Gangtok Tourism | How to Plan a Trip to Gangtok

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The beautiful capital of Sikkim, Gangtok offers a charming holiday of scenic bliss, appetizing food, and pleasant memories.

Gangtok Travel Guide

Set at a height of 5,500 feet, Gangtok is the largest town in the state of Sikkim, which is visited by tourists worldwide. A prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site, this town is famous for its unexplored beauty and spiritual aura. With our Gangtok tour packages, you can explore the scenic vistas and rejuvenate amidst the serene environs.

Gangtok tourism offers a great view of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. So whether you are looking for a family holiday, a romantic honeymoon trip, an adventure tourism place, or a peaceful setting amidst nature, Gangtok has something for every kind of traveler.

Places to Visit in Gangtok

Gangtok is a perfect holiday destination and houses everything one requires for a great holiday. The place has everything, from gompas and stupas to gardens. The town is well known as the land of monasteries. Pick the top tourist destinations in Gangtok and make your trip unforgettable. The list is below:

  • Rumtek Monastery: An iconic Buddhist monastery that offers spiritual solace amidst lush surroundings. You can also admire incredible architecture while enjoying the serene atmosphere.
  • Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake): Glacial lake nestled amidst majestic mountains, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for yak rides.
  • Ganesh Tok: This Hilltop temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh and offers panoramic vistas of Gangtok and the Himalayan peaks.
  • Do-drug Chorten: Sacred stupa offers a tranquil meditation spot and panoramic mountain views.
  • Nathu La Pass: It is a historic mountain pass renowned for its Himalayas and serene atmosphere.
  • Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple: Famous and unique shrine honoring an Indian soldier, attracting pilgrims, and offering panoramic mountain views.
  • Pemayangtse Monastery: This is an ancient monastery where you can learn about Buddhist art and enjoy a spiritual retreat in serene surroundings.
  • Tashiding Monastery: Sacred monastery offers spiritual solace and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
  • Hanuman Tok: Hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, offering stunning views of Gangtok and the world’s third-highest peak, Kangchenjunga, and a serene ambiance.

Are you planning a trip to Gangtok but aren’t sure where to begin? Look at this list of popular places to visit in Gangtok to help plan your journey.

Things to do in Gangtok

Home to pristine rivers, stunning landscapes, stunning monasteries, tea gardens, and viewpoints, Gangtok has no shortage of options when it comes to things to do. Here are some of the best things to do in Gangtok on your holiday –

  • Seek blessings at Hanuman Tok: Visit the hilltop temple for a serene ambiance, panoramic views, and spiritual solace amidst lush surroundings.
  • Enjoy a Yak safari at Tsomgo Lake: Experience the beauty of the glacial lake and majestic mountains on a traditional yak ride.
  • Trek to Nathula Pass: Scenic drive amidst Himalayan vistas, offering breathtaking views and historical significance.
  • Explore Gangtok on a Bicycle: Pedal through charming streets, lush landscapes, and vibrant markets for a unique and eco-friendly way to discover the city.
  • Get a bird’s-eye view Paragliding: Soar high above Gangtok’s valleys for exhilarating aerial vistas and an unforgettable adventure.

Read here the complete Sikkim tour guide, which will help you plan your Gangtok trip to be more memorable.

Best Time to Visit Gangtok

The summer season is the ideal time to plan a tour of Gangtok. From March to June, the weather remains pleasant, making your tours and activities enjoyable. The temperature hovers around 22°C in summer. In the monsoon season, i.e., from July to September. Gangtok experiences heavy downpours, causing landslides. So, you can avoid traveling to Gangtok. However, from October to the end of March, the wintertime remains pleasant. The temperature stays between 4 °C and 7 °C. You should visit high-altitude places such as Tsomgo Lake (also known as Changu Lake) and Nathula Pass to enjoy Gangtok snowfall time.

Want to know when is the best time to visit Gangtok? Check out the complete guide about that here.

How to Reach Gangtok

To reach Gangtok by air, you can fly to Bagdogra airport, which is connected with major Indian cities. Helicopter services are also available and managed by Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, which adds a new answer to your question about how to go to Gangtok. To reach Gangtok by train, take the train and get off at New Jalpaiguri station. It is also well-linked to significant parts of India. If you are traveling to Gangtok by road, take the NH 31A or hire a bus run by Sikkim State Transport between Gangtok and Siliguri.

How to Get Around Gangtok

Jeeps are the most convenient mode of transport in Gangtok. Apart from them, auto-rickshaws are common in Gangtok. Car rentals are also a great way to move within the city. You can explore the town on foot as well. Trekking tours are a common way to travel in Gangtok and see the beautiful surroundings.

Where to Eat in Gangtok

The restaurants in Gangtok serve vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies to treat the taste buds of tourists to every taste. There are many places to eat in Gangtok that you might find boring, but the hospitality and tasty food they serve make up for everything. So, on Gangtok travel, make a pit stop at these restaurants in Gangtok, such as Taste of Tibet, Mu Kimchi, Parivar Restaurant, Osm Restaurant, Infinity Futsal Arena, 9’Ine Native Cuisine, The Dragon Wok, Nimtho, etc.

Accommodation in Gangtok

Are you trying to find the top hotels in Gangtok? Gangtok has various intriguing accommodations, from opulent homes to tranquil retreats, all of which promise a great stay. Check out our selection of the top 15 resorts in Gangtok to help you plan your vacation. The Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino, Lemon Tree Hotel, Orange Village Resort, Hotel Nor Khill, Netuk House, and other top resorts in Gangtok are among the city’s most wealthy and comfortable places to stay.

Travel Tips

  • Avoid visiting Gangtok in the monsoon due to slippery roads and landslides.
  • Do not wear revealing clothes while visiting monasteries.
  • Take warm clothes with you as the weather can be unpredictable.
  • Take ID proof with you to get the permits required to see certain restricted areas.
  • Respect the local culture and be open-minded to learn more about it.
  • Take sharing taxis to save some pennies.
  • If you get stuck somewhere, as a local for help. They will be happy to help.

Why Choose Indian Holiday for Your Gangtok Tour

Our Gangtok tour packages are not just any vacation option. We offer tour packages that provide convenience and personalization. We take care of all the essentials, from your accommodation and transportation to your meals and more. We at Indian Holiday understand that each traveler is unique, so we offer customizable Gangtok packages that can be designed as you like. Book your Gangtok tour package with Indian Holiday and enjoy a unique adventure in the heart of the Himalayas.

FAQs

Q: What is Gangtok height in feet?

Ans. Gangtok’s altitude is 5,410 feet above sea level, and it offers a pleasant climate and stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains.

Q: Can I Enjoy Snowfall in Gangtok?

Ans. Gangtok altitude is not high enough to receive heavy snowfall. However, high-elevation attractions like Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La Pass let you enjoy the snow in Gangtok.

Q: Can Nathula Pass from Gangtok?

Ans. Yes, it is possible to visit Nathula Pass from Gangtok. However, obtaining a special permit is required due to its location near the Indo-China border. You can choose our Gangtok tour packages to explore Nathula Pass and nearby attractions like Tsomgo Lake and Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir.

Q: What are some unique cultural experiences I can enjoy in Gangtok?

Ans. Participating in a traditional Sikkimese meal at a local homestay, where you can savor authentic dishes like Gundruk, Sinki, and Sel Roti while interacting with the warm and hospitable locals. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit local monasteries like Rumtek and Enchey to experience the spiritual essence of Gangtok’s culture.

Q: What is special about Gangtok?

Ans. The Himalayan landscape, Buddhist culture, high-altitude lakes, and rivers are major tourist elements that make Gangtok a standout holiday destination. However, viewpoints to catch spectacular views of majestic Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak, give Gangtok an uplifted place in Sikkim tourism.

Q: Are 2 days enough to explore Gangtok attractions?

Ans. Yes, 2 days are enough to visit the major tourist attractions of this mountainous city of Sikkim. Below is the indicative itinerary for 2 days Gangtok trip.

Day 1: Take some rest after arriving and start your sightseeing to cover Banjhakri Falls, Tashi View Point, Flower Exhibition Centre, and Gangtok Ropeway.

Day 2: Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Rumtek Monastery, and Shopping at famous MG Road Markets.

Q: Which season is best to visit Gangtok?

Ans. The winter (October to March) season is ideal as the climate is favorable for outdoor adventure and sightseeing. However, summer gives a clear sky to admire the mountain ranges. Whereas monsoons bring the rainy season, which makes the lush greenery and mountains flourish more.

Q: Is Gangtok better than Darjeeling for family?

Ans. Gangtok and Darjeeling are both ideal for a family holiday but with different travel experiences. Gangtok is more inclined towards adventure activities with mountain ranges and Buddhist culture. On the other hand, Darjeeling is more about tea plantations, mountain ranges, heritage sites, and biodiversity. Climate conditions are almost the same in both towns.