From the snowy highlands to appealing viewpoints, Sikkim’s capital Gangtok is embellished with many popular tourist attractions. If you are planning to visit here, then trust me, just two or three days are not enough. The beautiful city promises you some of the most memorable days of your life.
Gangtok is a full package of every visitable destination including lovely waterfalls, alluring mountains, attractive passes and beautiful lakes. In order to make your tour easy, we have mentioned some of these charming locations here.
Popular Tourist Attractions Of Gangtok
1. Nathu la Pass
via: treebo.com
Nathu la Pass is the most popular tourist attraction, as it associates Sikkim with China’s Tibet region. Once it is a part of the ancient Silk route between India and China.
The pass is decorated with natural beauty and charming scenic views. Driving through its surprising roads and slopes will become one of the best experiences of your life.
Opening time: The pass is open for tourists from Wednesday to Sunday
How to reach: You can only reach the pass through a drive from Gangtok.
Things to do:
-
Take a walk along International borders
-
Have a wonderful bike ride
-
Watch Chinese soldiers in action
Best time to visit: May to October
Travel Tips:
-
Only Indian tourists are allowed to visit the pass on a valid permit.
-
Only SUV vehicles are allowed to drive at Nathula Pass.
-
Vehicles like Innova, Scorpio and Bolero are available here for rent.
-
You can also share cabs with other tourists.
Also Read: Best Places To Visit In Chile For A Perfect Vacation
2. Tsomgo Lake
via: esikkimtourism.in
Located 12,400 ft. above sea level, Tsomgo Lake is one of the most pristine and incredible tourist attractions in Gangtok. The glacial lake at this much height looks absolutely memorising. The best thing about the lake is that it changes colours according to seasons. The local people consider it sacred.
Opening time: Open for all 24 hours
How to reach: 40 km away from Gangtok, Jawarharlal Nehru road leads you directly to the lake.
Things to do:
-
Must enjoy the Yak and Mule rides along the lake
-
Taste hot instant noodles from the streets
-
Take a walk on the frozen lake in winters
-
Ice skating in winters
Best time to visit: January to March
Travel Tips:
-
A valid permit is required for both Indians and foreign travellers to visit here.
-
Sometimes the roads are blocked because of heavy snow.
-
There is no facility to stay overnight in the area
Also Read: Top 10 Most Beautiful Valleys Around The World For True Nature Lovers
3. Tashi Viewpoint
via: Thetravelshots.com
If you are travelling around Gangtok, then Tashi Viewpoint is the place you can’t miss. It is the destination that offers you the most beautiful sunrise and sunsets near the Himalayan range. You can easily spend your entire day by clicking photos here.
The landscapes and the enchanting views of the city make this place very special.
Opening time: 4 PM to 6 PM
How to reach: The location is only 8 km away from Gangtok. You can rent cabs to reach here.
Things to do:
-
Spot rare bird species whispering around via Binoculars
-
Experience Natural beauty from the top of the hill.
-
Eat delicious snacks from the cafeteria on the hill.
Best time to visit: March to June
Travel Tip: Only in 10 rupees, you can get a closer view of alluring peaks and monasteries via binocular or telescope present here.
Also Read: 5 Most Attractive Hill Stations In Jharkhand
4. Kanchenjunga Mountain
via: Envato Elements
Kanchenjunga Mountain is the third highest peak in the entire world and can be glimpsed from several places in Gangtok. But if you want to closely enjoy the sights of the mountain, you can engage in trekking camps organised here. The trekking camps took around 10 to 12 days for whole sightseeing.
How to reach: To reach Kanchenjunga peak, you have to travel to Yuksom first. Then only you can start trekking on Kanchanjunga Mountain
Things to do:
-
Trekking on huge mountains
-
Camping on the sites
Best time to visit: October to December and March to April
Travel Tips:
-
Only Indian tourists are allowed to visit the pass on a valid permit.
-
Only SUV vehicles are allowed to drive at Nathula Pass.
-
Vehicles like Innova, Scorpio and Bolero are available here for rent.
-
You can also share cabs with other tourists.
Also Read: Mystery of the unclimbed peak- Kailash Mountain
5. Ban Jhakri Falls
via: esikkimtourism.in
Ban Jhakri Falls is one of the best tourist attractions near Gangtok for fun. 6 km away from the city, it is located inside the famous energy park. It is the most visited picnic spot where you can spend a nice relaxing day.
The waterfall is also popular for its sacred importance, as it is said to have a power that can repulse insidious spirits.
Opening time: 8 AM to 6 PM
How to reach: The waterfall is only 6 km away from Gangtok. You can get there in only 30 minutes by hiring a taxi.
Things to do:
-
Spend beautiful moments nearby the waterfall
-
Take a bath here
-
Explore the park
Best time to visit: October to February
Travel Tips:
-
You need to pay 20 rupees per person to enter the park
-
There is a cafe and a gift shop on the other side of the ticket counter
Also Read: Explore The 10 Major Bewitching Tourist Destinations In Uttar Pradesh
6. Rumtek Monastery
via: Envato Elements
Rumtek monastery is the most important monastery in Gangtok. It follows the Tibetian Buddhism school and is globally known for its Kagyu teachings. Buddhism culture, architecture and a Golden Stupa are the major attractions here. If you are greedy to see different cultures around the world, then this is a must-visit place for you.
Opening time: 6 AM to 6 PM
How to reach: The monastery is around 34 km away from the main city. You can take a bus or taxi to reach there.
Things to do:
-
Explore several other old and historic monasteries
-
Hike on downhill
-
See Golden Stupa
Best time to visit: October to June
Travel Tips:
-
Remember to carry your ID cards because the monastery comes under the Indo-Tibetian border police.
-
Try to reach here early in the morning to see the monks doing prayers.
-
You can’t take cameras in the monastery
7. Himalayan Zoological Park
via: Envato Elements
Situated 3 km away from the city, the Himalayan Zoological Park is the best place to spot the rarest wildlife in the world. The Zoo is famous for Himalayan black bears, Tibetian wolves, Himalayan palm civets, pandas and snow leopards.
Opening time: 9 AM to 4 PM from Monday to Saturday
How to reach: The park is only 6 km away from Gangtok. You can easily get there by bus or taxi.
Things to do:
-
Catch rare and endangered species
-
Explore the park
Best time to visit: February to March
Travel Tips:
-
As the park is in a very large area, it’s better to explore it by car.
-
Pay 25 rupees for adults and 10 rupees for children to enter the park.