Top Places to Visit in Gangtok, an Ideal Time and How to Reach
Gangtok is the capital city of the Sikkim established in 1840 as a Buddhist Pilgrimage site. Gangtok is also called 'the land of monasteries' due to a large number of monasteries and it is valued as a home for some of the finest Indian monasteries.
Nathu La Pass is situated on the Indo-Tibetan border, approximately 14,450 feet above sea level. It is a mountain pass in the Himalayan region, it co-joins Sikkim and China. It is known for its attractive views and pleasing environment.
This spot is very popular among local and outer visitors due to its cold and low temperature especially in the summer season and in the winter season it witnesses heavy snowfall which makes this location more attractive.
Those travellers who want to spend their holiday in the snowy spot can visit here. It is also one of the three open trading borders between India and China. Nathu La Pass is recognized as the world's one of the highest motorable roads, which would be the perfect experience for riders.
Rumtek Monastery is located on top of the hill in Sikkim, approximately 23 kilometres from Gangtok. It is one of the largest monasteries, known as the Dharam Chakra Centre. Rumtek Monastery is established by the Kagyu sect of Buddhism who originated in Tibet in the 12th century.
It is surrounded by dense green mountains and this spiritual spot gives you amazing views of nature, from here you can take a view of the whole Gangtok town which looks spectacular.
It is known as one of the finest architectural creations of the world with its preserved golden stupa and various other sculptures belonging to the 16th Karmapa, its large prayer hall is enriched with several statues and murals.
Numbers of Buddhist monks reside in this monastery and practice Buddhism and also spread Buddhist teaching around the world. Tourists can visit any time between 6:00 am to 6:00 pm after paying the entry fee of Rs. 10. A prior option to catch a beautiful view of the whole town and this place is foremost for those who love peace and calm seekers.
Tsomgo Lake is located at approximately 12,400 feet above sea level, between the mountains, and is credited as one of India's few high-altitude lakes, popularly called Changu Lake.
Tsomgo lake is surrounded by snowy mountains along with a landscape of alpine forest, a glacial lake collects its water from melting snows of the mountains and it’s known for its different shade of water in each season, it gives you the perfect view to enjoy and make your trip more memorable.
It is also related to the religious beliefs and culture of the Bhutia people and is valued as a sacred lake among Sikkimese, this lake is related to many myths and legends.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is the museum that preserves the Buddhist culture and its history and it is one of its kind and built-in Tibetan architectural style.
It will give you a glimpse of India's religious past and culture through some artefacts and collections in the museum and its library also illuminate the various aspects of Buddhism and it plays an important role as the preserver of Asian culture and Buddhist teachings
. It is a centre of study, research, and presenting Tibetan history, art, literature, religion, and philosophy. It is a good option for a history enthusiast or for those who are interested to know the other’s culture as well. Tourists can visit here any day between Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 04:00 pm.
Kanchenjunga is known as the third highest peak in the world with a peak elevation of 8,586 m, also called Kangchenjunga surrounded by Nepal, Sikkim, and Tibet. The Sikkim name Kanchenjunga displays a meaning of 'The Five Treasures of the High Snow'.
Kanchenjunga is valued as a sacred mountain in the Kirat religion of Sikkim and the Limbu dialect it is called Sewa Lungma. This is an ideal spot for trekking lovers, several trekking routes make their way from woody and dense forests.
Himalayan Zoological Park is situated in Bulbuley, approximately 3 kilometres away from Gangtok, resides at an altitude of 1780 meters gives you a clear view of Mount Kanchenjunga. It was built in 1991 and spread over 205 hectares of land in the Mountainous region and is known as the first-ever zoological park of Sikkim.
It is the home of many wildlife species along with some rare species such as snow leopard cat, Himalayan palm civet, goral, Himalayan red panda, Himalayan monal pheasant, crimson horned pheasant, and Himalayan black bear. Tourists are suggested to hire a car or cab to explore a zoo. Another ideal spot on your holiday trip to Gangtok. It is a spot for every kind of person.
Reshi Hot Springs is the most popular hot spring in Gangtok due to its geographical location and religious belief as winter spas from ancient times and it was believed that it contains medicinal properties. It was used by numbers of visitors and pilgrims.
Tourists can relax here and the availability of temporary huts for an overnight stay at reasonable costs makes their journey convenient. This location is a good spot for trekking in due course a relaxing bath in the spring.
How to Reach Gangtok by Air- Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport located at Gangtok, approximately 125 kilometres away from the city centre and connected to other major cities. Numbers of flights carriers such as Air Asia India, Air India, Jet Airways, IndiGo, Go Air, and Spice Jet serves regular flight from the cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Guwahati to Gangtok. Tourists can easily hire a taxi or cab to reach Gangtok which is approximately 4 hours travel, from outside the airport.
How to Reach Gangtok by Train- New Jalpaiguri is the main railway station located at Gangtok, approximately 120 kilometres away from the city. Railway connectivity is easily accessible via numbers of running trains from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kochi to reach Gangtok, and from the railway station, cab services are available to reach the destination.
How to Reach Gangtok by Road- Gangtok has well-versed road connectivity with cities like Darjeeling which is 96 kilometres away, Siliguri which is 118 kilometres away, and Kalimpong which is approximately 75 kilometres away. Buses are the primary option for travellers to reach Gangtok, which can easily get from Darjeeling, Siliguri, Kalimpong, and Kurseong. It can be time taking but an economical option for travellers and the option of cabs are also available to reach Gangtok. Roads are well maintained and tourists will enjoy the journey due to plenty of beautiful landscapes and shining weather.
The summer season in Gangtok ranges from April to June and good to visit the chilly Gangtok weather in this season and the average Gangtok temperature sets around 20 degrees Celsius. It gives you pleasant climates, refreshing and cool breezes make you feel good.
Crystal Clear Blue skies along with dense green forests and the varieties of flowers of the fields just makes this location paradise, perfect landscapes to enjoy and capture in photos along with your loved ones to spend some quality time with each other.
Tourists can engage themselves in various kinds of engaging activities like sightseeing, mountain biking, river rafting, trekking, and paragliding to make their experience more enjoyable.
The period between November to February marked as the winter season can be a good experience for those who want to see snow and enjoy chilly weather. Even in this season as well numbers of tourists visit Gangtok to see snowy blanket mountains and Tsomgo Lake which freezes down in this Gangtok weather. Gangtok temperature rises to 14 degrees Celsius and goes down to 4 degrees Celsius.
Here snowfalls and harsh conditions are not that frequent so tourists can go to visit various places Nathu La Pass, Rumtek, and other Monasteries, Tsomgo Lake is already mentioned, and also visit Lal Bazaar and MG Road to have that local glimpse and shop items.
In this season Travellers can engage in various activities like trekking, river rafting, paragliding, and other snow activities and also one of the finest locations and weather for photography due to snowy Himalayan regions.
Monsoon Season in Gangtok stays from July to September is not recommended for tourists to visit Gangtok due to heavy rainfall which led to the blockage of roads, landslides, and other obstacles which makes the conditions a little harsher and tough to confront but still it presents beautiful landscapes, fog covers the area entire time and forests beauties are on its zenith, Tourists can engage indoor activities and enjoy the views as well and the outdoor activities like sightseeing and trekking can be enjoyed.
Gangtok temperature in this season ranges between 18 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius.
The Elgin Norkhill Resort and Spa is located in Gangtok and is just 250 meters away from Palzor Stadium. It is known for its luxurious rooms along with the services of restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi inability and 24 hours helpdesk and minibar.
Alpine Guest House is located in Gangtok, approximately 1.4 kilometres from Banjhakri Falls and Park, it is 4-star accommodation but gives you satisfying services like 24 hours helpdesk, restaurant, and a terrace is known for its friendly staff.
Noblestride Resort is located in Gangtok, 500 meters away from Banjhakri Falls and Park is a 4-star accommodation option but does provide the services of private parking, restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi, garden and a common lounge, good option to stay.
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