Things to Do in Gangtok
+91 70032 07937
Gangtok - the gateway to the Himalayas
A Serene Escape Above the Clouds
Nestled in the heart of the Kanchenjunga mountains, Gangtok is a picturesque hill station that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and outdoor adventure.
Local Experiences
Known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and spiritual heritage, Gangtok offers a wide array of local experiences.
Experience natural serenity at Tsogmo Lake
Check out Tsogmo Lake - set amidst the snow-capped mountains of the Eastern Himalayas, Tsogmo Lake is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, lush green forests, and a variety of alpine flora.
Distance
:
41km
Entry permit to Tsogmo Lake
:
Rs 200
Yak ride
:
Start from Rs.650
Pay your devotion at Baba Mandir
A popular pilgrimage site in Sikkim, Baba Mandir is dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh. The temple is a symbol of the bond between soldiers and the spiritual faith they hold in protecting the borders of India.
Opening hours
:
6am to 8pm
Distance
:
58km
Ranka Monastery
A beautiful Buddhist monastery located around 20km from Gangtok. A great place if you are seeking spiritual solace or wish to experience Tibetan culture.
Opening hours
:
8am to 6pm
Distance
:
17km
Things to See in Gangtok
Gangtok, the capital of the northeastern state of Sikkim, is a captivating destination that offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and adventure.
Cable Car
The cable car ride is a popular tourist attraction in Gangtok. Starting out at Deorali, the ropeway can carry up to 24 passengers. There is no seating in the cable car, so travellers need to stand all the way. The 1km ride has three stations – Deorali near the Institute of Tibetology, Namnang and Tashiling, close to the Secretariat.
One can disembark anywhere but a two-way ride is recommended. You can capture magnificent views – both of the hill town and the Khangchendzonga mountains.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 6pm
Distance
:
30 mins (4 km)
Yak Safari
A yak ride is one of Gangtok’s most exhilarating experiences and is loved by adults and kids alike. Held at Tsomgo Lake, a yak safari is one of the most peaceful things to do in Gangtok. Hold onto the hump of this huge mountain animal as you wind your way through craggy terrain.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 4pm
Distance
:
2.5 hours (45 kms)
Pemayangtse Monastery
The Pemayangtse monastery, situated near the town of Pelling, is one of the oldest and most important monasteries of Sikkim. The unique feature of the monastery is an intricately carved wooden structure located on the top floor displaying a heavenly sphere known as ‘Zangdokpalri’. The monastery was built for "pure monks" (ta-tshang) meaning "monks of pure Tibetan lineage".
Opening Hours
:
9am to 6pm
Distance
:
4 hr 23 min (127 km)
Silnon Gompa
Silnon Gompa is a Buddhist Monastery in Tashiding, founded by Ngadhak Sempo Chempo. The temple has a spectacular backdrop of the snow-tipped mountains Narsing and Siniolchu.
Opening Hours
:
6am to 8:30pm
Distance
:
4 hr 46 min (108.5 km)
Tashi Viewpoint
Situated 8 km away from the main town of Gangtok, Tashi Viewpoint is the perfect vista point from where travellers can get a view of Mount Siniolchu and Mount Kanchenjunga. Tashi View Point is known for its gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. The place is an amazing picnic spot.
From road level, you need to climb steep stairs to reach up to the circular viewing area. The viewing area can accommodate about 15-20 people at a time. There is no entry fee, however, you will have to pay extra to get a closer view of the peaks.
Opening Hours
:
5am to 6pm
Distance
:
19 min (6.3 km)
Hanuman Tok
Hanuman Tok is a famous temple of Gangtok which is named after Lord Hanuman, and is maintained by the Indian Army. Located at an altitude of 7200 feet, at a distance of 11km from Gangtok, Hanuman Tok offers unparalleled views of the Kanchenjunga mountains.
Opening Hours
:
5am to 7pm
Distance
:
33 min (14.6 km)
Buddha Statue
The gigantic 41-m tall Buddha Statue is one of Sikkim’s most impressive sights. Completed in 2013, the statue is beautifully set amidst well-manicured lawns. Inside the huge plinth, there is a gallery that displays scenes from Buddha’s life.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 5pm
Distance
:
2 hr 51 min (65.8 km)
Ganesh Tok
Ganesh Tok is a Ganesh temple located 7km from Gangtok, at an altitude of 6500m. The temple is so small that it can accommodate only one person at a time and one has to crawl to get in there.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 5pm
Distance
:
25 min (10.9 km)
Flower Exhibition Centre
Flower Exhibition Centre showcases flowers from different parts of Sikkim. A haven for nature lovers.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 5:15pm
Distance
:
3 min (1.1 km)
Cottage Industry and Handicraft Centre
The Handloom and Handicrafts Centre of Sikkim was established in the year 1957 as a Technical Institute for Training and Production of traditional arts and crafts. The Centre showcases hand-woven carpets, blankets, shawls, thangka paintings, choktse (hand carved foldable tables), hand-painted masks and dolls.
Safari timings
:
10.30am to 4.30pm (Closed on Saturday & Sunday)
Distance
:
2 min (500m)
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
The museum, housed in a traditional Tibetan-style mansion houses a lovely collection of artefacts related to Vajrayana Buddhism and Tibetan culture. From Buddhist manuscripts, Thangkas (Tibetan cloth paintings) and some Tantric ritual objects, the museum also houses jewellery, mementos, books and documentaries on Sikkimese tradition and culture.
Safari timings
:
10am to 4pm
Distance
:
16 min (3.3 km)
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in the region is a delight due to the area’s difficult terrains. There are several trails in the region that can help you experience the best of forests, villages, monasteries, rivers and waterfalls.
Gangtok- Phodong- Rangrang- DikchuMakha- Sirwani- Temi
Gangtok- Rumtek- Sang- Sirwani- Temi- Namchi- Jorethang- Melli
Gangtok- Rumtek- Sang- Sirwani- Temi- Namchi- Namthang- Rangpo
Helicopter ride
To enjoy a bird’s eye view of Sikkim, take a helicopter ride around town. The best helicopter ride is over the Yumthang Valley of Flowers, and is offered by Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation.
Opening Hours
:
10am to 3pm
Distance
:
5kms
River Rafting in Teesta
River rafting is one of the most fun recreational activities in the region. The rapids are graded from level 1 to IV and makes it one of the finest rafting stretches in the world.
Over the years, many campsites have sprung along the banks of River Rangeet, a tributary of River Teesta. These campsites offer overnight stays with camping, bonfires and a full day of rafting.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 4pm
Location
:
Some of the popular routes are:
Location
:
Makha-Rongpo (shortest route)
Location
:
Dikchu-Teesta Bridge (intermediately long)
Location
:
Dikchu-Kali Johra (almost five hours long)
Location
:
Bordang-Melli (more than five hours)
Paragliding
Adventure lovers will love paragliding in Gangtok. From here you can get a birds-eye view of Gangtok as you fly over mountains, green hills, and scenic villages. There are plenty of operators, and all of them offer complete safety. A certified pilot accompanies all enthusiasts, taking care of the entire flight and its navigation.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 4pm
Location
:
The starting point for medium Fly (1400 m altitude, 5-10 mins) is Baliman Dara, and for high fly (2200 m altitude, 20-30 mins) is Reshithang village.
Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery is situated 24 km from Gangtok and is considered to be of the most sacred monasteries in Buddhism. The religious significance of Rumtek Monastery has attracted devotees and tourists from all over the world. From the gate at the base, it is half a kilometre of an uphill walk to reach the main monastery.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 5pm
Distance
:
1 hr (22.8 km)
Resum Gompa
There is no road so you will have to walk around 20 minutes uphill from Richenpong Gompato to reach Resum Gompa.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 3pm
Distance
:
1 hr (22.8 km)
Tashinding Gompa
The Tashinding Gompa, is an important monastery in Buddhist culture.
Tashiding Monastery was built back in the 17th century on top of a hill sandwiched between two stunning rivers Rangit and Rathong.
It features a prayer hall decorated with murals and beautiful sculptures. The Bumchu festival is an important festival celebrated at the monastery.
Opening Hours
:
7am to 7pm
Distance
:
2 hr 11 min (55.7 km)
Norbugang Park
The Norbugang ‘coronation park’ is a historic garden containing a small temple, a huge prayer room and a four seat Coronation Throne.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 5pm
Distance
:
5 hr 23 min (120 km)
Samdruptse Hill, Namchi
Samdrupste Hill – fondly known as the wish-fulfilling hill is situated at an altitude of 2134m. The hill has a 45m tall statue of Padmasambhava - painted in gold.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 5:30pm
Distance
:
2 hr 40 min (72.9 km)
Dubdi Gompa
One of Sikkim’s oldest monastery, this compact and peaceful gompa is set within beautiful gardens. It is an absolute delight to walk through the 1.2 km path of steps and mossy stones to reach the Gompa. If you don’t want to walk the entire way, drive 3km up the rocky road from the Khanchengdongza National Park.
Opening Hours
:
7am to 4pm, Last Entry 3:30pm
Distance
:
5 hr 25 min (120 km)
Namgyal Institute of Technology
The NIT’s 1958 core building houses a lovely collection of Tibetan/Buddhist artefacts. There is a shrine-like library upstairs where teak and glass cases house wrapped religious scriptures along with an Encyclopaedia Tibetica.
The Institute is a 6 minute walk from Deorali Bazaar Ropeway Station and Deorali taxi stand.
Opening Hours
:
10am to 4pm
Distance
:
18 min (3.3 km)
Lingdum Gompa
Surrounded by peaceful forests, Lingdum Gompa is one of the most photogenic monasteries in the Gangtok area. The centrepiece has a large attractive quadrangle leading to a five-storey main prayer hall.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 5pm
Distance
:
47 min (16.5 km)
Sanghak Choeling Gompa
Located at the foot of the Chenrezig Statue, this monastery complex is a calm and meditative space with fabulous views.
Opening Hours
:
7am to 6pm
Distance
:
4 hr 39 min (130 km)
Rabdentse Ruins
Rabdentse is an archaeological site famous for its ancient ruins. The 1km forest walk from the main car park to the ruins is beautiful.
Opening Hours
:
10am to 5pm
Distance
:
4 hr 27 min (127 km)
Rinchenpong Monastery
Rinchenpong Monastery situated above the twin villages of Rinchenpong and Kaluk, is an 18th century monastery and a popular tourist attraction in West Sikkim. The monastery is situated at a height of 5500 feet and offers brilliant views of the Mount Kanchenjunga.
Opening Hours
:
24 hours
Distance
:
4 hr 12 min (117 km)
Drodul Chorten
One of the most important stupas in Sikkim, Dodrul Chorten was built in the year 1945, under the supervision of late Truslshi and Rimpoche. Inside this stupa is a complete set of holy books and other religious objects. The golden dome atop an ivory white structure is truly breathtaking. Around the stupa are 108 prayer wheels.
This is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist statues.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 5pm
Distance
:
17 min (3.6 km)
Himalayan Zoological Park
Himalayan Zoological Park located at an altitude of 1780 metres (in Bulb lay) is one of India’s best maintained zoos. The star attractions are the red pandas – Sikkim’s animal emblems. There are also Himalayan bears, barking deer and snow leopards. Hire a vehicle to take you around the zoo.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 4pm (Closed on Thursday)
Distance
:
25 min (10.9 km)
Palchen Choeling Monastery
The coloured walls and gilded roofs in this monastery is a feast to the eyes. The monastery temple is set in a wide courtyard with swastika patterned tiling. The monastery is home to more than 300 monks along with Gyaltsap Rinpoche, one of the top figures in Kagyu Buddhism.
Opening Hours
:
8am to 4pm
Distance
:
3 hr 20 min (74.9 km)
Char Dham
The Char Dham is a remarkable Hindu religious theme park, 5km south of Namchi. It brings together replicas of several great Indian pilgrimage sites including Rameswaram, Dwarka and Jagarnath. Be prepared to walk barefoot for a fair distance.
Opening Hours
:
6.30am to 8pm
Distance
:
2 hr 49 min (83.8 km)
Chenrezig Statue
This huge four armed statue of Chenrezig sits around 500m beyond the tiny Sanghak Choeling Monastery. In front of the statue is a loop of raised glass walkways, from which around 170 steps lead to the base of the statue’s plinth.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 6pm
Distance
:
4 hr 37 min (131 km)
Banjakhri Falls
The Banjhakri Falls is situated at a distance of 10-12 kilometres from Gangtok. Beautifully landscaped gardens are present around the waterfall.
Opening Hours
:
8am to 6pm
Distance
:
30 min (8.6 km)
Seven Sister Waterfalls
Located at a distance of 32 km from Gangtok, The Seven Sisters waterfalls consists of seven separate waterfalls that merge into one powerful waterfall. Hearing the gush of clear blue waters cascading down the mountains is truly relaxing.
Opening Hours
:
8am to 4pm
Distance
:
1 hr 8 min (29.9 km)
Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake, also known as Tsongmo Lake or Changu Lake, is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district. Located at an elevation of 3,753 m (12,313 ft), the lake remains frozen during the winter season.
Opening Hours
:
7am to 4pm
Distance
:
1 hr 28 min (43.3 km)
Baba Mandir
Baba Mandir (13,200 ft.) is 65 kms from Gangtok. Situated on the road between Nathula and Jelepla Pass, Baba Mandir is the shrine which was built at the Samadhi of Baba Harbhajan Singh. As with most saints, the Baba is believed to grant favours to those who revere and worship him.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 4pm
Distance
:
1 hr 57 min (59.6 km)
Tsuk La Khang Monastery
The Tsuk La Khang Monastery is located in the complex of the Royal Palace and is one of the major places of worship for Buddhists. The monastery is a two-story edifice that houses a wide collection of Buddhist scriptures.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 5pm
Distance
:
1 hr 57 min (59.6 km)
Lal Bazaar
The vibrant Lal Bazaar is a must visit for tourists to the city. Here you can find some unique souvenirs from the region – traditional Nepalese khukris (knives), Churpi or yak cheese, and locally handcrafted bamboo and cane baskets.
Nathula Pass
Nathula is a mountain pass in the Himalayas in the East Sikkim district. It connects the Indian state of Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Nathu means "listening ears" and La means "pass" in Tibetan.
The place also has historical relevance because it was the place through which the ancient silk route used to operate until 1962. You can also catch a glimpse of the fenced Indo-China border and can spot both Indian and Chinese soldiers guarding the border. It requires a full day trip from Gangtok to visit Nathula. Only citizens of India can visit the pass, after obtaining a permit in Gangtok.
Opening Hours
:
9am to 4pm (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Distance
:
1 hr 59 min (59.9 km)
Lachung
Lachung is a town and hill station in northeast Sikkim. It is located in North Sikkim district, bordering Tibet. Lachung is at an elevation of about 9,600 feet (2,900 m) and at the confluence of the Lachen and Lachung Rivers. Lachung has been described as the "most picturesque village of Sikkim".
Opening Hours
:
8am to 6pm
Distance
:
4 hr 15 min (108 km)
Yumthang Valley of Sikkim
The popular Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim is located 140 km north of Gangtok. Famous as the "valley of flowers", this is a rare and exotic location with hot springs, rivers and lush green meadows. Situated at an elevation on 3564 metres, this stunning valley is a paradise for nature lovers as it houses the ShingbaRhododendron Sanctuary which has over 24 species of Rhododendron flowers blooming from late February to mid-June.
Opening Hours
:
8am to 6pm
Distance
:
5 hr 11 min (133 km)
Ravangla
This is a relatively new tourist spot in South Sikkim. Situated at an elevation of 8000 ft, the small picturesque town on the Gangtok-Gaysiling highway is becoming a popular destination for its breathtaking landscape and tranquility. The town and its surrounding area offer an undisturbed view of the snow ranges of Greater Himalayas.
Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Sinialchu, Mt. Kabru are just a few of the major peaks that are clearly visible from here. Ravangla is known for its exotic flowers which are in full bloom during April to May. It is approximately 65 km away from the state capital Gangtok and 120 km away from Siliguri, West Bengal.
Opening Hours
:
8am to 6pm
Distance
:
2 hr 46 min (64.7 km)
