Lined with shops, cafés, restaurants, and souvenir stores, MG Marg is perfect for shopping, dining, and relaxing. While in Gangtok, don't miss the opportunity to savor authentic northeastern cuisine, especially the famous Tibetan momos, a local favorite.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a Tibet museum in Gangtok, Sikkim, India, named after the 11th Chogyal of Sikkim, Sir Tashi Namgyal. The institute employs researchers and one of its new research programs is a project which seeks to document the social history of Sikkim's approximated 60 monasteries and record this on a computer. Another project seeks to digitize and document old and rare photographs of Sikkim for knowledge distribution.
Rumtek Monastery
The Rumtek Monastery is one of the largest and most significant monasteries in Sikkim, perched on top of a hill 23 km from Gangtok. Originally called as the Dharma Chakra Centre, it belongs to the Kargyu sect of Buddhists who originated in Tibet in the 12th century. Verdant green mountains surround the monastery and thus serves as a visual treat besides being a focal point for spiritual solace. If you climb on top to the Rumtek Monastery, you can have a breathtaking view of the whole Gangtok town situated right opposite the hill. Besides this, the architecture of the striking monastery is one of the finest in the world
Tsomgo Lake
Perched between the mountains at a dizzying height of 12400 ft above sea level, the Tsomgo Lake is one of the few high-altitude lakes in India situated on the Gangtok - Nathu La highway. Also popularly known as Changu Lake, it is a part of every tourist's itinerary and for a good reason - the overwhelming scenic beauty. Enveloped by steep snow-capped mountains and resting between a bright green carpet of alpine forests, the charming beauty of Tsogmo Lake is bound to leave you in awe. The lake's mesmerising scenic allure combined with its legendary significance to the locals definitely makes it a must visit attraction of Sikkim.
Ban Jhakri Falls Park
The Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park is a recreation centre and tourist attraction near Gangtok, in the state of Sikkim, India. The park's statuary and other displays document the Ban Jhakri, or traditional shamanic healer who worships spirits living in caves around the falls. Ban means "forest", and jhakri means "healer". The park is in a thickly forested part of Swastik, next to an army camp, about 7 kilometres from Gangtok on National Highway 31 to North Sikkim.
Nathu La Pass
Nathula, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, is a mountain pass in the Himalayan peaks that co-joins Sikkim and China. Situated on the Indo-Tibetan border 14450 ft. above sea level, Nathu La is one of the most important Himalayan passes in the country. Nathu means 'listening ears', and La means 'pass'. Nathula is one of the three open trading border posts between India and China and is famous for its picturesque beauty and beautiful environment. The temperature here remains low for most parts of the year, and it becomes a hotspot for tourists during summer.
