Gangtok is the capital of the Indian state, Sikkim and is the eastern Himalayan range. It is one of the bustling hill stations offering the tourists a wide variety of natural beauty, alluring hills surrounded with thick forests. The place is dominated by the Buddhist culture and one can have a peaceful trip to this beautiful state. You will be mesmerised by the beauty of the mountains surrounding the city of Gangtok.
Here in are a few attractions that every tourist must visit on places to visit in Gangtok:
Best places to visit in Gangtok.
1. Tashi View Point
It is a serene place to enjoy sunrises and is located 6km away from Gangtok. It serves as the best place to have an alluring view of the sky as well as the city. There are various shops lined up from where you can buy some snacks and grab a cup of hot coffee or tea and enjoy the peaceful environment. Add this to your list if you are a nature lover this place is for you, here are places to visit in Gangtok. Here you can find To have a more clear view of the peaks you can pay Rs.10 and have a look through the binoculars.
Entry fee-free of cost
Timings-5 A.M.- 6 P.M.
2. Enchey Monastery
Image Source – Places to Visit in Gangtok
It was established in 1909 above Gangtok and has become a religious center following the Nyingma Order of Buddhism. It is built on a stunning ridge of a hill serving a view of the Kanchendzonga range. It is about 3 km away from the main market of Gangtok. For a more adventurous visit, you can hike from the main market which is a 40 minutes walk.
Entry fees– free of cost
Timings– 6 A.M. to 4 P.M.
3. Hanuman Tok
It is a Hindu temple complex dedicated to Lord Hanuman that carries a Hindu myth. It is believed that Lord Hanuman rested here while on his way to Lanka from the Himalayas when he was carrying the sanjeevani herbs for curing Lakshman. It is situated 11 km away from Gangtok and serves as the best viewpoint of the Kanchenjunga range. It serves the best ambiance for the visitors to enjoy and is maintained by the Indian army. Prayer chants and religious music complement the beautiful and peaceful environment.
Entry fee– Free of cost
Timings– 5 A.M.- 7 P.M.
4. Tsomgo Lake
It is also known as Changu Lake an oval-shaped glacier situated 40km away from Gangtok. The lake is considered sacred by the locals as you can find prayer halls and an idol of lord shiva. The main attractions include joy rides on decorated mules and yaks where kiosks(stalls) serve food and drinks. You can also rent gumboots and snowboots from the shops and enjoy them to the fullest. In early times the changing color of the lake was used by lamas to forecast the future. You can’t forget to visit this place in places to visit in Gangtok.
Entry fee– protected area permits and foreign nationals must be in groups of two or three
Timings– best to visit before noon due to bad weather conditions during the evening
5. Banjhakri Waterfall
Situated 4km away from Gangtok it is a recreation center and a tourist attraction in Gangtok. It is a 100-foot waterfall located in the thick forest of Swastik. You will find a man-made lake with a dragon in the center. The main theme of the park is the Shaman culture. The park is also called an energy park because power is generated from the swings which are all around the waterfall. You can also find gazebos all around the park and numerous figurines dedicated to the chakras. There is also a spiral stairway that leads to a bench where you can just sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Entry fee– Rs.50 per person
Timings-8 A.M.-6 P.M.
6. Ranka Monastery
Ranka Monastery is another one of the top places to visit in Gangtok. Also called the Lingdum monastery it is about 20 km from Gangtok and follows the Zurmang Kagyud lineage of Buddhism. It is surrounded by beautiful scenic views of the hills and covered all around with thick forests which have also attracted many filmmakers to get a shot here. You will also find young lamas full of energy learning about their culture. During the break, you will find these little active lamas wearing red and saffron robes in the courtyard. Around the monastery, are gift shops and restaurants where you can relax and head further.
Entry fees– free of cost
Timings– 8 A.M. – 6 P.M.
7. Saramsa Garden
It is a public garden, 14km from Gangtok ideal for recreation. You can relax and chill with your friends and family here and enjoy the beautiful orchids. There is a small nursery inside and several sections called blocks. At the far end, there is a bench and a mini pool and the best part is you can just relax and enjoy the river Rani flowing by.
Entry fee– Rs10 per person
Timing-8 A.M.-6 P.M.
8. Do-Drul Chorten Stupa
It is one of the largest stupas in Sikkim marked by a golden top dome that can be seen from various places in Gangtok. It was built by Trulshik Rinpoche in 1945. Here you can find holy books and other religious objects. You can find 108 prayer wheels that have mantras inscribed on them in Tibetan. Add it to your bucket list if you love to explore history.
Entry fee-free of cost
Timings– 8 A.M. – 6 P.M.
9. Baba Mandir
Located between Jelepla and Nathula pass, built at the samadhi of Harbhajan Singh, about 52 km from Gangtok and holds in itself a myth. You need to have a permit as it is under a protected area. It is surrounded by hills on all sides making it a favorite spot for tourists. Take proper care as the oxygen level decreases as you go up.
Entry fee-free of cost
Timings– 8 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
10. Gangtok Zoo
About 6km from Gangtok is this unique zoo where a wide variety of fauna are kept in semi-natural habitats and are spread across 230 hectares. It is a perfect place for all animal lovers. You can also have a look at the alluring mountain khangchendzonga. The park is home to Red Panda, Himalayan Bear, Snow Bear, and many more. It is the first zoological park of Sikkim established with an aim to preserve natural wildlife.
Entry fee– Rs.25 for adults and Rs.10 for children
Timings– 9 A.M. – 4 P.M.
