Gangtok (2023): Top Tourist Attractions With Tour Plan

The capital and main town of the Indian state of Sikkim is located in Gangtok, which is surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. This charming hill town is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, extensive cultural legacy, and peaceful atmosphere. It acts as a starting point for exploring Sikkim’s captivating landscapes, monasteries, and adventure activities.

Darjeeling tour plan and trip Details- Click Here.

Geography and Climate of Gangtok:

With an elevation of roughly 1,650 meters above sea level, Gangtok enjoys a calm and refreshing climate all year long. The majestic Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world, dominates the skyline while lush green hills envelop the town. A perfect getaway from the heat of the city, the climate ranges from subtropical to alpine, with warm summers and frigid winters.

Dooars Tour Plan and Guide map– Click Here.

Cultural Fusion at Gangtok:

Thanks to its multicultural population, which includes the indigenous Sikkimese, Bhutias, Lepchas, and the migrant Nepalese community, Gangtok is a melting pot of cultures. The town’s festivals, cuisine, and architecture all exhibit this blending of cultures. Traditional Sikkimese, Tibetan, and Nepalese characteristics can be found living peacefully and weaving a distinctive cultural tapestry.

Kashmir tour- Click Here.

Outdoor Adventure’s at Gangtok:

In addition to spectacular outdoor pursuits like mountain biking, river rafting, and paragliding, Gangtok offers more than just cultural exploration. Treks to locations like Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La Pass, and the Dzongri-Goechala trip are available for adventurers.

Kedarnath Yatra Details- Click Here.

Preserving Nature of Gangtok:

Gangtok’s clean and lush atmosphere is proof of Sikkim’s dedication to environmental preservation. The state has prohibited plastic bags and is working toward being entirely organic by encouraging sustainable agriculture methods.

Char Dham Yatra details with road map- Click Here.

Top Places to visit near Gangtok:

• Tsomgo Lake (Location- Click Here)
• Nathu La Pass (Location- Click Here)
• Rumtake Monastery (Location- Click Here)
• Enchey Monastery (Location- Click Here)
• Namgyal Institute of Tibeteology (Location- Click Here)
• MG Mark (Location- Click Here)
• Ganesh Tok (Location- Click Here)
• Hanuman Tok (Location- Click Here)
• Tashi Viewpoint (Location- Click Here)
• Do Drul Chorten Stupa (Location- Click Here)
• Bakthang Waterfall (Location- Click Here)
• Khangchendzonga National Park (Location- Click Here)
• Ranka Monastery (Location- Click Here)
• Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary (Location- Click Here)
• Seven Sister Waterfall (Location- Click Here)
• Phodong Monastery (Location- Click Here)
• Yumthang Vally (Location- Click Here)

Gangtok Tour Plan:

Day 1: Arrival in Gangtok

• Once you get there, check into your accommodation in Gangtok.
• Explore MG Marg in the afternoon and take in the area’s shops, cafes, and lively atmosphere.
• View a variety of exotic flowers by going to the Flower Exhibition Center.

Day 2: Gangtok Local Sightseen

• Visit Tashi Viewpoint in the morning for breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga mountains at sunrise.
• Take a tour of the Enchey Monastery and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
• To discover more about Tibetan history and culture, go to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.
• Make your way to Do Drul Chorten, a huge stupa encircled by prayer wheels.
• Visit Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok in the evening for panoramic views.

Day 3: Excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir

• For a day journey to Tsomgo Lake, a glacier lake encircled by snow-capped mountains, get going early.
• Continue to the temple honoring an Indian Army soldier, Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir.
• Return to Gangtok and enjoy your free time this evening.

Day 4: Day trip to Nathu La Pass

• If you’re interested, you can plan a day trip to the Nathu La Pass, an old trade route that connected Tibet and India (subject to permits and availability). Enjoy the stunning scenery.
• Alternately, you might spend the day unwinding or discovering more of the neighborhood’s attractions in Gangtok.

Day 5: Excursion to Rumtek Monastery and Chorten Monastery

• Admire the beautiful architecture of Rumtek Monastery, a significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
• Visit Ranka Monastery (also known as Lingdum Monastery) to take in the tranquil setting and sweeping views.

Day 6: Leisure and Adventure activities

• Enjoy a leisurely morning and see any nearby landmarks you may have missed.
• Adventure sports like paragliding, river rafting, or mountain biking can be done (if necessary, in advance).
• Enjoy the evening at your leisure or explore any old haunts.

Day 7: Departure

• You might have a few hours for last-minute shopping or touring depending on when you depart.
• Exit your accommodation and leave Gangtok with happy memories.

How to reach Gangtok:

By Air: The Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, is the closest airport to Gangtok. To get to Gangtok from the airport, you can either take a shared taxi or hire a taxi. Approximately 125 kilometers separate Bagdogra from Gangtok, and depending on traffic and road conditions, the trip takes 4-5 hours.

By Train: The New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) in Siliguri is the closest significant railway station to Gangtok. You can travel to Gangtok from the train station by taking a taxi or a shared ride. Similar to the distance from Bagdogra, NJP and Gangtok are separated by a journey time of 4-5 hours and a distance of about 125 kilometers.

By Road: Gangtok has excellent road connections to many important Indian towns. From adjacent towns and cities, you can go to Gangtok by bus or via cab. The mountains and valleys can be seen from the highways heading to Gangtok, which are beautiful. Two main paths exist:

1. The most popular route is from Siliguri to Gangtok. To get to Gangtok from Siliguri, Bagdogra, or NJP, take a taxi or a shared taxi. The Teesta River is beautifully visible from the path as it travels through Teesta Bazaar.
2. You can use this route if you’re traveling from Kalimpong to Gangtok. You pass through little villages and verdant countryside on the journey.

Important to note: If you intend to visit restricted places like Nathu La Pass or specific areas in North Sikkim, you may occasionally need a special permit to enter Sikkim. Before you go out on your journey, be sure to check the permit requirements in advance and secure the required permits.

In Gangtok, the beauty of the natural world and the depth of its culture are seamlessly merged. Travelers looking for solace, adventure, and cultural immersion amidst the Himalayan magnificence will find it to be a remarkable vacation thanks to its serene scenery, spiritual aura, and variety of experiences. Whatever your interests—adventure, culture, or nature—Gangtok has something exceptional to offer.

Travel Tips:

• For excursions like a trip to Nathu La Pass, be sure to secure all relevant permits beforehand.
• Before scheduling any travels to high-altitude regions, check the local weather and route accessibility.
• Depending on your preferences and the number of days you have available, the tour itinerary can be changed.
• It’s a good idea to check ahead of time as some attractions may have specified operating days or hours.