Gangtok

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is located at an elevation of 1,437 metres on the Shivalik Hills in the Eastern Himalayan Range and is a popular tourist destination for travellers to the state. In 1840, the town of Gangtok was established as a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage centre. From snow-clad mountains to religious shrines, there is plenty to see as well as things to do in Gangtok.

Gangtok Overview

Best Time to Visit Gangtok

Most travellers think that the fall is the ideal time to visit Sikkim Gangtok. Immediately following the end of the monsoons, the sky gets clears, revealing the majestic Himalayas to travellers for the first time since the rains began. Gangtok weather is pleasant from about the middle of September to around the middle of November, allowing tourists to relax and enjoy their Gangtok sightseeing. You can also explore Gangtok in the summer months, from March to June when the Gangtok temperature is mild.

How to Reach the Places to Visit in Gangtok

If you are wondering how to reach Gangtok, then read on. Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal is the closest airport to Gangtok, located around 124 kilometres away. You may take a shared cab or a private vehicle from the airport to Gangtok, which would take around two hours.

New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri is the closest railroad station, located 148 kilometres from Gangtok famous places. With frequent trains to New Delhi and Kolkata, the station is conveniently located near many important urban centres.

Visitors from Siliguri, Kalimpong and Kolkata often travel by car to reach Gangtok. Barring a few spots, the roads are in good condition. You can also book a cab to explore the tourist places near Gangtok.

What are the things to see and do in Gangtok? 

Sikkim's capital, Gangtok, is a peaceful retreat for Buddhists. Gangtok city is one of the few places in India that is always clean and tidy. As the state capital, Gangtok is home to several significant landmarks and attractions that have boosted Gangtok tourism. Enchey Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Nathula Pass, Ganesh Tok, Do Drul Chorten, Rumtek Monastery and Hanuman Tok are just a few of Gangtok tourist places.

Places to Visit in Gangtok

Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake is a spiritual and attractive Gangtok tourist spot that is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, alpine flora, and a lakeside Shiva Temple.

Nathu La Pass

At almost 4,400 metres, Nathu La Pass is the highest motorable route in the world and one of three open commercial border checkpoints between India and China.

Do Drul Chorten

Gangtok is home to the revered Do Drul Chorten, a stupa that was built in 1945. It houses many priceless religious artefacts, including the whole Dorjee Phurba and Kangyur relic collections. It is among the best Gangtok Sikkim tourist places.

Restaurants in Gangtok

The Coffee Shop

The Coffee Shop is a stylish café that serves a variety of coffees and teas, as well as smoothies, snacks, shakes, baked goods and breakfast plates.

Osm Restro & Lounge

Osm Restro & Lounge, providing a range of food and beverages in an elegant, fine dining ambience, serves exquisite local and multi-cuisine meals. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine is popular among guests at Osm Restro & Lounge. It offers Gangtok famous food.

Café Live Loud

Café Live Loud is a popular hangout for both locals and tourists, featuring live band performances on Wednesdays through Fridays and booming DJ party nights on Saturdays.

Places to Stay in Gangtok

Ramada By Wyndham Gangtok Hotel & Casino Golden

The Ramada By Wyndham Gangtok Hotel & Casino Golden is a great place to stay because of its comfortable accommodations, excellent restaurants, stunning mountain views, a luxurious spa, and other modern amenities.

Mayfair Spa Resort and Casino

Treat yourself to a rejuvenating getaway at the Mayfair Spa Resort and Casino, where you can enjoy both restorative spa services and exciting gaming action. 

Tashiling Residency Hotel and Spa

The Tashiling Residency Hotel and Spa is a haven of opulence, with spacious rooms, a spa, a gourmet restaurant and other high-end facilities.

Food to Try in Places to Visit in Gangtok

Residents of Gangtok are known for their passion for culinary delights. Among the local populace, Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines are the most popular. Locals in Gangtok tend to embrace traditional dishes from Nepal and Tibet. And when it comes to momos, the flavour served at Gangtok are unmatched. Other popular dishes here include Thupka, chowmein, fakthu, shah-phaley, Gack-ko soup, thenthuk and wonton.

Things to Buy in the Places to Visit in Gangtok 

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a shopper's paradise. Shopping in Gangtok is a wonderful experience as there is something for everyone in Sikkim's stunning capital.

MG Road

On MG Road, you'll find both retail outlets and supermarkets offering name-brand apparel and footwear. There are also stores providing authentic Sikkimese clothing, footwear, shawls, winter coats, traditional jewellery, souvenirs, woollens and presents.

Lal Bazar

Another market that you shouldn't miss is Lal Bazar. You may get the best of the local fashion and wares in Lal Bazar. Cane and bamboo goods, traditional Sikkimese clothing, woollen carpets and mats are just some of the handcrafted goods available here.

Tibet Road

Another popular retail district is Tibet Road. This is a must-see for all handloom and craft enthusiasts. Bags, linens, hangings, sculptures, paintings, wooden furniture, and so on are only some of the items that can be found in this market.

If mountains make you feel alive, then head to Gangtok. You will love rumtek Monastery, Ganesh Tok, and flower festival. The calm-inducing aura of Gangtok will soothe your senses.

But when one does arrive at that fresh frontier, there are ways better than others to begin your journey of discovery. Follow these steps and see the world with a new light.

• Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour's are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren't just "local" tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too
• Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn't normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn't get to see otherwise. Whilst using public transportation, just ensure that you are following the local norms and do remember to watch the locals!
• Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what's going on locally. You may have to move out of the center of the city to do some of the less popular but more unique things, so just keep that in mind!

Conclusion

The state capital of Gangtok, located in the eastern Himalayas, is a unique blend of old spiritual traditions and breathtaking scenery. Its mountain scenery provides a stunning background for the city's many monasteries, temples and shrines.