Gangtok is a splendid city, surrounded by the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. It is a bustling city where everyone can find a place of their choice. Dotted with many beautiful gardens and waterfalls impression of Tibetan Buddhism stupas and monasteries can be seen everywhere in Gangtok. It is a fascinating destination for everyone, from shopaholics to food lovers to adventure seekers. Beautiful prayer flags adorn every corner, and the misty weather of the city attracts me the most. Gangtok city boasts a plethora of top tourist destinations that are simply irresistible and nearly impossible to explore within a single day.
I hope this travel guide can be of great help to you in planning your visit to Gangtok! With these tips, you won’t have to worry about time constraints and can fully enjoy all the amazing tourist destinations that the city has to offer. From visiting top places like Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, and Rumtek Monastery to exploring many Buddhist monasteries, attractive parks, and waterfalls, and thousands of eateries to choose from, it’s difficult to choose the best one. You can also opt to spend your holiday lavishly by playing at the Mayfair casino or watching a movie at Denzong Cinema. With so much to do and see, Gangtok is the perfect destination for a memorable trip. So, pack your bags, put on your travel shoes, and get ready to have a blast!
We at Nexplore Travel curate the list of the top attractions in Gangtok city to help travellers best utilise the day according to their interests.
Top 15 places to visit in Gangtok city
1. MG Marg
MG Marg, the heart of the city, is the first preference of everyone. Located in the centre of the town, many cafeterias, a huge array of shops including exclusive showrooms, and different items from cloth to souvenirs are lined up where you can shop your heart out. The whole area is beautifully decorated with various flowers. A big statue of Mahatma Gandhi Ji, along with Victorian style lamps and various benches along the path, added to the beauty of this place. It is the most vibrant place in the city, which can be accessed on foot only.
While planning your Gangtok trip, you can try staying near MG Marg for a night. Various garments, shoes, souvenirs, to trinkets can be found there, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Many travel agencies are also located there which can help you with permits for North Sikkim, Nathula etc.
Check our Sikkim tour packages to find the best travel package for you!
2. Tashi View Point
Located in the outskirts of Gangtok, 8 km away from the city centre, snow-capped mountain ranges can be seen from Tashi Viewpoint. It is one of the nice viewpoints to witness the brilliant surroundings and observe the magnificent Mount Siniolchu and Mount Kanchenjunga, and other Himalayan peaks. A flight of around 500 stairs take you to the top of the viewpoint from where you can catch a bird’s-eye view of the entire city. All picks are clearly visible from the top on sunny weather.
You can also stop at Bakthang waterfall, which is worth a stopover on your way. It also has Zip zip-lining facility, which is loved most by kids and teenagers.
How to reach: It’s about 8 km from Gangtok town and near Bakthang Waterfall. You can hire a local taxi to visit this point along with other attractions.
Check top places to visit in Cherrapunji
3. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Nestled in a pristine location, it is a must-visit place to know about Tibetan religion, history, language, art and culture. This institute strives to spread and establish the Tibetan religion and culture. You can visit the small museum and library and read books according to your wish. The library houses many ancient books and the largest collections of Tibetan works. This small museum is beautifully laid out so that it is easy to look at and study. The museum has many ancient artefacts on show. It also houses a little gift shop where many religious and cultural pieces are kept. Some stunning wall hangings, Thangka paintings and brass artefacts are also kept there.
How to reach: It is located in the Deorali area near the Do Drul Chorten Stupa, which is easily accessible by a local taxi.
4. Do Drul Chorten Stupa and Monastery
Located in a scenic location Do Drul Chorten Stupa was built in 1946 by Trulshik Rinpoche, who was a teacher of the 14th Dalai Lama. It is a serene place having one main Stupa and 2 small stupas around it. It is located near the Institute of Tibetology, another important landmark near Gangtok. 108 rotating bells and prayer wheels are kept in front of the stupa. Several important sacred Kangyur manuscripts and relics associated with Dorje Phurba are carefully preserved inside it. More than 150 monks and Nuns are also staying here.
Check the list of must visit places in Gangtok
5. Gangtok Ropeway
The Gangtok ropeway is a must-do activity for tourists visiting Gangtok. It offers breathtaking aerial views of the city. The entire city can be viewed from the rope way. It is a great place to enjoy beautiful and splendid scenery and cool weather. The ropeway starts from Deorali Bazar near and connects Tashiling Secretariat via the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
Cost: The rate of the ropeway is Rs. 117 per head for adults. For children, the cost will be Rs. 77.
Provision for getting down from the cable car during the ride is not available. The ride generally lasts for 20 minutes.
Starting point: It starts from Deorali Bazar near the Do Drul Chorten stupa.
Timing: Gangtok Ropeway service is available from 9.00 AM to 5 PM
6. Flower Exhibition Centre and Ridge Park
If you like flowers and orchids, it is a popular place to see many varieties of flowers that are in full bloom during the Spring season. It is a stunning location situated across a hill in many steps. The Annual Orchid Show takes place below the Ridge Park at the Flower Exhibition Centre (FEC).
If you’re exploring the main market in Gangtok, the FEC is a nearly 20-minute walk away. You can hire a local taxi from MG marg to reach the park, which can be covered in 10 minutes.
Timing: It’s open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and tickets cost 20 rupees each.
7. Plant Conservatory
Located near Ganesh Tak, it is a pristine place where many varieties of flowers and trees can be seen. Maintained by the Forest Department of the Government of Sikkim, this conservatory is home to beautiful ponds and bridges and is surrounded by lush greenery. An array of Rhododendron and many seasonal flowers, Azaleas, Magnolias, Daylilies and Orchids can be seen here. Connected by well-laid stairs, a small waterfall is located at the end of the conservatory. A greenhouse is also located there, where various types of orchids are grown. The greenhouse at the conservatory is a must stop for everyone.
8. Enchey Monastery
It is a 200 years old Enchey Monastery(Gompa) is an ancient monastery built during 1909-1910 under the rule of Sidkeong Tulku, Namgyal, who was the ruler of Sikkim in 1919. The monastery is located in a vibrant place surrounded by picturesque scenery. Around 90 monks reside in this monastery, which is very peaceful and allows visitors to meditate in serenity, amidst stunning surroundings.
9. Gonjang Monastery
It is a stunning Buddhist monastery located 6 km from the heart of Gangtok. The view from the Monastery is eye soothing and the atmosphere around is very peaceful. Inside this monastery, you can see the Idols of Khen-lop Cho-Sum, three Religious Personalities or founding Fathers of Tibetan Buddhism, along with several other statues. The monastery houses more than 100 monks along with a Community Health Care Centre for the monks.
10. Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery is a marvellous Buddhist gompa situated 24 km from Gangtok. It is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim. The monastery was rebuilt by the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje and named Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre in 1966.
The architecture of the monastery is one of the finest in the world and resembles the original one in Tsurphu, Tibet. The main building of the Rumtek Monastery is three-storeyed. The ground floor has a large prayer hall which contains hand-painted paintings, intricate wall murals, thankas, silk paintings and statues. The 16th Karmapa lived on the first floor, and the top floor has a small stupa. The monastery complex also houses the Karma Sri Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies and the Golden Stupa, which attracts numerous students from around the world.
The monastery is guarded by the military, so one needs to carry an ID card to visit. You can also hire a guide to learn in detail about the place.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Rs 10 per person
How to reach: It’s located about 24 km from Gangtok, which takes more than an hour to cover. From the parking, it is required to walk 300 meters to reach the monastery.
11. Ranka Monastery
Built in the typical form of Tibetan architecture, the monastery is spread out in a vast area with great scenic views. A huge gold-plated Buddha statue sits in the lotus position inside the sanctum. Bordered by beautiful forested mountains on all sides, Ranka makes one of the most pictorial monasteries in East Sikkim. The finest decoration and style of the monastery is the excellent specimen of Tibetan architecture.
Ranka Monastery is a spectacular Buddhist monastery similar to the Rumtek monastery. It is also known as Lingdum Monastery, which is one of the top must visit places in Gangtok. It has a stunning complex located amidst a serene hilly forest. Food stalls and souvenir shops are also available in the complex.
How to reach: It’s located around 20 km from Gangtok city, which takes approximately 1 hr to reach from MG Marg.
Timings: It is open to the public from 6 AM to 5 PM
12. Ganesh Tak
It is an ancient Ganesh temple located in a beautiful location situated in the outskirts of the city. The mesmerizing view of the entire Gangtok city and its surroundings can be seen from here. You can also enjoy local cuisine near the cafeteria and buy local clothes in the stalls located near the temple.
13. Hanuman Tak
It is an ancient Haumn Temple located around 11 km from Gangtok city at a height of approximately 7000 feet on the upper reaches of Gangtok. The temple is maintained by the Indian Army. It is the best place to witness the Kanchanjunga range and other neighbouring hills and valleys, and one of the major Gangtok local sightseeing places.
14. Banjhakri Water Falls
It is a picturesque landscape park set in a forest setting. You can enjoy many adventure sports like Paragliding, Zip lining etc, next to it. There are paved pathways and footbridges around the park, which spreads across 2-acres of land area with many trees and flowering plants in it. All along the park, you will find ethnic sculptures and figurines depicting Jhakri culture. The figurines in the park illustrate rituals, some healing ceremonies and others the induction process in the life of a shaman. Banjhakri waterfall is located in Banjhakri Park. Unfortunately, the park is closed to visitors this year.
How to reach: It is located in a landscaped park about 7 kilometres from Gangtok on National Highway 31 to North Sikkim.
15. Himalayan Zoological Park
Located around 20 minutes from MG Road in the Bulbuley area, it is a great place to see many rare animals. You can see many unseen animals like the Himalayan Leopard, Red Panda and Black Bear, Blue Sheep, Yak, Himalayan Thar, leopard cat etc. It also houses beautiful birds like Golden Pheasant, Silver Silver pheasant, Kalij, Satyr Tragopan etc. This Park sprawls over an area of 205 hectares in the mountainous terrain. it also houses a variety of fauna, especially found in the Himalayas. The inside of the park is very clean and pathways are constructed to see the animals. Some paths are very steep and need lots of climbing up and down.
Tips: It’s best to hire a local taxi to cover the top attractions in Gangtok city. Generally, taxis charge according to 12 points and 6 point systems. So try to cover the closet places together. You can also visit the nearest places by walk. Some of the places in the town are also connected by stairs.
These are the top attractions in Gangtok city which you can cover in a day trip. Apart from these Tsomgo Lake, Baba Harvajan temple and Nathula Pass are some attractive locations near Gangtok which can be covered in a separate tour.
Check our guide on how to plan a day tour to Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake.
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