If you are looking for a peaceful getaway blessed with sweeping views of the Himalayas, stunning landscapes wrapped in mists and clouds, beautiful winding hill roads, lush green mountain valleys, and picture-perfect chalets and towns, then the northernmost state of Sikkim is where you want to be! Gangtok, its charming capital city, is the ideal go-to destination where you will find all these elements of nature suffused with a unique insight into the culture of the Sikkimese and a tranquil vibe that reverberates through every nook and corner of its streets.Gangtok gained prominence as a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the early 1980s. Today, it is one of the most visited cities in Northeast India owing to its breathtaking natural beauty and religious significance. If you are planning a holiday in Gangtok, you must have at least 10 days to explore the top places in and around the city.
Some places to visit in Gangtok are
1. Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok
If you have enough time to visit just one place in Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake it is! Located at 12,400 ft. above sea level, this high altitude lake sits amidst mountains and derives its water from their melting snow. The unparalleled beauty of the site is mesmerizing. A striking feature of the lake is that it changes color with every season. It remains frozen during winters, but the snow around is replaced by blooming flowers in summers. Legends reveal that Buddhist monks used to study the lake’s color to forecast the future in olden times.
Distance from Gangtok: 40 km
Trivia: The Tsomgo or Changu Lake is considered sacred by the Sikkimese.
Travel Tip: A valid permit is required by both Indians and foreign tourists to visit the lake.
2. Nathula Pass, Gangtok
A part of the ancient Silk Route between India and Tibet, Nathula Pass is bestowed with natural beauty and stunning scenic views. Driving through its steep, slippery slopes, up to an altitude of 14,140 ft., will make for quite an adventure. Nathula Pass sees a large number of tourists during summer and autumn. Winters might not be the best time to visit as the temperatures are quite low, and the route is often closed due to heavy snowfall. The road remains closed for the public on Mondays and Tuesdays, so make sure you plan your itinerary accordingly.
Distance from Gangtok: 56 km
Travel Tip: Only Indian tourists with a valid permit are allowed to visit the pass
3. Hanuman Tok, Gangtok
Located at an altitude of 7,200 ft., this decades-old Hanuman temple is one of the most popular places to visit in Gangtok. Offering uninterrupted views of the Kanchenjunga range, this shrine is visited by tourists throughout the year for its serene ambiance and stunning views. You can soak in the beauty of the lush greenery, the scenic hills, and valleys, and a small part of the town while climbing the paved stairs that lead to this blissfully calm divine site.
Distance from Gangtok: 11 km
Trivia: It is believed that Lord Hanuman rested at this site while carrying the mountain with the Sanjeevani herb from the Himalayas to Lanka
4. Himalayan Zoological Park, Gangtok
The first zoo in Sikkim, Himalayan Zoological Park offers an opportunity to explore the fauna in the region. Home to Snow Leopards, Himalayan Palm Civets, Red Pandas, and Himalayan Black Bears, the place is unlike most of the zoos in the country. Animals are kept in open enclosures in replicated natural habitats and are not caged, which makes the overall experience a bit more pleasant. Situated at an altitude of 1,780 meters, the zoo also offers splendid views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Set aside at least 3 to 4 hours for the zoo, especially if traveling with children.
Distance from Gangtok: 7 km
Entry Fee: ₹ 25 for Adults and ₹ 10 for Children
Timings: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Closed on Thursdays)
Travel Tip: Since the park is spread across a considerable area, it’s best to explore the area in a car though you can walk it as well
5. Ranka Monastery, Gangtok
The beautiful Ranka Monastery should be part of your itinerary for the stunning views it offers and of course, the opportunity to interact with Buddhist monks. You can click pictures with the monks during breaks, but you have to respect their faith and their way of life while interacting with them. Enveloped by thick forests on all sides, the monastery is a sight to behold. The quiet and the serenity here offer a glimpse of life completely different from the cities.
Distance from Gangtok: 20 km
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Trivia: The monastery follows the Zurmang Kagyu Lineage of Buddhism
Travel Tip: Keep aside a couple of hours for Banjhakri Falls when you visit the monastery. Try paragliding here for an unforgettable experience!
6. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Gangtok
A peek into the past of very intriguing culture, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a must-visit if you are a history enthusiast or interested to know more about Buddhism. Exhibiting an extensive collection of artwork, objects, manuscripts, mementos, and one of the world’s largest collections of Tibetan documents and literature, this institute is a keeper of all things significant to the Tibetan culture. The foundation stone of the institute was laid by the 14th Dalai Lama.
Distance from Gangtok: 5 km
Timings: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (Closed on Sundays)
Entry Fee: ₹ 10
Travel Tip: Photography is not allowed inside the premises
7. Flower Exhibition Center, Gangtok
The Flower Exhibition Center is located within walking distance from MG Road and displays a huge variety of flowers from across Sikkim. A heaven for nature lovers, the exhibition center remains in full swing throughout the year, especially during the annual flower show which is held from April to May. Home to many different and unusual species of plants, the exhibition center offers a refreshing break from the never-ending road travel schedules. You can simply relax in its pleasant ambiance, admire the colorful flowers, and click some amazing pictures.
Timings: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: ₹ 10
Well, the only possible way to reach Gangtok is by road from Bagdogra that is the closest airport, Siliguri that is the closest commercial hub, and New Jalpaiguri that is the closest railway station.