Nestled in the majestic Himalayas, Gangtok is a beautiful city in India known for its breathtaking views, towering mountains, and thrilling adventure activities. If you’re planning a trip to Gangtok, you’re in for a treat. From trekking the meandering pathways of Sikkim to visiting the sacred monasteries and palaces, there’s plenty to do in this picturesque city. In this guide, we’ll take a detailed look at some of the best things to do in Gangtok.
Gangtok is the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim. Located at an altitude of 1,700 meters in the Himalayan Mountain range, Gangtok is nestled in a valley on the rocky terrain of East Sikkim. The city is home to many monasteries and provides excellent views of Mount Kanchenjunga, world’s third highest peak and sacred for local Buddhists.
Gangtok experiences a mild climate year-round as it lies on a tropical latitude range. It enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year with rainy weather from June to September due to its proximity to monsoon winds from the Bay of Bengal. The nearest airport is Bagdogra airport located approximately 128 km from Gangtok city center, which connects major cities in India such as Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati etc., via both domestic and international flights.
Weather
The weather of Gangtok is predominantly pleasant with a slight chill in the air throughout the year. Summers (March to June) have a comfortable temperature range between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius which makes it suitable for exploration and sightseeing activities. Monsoons are from July to September when it may be quite windy with rainfall almost every day. Winters (November-February) make Gangtok look beautiful when it is covered in a white shroud of snow. Average temperatures range from 5-17 degrees Celsius during winters making days suitable for activities such as trekking, angling, bird watching etc. However, some higher altitudinal treks and visitors’ points may be inaccessible due to blizzards at high altitudes.
Here are five of the best things to do in Gangtok:
Visit Nathula Pass
If you are looking for a unique adventure experience in Gangtok, a visit to Nathula Pass is the way to go. Located near the India-China border, the Nathula Pass is the highest motorable mountain pass in the Eastern Himalayas. With its lush green meadows and breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, it’s one of the top tourist spots in India. We’ll talk more about Nathula Pass in this guide, including why it’s a must-visit destination in Gangtok.
Location
Nathula Pass is located in the eastern Himalayan range in India. Situated at an elevation of 14,140 feet, it is one of the highest motorable roads in India. Nathula forms a part of an offshoot of the ancient Silk Road that connects India and Tibet, the northern limits of Sikkim. The road to Nathula Pass is planned to be opened for vehicular traffic in winter and hence remains closed for most parts of the year due to extreme weather conditions. The pass connects two important cities- Gangtok (the capital of Sikkim) and Lhasa (the capital city of Tibet).
Nathula is also known for its breathtaking views – snow-capped mountains accompanied by a beautiful landscape make this place even more attractive for tourists. It receives heavy snowfall throughout the year, making it almost impossible to reach during winter months. Tourists are allowed up to 4 km from here but need permission from Indian Army or state government before visiting it.
From Nathula Pass tourists can enjoy stunning views of Jagdish River as well as Tsomgo lake located nearby, along with different cultural monuments. There are regular buses available from Gangtok which takes around 1 hour 20 minutes till Nathula pass in good condition of roads.
Accessibility
The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station which is around 122 kilometers away in Siliguri district. Guides are available to help visitors navigate the region and there are shared taxis/jeeps that run from Gangtok to Nathula Pass on a daily basis. Private cabs can be hired from either Gangtok or Siliguri, but these tend to be comparatively more expensive than the public transportation option.
Once visitors have arrived at Nathula Pass, there are many scenic spots along the route including Kupup Lake, an Indo-Chinese War Memorial, and Tsomgo Lake where visitors can witness unique birds such as Brahminy Ducks up close. Along some of these trails one will also find many wildflowers sprinkled on both sides of the road that add color to this majestic landscape. To make sure visitors take full advantage of this natural beauty it is best for them to begin their journey as early as possible in order to avoid delays due to bad weather or landslides that may occur along certain sections of the road leading up to Nathula Pass.
Things to Do
Nathula Pass is a mountain pass located in the Himalayas. It connects India to Tibet and is an incredibly important part of the trade and cultural exchange that takes place between the two countries. The area surrounding Nathula Pass offers a range of activities and experiences, which often draw visitors from around the world.
If you plan to visit Nathula Pass, here are some of the top things to do during your stay:
1. Go sight-seeing: Explore the majestic scenery surrounding Nathula Pass, including snow slopes and snow-capped mountains. You may even get lucky enough to witness the rare Yaks traversing along the Himalayan trail.
2. Visit temples: There are numerous temples in this area for spiritual travelers and pilgrims wishing to pay respects to gods and goddesses from both countries. Explore these temple complexes for an immersive religious experience
3. Shopping: The bustling marketplace at Nathula Pass showcases local produce, handicrafts, antiques, herbs, spices and more! Treat yourself with some souvenirs from your travels or even pick up gifts for friends back home so they can experience a little piece of Tibet as well.
4. Participate in cultural activities: There are plenty of cultural performances hosted at Nathula Pass all year round! Be sure to catch at least one traditional performance before you depart – it’s said that Tibetan entertainment is truly captivating.
5. Bird watching: Since many migratory birds flock near Nathula Pass throughout different times of the year – it’s ideally suited for bird watching enthusiasts looking to observe some colorful feathered creatures while on vacation.
Explore Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake is a stunning lake situated in Gangtok, India. It is a part of the Himalayan range and is surrounded by dense forests. The lake is known for its crystal-clear water and lush greenery. It is a popular tourist spot as it is an ideal spot for relaxation and for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Aside from sightseeing, there are plenty of activities that can be done here such as boating, fishing, trekking and more. So, let’s explore some of the best things to do at Tsomgo Lake.
Accessibility
Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is a glacial lake located in Sikkim at an altitude of 12,400 feet. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the lake and its surroundings as well as explore local culture. The lake is accessible by road either from Gangtok or Nathula Pass.
From Gangtok, visitors should take a cab to the lake which takes about thirty minutes. From Nathula Pass, the ride to the lake is about one and a half hours. For those visiting from nearby areas, there are regular buses that run daily from various points in Sikkim and Darjeeling.
The road to Tsomgo Lake is quite steep and has several hairpin turns which can make for an exciting but difficult journey; it should be taken with caution. Nearby popular destinations include Baba Mandir which is situated near Nathula Pass that commemorates Indian soldiers who were killed in World War II battles. There are also lookout points that offer fantastic views of snow-covered mountains with glacial streams flowing below them.
Things to Do
The lake has become a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty and variety of activities available there. To truly experience the spectacular beauty of this place there are several recommended activities that visitors can do here:
- Take Pleasure in Boating: Enjoy the quiet waters by taking a boating ride through Tsomgo Lake – you can rent a boat from the local vendors near the lake.
- Explore Local Culture: Visit small villages near Tsomgo Lake where visitors can observe various aspects of culture like local art and crafts, festivals, architecture etc.
- Trekking Trails: Embark on trekking trails like Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir to Nathula Pass (14 km), Nathula Pass to Tsomgo Lake (36 km) which are both open for tourists with valid permits.
- Capture Stunning Views: Appreciate admired sights that Tsomgo offers such view stretching up to Tibet border, lush hills covered with vibrant Rhododendrons etc.
- Star Gazing Night: Surprise yourself with bedazzling stars shining brightly above sky – spend a night under wide open sky with family or friends during late evenings or early dawns.
Visit Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery is one of the most popular destinations in Gangtok. It is the largest and most important monastery in the city. Located about 24 kilometres from Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery is a great place to explore and learn about Buddhism and culture. The monastery has a rich history and houses a large variety of art and religious statues. Let’s take a look at what you can expect to see and do when visiting Rumtek Monastery.
Location
Rumtek Monastery is situated in the capital of Sikkim, India, Gangtok. The lush green hill station is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains and stunning landscapes of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. Rumtek Monastery stands tall on a hilltop at an altitude of 1500 metres (5000 feet) and is amongst the four largest monasteries, known as the ‘Four Pillars of Sikkim’, which are sacred pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists from around the world. This historic seat of both profound Buddha Dharma and Tibetan Buddhist culture boasts fine façades, exquisite works of art and precious collections that exemplify its ancient heritage as well as its sacred importance.
The Rumtek Monastery complex also houses some other interesting structures such as a Kudung building for housing the personal belongings of past and current spiritual heads, a large ‘Dharma Chakra’ or prayer wheel, an ornate gateway arch to welcome visitors, two stupas symbolizing harmony or protection against evil and two gompas – Upper Gompa which contains veneers on Lord Guru Padmasambhava’s life history along with murals depicting his progressions & Lower Gompa which stores Khenpon’s throne & old documents related to Buddhism like poetry manuscripts & prints created in centuries ago.
Accessibility
Rumtek Monastery can easily be accessed by public transportation from the nearby towns of Gangtok and Rumtek. Taxis and shared taxis are also available from both locations to take visitors to the monastery.
The monastery is situated atop a hill, so there are several staircases that have to be climbed before reaching the entrance gate. Visitors should wear appropriate shoes or sandals as the steps can be quite slippery during wet or rainy weather.
There is no fee to enter Rumtek Monastery and visitors can take their own photos, provided they are not disruptive to those who are praying or meditating inside. Because of its architectural beauty, abundance of prayer flags and colorful surroundings, the monastery has become very popular with photographers and tourists alike.
Things to Do
There are many activities visitors can enjoy at Rumtek Monastery to better understand its importance and discover its stunning architecture and artwork. Here are just some of them:
- Experience monks chanting mantra prayers and performing rituals during religious festivals such as Losar or Chotrul Duchen
- Explore the magnificent paintings and murals within the buildings of Rumtek Monastery
- Stroll through ancient prayer halls such as Zilukha Lhakhang or Dudul Kakhang
- Visit Amitabha Stupa that is said to bless all who worship there
- Meditate within ancient meditation cells like where Situ Rinpoche composed his renowned ‘Mahamudra Upadesha’
- Take a leisurely walk around gorgeous gardens surrounding Rumtek Monument and check out various statues, sculptures, sadhanas & other religious artifacts maintained inside it
- Attend traditional dances by lamas known as ‘chham’
Enjoy Cable Car Ride
Explore tranquil forests on India’s 2nd highest cable car ride taking you 500mt above sea level offering spellbinding views over holy shrines shimmering rivers & various mountain peaks all at once -all over range departing from Deorali market & ending up close by Tashi Viewpoint away from hustle bustle. The cable cars take you from one point to another and offer an awesome view of the city. It is a great way to enjoy the city from the comfort of a cabin. There are various cable car routes in the city, which provide the perfect opportunity for tourists to get a bird’s eye view of Gangtok.
Accessibility
Cable cars are a great way to explore the Gangtok region. With more than 18km of cable car routes, there are ample opportunities for tourists to enjoy the amazing views and explore the area. Cable car rides give panoramic views of Mt Kanchenjunga, valleys and other parts of Sikkim. However, these cable cars only operate from spring to winter due to snow.
The rides are accessible from different points – Mahananda market, Deorali Bazar, Central Plaza Mall and Tashi viewpoint (Aritar). The frequencies can be checked in advance via their website or by calling ahead. A one-way cable car ride may cost around ₹790 for two adults depending on the point of departure and arrival chosen.
For safety reasons, the maximum limit of passengers in a gondola is four adults or five if children are accompanied by an adult guardian. The ride duration can range between 20 minutes up to 90 minutes depending on where you start your journey from and where you end it at as some points have a single station while some have multiple stations that take passengers on further journeys within a destination itself.
In addition to safety instructions before boarding and precautions during the ride, tourists should carry appropriate clothing in order to keep warm during cold months since most gondolas don’t have heater facilities or protection against wind invasion during winter season, so hats, hoodies and layers are the best bets for such journeys.
Go Trekking
Gangtok is the best place to go trekking and take in the beauty of the Himalayas. There are various trails available varying in difficulty level from easy to advance. Trekkers can experience the thrill of being in the wilderness, of crossing streams and rocky terrain, and of getting an up-close look at some of the most beautiful mountains and valleys in the world. Trekking in Sikkim can be really thrilling with some seriously challenging trails and some easier ones. There are several popular trekking routes in Gangtok like Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary Trek, Green Lake Trek, Goecha La Trek, etc.
Location
Gangtok has now become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Northeast India. When visiting Gangtok, you will be greeted with breathtaking mountain views and rolling hills. Partially surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Gangtok experiences four distinct seasons – summer, monsoon season (during which you can experience heavy rains), winter (when the temperature drops significantly) and spring (when some magnificent flowers bloom in this pretty hill station). This makes any time a great time to plan your visit.
Trekking is definitely one of the best things you can do in Gangtok. It has some brilliant trails that cut through pine forests and offer stunning views along the way. There are various trekking trails around Sikkim such as Nathula Trekking Trail, Green Lake trek and Goechala trek to explore for those seeking for adventure. The arduous climb and hard terrain may put off many travelers but with proper knowledge about mountaineering skills these regions have something to offer everyone!
Accessibility
Gangtok is located in the east-northeast part of India at an elevation of 1,780 meters in the Eastern Himalayas. It can be reached by road from Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Kalimpong as well as from various airports across India.
The nearest town is Rangpo on the Siliguri-Gangtok highway which is about 8 kilometers away. The nearest airport is Bagdogra airport which is located 131 kilometers away. While traveling to Gangtok, one can avail of government operated jeeps and buses that take 6-7 hours of travel time or hire a private luxury vehicle with charges varying according to season and size.
For those with limited mobility, Gangtok provides many exciting opportunities for trekking adventures due to its terrain and majestic mountain views. Additional prerequisites are needed if you intend to go on higher altitude trekking trips through local agencies that provide unique travel experiences at accessible locations. These include short hikes near Gangtok (i.e., Tashi viewpoint), guided horse-riding trips, camping excursions in rural areas near river valleys, etcetera each full of unique sights and sounds.
Here,I’m linking another piece of article we did on the best cafes in Sikkim, for your reference.
