Top 22 places to visit in Gangtok

Gangtok

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is one of India's most famous hill towns. It is very beautiful, very loud, and covered in clouds. With a height of 1650 m above sea level, the town has stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga on clear days. Giant Mountain hikers and campers use Gangtok as a home base when they want to go on a journey. The Dzongri Trek, the Varsey/Barsey Trek, and the Tholung Trek are some of the most well-known treks that start in Gangtok. 

Bakthang Waterfall

Bakthang Waterfall beautifies the peaceful surroundings of Sikkim with its natural wonder. It is close to Gangtok, which is the state capital. This waterfall is just a 20-minute drive from Gangtok town to Swastik, next to the army cantonment area. It's a peaceful place to escape city life's noise and chaos. The natural spring water comes from the thick foliage above the falls. The Forest Department protects this area as a Smriti Ban, making it one of the places to visit in Gangtok.

Ban Jhakri Falls Park

You may visit Banjhakri Falls, 10–12 kilometers from Gangtok, on the route to Ranka temple. A new site is open to anyone. Two acres are covered by the waterfall. A powerful waterfall that descends 40 feet over rugged rocks is the Energy Park's most spectacular feature. The Energy Park's most thrilling feature is the 40-foot-tall, powerful waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by lush gardens and Lyam Lymay, Mangpas, Lepcha, and Ban Jhakri ancestors. The picturesque site is included in many Gangtok tour packages. 

Enchey Monastery

The name Enchey Monastery comes from the Tibetan phrase for "the solitary temple." It is a holy place for Buddhists to visit and is surrounded by beautiful nature in Gangtok. The splendor of the Kanchenjunga Hills, the towering pine trees, and the flower-rich fields create a feeling of being in a peaceful and blessed place for the visitors. The monastery here is about two centuries old and lies in the northeast of Gangtok at a distance of 3 kilometers, being one of the significant destinations in Gangtok.

Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary

The Fambong Lho Sanctuary is about 20 kilometers from Gangtok and covers about 5200 hectares above the road between Singtam and Dikchu. The highest point is at Tinjure, where the Forest Department has a wooden viewing tower. The Sanctuary is home to many kinds of birds and flowers, as well as the Himalayan Black Bear, the Red Panda, and the Civet cat. Fambong Lho is a good place to watch birds because it is home to rare species like the rufous-headed hornbill and laughingthrush. This destination is often included in Gangtok tour packages for wildlife enthusiasts.

Flower Exhibition Centre

The Flower Exhibition Centre in Gangtok brings flowers from around Sikkim under one roof, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Across from White Memorial Hall and below Ridge Park, it's within walking distance from MG Marg. The organizers present flowers year-round, but you should not miss the yearly flower show from April to May. The management meets here and displays many orchid kinds and other flowers from all over the state, making it one of the top places to visit in Gangtok.

Ganesh Tok

Ganesh Tok is a small temple in Gangtok that has a lookout point. The cute spot is on top of a hill and has stunning views. You can see the Kanchenjunga hill in all its glory from here, and the view is at its best in the morning. The temple for Lord Ganesh is very small, though, so only one person can be inside at a time. You should definitely go to Ganesh Tok at least once to enjoy its beauty and take a break from your everyday life. Many Gangtok tour packages include a visit to this peaceful temple.

Gonjang Monastery Gangtok

The Fatak Bojhogari location of Gonjang Monastery is close to the Tashi Viewpoint in Gangtok, Sikkim. At an elevation of 6066 feet, it is one of Gangtok's most well-known temples and one of the city's top sights. It is part of the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism and follows the Jangter style. The monk students here learn about monastic life, as well as the Tibetan language and English. Based on moral principles, the school teaches people how to study Indian and Tibetan Buddhist thought in depth and comparison. It is one of the most spiritual places to visit in Gangtok.

Hanuman Tok

Hanuman Tok is a well-known temple in Gangtok. It is named after Lord Hanuman and is taken care of by the Indian Army. The Kanchenjunga Peak, which is the third-highest peak in the world, stands next to the royal temple, which is 7,200 feet high. Tok is very beautiful in many ways, which makes you enjoy it a lot and feel close to nature. It is beautiful to look at the big hills that surround Gangtok, the main city. When you get to the top, you can see the snow-covered peaks of Kanchenjunga and the amazing Himalayas range. Visitors booking Gangtok tour packages often find this temple included in their itinerary.

International Sikkim Flower Festival

Every year, Gangtok hosts the International Flower Show. They showcase many beautiful flower types here, like orchids, gladioli, roses, cacti, mountain plants, creepers, climbers, ferns, herbs, and more. There are also talks and workshops with well-known botanists. Taking place all through May, the event is a big draw for both tourists and people who live in the area. If you love flowers, this is one of the best places to visit in Gangtok.

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden

The Parks and Gardens unit of the Sikkim Forest Department takes care of the Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, which opened in 1987 and is a lovely green oasis for the eyes. In the Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, there is also a small lake where people can row their boats in peace. The Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden is a nature lover's dream, with its bright plants and woods that look like they belong in a fairy tale. In almost all Gangtok tour packages, the garden is one of the places you can visit. 

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary

All sorts of plants are found within the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, which really beautify the area. It is located next to the hills of Tsomgo Lake and Rong Chu. This sanctuary is 31 square kilometers in area and is full of tall juniper, azalea, flowers, and silver fir trees. You will feel the richness of Sikkim by taking an excursion to its wildlife walk in this reserve. Kyongnosla is great for people who love nature and are always looking for places to visit in Gangtok to relax and clear their minds.

Labrang Monastery

The Labrang Monastery is an old building with a lovely look. This Buddhist shrine is one of a kind because it still has its original structure. They built its white walls and gold-plated roofs in a style that blends Tibet and India. The prayer hall at the Labrang Monastery has paintings that you can look at. If you go there in early December, you might also see the famous Chaam Dance. Many Gangtok tour packages offer visits to this spiritual and historic site.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is one of the few places of its kind that stores Tibetan Buddhist culture and history that goes back hundreds of years. NIT works very hard to protect the country's rich history, religion, and valuable culture. The museum and library, which are the main draws here, have great collections that show this. The building was made in the Tibetan style and is surrounded by lush green nature. The front of the building stands tall and proud with its tall golden towers, beautiful and meaningful paintings, and bright frescoes. It is one of the must-visit places to visit in Gangtok for history lovers.

Nathula

A mountain pass in the Himalayas connects Sikkim and China. It is one of the highest roads that can be driven on in the world. The Nathu La pass is one of the most important in the country. It is on the border between India and Tibet and is 14,450 feet above sea level. Nathu means "ears that listen," and La means "pass." Nathula is one of the three open trade posts between India and China. It is famous for having a beautiful landscape and surroundings. If you are planning a trip, consider Gangtok tour packages that include Nathula for a memorable experience.

Phensang Monastery

Phensang Sangag Choling Monastery is the best monastery in Sikkim, and it's a great place to get spiritual. The Phensang Monastery is one of the biggest churches in Sikkim and has the most monks. It is on a hill. In 1721, the 3rd Lhatsun Jigmed Pawo built this monastery while he was on his way to the Northern zone. At the moment, about 300 lamas from the Nyingmapa Buddhist order live in Phensang Monastery. If you're looking for peaceful places to visit in Gangtok, this is an excellent choice.

Phodong Monastery

One of the six most important Buddhist temples in Sikkim is Phodong Monastery. It is in the village of Phodong, which is close to Gangtok. A lot of people like to visit the temple, and for Buddhists, it is a very important place to go on a journey. People consider the abbey one of the most beautiful parts of the country. They have painted their exteriors brightly, while their interiors showcase delicate and beautiful paintings, murals, and sculptures. At the moment, it's home to about 260 monks. This stunning monastery is a highlight in many Gangtok tour packages.

Ranka Monastery Gangtok

In 20 km, you can get to the Ranka Monastery. It is also popular as Lingdum Monastery. This Buddhist monastery follows the Zurmang Kagyud path. The royal monastery is spread out over a large area and has beautiful views for tourists. People think it is one of the most important and beautiful temples in East Sikkim, but because it is still fairly new, not many people talk about it. It is among the lesser-known but beautiful places to visit in Gangtok.

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre

In Sikkim, the Rumtek Monastery is one of the biggest and most important. It is on top of a hill 23 km from Gangtok. It was first called the Dharma Chakra Centre, and it is part of the Kagyu school of Buddhism, which began in Tibet in the 1100s. The abbey is surrounded by lush green mountains, which are both beautiful to look at and a spiritual center. It is often a featured attraction in Gangtok tour packages for those interested in Buddhism and history.

Tashi View Point Gangtok

Viewpoint Tashi is 8 km from the center of Gangtok and is a beautiful place where tourists can see the beautiful Mount Sinilochu and Mount Kanchenjunga. It is named after Tashi Namgyal because he built it. He was king of Sikkim from 1914 to 1963. From Tashi Viewpoint, which was built by Sikkim's tourism department and is in a great spot, you can see the snow-capped mountains in all their glory. For stunning views, this is one of the must-visit places to visit in Gangtok.

The Seven Sisters Waterfall

Seven Sisters Waterfalls lives up to its name, with seven separate waterfalls set up in a friendly way next to each other on a wide, rough cliff that looks different when seen from a distance. On the Gangtok-Lachung Highway, 32 kilometers away from Gangtok, you can find this famous waterfall. When it comes to life after it rains, it looks even more beautiful and is a stunning sight. If you love natural beauty, look for Gangtok tour packages that include this breathtaking spot.

Tsongmo Lake Gangtok

One of the few lakes in India that is above sea level is Tsomgo Lake. It is perched between mountains 12,400 feet above sea level and is on the path between Gangtok and Nathu La. Often called Changu Lake, this beautiful lake is on the schedule of every tourist, and for good reason: it's so beautiful. You will be amazed by how beautiful Tsogmo Lake is. It is surrounded by steep mountains topped with snow and lies in the middle of a bright green blanket of alpine woods. If you're making a list of places to visit in Gangtok, this lake should definitely be on it.

Tsuk La Khang Monastery

The old royal family of Sikkim used to live in the Tsuk La Khang temple, which is a very large temple. There is a Tsuklakhang Royal Palace there. Tsuk La Khang is the most important place of worship for Buddhists in the area. It was built in 1898 AD during the reign of Thutob Namgyal, who was the 9th King. This beautiful two-story building has murals on the inside and is decorated with shrines, pictures of Lord Buddha, and tantric deities. It also has a large collection of texts. Many Gangtok tour packages include this historic and spiritual landmark.