10 Best Places to Visit in Gangtok for Those Who Believes in Collecting Moments

10 Best Places to Visit in Gangtok
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Once a year, go to a place where you have never been before – If you live up to this thought, then Gangtok in Sikkim is one of the best places to visit in northeast India. Gangtok is the capital town of the mountainous state of Sikkim at an elevation of 1,650 m above sea level. Now Gangtok is one of the famous centres for Buddhism in northeast India. The Gangtok setting in the eastern Himalayan range makes it one of India’s best places to visit for hiking lovers. There are many places to visit in Gangtok. For instance, Gangtok has viewpoints, pristine waterfalls, and local markets to explore for couples and honeymooners.

We totally agree that compiling the list of best sightseeing places in Gangtok is an inherently subjective task. And hence, our travel writer scratched the surface of top attractions to visit in Gangtok. Our further writeup will be focusing largely on the places to visit in and around Gangtok, including high altitude lakes, zoological parks, monasteries, mountain passes and more. Are you ready to join us for an imaginary journey to Gangtok? If yes, then continue reading!

When to go to Gangtok?

The high season in Gangtok is winters from November to February, but snowfall is very rare. The other pleasant months to visit Gangtok are January, February, March, April, May, June. In a nutshell, spring, autumn, summer, and winter constitute Gangtok’s best time. Only the monsoon season during July to September is when you should avoid visiting Gangtok because of the heavy rain.

10 Top Attractions to Visit in Gangtok for Every Age Group

Check out our hand-picked list of the 10 best tourist places to visit in Gangtok. Don’t forget to bookmark your favourites.

1. Nathu La Pass

Nathu La Pass

There is no better way to enjoy mountain biking in and around Gangtok than in Nathu La Pass. This is a famous mountain pass for biking, and hence, Nathu La Pass is one of the best places to visit near Gangtok within 60 km. one needs to obtain a permit to visit NathuLa Pass. Foreigners are not permitted here. Due to its connection with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, the Nathu La Pass and its snow-capped mountains are heavily guarded by the Indian army. If you visit NathuLa Pass, pay a visit to Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple dedicated to the brave soldier whose tales say that he still now guards the Sikkim border against the dragons.

Visiting hours: 9 AM – 2 PM

Permit charge for Nathu La, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, Tsomgo Lake: INR 200 (approx.) per person

Note: Nathu La is a broader region than China, so photography is not allowed. Also, Nathu La Pass is at an elevation of 14000 ft. above sea level and hence, acute mountain sickness is common.

2. Tashi View Point

Tashi View Point

Tashi View Point is one of the best romantic places in Gangtok for couples. This brilliant viewpoint provides sweeping views of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga Mountain, lush green valleys, and the Gangtok town itself. It is a little far from MG Road but could be reached via taxi. The telescope is also installed at Tashi View Point to behold the views of the Seven Sister Waterfalls. There is a cafeteria at the top, and hence, you can exchange talks with your loved ones. If you are travelling with your spouse, click some pictures in local Sikkimese attire to take back your Sikkim honeymoon memories with you!

Entry Ticket: INR 10 per person

Visiting hours: 6 AM – 6 PM

3. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Visit the museum and library of Tibetan culture at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology to see ancient Buddhist artefacts and paintings. This is a famous institute that has carried out research on Sikkim’s culture, art, history since it was established in its heyday during 1958. You can reach Namgyal Institute of Tibetology from the main town because of the 2 km distance. You can’t take photos inside as photography is prohibited. But Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is an excellent tourist place to visit in Gangtok in the summer because of its enclosed setting. The ground floor features museums and the first floor features a library.

Entry ticket: INR 20 per person

Visiting days: Monday to Saturday

Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM


4. Enchey Monastery

Enchey Monastery

Meditate at the tranquil hilltop monastery, known for its strong spiritual aura. At Enchey Monastery in Gangtok, tourists visit in full throttle because this monastery in Gangtok is supposed to fulfil the devotees’ wishes. This Buddhist temple is unquestionably one of the best tourist attractions in Gangtok. Feel the calm and inner peace at the newly built hall inside the monastery from sunrise to sunset. Although parking space availability is a concern, take a taxi to ease your stress.

Entry ticket: Free for all

Visiting hours: 6 AM – 7 PM

5. Ban Jhakri Falls Park

ban jhakri falls park gangtok sikkim

Only famous tourist attractions don’t need to demand a visit. Ban Jhakri Falls in Gangtok pesonfies it. Ban Jhakri Falls Park is a forested landscaped park just 7 km from the main town and features a shamanistic theme of Sikkim. The two 2 acres of forested land features man-made lakes for boating, paved pathways for a romantic stroll, rides for children.

Entry ticket: INR 50 per person

Visiting hours: 8 AM – 6 PM

Note: Except to shell out additional charges for photography

6. Ganesh Tok

ganesh tok in sikkim

Spiritual buffs can seek blessings from Lord Ganesha at 6500 m elevation while beholding the stunning views of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga range. Ganesh Tok is a famous temple in Gangtok thronged by tourists from morning to sunrise. If you plan to explore the best places to visit in Gangtok in one day, bookmark Ganesh Tok as it is within 10 km from the main town. Plus, there is a cafe that offers drinks and light bites. Also, a small souvenir shop is also present to buy local stuff.

Visiting hours: 9 AM – 5 PM

Entry price: Free for all


7. Rumtek Monastery

rumtek monastery gangtok

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, also called Rumtek Monastery, is a Buddhist temple in Sikkim. This place is located within 30 kilometres of the MG Road and is one of the well-maintained Indian monasteries. There is a prayer hall inside the monastery, but there is no photography zone. Inside the Rumtek Monastery, a community of Buddhist monks believes in healthy interaction. The architecture of the Rumtek Monastery is beautiful, and there is a parking facility too. You need to walk around 300 metres to reach the prayer hall from the parking space. Lastly, if you visit during the sunrise, you will get good sweeping views of the Gangtok town.

Entry ticket: INR 10 per person

Visiting hours: 9 AM – 7 PM

Note: You need to show your identification card as the monastery is guarded by border forces.

Must Read 7 Best Hotels in Gangtok Near Mall Road

8. Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary

Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary

Gangtok itself is one of the best places to visit in east Sikkim, and the attractions within the capital town are also great sightseeing places. And Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary is no exception. This tourist attraction in Gangtok is a heaven for bird watchers and distinct flora and fauna. Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary sprawls over 51 km², and hence, it is a lush green jungle. Take your binoculars with you to spot Red Pandas, Himalayas Beer, colourful bird species all year round. Lastly, this wildlife haven is located within 20 kilometres of the main town, and hence, Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit Gangtok in one day.

Entry ticket: INR 55 per person for Indians and foreigners

Visiting hours: 8 AM – 2 PM

9. MG Road or MG Marg

MG Road or MG Marg

Translated to Mahatma Gandhi Marg, MG Road or MG Marg is the 1 kilometre’s pedestrian road and is the heart of the Gangtok town. This is a Mall Road which is similar to every other hill station. And hence, you will find the luxury hotels in Gangtok at MG Road. You will find dozens of food joints and souvenir shops at the Mall Road. MG Road is a smoke-free zone in Gangtok, and in December, this is the same place where the annual Gangtok Food and Cultural Festival is held. Without a doubt, you can’t miss spending an evening at the MG Road with your beloved partner in the quest for romantic experiences on your honeymoon.


10. Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake

Also called Changu Lake, Tsomgo Lake is a high-altitude mountain lake at an elevation of 3,753 m above sea level. You can club Tsomgo Lake on your visit with Nathu La Pass as both are located within 20 kilometres. What sets this lake apart is tourists flock to Tsomgo Lake in winter in full throttle because of the stunning yak rides. Also, Changu Lake, aka Tsomgo Lake, remains frozen in winters, and hence, photography amidst the snow-capped mountains is icing on the cake. No foreigners are allowed here, and a permit is required like Nathu La Pass. Tsomgo Lake is within 50 kilometres from Gangtok and hence, one of the best tourist attractions to visit in Gangtok.

Entry ticket: INR 55 per person for Indians and foreigners

Visiting hours: 9 AM – 2 PM

Permit charge for Nathu La, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, Tsomgo Lake: INR 200 (approx.) per person

So, we are saying…

Folks, we have done the hard work for you and presented you with some of the best tourist places to visit in Gangtok. Where are you heading first? If you are on the hunt for affordable Gangtok Sikkim tour packages, Honeymoon Bug is delighted to invite you to check out our best-selling Darjeeling Gangtok tour packages for couples.

Faqs about Best Places to Visit in Gangtok

What are some lesser-explored Gangtok tourist places?

Ranka Monastery, Banjhakri Water Falls, Enchey Monastery are a handful of lesser-explored tourist places to visit in Gangtok. You can explore all of them in 2 days.

What are some museums and libraries to visit in Gangtok with kids?

Namgyal Institute of Technology is one of the best places to visit in Gangtok with kids that features a museum and library displaying ancient Buddhist artefacts.

Gangtok belongs to which part of Sikkim?

Gangtok is a part of east Sikkim, but it is connected with west, north, south Sikkim with good road connectivity.

Which is the nearest airport to Gangtok?

Bagdogra International Airport is the nearest airport to Gangtok, located 125 kilometres. The travel time to reach Gangtok via taxi from Bagdogra International Airport is around 5 hours. The same international airport is well connected with major towns in India.

Which is the closest railway station to Gangtok?

New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station, 117 kilometres, 5 hours. It is also well connected with major rail routes of India.

What are some travel tips for Gangtok travel?

A few places in and around Gangtok demand permits. For instance, Nathu La Pass, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, Tsomgo Lake. Also, the same places restrict foreigners due to border policies. You must obtain the permit from your tour operator to reduce the last-minute permit hassle.

What are the famous sights in Gangtok which have mythological connections?

Hanuman Tok in Gangtok is supposed to be the same temple where Lord Hanuman rested while wandering on his way to take Sanjeevini Booti for Lord Laxman.

How many days are ideal for exploring Gangtok tourist places?

3-4 days is an excellent time frame for roaming the famous tourist places of Gangtok.

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