Things to Do in Gangtok

Also known as Changu Lake, the Tsongmo Lake is most definitely a must visit summer as well as winter site near Gangtok. About 2 hours from the city this serene glacial lake is a lovely retreat for the Sikkim tourist.

The lake has been extremely well-preserved by the authorities and is something of a matter of pride ofr the state.  It is also a great Stop over while heading to Nathu la. It looks exceptionally stunning in winter but the roads do tend to be closed then so if you are going in the beginning of winter, it will be the best time to visit it.

You will also find Yaks and other fascinating animals on all the sides of the lake. You can get a Yak ride or dress up in the traditional attire to take pictures.

Ganesh Tok is a much loved tourist spot in Gangtok. Some say it is the best viewing sport for spectacular vistas of the city. Whether this is true or not, it is certainly a great place to visit while in Gangtok.

There is a small temple dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesh and the area atop a hill is also one of the most popular tourist attractions due to the amazing vistas it provides. You will also found a few small souvenir shops, kiosks and other tiny places along the way and at the top of the hill as well. The Kanchenjunga hill in all its glory can be seen from here and is not to be missed. The best time to witness it is in the morning.

A very interesting thing to do here is to dress up in the traditional clothes to take pictures. The area itself is stunning and all these little eccentricities make it and unforgettable experience.

The Tashi viewpoint is an interesting way to avail panoramic views of the city of Gangtok right up to the Nathula. Seeing the Kanchenjunga from here is sure to be a lovely experience.

If you go early in the morning, the sunrise is surely quite spectacular. This viewpoint is perhaps the lowest in the city which makes it slightly unfavorable in times of fog when you may not be able to see anything. But on clearer days the place offers lovely views of the city.

The area around it being quite picturesque, the place is a great picnic spot for families. The fresh and yummy food at the local kiosks is another added plus.

Major Harbhajan Singh served in the Indian Army and lost his life while escorting a mule caravan from his battalion headquarters in Tekula to Dengchukla in 1968. Harbhajan Singh’s body was found when a soldier dreamt of him telling him exactly where to find the body.

Soon, the body was found and the shrine was made in the honor of the brave soldier. Today, it is said that Harbhajan Singh warns Indian soldiers of the upcoming attacks at the Indo-Chinese borders and even Chinese army men believe to have seen a human figure patrolling the border at night.

Today, the temple consists of a room where the personal belongings of Baba Harbhajan Singh are cared for and kept for worship.

The Himalayan Zoological Park or the Gangtok Zoo is sure to be one of the most unique zoo experiences. All of nature’s bounty that the Himalayas have been blessed with has been preserved here in a rare collection. Even if you are planning a short trip don’t forget to put this one on your list.

The Red Panda, the Snow Leopard and many other lovely and unique Himalayan creatures can be seen here, in a largely preserved habitat. The species you will see are simply astonishing. The clouded leopard, leopard cat etc. are some other animals that shouldn’t be missed.

It isn’t just a place to display these rare animals but also a breeding ground and a center for conservation. So, one needs to be careful and stay out of the restricted areas to respect the space of the animals.

Hanuman Tok, which is similar to the Ganesh Tok is another very interesting Hindu religious site in Gangtok. There is a Hanuman Temple in the region which is considered to be sacred. Hindus from all over the country visit this place precisely for its religious significance. The typical Hindu architecture and the carving of the idols and the walls are worth noting.

But if you are not religious it is no matter. The Hanuman Tok also happens to be one of the two best viewpoints in the city as well. The surroundings of the temple are as beautiful as the temple itself and the whole area is perfect for photography.

The mighty mountains that you see our front and the verdant valley below are a very memorable experience and one that must be had in Sikkim. If you are up for it, the best time to visit this place is at 5 am in the morning to watch the glorious sun rise over the Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks.

The Ranka Monastery, also known as Lingdum Monastery is located around 20 kilometres away from Gangtok and follows the Zurmang Kagyud lineage of Buddhism.

During your visit, you can enter the Prayer room that contains a beautiful golden Buddha statue. The courtyard is where young lamas are trained and you can truly see the beautiful architecture of the monastery from here.

Activities like Paragliding take place near the monastery and are perfect to round off the trip. The whole monastery is a pleasure to walk around as you breathe-in the fresh air and admire the nature all around.

Enchey Monastery is a tiny and yet well-known place in Gangtok. If you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the city but do not want to miss out one its beautiful monasteries, the Enchey Monastery, being quite easy to access is your best option.

Even though it is one of the smaller monasteries, it is absolutely beautiful. The intricately painted window panes are worth noting. The images and carvings of gods and goddesses are quite fascinating to see as well. During January or February (depending on the Tibetan Calendar) they are also host to the Cham dance festival which is visually quite spectacular.

Another very significant aspect of the monastery is the fact that it also is a wonderful vantage point. You will be able to see some amazing sights, especially the Kanchenjunga peak from here, especially early in the morning.

MG Marg (Mahatma Gandhi marg) is a pedestrian street in Gangtok and is home to some of the best hang-out spots, shops and eateries in the city. The street springs to life at night and has enough places to have a seat and simply watch people go by. The colourful shops that line the street are perfect to shop for gifts while grabbing a bite at the local eateries, completes the experience. The view of the surrounding mountains from the street adds to its beauty.

One of the oldest monasteries in the area, the Pemyangtse Monastery is located near Pelling about two hours from Gangtok. This lovely monastery, founded perhaps in 1705, is an amazing place to visit from Bangkok.

It is a place worth visiting while in Gangtok. The building has withstood years and years of changing weather and although it has been occasionally refurbished, itsnatural strength is what makes it stand worth and tall.It also happens to be the most important and prestigious monastery in the region. Even the monks who are allowed entry into the place have to undergo a very strict screening process. This gives the place tremendous religious and cultural significance.

So if you are a culture seeker, this place is a definite must visit for you. It is monasteries like these that make this area what it is, so it is a wonderful experience to visit them and understand their ways of living.

Nathu La is a definite must visit from the city of Gangtok. This Pass in the Himalayas is on the border between India and China and one of the most interesting sites to see in Sikkim. You will need a permit to visit Nathu La and you can only access it through the Indian border but the place is worth the effort.

The Lovely place, set amidst the mountains and the snow is nothing short of absolutely gorgeous. Set at over 14.000 feet above sea level, the beautiful place used to be an important trade post and was and still is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists as well as Hindus.

Nathu La is also home to several beautiful and rare species of animals from the mountains some of which you will be able to see here. The picturesque area makes for a great day trip from Gangtok and should certainly be on your must visit list.

Sikkim is known for its incredibly serene calm and the lovely monasteries engulfed in it. Rumtek Monastery in many ways epitomizes this calm and peace. The Monastery, also known as the Dharmachakra center, is a stunning place to see in Gangtok.

The Rumtek Monastery Buddha figurine, is certainly worth seeing. Set in a lovely golden hue he is a symbol of peace. The lovely colors in which the walls, the pillars and the exterior of the building have been decorated are very pretty. As you walk up to the monastery, the subtle grind of the prayer wheels sets the atmosphere.

It is a monastery and hence a place where these monks live and worship so one needs to be careful and respectful but if you want to observe this part of Gangtok’s culture, the place is a definite must visit.

The Ridge Park is located close to the town centre and is loved for its variety of flowers and shrubs that adorn the pathways and the seating benches. The Sikkimese style Gazebo is ideal to spend some time as you admire the flowers all around while the small pond with an over-bridge is the perfect addition to the landscape.

Don’t miss out on the Blue Venda Orchids, Celosia, Chrysanthemum and Pap flowers when you visit.

The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is the best place to learn about Tibet and the Himalayas and has a Museum and a Library that offers you everything you would want to know about Tibet and even Buddhism. The campus of the Institute itself is loved for its Tibetan Buddhist architecture.

The museum showcases a rare collection of statues, ritual objects, traditional art objects, thangkas (painted, woven and embroidered scrolls) and ancient manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese and Lepcha. A casket containing the relics of the two great Asokan missionaries- Madhyama and Kasyapagotra is the highlight of the museum. 

About 2 hours from Gangtok you will find this lovely, secluded spot called the Khecheopalri Lake. It is a sacred place and both Hindus and Buddhists have deemed it so. It is believed that the place can grant your wishes.

Well, even if doesn’t its setting is stunning and it is a place well worth visiting in this region. The area around it has been turned into a Natural Reserve due to the stunning variety of animals, birds and plants found here.  In summer, flowers and tall grass surround the area leading up to it making it quite picturesque.

A perfect place to enjoy the beauty of nature, this place is a part of the pilgrimage sites in the area. It is now also slowly becoming a very important site for ecotourism as well.