Gangtok
Located : The capital of Sikkim, located in the east district, one of the popular hill stations, overlooking the river Ranipool.
Main Tourist Attractions : Deer Park, Dul-Dul Chorten, Kabi Longstok, Rumtek Monastery, Kechopari Lake, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Tsuklakhang-The Royal Chapel, Research Institute Of Tibetology, White hall, Yaksey, Tsomgo Lake, the Ridge, Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs, Kangchendzonga National Park, Lachung, Enchey Monastery and many more.
Best Buys : Furniture, dresses, Lepcha weave bags, Carpets & Durries, handicrafts and handloom, masks, bright Choktse tables, Thanka hangings, wooden and bamboo artifacts.
Best Time To visit : April to June and September to November.
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About Gangtok
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim with a population of approximately 50,000 has emerged into the mainstream of the Tourism Industry, with more and more tourist visiting this little Himalayan state every year. Gangtok has developed into a cosmopolitan flavour where old-world charm and hospitality exist along with the Internet Age.
Holidays are always fun and a great way to break the stressful monotony of life. But there is no need to choose an international destination to spend your holidays as India is dotted with so many spectacular destinations where you can enjoy an unforgettable time with your family and friends. Gangtok is one such marvelous place in India with several awe-inspiring places to visit.
Covered in clouds, it is the capital city of the beautiful Indian state, Sikkim and a bustling hub of plenty of activities. Gangtok is also a city of temples and monasteries. People who visit this destination do not leave it without visiting the renowned Rumtek monastery.
Thakurbari temple is one of the oldest temples in the state worth visiting. The ruins of Rabdentse and the Tsongmo Lake are also fascinating travelers with its breathtaking charm. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts include the Himalayan Zoological Park and the Deorali Orchid Sanctuary in their travel itinerary for a memorable travel experience in Gangtok.
Gangtok – A cosmopolitan city with alluring monasteries
Sikkim is a unique and extra-special tourist destination for many holidaymakers because of its mind-blowing natural beauty, ancient monasteries, and thrilling activities. Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, it is a picturesque state and the monasteries add its charm and play a significant role for the cultural scenario of the region. Each visitor feels the peace when they see the dedicated monks in red robes of these monasteries chant the sacred hymns.
Belonging to 17th and 18th century, most of these holy sites are nestled atop the mountains toughened by the extreme climatic conditions. Monasteries in Sikkim are not just the places of peace and worship, but these structures also stand as the fine examples of the brilliance of Buddhist art and architecture. Explore Gangtok and other unseen areas of Sikkim through Colourful Indian Holidays and make your vacation a special one.
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Tourist attractions in Gangtok
Although the northeastern Indian states are blessed with arresting mountainous scenery, these destinations are the least visited areas of the country. Many people avoid choosing these states for their holidays due to permit requirements and remoteness.
Gangtok in Sikkim is a grand choice for people who wish to explore the nature’s bounties of Northeast India. This capital city is blessed with many incredible attractions and plenty of adventure activities to indulge. Here are the best places to explore while you are holidaying in Gangtok.
Tsomgo Lake – A piece of scenic beauty
One of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Gangtok is the Tsomgo Lake and people who visit this destination ensure to capture the grandeur of this glacial lake. It is a fairytale glacial lake located altitude of 12,310 feet fascinates travelers with its icy blue waters and the grandiose of the majestic Himalayan peaks that reflect in it.
This tourist spot is almost 40 kilometers away from Gangtok. Spend a full day at this lake and exploring its beautiful shores shall be a lifetime experience for each visitor. The small Shiva temple and the prayer wheels are spectacular sights for people who visit this destination.
It shall be exciting to play with the snow or hop on a yak or mule for a memorable ride at this lake. Gumboots are available here to hire to explore the snow-clad attractions in this region comfortably. The Tsomgo Lake freezes completely during the winter season. You can watch this mind-blowing phenomenon if you visit Gangtok in the month of December or January.
Nathu La Pass – a beautiful tourist spot in Gangtok
Gangtok is a place blessed with enchanting mountains and abundant natural beauty. If you are planning a trip to this magnificent destination, make sure to include the Nathu La Pass in your travel itinerary. Once a part of the Silk Route, it is an important place to visit in Gangtok as it offers marvelous vistas and unique experiences to each visitor.
You can enjoy the beauty of this pass by opting for hiking or simply driving around it. Nestled at an altitude of about 4309 meters above sea level, this mountain pass links the small state of Sikkim with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Apart from enjoying the beauty of nature, travelers can visit the border trade market at Sherathang for an outstanding shopping experience.
This market sells a lot of things including raw silk, china clay, butter, sheepskins, and even goat and horses. You can also plan to visit the second highest golf course in the world located at Kulup during your trip to the Nathu La Pass. Other popular nearby tourist attractions are the Gnathang War Memorial and the Gnathang Monastery. Hire Jeeps or cabs to reach this picnic spot from Gangtok but you need to take prior paid permission from the authorities for visiting this region.
Tashi Viewpoint beautiful picnic spot famous for sunrises & sunsets
Known for spectacular sunrises and sunsets, visiting the Tashi Viewpoint shall be a pleasant experience for each visitor to Gangtok. A trip to this picnic spot guarantees refreshment and rejuvenation when you watch the beauty of the splendid Himalayan mountain ranges. It is a perfect viewpoint to watch the snow peaks of the majestic Kanchenjunga. Each visitor to this picnic spot gets excited to see the colors of the sky reflect on the peaks of this mountain.
If you reach this picnic spot before 5 am, you can watch amazing views of these mountain peaks has to offer. Sunsets are also enchanting and mind-blowing at this amazing picnic spot in Gangtok. Tashi Viewpoint is a wonderful place to enjoy the natural beauty of Sikkim in all aspects. Try to visit this region on a clear day otherwise clouds may reduce the pleasure of watching this marvelous tourist destination.
Enhance the beauty of this trip by combining the Bakthang falls and the Ganesh Tok during your trip to the Tashi Viewpoint. You can either take the public transports or hire private cars to reach this picnic spot from Gangtok. Carry binoculars with you so that you can conveniently watch snow peaks and forested mountains in this region closely.
Seven Sister Water Falls – A powerful waterfall with marvelous vistas
Another grand picnic spot in Gangtok that certainly makes you enthralled is the Seven Sister Water Falls. It is an awe-inspiring tourist that makes your trip to Gangtok an unforgettable one. Add this beautiful spot in your bucket list so that you can see the amazing creativity of nature.
Although this waterfall originates from different sources, all of them flow side by side and at last merge into one strong and beautiful waterfall in the midway. All these seven streams become a powerful force after combining which make it a delightful scene for the visitors. This waterfall can be a hot spot for many honeymoon couples to spend some romantic time.
Seven Sister Water Falls is almost 32 kilometers away from the Gangtok town, and the best way to enjoy the beauty of the cascade from up close is to take a ropeway. You can choose a romantic tour package to Gangtok from Colourful Indian Holidays that also cover the stunning Seven Sister Water Falls.
Kanchenjunga Mountain – the third highest mountain in the world
There is no unique experience in Gangtok like watching the beauty of the Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Since the peaks of this mountain are higher than other peaks in the state, travelers can get watch them from most of the places in this destination.
The best way to experience the beauty of Kanchenjunga Mountain up close is to visit the Kanchenjunga National Park or plan to indulge in trekking to the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga. It shall be exciting to take a safari through this national park to enjoy the beauty of the elegant mountain.
Phodong Monastery – to feel the spiritual depth of Sikkim
Apart from the stunning natural beauty and picturesque mountains, Gangtok is a land of many revered monasteries. Phodong Monastery is a must-visit attraction in this destination where travelers can experience spirituality. You will get an idea about the spiritual depth of the people in Sikkim by visiting this monastery. The walls of it are decorated with ancient sculptures and beautiful murals. You will also love to watch the artifacts displayed in the halls of this monastery.
Phodong Monastery is among the most revered monasteries in this destination and plays an important role in the cultural scenario of Gangtok. It is almost 28 kilometers away from the city. You can either take public transport or hire cabs to reach this destination. Pay a visit to this monastery to meditate and experience peace.
Himalayan Zoological Park – to watch an array of flora and fauna
One of the most beautiful places in Gangtok, the Himalayan Zoological Park, is spectacular and amazing because of its exotic range of flora and fauna. Gangtok is blessed with abundant natural beauty, and that can be seen everywhere in this destination.
But the best way to explore the nature’s bounty in the concentrated form is by visiting this zoological park. A fantastic variety of flora and fauna is waiting in this picnic spot for each visitor. They can enjoy even the minute detail of this tourist spot by opting for trekking through it.
The Himalayan Zoological Park is a 260-acre park that houses much amazing wildlife such as a Red Panda, Clouded Leopards, Snow Leopards, Himalayan Black Bears, and Barking Deer. This park is also home to some unique bird species like Kalij, Lady Amherst Pheasant and Satyr Tragopan.
The Himalayan Zoological Park is nearly 3 kilometers away from the Gangtok town opposite to the majestic Ganesh Tokat at an altitude of around 1780 meters. Opt for a jeep safari if you wish to explore the entire park.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology – a place to promote the history, culture and art of Sikkim
Gangtok never fails to attract travelers with its stunning natural beauty, but it also has an amazing culture. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a must-visit place in this destination that established for promoting the unique Tibetan culture and language. Established in 1958, it is a major research center in the world on Tibetology. It’s worth visiting this place as the museum inside this institute houses a wonderful collection of artifacts.
You can also watch a great collection of Tibetan cloth paintings, manuscripts, icons and Tantric ritual items on its ground floor. A library is there on the first floor of this research center which preserves centuries-old Buddhist tomes. Never miss this place especially if you are interested in the culture, history, and art of North-East.
Cliamate of Gangtok:
Summer: 28 °C – 13 °C
Winter: 18 °C – 0.48 °C
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Things to do in Gangtok
Visiting the incredible destination of Gangtok and indulging in some exciting and adventure activities shall be a great way to give a new meaning to life. With plenty of tourist attractions and many interesting activities to do, this destination is something more than a paradise for its visitors. Gangtok offers multiple options to the travelers, and it is wise to take a look at the exciting activities that this city has to offer to make your trip an unforgettable one.
River Rafting in Teesta for an adrenaline kick
The dashing waves of the gorgeous River Teesta allure each adventure enthusiast to try the waves. With a long stretch and different swirls and turns, this beautiful river offers mind-blowing river rafting opportunities for them. The ever-changing but charming terrains of this river make it a captivating option for river rafting. Even if some of the areas of this river are challenging, new rafters can find plenty of portions in the River Teesta to enjoy rafting peacefully.
Professional rafting organizers provide all the necessary equipment required to enjoy this interesting activity to travelers like the safety jackets, helmets, and raft and guide them. Usually, rafting starts from a small beach area which is an ideal place to relax. It is an activity that both the kids and adults can enjoy alike in Gangtok. From December to June is the best time to enjoy rafting in this destination.
Cycling trip on Silk Route
Every adventure lover dreams to enjoy cycling on the Silk Route during their trip to the Gangtok. This adventure trip will take you through some of the beautiful locations in this vacation destination such as Himalaya and Kanchenjunga mountain ranges.
Enjoying cycling through the tranquil valleys and panoramic mountain roads shall be a memorable experience for each visitor to Gangtok. Nathang Valley, Rishikhola and Zuluk are the renowned places where you can take a break during this activity. The experts in Gangtok help adventure enthusiasts who love to enjoy this activity with all the technical understanding and formalities of long-distance cycling.
People who plan to enjoy cycling during their holidays in Gangtok musty try to practice it before embarking on this trip. Remember to carry water, food, and medicines required to make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
Experience paragliding
One of the most thrilling things that you can experience in Gangtok is paragliding. Flying over the picturesque landscape of meadows, rivers, forests and snow-capped mountains shall be a breathtaking experience, and you can enjoy that by opting for paragliding in Gangtok. There is no need to be an expert to enjoy paragliding in this destination. The well-trained paraglide pilots in the operation centers in Gangtok will accompany for those who are interested in the ride. They help you to control the flight and make your paragliding activity a memorable experience.
People who wish to indulge in paragliding should be physically fit to take off and land. Besides, they do not have a weight more than 90 kilograms. From May to October is the best time to enjoy paragliding in Gangtok. Feel the thrill of flying high in the skies through an unforgettable paragliding session in Gangtok with your friends and family.
Trekking in Gangtok to explore unknown areas
With a beautiful and diverse terrain and plenty of picturesque hill ranges, trekking is the best thing to do to explore the incredible hilly destination of Gangtok. Every adventure lover and those who seek the authentic taste of excitement and thrill prefer to explore the splendid landscape of this destination through trekking. It is an amazing way to encounter the beautiful lakes and gorgeous waterfalls.
Gangtok is blessed with many excellent trekking trails that offer an array of scenic vistas. Each one of you will be delighted to walk through the stunning Dzongri and Thansing meadows or watch the astonishing vistas of the Samiti Lake. Plan Goecha La trekking during your holidays in Gangtok for a magical travel experience in this enchanting land.
Enjoy Yak Safari
Gangtok is an awe-inspiring tourist destination blessed with serenity where you can enjoy a unique travel experience. One activity that makes your trip to this destination so special is yak safari. People who visit the Tsomgo Lake, also known as the Changu Lake, ensure to enjoy yak safari for an exciting travel experience. This picnic spot is nearly 40 kilometers drive away from the town. The yaks are calm animals which are decorated with colorful ribbons and rugs to make them attractive.
The trainer controls the yak to make the trip of the traveler comfortable. The experience of watching the lovely lakes and enchanting mountains of Gangtok from the back of a yak is certainly something amazing that you will never forget. Winter months are the best time to enjoy yak safari in this destination.
Go For Cable Ride
Another must-do activity that you love to take part in while you are in Gangtok is a cable ride. This 1-hour cable car ride is an excellent way to enjoy the beauty of the city. The double cable ropeway of Gangtok offers amazing views of the scenic valleys below. It is difficult to get the cable cars during the peak season as most of them get completely booked.
So, you need to wait in a long queue for the ride. There are three stations, Deorali, Namnang, and Tashiling to enter the car and you can collect the ticket from any of them. If you take the two-way ride, you can enjoy different vistas on both the trips.
Feel the thrill of Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is one of the best adventure product of Gangtok as the dramatic and rough terrains of the Himalayan areas of this destination offers exciting and amazing biking trails for those who seek adrenaline rush.
You can best experience the charming countryside, the lifestyle of the people in Sikkim and the rich flora and fauna of the region on the seat of a bike while you meander through the beautiful green hills of Gangtok.
It shall be a surreal experience to enjoy biking on a rugged landscape with breathtaking surroundings in the backdrop. Mountain biking is a refreshing but thrilling activity that you can take part in during your Gangtok holidays.
Helicopter Ride
If you wish to feast your eyes with the magnificence of the enchanting Himalayan mountain ranges, then plan for some helicopter ride in Gangtok. Each traveler will get spellbound by the beauty of the green valleys, high-rise mountain ranges, stunning rivers, and rich forests when they see it from the sky.
It shall be unforgettable to enjoy the comprehensive bird’s view of the terrain of this destination and see the appeal of the Gangtok town during the helicopter ride. You can opt for a ride over the monasteries or the alluring Valley of Flowers. Include a helicopter ride in your bucket list to make your holidays in Gangtok more exciting.
Hang Gliding
Floating over the snow-capped mountain ranges of Himalaya with a vibrant town and scenic valleys below shall be a thrilling experience. The best way to fulfill such a dream is by indulging in hang gliding in Gangtok. It is an adventurous activity much like paragliding that you must try in this destination. The organizers of this activity arrange all the necessary gears required to participate in it. You can ask them to record the gliding or rent a GoPro camera for that purpose so that you can keep the memory of the adventure activity forever. Piloted flights are also available here which are more safe and convenient for the first-timers. Yumthang and Jorethang are the best places in Gangtok to try this activity.
The mesmerizing tourist destination of Gangtok offers a wide range of picturesque places from its snow-capped austere mountains to solitary monasteries, from the majestic waterfalls to dense green forests. This awe-inspiring destination also offers plenty of adventure activities including rafting, trekking, mountain biking, and paragliding. Contact Colourful Indian Holidays to witness all the popular tourist attractions in Gangtok and enjoy different activities comfortably and without any hassles.
How to Reach
Air : The Nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal (124 kms.). There are direct flight connections with Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati.
Train : Nearest Railway station is in New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal (148 kms.) It has direct railway connections with Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati, Varanasi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Jaipur and other major cities of India.
Road : The busiest route in and out of Sikkim is the road between Gangtok and Siliguri. Darjeeling 119 km.
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