North East tourism is totally different when you compare it with other states. The mountain ranges, the beautiful Himalayas in the backdrop and unique cultural heritage, Gangtok tourist places offers you all that you need to witness. The tourist places here range from cultural heritage and ancient monuments to beautiful scenic backdrops. What is the best part is you get to see it all in one visit. Check out this article to know more about Gangtok tourism and all the places you need to visit during your holidays.
Best Places To Visit in Gangtok With Photos:
In case you are looking for a Sikkim-Gangtok tour, you are at the right place. There are so many tourist places to visit in Gangtok. In the points of interest we have given below are 15 best Gangtok tourist places list that gives you a wonderful experience to cherish in a lifetime. Continue reading to know more about tourist places near Gangtok.
1. Himalayan Zoological Park:
The first which comes to mind when we think of places near Gangtok is this zoo. Himalayan Zoological Park is one of the best in Gangtok famous places. The park is spread over a forest reserve area of 230 hectares and provides a convivial atmosphere for Sikkim’s wildlife, most notably the endangered red panda. The vast natural environment ensures a safe dwelling for the inmates with minimal disturbance from outside sources. For wildlife lovers, this is the place to be.
- Highlights of the Tour: Animals kept in natural conditions with a variety of flora and fauna including Goral, Himalayan Palm Civet, Red Panda, Snow Leopard Cat, Black bear and so on
- Things to Do: Enjoy the variety of flora and fauna which are kept in natural and safe conditions.
- Best Time to Visit: All round the year, especially months of January to March.
- Peak Season: April and May
- Nearest City: Gangtok
- How to Reach: Local taxis are available from market places including shared taxis. One can also contact tour operators. Reaching Gangtok however, requires you to fly to Bagdogra or Pakyong airport and take a taxi to Gangtok.
- Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Nepali, Sikkimese and few speak the Tibetan language as well.
- Ideal Trip Duration: One whole day is required to devote to this zoo, given the vast variety of fauna.
2. Tsomgo Lake:
One of the top in the list of places to see in Gangtok is this beautiful and scenic lake. A glacial lake that’s situated above an altitude of 12,000 feet, Lake Tsomgo is a famous tourist spot, even if it requires a permit due to it falling under a restricted area. The lake is considered sacred by the local people with a temple of Lord Shiva built near the lakeside.
- Highlights of the Tour: Requires to take permit to witness this beautiful and gorgeous lake which is on the way to Nathula Pass, China border.
- Things to Do: Visitors to the lake can partake of a yak ride which is only possible at Lake Tsomgo.
- Best Time to Visit: April and May
- Peak Season: Come winter, and the lake remains frozen while the summer months bring a variety of flowers in full bloom.
- Nearest City: Gangtok is the nearest city
- How to Reach: One has to contact a tour operator in order to take permit and then get a taxi or shared taxi from tour operators itself.
- Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Nepali, Sikkimese and few speak the Tibetan language as well.
- Ideal Trip Duration: One day. This for sure is among Gangtok’s best places.
3. Rumtek Monastery:
The next in important tourist places in Gangtok comes this monastery. Rumtek also was known as the Dharma chakra Centre is a famous Buddhist monastery place near Gangtok. Originally built in the 16th century, it was rebuilt by the 16th Karmapa in 1966 after having fallen to ruins. The monastery is the largest in Sikkim housing a community of Tibetan monks along with an eminent shrine temple, a retreat center, a monastic college and a golden stupa containing the relics of the 16th Karmapa.
- Highlights of the Tour: The entire monastery provides a peaceful atmosphere and is held in the highest esteem by Buddhists all over.
- Things to Do: Experience the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy the experience of beautiful infrastructure and stupa.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time one can possibly visit these tourist places around Gangtok is from December to April.
- Peak Season: April and May is peak season to visit this place
- Nearest City: Nearest places is this tourist places around Gangtok city only
- How to Reach: You should take a shared taxi or private vehicle which is available in market areas to reach this place.
- Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Nepali, Sikkimese and few speak the Tibetan language as well.
- Ideal Trip Duration: Two hours can be devoted to this place.
4. Saramsa Garden:
The next in the list of places to visit in Gangtok is this beautiful garden. Founded in 1922, the garden has become a major tourist center of attraction ever since it was made open to the public. From the time of its inception the garden has seen the growing of various fruits for local colonial officers to the cultivation of the medicinal plant ipecacuanha, owing to which it is more popularly known as Ipecac Garden. The garden was eventually converted into an Orchidarium in 1975 devoted to growing different types of orchids and is now a famous recreational garden in the city of Gangtok.
- Highlights of the Tour: Enjoy this beautiful garden which has several flora and plants along with orchids and other varieties.
- Things to Do: You can cover the entire destination with photos that are helpful to explain the beauty of this place in Gangtok.
- Best Time to Visit: From December to March
- Peak Season: April and May is the peak season to visit
- Nearest City: Gangtok is the nearest city
- How to Reach: One should take a shared or private taxi to visit this place
- Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Nepali, Sikkimese and few speak the Tibetan language as well.
- Ideal Trip Duration: Two to three hours is required.
5. Tashi View Point:
Among the top 10 places to visit in Gangtok, also includes this beautiful view point. The best place to get a perfect and picturesque view of Mount Kanchenjunga is from Tashi View Point. Clear days provide a close-up shot of the famous mountain range. A scenic view of the Phodong and Labrang Monasteries can also be sighted on the opposite hill from this point.
- Highlights of the Tour: Can witness Kanchenjunga from this place
- Things to Do: Being one of the best tourist places in Gangtok, you can witness and enjoy the scenic beauty. Besides, the tiny market area near view point one can collect souvenirs as well.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Peak Season: April to June is peak season
- Nearest City: Gangtok is the nearest city here
- How to Reach: One should hire a taxi from market places to come to this point as you cannot find much of alternative transport options in this area
- Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Nepali, Sikkimese and few speak the Tibetan language as well.
- Ideal Trip Duration: One to two hours is required
6. Do-Drul Chorten Stupa:
Do Drul Chorten is the biggest and most revered stupa in all of Sikkim that not only draws tourists, but also devoted pilgrims from all parts of the country.This is no doubt among the best tourist places in Gangtok. The stupa which was built in 1945 by Trulshik Rinpoche contains relics of holy books and other religious objects.
- Highlights of the Tour: The sacred stupa is marked by 108 prayer wheels and a gold-plated steeple which forms the pinnacle of its beauty.
- Things to Do: The ancient holy objects and peaceful atmosphere around the place is a must experience in the list
- Best Time to Visit: October to March of the year
- Peak Season: April to June is peak season
- Nearest City: Gangtok
- How to Reach: One should take a shared or private taxi to reach this place
- Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Nepali, Sikkimese and few speak the Tibetan language as well.
- Ideal Trip Duration: Two hours
7. Hanuman Tok:
A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Hanuman Tok is one of the most visited temples and tourist places in Gangtok India. Maintained by the Indian Army and situated at a higher altitude, it provides a magnificent view of the valley below and the surrounding Himalayan beauty.
- Highlights of the Tour: Peaceful atmosphere and the scenic backdrop is what is rich in this place
- Things to Do: On a clear day, the temple site allows for great photography. One can also shop for souvenirs near this temple with several shops around.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Peak Season: April and May months
- Nearest City: Gangtok is the nearest city
- How to Reach: To reach this tourist spot in Gangtok city, one must take private transportation from any market place or where you stay in the city.
- Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Nepali, Sikkimese and few speak the Tibetan language as well.
- Ideal Trip Duration: Two hours
8. Enchey Monastery:
Another best among tourist spots in Gangtok Sikkim is this Enchey monastery. The Enchey Monastery which dates back 200 years is the oldest monastery in the region.Besides being a small one, the monastery is held sacred among Buddhists who believe that the protecting deities of Kangchendzonga and Yabdean reside inside the monastery. This is one of the best visiting places in Gangtok city.
- Highlights of the Tour: Built on the ridge of a hill, it offers a stunning view of the Kanchenjunga peak. The entire monastery is surrounded by a calm and peaceful atmosphere that is spiritually uplifting.
- Things to Do: Enjoy the peace and experience inside the monastery. Sit down and relax.
- Best Time to Visit: December to March of every year
- Peak Season: April to June
- Nearest City: Gangtok is the nearest city
- How to Reach: To reach this tourist place of Gangtok Sikkim, one must take a private taxi from the tour operators
- Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Nepali, Sikkimese and few speak the Tibetan language as well.
- Ideal Trip Duration: Two hours is the ideal time required to spend here.
9. Seven Sisters Waterfall:
A must-see place in Gangtok includes seven waterfalls lying next to each and falling in seven different stages is an arresting sight to behold. The waterfalls come alive during the monsoon season. A flight of stairs leads you to the top of the waterfalls from where one can click amazing pictures of the pristine waterfalls and the surrounding vista of Mother Nature. Seven sisters waterfall is one of the most popular and beautiful Gangtok sightseeing places.
- Highlights of the Tour: Pristine and lush green scenic beauty is what makes this place stand out in tourist places in and around Gangtok
- Things to Do: One can see Bhanjakri water falls, Tashi View point from here too. Sit down and enjoy this place and you can also shop around a tiny market area beside the falls
- Best Time to Visit: May to July around monsoon months
- Peak Season: April and May
- Nearest City: Gangtok is 32 km from this waterfall
- How to Reach: Being one of the beautiful places in Gangtok, one can visit this by taking private transportation from the city
- Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Nepali, Sikkimese and few speak the Tibetan language as well.
- Ideal Trip Duration: Three to four hours.
10. Nathu La:
This is one of the best and important places to visit in Gangtok. Tourists love the surrounding view of this place, and for these reasons it can be said to be one of the best tourist places in Gangtok. This is bordered near China Border, and one can witness the Indian army and Chinese army on the other side.Among all the Gangtok tourist places, this one has special significance. Nathu La is popular for its rich culture as well.
- Highlights of the Tour: The high altitude is what is to enjoy and look out for. It is an altogether different experience.
- Things to Do: There are many mountain regions and there are a number of water bodies as well such as lakes. This can be said to be one of the best-visiting sites in this city and is really one of the most beautiful places in Gangtok.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June
- Peak Season: May and June
- Nearest City: Gangtok
- How to Reach: Take a private taxi or shared a taxi from tour operators. One must require a permit to reach this place which the tour operators will do for you. Approach them a day before and submit ID proof.
- Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Nepali, Sikkimese and few speak the Tibetan language as well.
- Ideal Trip Duration: Whole day.
11. Pemayangtse Monastery:
Among all the monasteries in Gangtok, this one is the most beautiful among places in and around Gangtok.The vibe of this place is pretty awesome, and this is one of the reasons why people visit this place so much.There are people such as monks and ordinary people who have retired from their jobs and want to open a new chapter of their life. The place is quite interesting and intimidating at the same time. The structural beauty of this monastery also fascinates the people and makes them feel as if they could settle here for the rest of their life.
- Highlights of the Tour: The monastery provides visitors with wonderful views and peaceful surroundings. It is one of those places, where people come to find eternal peace after they have fulfilled all their craving for wealth and luxury.
- Things to Do: A visit to this place is a must as one can experience the peaceful nature of the spot and architectural beauty around.
- Best Time to Visit: November to April
- Peak Season: April to June is peak season
- Nearest City: This is among the top tourist places in Gangtok situated around the city
- How to Reach: To reach this best tourist places near Gangtok, take a taxi from any market area in the city
- Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Nepali, Sikkimese and few speak the Tibetan language as well.
- Ideal Trip Duration: Two hours is required to visit this tourist spot in Gangtok India.
12. Khecheopalri Lake:
There are many places to see in Gangtok, and this is one of them. This lake contains some of the best views and the people from all over the country come to visit this amazing water body. The picturesque beauty offered by this lake is also quite amazing, and people are often fascinated with the huge number of people that are gathered to witness its allure. The popularity of this place attracts uninterested people as well.
- Highlights of the Tour: The natural beauty surrounding this lake is also quite beautiful and can be said to be one of the prime reasons behind the allure of this beautiful lake. The lake is considered sacred by the Buddhists in this place.
- Things to Do: If you are looking for more of what to see in Gangtok then this is a sure to visit place, sit back and relax in this scenic beauty and atmosphere around.
- Best Time to Visit: Among the best times to witness this would be around monsoons, July to October
- Peak Season: April and May is peak season here
- Nearest City: Gangtok is the nearest city. In case you are pondering and thinking on how to reach Gangtok, you can fly to either Bagdogra or Pakyong airport and take a taxi to the city.
- How to Reach: Take a taxi from any place in Gangtok to visit here
- Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Nepali, Sikkimese and few speak the Tibetan language as well.
- Ideal Trip Duration: Two hours is required for this place.
13. Phodong Monastery:
One can find tons of monasteries in Gangtok.The next among things to see in Gangtok is this beautiful Phodong Monastery. This one is of special importance though. This monastry is surrounded by beautiful scenery and the whole atmosphere is very peaceful. This can be said to be one of the prime reasons behind the allure of this place.
- Highlights of the Tour: The monastery has high historical value as well and can be said to be one of the best tourist attractions in Gangtok.
- Things to Do: The scenic beauty which is the backdrop and the beautiful structure of this monastery is for sure worth admiring.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit this place would be around November to May
- Peak Season: April to June is peak season here
- Nearest City: Gangtok
- How to Reach: One should take a taxi to reach this site
- Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Nepali, Sikkimese and few speak the Tibetan language as well.
- Ideal Trip Duration: Two hours is required to spend time in this place.
14. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology:
This is a Buddhist monastery and a popular museum and is next of places to visit in Gangtok. The rich culture of this place attracts people from all around the world. This place offers some of the most beautiful scenic beauties as well. It can be said to be one of those institutes where you can spend some spiritual time and be energized as well. It is filled with religious touch and a beautiful vibe which will cage you in its divine beauty.
- Highlights of the Tour: The place promotes researches in the field of Tibetan religion, language and traditional culture.
- Things to Do: Enjoy this beautiful structural beauty and scenic backdrop amidst some nice market places around
- Best Time to Visit: Best time to visit Gangtok and this place is from November to April
- Peak Season: April and May are peak season
- Nearest City: Gangtok
- How to Reach: To reach this place one should either take a private taxi or shared taxi from the city
- Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Nepali, Sikkimese and few speak the Tibetan language as well.
- Ideal Trip Duration: Two hours
15. Ranka Monastery:
Lastly, we end with the Ranka Monastery as one of the places to visit in Gangtok. This is one of the most reputed and well-known monasteries in Gangtok. There are a lot of things that this monastery will let you experience such as peace, knowledge, etc. It can be said to be one of those places where you will find eternal peace and seem as if you completed your life cycle and come here to rest in peace.
- Highlights of the Tour: The beautiful vibe of this place will make you feel as if you are close to God. The monastery is quite big and is a place of scenic beauty.
- Things to Do: Admire the scenic and architectural beauty along with nice food and market stalls outside the area
- Best Time to Visit: This being among the best places to visit in Gangtok, the best time to visit would be from November to April of every year
- Peak Season: Peak season is from April to May
- Nearest City: Gangtok
- How to Reach: One should reach the place through taxi or rented car from tour operators.
- Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Nepali, Sikkimese and few speak the Tibetan language as well.
- Ideal Trip Duration: Three hours ideally can be devoted to this place
Additional Tips for Tourist Places in Gangtok
- For Gangtok tourism the best time to visit is generally all year round, but it is best to visit in the winter season from December to February months and to see its beauty under the snowfall, and that can leave you speechless with its beauty.
- Do not forget to take permits to visit Tsomgolake and Nathula the day before you plan to go to this place. you can visit tour operators located in MG Road in the city
- Ensure that you carry medicines for high altitude sickness
- Generally, there are no issues regarding safety as far as sightseeing is concerned, but it is always better to be careful
- Among several of Gangtok attractions, all places can be reached by hiring a taxi or share cab from market places
- Several of tourist attractions in Gangtok are generally crowded during the peak seasons of April to June, due to this being summer season and holiday season.
- Accommodation in Gangtok can be easily found from plentiful options. Several best places to stay in Gangtok is available through budget and luxury accommodation options available in the city. There is also home stay in Gangtok one can explore.
- Take good warm clothes as the weather is very cold and chilly, near Nathula and Tsomongo lake being high altitude, it can go below minus degrees as well.
Gangtok, nestled among mountains and clouds is the capital city of Sikkim. It is a pristine hill station. There are several places of tourist attractions near Gangtok Sikkim as we have seen in this article. There are both places to visit in Gangtok in one day and places to visit in Gangtok in 2 days. You can plan your visit as per your convenience and period of stay. Some of the best sites in this place are explained in the article above. Make sure that you don’t miss out to visit all of these awesome tourist places in Gangtok discussed here.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
1. Are there any special places to visit in Gangtok in January?
Most of the places in Gangtok can be visited all-round the year. Lakes like Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass are best during this time of January in case you plan to visit them. Some of the other places to visit in Gangtok would be Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park, Do Drul Chorten Monastery, Flower Exhibition Centre – Ridge Park, Gangtok Ropeway, Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, Lingdum Monastery, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, and Saramsa Garden.
2. Are people friendly over there or do we need to worry about cheating and theft in these tourist places?
Yes, you do not need to worry about safety and security at this place. North East is a very friendly region and is also best suited for women with solo travel plans. The people living here are very cordial and helpful.
3. How to reach Gangtok with in budget?
You can also check out railway route to visit Gangtok by first reaching Siliguri of New Jalpaiguri junction in West Bengal. Outside the railway station, one can avail of any options such as shared cabs or taxis to reach Gangtok. This may take you 4-5 hours depending on traffic. The nearest airport to visit Gangtok would be Bagdogra, West Bengal.
