Gangtok Travel Guide

A detailed guide to things to do, places to visit, food options, and travel logistics for exploring Gangtok, East Sikkim.


Introduction to Gangtok

Gangtok is a vibrant and bustling city located in the East Sikkim region of India. This hilly town is nestled in the Himalayan foothills and offers a unique blend of modernity and natural beauty. The city serves as the capital of the state of Sikkim and is a popular destination for various tourists, who come here to explore the rich history, culture, and bountiful natural landscapes that Gangtok has to offer.

List of Places to Visit in Gangtok

Gangtok has a plethora of sites that are culturally and historically significant. Also, the region is home to beautiful monasteries, scenic views, and outdoor activities that make it a perfect destination for every kind of traveller. Here are some places that one should visit on a trip to Gangtok:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: It is a renowned institute that offers research and study of Tibetan history and culture. It has an extensive collection of artefacts that includes ancient books, thangkas, and other Tibetan art pieces.
  • Rumtek Monastery: It is the largest and most important monastery of Sikkim that attracts a large number of tourists and Buddhists every year. The monastery is located on a hill and has a beautiful shrine and meditation centre.
  • Do-Drul Chorten: It is one of the most important stupa in Gangtok and is believed to have been built in the early 1940s. It houses several smaller stupas and offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding hills.

Natural Attractions of Gangtok: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Tsomgo Lake: Located near the Indo-China border, this lake is a beautiful high-altitude stretch of water surrounded by mountains.
  • Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park: This park is an eco-friendly spot located amidst a beautiful forest area with a huge waterfall, which adds to the charm.
  • Tashi Viewpoint: It offers a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga range and the city. On a clear day, you can also see the Tibet border from here.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gangtok

The pristine mountains and lush green valleys of Gangtok offer excellent opportunities for hiking and biking. One can explore the beautiful valleys, forests and quaint little villages that offer unique cultural experiences. Here are some hiking and biking routes to consider:

  • Gangtok to Rumtek via Ranka Monastery
  • Gangtok to Phodong Monastery
  • Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake

Best Things to Do in Gangtok: Activities and Tours

Gangtok offers a range of activities and tours that cater to various interests. Some of the best things to do in Gangtok include:

  • Rafting: The Teesta and Rangit rivers near Gangtok are perfect for a thrilling rafting adventure.
  • Paragliding: The town of Kalimpong near Gangtok offers an excellent and safe environment for paragliding with stunning views from the sky.
  • Food Tour: Take a food tour of Gangtok and explore local foods like momos, thukpa, and tongba.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gangtok

Here’s an itinerary for a week in Gangtok:

Day 1: Arrival and sightseeing in Gangtok Day 2: Visit Rumtek Monastery and sightseeing around the city Day 3: Drive to Tsomgo Lake and visit Nathula Pass Day 4: Visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Do-Drul Chorten Day 5: Hike to Tashi View Point and then to Phodong Monastery Day 6: Rafting in Teesta River in the morning and Paragliding in the evening Day 7: Departure from Gangtok

Food and Drink Scene of Gangtok

Gangtok offers some unique and delicious local food and drink options that are a must-try. Here are some of the popular ones:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Momos: steamed dumplings served with spicy chilli sauce
  • Thukpa: A hot noodle soup filled with veggies and meat which is perfect for the cold weather here.
  • Gundruk: A fermented vegetable dish that is served with rice.

Local Beverages

  • Tongba: Fermented millet drink served hot in a bamboo mug.
  • Singba: Local beer made with barley and wheat.

Where to Stay in Gangtok: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Gangtok has accommodation options for every budget range. One can choose from luxury hotels to budget hostels or homestays. Here are some of the best hotels and hostels in Gangtok:

  • Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino: A luxurious hotel with a stunning location and excellent hospitality.
  • Zostel Gangtok: A backpacker’s hostel with clean rooms and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Pegs Homestay: A family-run homestay that offers comfortable rooms and a warm environment.

What to Buy in Gangtok: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Gangtok is known for its souvenir shops and markets where one can find a variety of local products. Here are some of the popular items to bring home:

  • Handicrafts: Handmade carpets, shawls, and bags are available in various markets in Gangtok.
  • Tea and Spices: Sikkim is known for its organic tea and spices
  • Thangkas: Tibetan scrolls that feature religious or mythological figures and nice to buy from the Namgyal Institute Of Tibetology.

Local Culture and Customs of Gangtok

Gangtok has a rich cultural history and is known for its rich traditions and customs. The locals follow a unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism and have their customs and rituals. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Greetings: Namaste and Jomso is a respectful way to greet locals.
  • Dress Code: Avoid wearing shorts or tank-tops while visiting the monasteries as it is considered disrespectful.

Best Time to Visit Gangtok

The best time to visit Gangtok is from October to June when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The monsoon season between July and September can lead to landslides and heavy rainfall, making travel difficult.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gangtok

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts in Gangtok:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs while visiting monasteries and public places.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as there is lots of walking involved while exploring Gangtok.

Don’t:

  • Avoid carrying plastic bags and littering the city as the locals are environmentally conscious.
  • Don’t photograph in sensitive areas, especially around military installations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Gangtok

Gangtok is a safe city with a low crime rate. However, it’s always recommended to take general safety precautions and keep valuables safe.

Health in Gangtok

The altitude and weather in Gangtok can cause altitude sickness or common colds. Hence, it’s recommended to carry necessary medication.

Getting to Gangtok: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Gangtok

The nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport, which is about 125 km away. From there, one can take a taxi or hire a private car to reach Gangtok.

Bus Stations Near Gangtok

The main bus terminal of Gangtok is located in Deorali, which is about 5 km from the city center. One can take cabs or taxis from the bus terminal to reach the city.

Other Options

Sikkim Nationalized Transport operates buses from neighboring states like West Bengal and Assam that serves to connect Gangtok with other major cities.

How to Get Around in Gangtok

The best way to explore Gangtok is to walk around to take in the beauty of the city. However, one can also hire cabs or taxis to explore nearby destinations or use the local state-run bus service for budget-friendly options.

Where to Go Next from Gangtok: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Gangtok is located amidst several stunning destinations that are worth visiting:

  • Pelling: A small town nestled in the Himalayas that is known for its scenic beauty and monasteries.
  • Nathula Pass: A historic mountain pass that is located on the Indo-China border.
  • Darjeeling: A town known worldwide for its tea gardens and scenic views.

Conclusion

Gangtok is an ideal destination for a complete travel experience that combines adventure, culture, and the natural beauty of the Himalayas. The town has several attractions, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities that suit every traveller’s interests. One can choose from luxury to budget accommodations to stay and relish the authentic, organic food and drinks that the region has to offer. With this guide, we hope that you have enough information and motivation to plan a trip to Gangtok and have an amazing time.

Gangtok, viewed from Ganesh Tok Gangtok, viewed from Ganesh Tok Kanchenjunga seen from Tashi View Point Kanchenjunga seen from Tashi View Point Sypraj Plaza in Downtown Gangtok and hillsides beyond Sypraj Plaza in Downtown Gangtok and hillsides beyond Namgyal Institute of Tibetology Namgyal Institute of Tibetology