Gangtok the capital city of Sikkim is a beautiful hill station nestled in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas. It offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure.
Here is a list of the Top 10 Best tourist attractions and places to visit in Gangtok.
Tsomgo lake
Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changgu Lake, is among the many beautiful places to visit in Gangtok that one must not miss. The glacial lake is located about 40 km from the capital city Gangtok at an elevation of 12,313 ft
The turquoise water of the lake, the magical backdrop of the Himalayas and the serenity of the place are absolutely mesmerizing. The lake remains frozen during the winter season and In the spring, the lake’s surroundings are filled with flowers and birdlife, including rose finches, golden eagles, and migratory birds.
It is considered sacred by the local people and has several legends associated with it. Legends say that Buddhist monks used to study the lake’s colour to predict the future as the surface of the lake reflects different colours in different seasons.
Nathu La Pass
Nathu-La Pass is one of the highest motorable roads in the world which makes it a popular adventure destination. Located at an altitude of 14,140 feet (4310 meters) above sea level, it connects Sikkim and China’s Tibet Autonomous Region.
One of the most important Himalayan passes in India, it used to be part of an offshoot of the ancient Silk Road. The name “Nathu” means “listening ears” and “La” means “pass” in Tibetan and offers breathtaking views of the snow-clad Himalayas.
The temperature remains low most of the year, and the best months to visit are April to mid-June and October and November.
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Rumtek Monastery
The Rumtek Monastery, also known as the Dharma Chakra Centre, is the largest Buddhist monastery in Sikkim. It is located 23 km from Gangtok on a hillock offering breathtaking views of misty mountains and is an ideal place for some quiet time.
The monastery is the seat of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa of the Kargyu sect of Buddhism. It is an almost replica of the original monastery in Tsurpu in Tibet and has two buildings: the newer one, built in 1966, and the older one, founded in 1740.
It is home to some of the world’s rarest Buddhist religious art and is a renowned centre for Kargyu teachings
Ban Jhakri Falls Park
Ban Jhakri Falls and Energy Park is a tourist attraction and recreation centre in Gangtok and one of the top places to visit in Gangtok. There is a 100-foot waterfall located in a park and is popular among tourists and locals for day picnics.
It is situated at a distance of 7 km from Gangtok on the way to Ranka Monastery. Apart from the falls, the park has an artificial lake where you can enjoy boating, refreshment stalls and resting places. There are statues of Lyam, Lepcha, Mangpas, and Ban Jhakri ancestors all across the park.
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Hanuman Tok
Hanuman Tok is a very famous temple about 11 km away from Gangtok on the road to Nathu la Pass and located at an elevation of 7,500 ft and offers the best views of Khangchendzonga.
The legends say that this is the place where Lord Hanuman stopped to rest while flying with the Sanjeevani herb to Sri Lanka, to save Lord Rama’s brother, Lakshmana.
The temple has been maintained by a unit of the Indian Army since 1968. There is a Saibaba temple and Lukshyama the cremation ground for the erstwhile royal family of Sikkim nearby.
Do Drul Chorten stupa
The Do Drul Chorten is one of the most important stupas nestled in the beautiful valleys of Gangtok. The Stupa was built in 1946 by Trulshik Rinpoche, a teacher of the 14th Dalai Lama and head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism.
The white dome and golden spire of the stupa are dedicated to Vajrakilaya, or Dorjee Rinpoche, an important deity in the Nyigma Order. The stupa has around 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer wheels and these wheels are engraved with important mantras which can be chanted by rotating them.
The stupa contains a complete set of Dorjee Phurba, Kangyur (Holy Books), and other religious objects. It’s located next to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.
The calm atmosphere and spiritual vibes of the Do Drul Chorten Stupa attract devotees and tourists from all over the world.
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Tashi Viewpoint
Tashi View Point is a popular tourist place to visit in Gangtok known for its panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga and Mount Sinilochu. It is located about 10 km from the main town of Gangtok and was built by the King of Sikkim Tashi Namgyal.
The viewpoint is also a popular place to watch sunrises and sunsets, one can witness the changing of colours of the snow-clad mountains.
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Enchey Monastery
Enchey Monastery translates to “the solitary temple”, is a 200-year-old Buddhist monastery in Gangtok and a holy pilgrimage place for Buddhists. It is located on a hilltop at an altitude of 2,000 meters and is surrounded by tall pine trees, flowery meadows and scenic views of the Kanchenjunga.
The monastery was established in 1909 and is part of the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. It is believed that Lama Druptob Karpo, a renowned tantric blessed with flying powers, flew from Maenam Hill and constructed a hermitage at this mesmerising location
Ganesh Tok
Ganesh Tok is a small Ganesh Temple located 7 km from Gangtok at an altitude of 6500 m. It was built between 1952 and 1953 by Shri Appa B Pant, the former Political Officer of Sikkim.
The temple is said to be one of the oldest Hindu shrines in Eastern Sikkim and offers panoramic views of the city and the Kanchenjunga hills. The word “tok” translates to “temple” in the local language.
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Himalayan Zoological Park
The Himalayan Zoological Park is a unique and first of its kind in the country, the zoo allows animals to reside in their natural habitat. It is sprawled across an area of 205 hectares and located at a height of about 1,780 m against the backdrop of majestic Mount Khangchendzonga. It is one of the top tourist places to visit in Gangtok.
The park is home to many rare and endangered species of animals like the Himalayan Monal pheasant, Himalayan red panda, snow leopard, goral, Himalayan palm civet, Himalayan black bear, crimson-horned pheasant, Tibetan wolfs, and many more
