10 Best Things To Do in Gangtok

Capital and largest city of Sikkim, Gangtok is one of the prime tourist destinations in India and people from all around the world visit this incredible place in huge numbers. There is so much to explore and experience in Gangtok that one should plan their trip accordingly so that you don't miss out on something important. There are plenty of attractions and some great things to do in Gangtok. Hence, go through this exhaustive list of things to do in Gangtok.

A must visit place in Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake is truly a traveler's paradise and is an eye-pleasing experience. Get the panoramic view of the Gangtok City by visiting the stunning Tashi Viewpoint. Every bird watcher out there, you're in for a treat in Gangtok. Just visit the very popular Himalayan Zoological Park. Other major attractions in Gangtok that one must visit are Hanuman Tok, Lingdum Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple, Ganesh Tok, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rumtek Monastery and Flower Exhibition Centre And Ridge Park.

1. Paragliding/Parasailing in Gangtok

Parasailing in Gangtok - Image Image Source: pixabay.com

Say bye-bye to plain old ropeway and try out the raddest, coolest way to check out the beauty of Gangtok city from the heavens. Head over to Khel Gaon area to find plenty of flying agencies and experience Gangtok as never seen before.

2. River Rafting in Teesta

Things to do in Gangtok - Image Image Source: pixabay.com

Try out your hand at taming the ferocious water currents of the Teesta River which passes through the capital city of Sikkim. It is sure to give the adrenaline junkies a shot in their arm and provide some enthralling moments to your trip. The Makha town near Gangtok is an ideal destination for enthusiasts. This is undoubtedly the most adventourous things to do in Gangtok.

3. Gambling Haven

Fun things to do in gangok - Image Image Source: pixabay.com

Not many people are aware but gambling is legalized in Gangtok and there are casinos available here where one can quench their gambling desires. Now no more going to Monaco and gambling, instead save your ticket money and use it up here. But on a serious note, no harm in trying out gambling for fun, but getting addicted is a strict no-no. The Mahjong Casino at Mayfair resort is a popular destination.

4. Hot Springs

Hot springs - Image Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

I kid you not when I say that Sikkim can get quite a lot chilly, especially the winters. Not surprising when you look at its location. But a pleasant surprise is not far away in the form of Phurchachu Hot Springs which is on the way to Zero point. The water is said to have medicinal property and gives some much needed respite from the cold. This is surely one of the unexplored places in India.

5. Bibliophile’s Fantasy

Rachna book store - Image Image Source: YouTube.com

Not just your average bookstore, the Rachna Book Store in Gangtok was recently awarded ‘Bookstore of the Year’ at an award ceremony held in Goa. A visit to Gangtok can’t be complete for a true book lover until he’s paid the bookstore a visit. The store has a wide collection of books on Sikkimese and Tibetan history and also stocks up on Vajrayana Buddhism. It is located quite close to the main bazaar of the city.

6. Yak Safari

Yak safari - Image Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Though all tourists flock to the Tsomgo Lake for its natural beauty and wonderful scenery, another interesting attraction over here is the Yak Safari. These gentle hairy beasts have been used as transportation since time immemorial. One can admire the beauty of Sikkim while hitching a ride on one of these beautiful animals. Another good spot for a ride are the Yak trails of Dzongri area.

7. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Places to visit in Gangtok - Image Image Source: Abhishek Kumar/Flickr

This museum, as the name gives away, does extensive research on Tibetan culture, religion, language, history, arts and crafts. The library here is famed to hold one of the largest collections of Tibetan works in the world outside of Tibet. It is located inside Gangtok and is a helpful insight into the Tibetan way of life.

8. Thukpa and Tongba

What to eat in gangtok - Image Image Source 1,2: Wikimedia Commons/Wikimedia Commons

All those of you who thought Sikkimese cuisine is nothing more than momos and Wai-Wai noodles have never been more wrong. Dishes like the Thukpa, which is a Tibetan noodle soup, and has chicken, pork and vegetables all cooked in a broth, are a wonderful treat in the biting cold. The Tongba is a millet based local alcoholic beverage and is very popular all over the region. Returning from Gangtok without having a taste of these items is a mortal sin.

9. International Flower Festival

Flower exhibition centre - Image Image Source: Karlis Dambrans/Flickr

This awesome festival takes place in Gangtok at the Flower Exhibition Centre and is a major crowd puller from in and outside the country. There are all kinds of local and exotic flowers displayed here in the most imaginative way possible. The whole place is a vibrant display of colors and small competitions are held for various categories. This festival is normally held in the months of March or April and is a beautiful treat for the eyes.

10. Rock Music

Rock music - Image Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Sikkimese locals have a great taste in music and are especially fond of Western rock and Indian pop music. But apart from the familiar songs that you might have heard while taking a shower in your bathroom, another wildly popular genre of music that people follow here is the indigenous Nepali rock and Lepcha music! It is quite common to hear familiar western rock beats suffused with Nepali or Lepcha lyrics. It may sound a little strange at first but once you get used to it, you won’t be able to help yourself from grooving along to the beats!

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Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Gangtok, India

Must see places in Gangtok ranked on popularity. Here is the complete list of best attractions in Gangtok and point of interests to visit.

Tsongmo Lake
#1 of 109 Things To Do in Gangtok

Tags: Safari, Lake

Address: Nathu La Pass, Gangtok, India
Timings: 24-hrs Details

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...Read more
Ganesh Tok
#2 of 109 Things To Do in Gangtok

Tags: View Point

Address: Dichenling Area, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103
Timings: 06:00 am - 07:00 pm Details

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 ...Read more
Tashi Viewpoint
#3 of 109 Things To Do in Gangtok

Tags: View Point

Address: Gangtok, Sikkim 737107 ‎
Timings: 24-hrs Details

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 ...Read more
Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple
#4 of 109 Things To Do in Gangtok

Tags: Temple, Memorial

Address: Between Nathula And Jelepla Pass, Gangtok, India
Timings: 06:00 am - 08:00 pm Details

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...Read more
Himalayan Zoological Park
#5 of 109 Things To Do in Gangtok

Tags: Zoo

Address: Bulbulay, National Highway 310, Gangtok, East Sikkim, Sikkim 737103
Timings: 09:00 am - 04:00 pm Details

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...Read more
Lingdum Monastery
#6 of 109 Things To Do in Gangtok

Tags: Monastery , Nature

Address: Lingdum, Sikkim 737135
Timings: 06:00 am - 06:00 pm Details

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 r...Read more
Hanuman Tok
#7 of 109 Things To Do in Gangtok

Tags: Religious Site, Temple, View Point

Address: Gangtok, Sikkim 737103
Timings: 07:00 am - 05:00 pm Details

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 o...Read more
Enchey Monastery
#8 of 109 Things To Do in Gangtok

Tags: Religious Site, Monastery

Address: Sikkim 737117
Timings: 04:00 am - 04:00 pm Details

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 Monaste...Read more
Mahatma Gandhi Marg
#9 of 109 Things To Do in Gangtok

Tags: Food And Drinks, Streets

Address: Gangtok 737101, India
Timings: 24-hrs Details

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 place...Read more
Pemayangtse Monastery
#10 of 109 Things To Do in Gangtok

Tags: Religious Site, Monastery

Address: West Sikkim, Sikkim
Timings: 09:00 am - 06:00 pm Details

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 f...Read more
Nathu La
#11 of 109 Things To Do in Gangtok

Tags: Mountain

Address: Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
Timings: 24-hrs Details

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 ...Read more
Rumtek Monastery
#12 of 109 Things To Do in Gangtok

Tags: Religious Site, Monastery

Address: TsurphuLabrang Pal Karmae Sangha Dhuche, Dharma Chakra Centre,, Sikkim 737135
Timings: 06:00 am - 06:00 pm Details

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 ce...Read more
Flower Exhibition Centre And Ridge Park
#13 of 109 Things To Do in Gangtok

Tags: Park, Exhibition

Address: Bhanu Path Road, Tathangchen Area, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
Timings: 08:30 am - 05:00 pm Details

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...Read more
Khecheopalri Lake
#14 of 109 Things To Do in Gangtok

Tags: Lake, Nature

Address: Khecheopalri Lake, Sikkim 737113
Timings: 06:00 am - 06:00 pm Details

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 ca...Read more
Namgyal Institute Of Tibetology
#15 of 109 Things To Do in Gangtok

Tags: Library, History Museum

Address: Syari Rd, M.P.Golai, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
Timings: 10:00 am - 04:00 pm Details

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 Buddh...Read more