Gangtok

The exhausting list of tourist places in Gangtok Sikkim will surely leave an indelible impression. From monasteries to historical monuments to museums, there are lots of places to see in Gangtok. While visiting the tourist attractions in Gangtok Sikkim, explore its rich architecture and splendid landscapes.

Gangtok City Rope View

Tourist Attractions in Gangtok

Government Institute of Cottage Industry: Also called as the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms, it is an endeavor to preserve and promote the real Sikkimese art. Opened in 1957, the emporium is a place where you can see and buy the real Sikkimese handicrafts, such as Thangkas, Choktsees (foldable wooden tables with carving), woolen carpets, hand-painted masks, bamboo-craft, lamp stands, clothes, embroidered boots and many more. Being one of the popular tourist attractions in Gangtok, numerous tourists come here to get the first-hand knowledge about the Sikkimese art and handicrafts.

Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology: This prestigious institute is a place where you can see an excellent collection of invaluable and rare Buddhist books, Buddhist icons and old manuscripts. Displaying the spectacular Tibetan architecture, the institute is located at Deorali. The institute was founded to encourage and promote research on the traditions, culture and language of Tibet and on the Mahayana Buddhism.

Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa): Built in 1945, Do-Drul Chorten is one of the must visit tourist places in Gangtok Sikkim. One of the biggest stupas in the state, Do-Drul Chorten is a revered place for Tibetan Buddhists.

Deer Park: Offering a picturesque view of the hills, the Deer Park was established in 1950's. See different kinds of deer here. The park is also known as the Rustomji Park. The park also houses the Himalayan Bear and the Red Panda in cages. Also see a majestic statue of Lord Buddha in the park.

Enchery Monastery: Reconstructed in 1910, the Enchery Monastery was the former hermitage place if Lama Drupthob. If you are traveling to Gangtok in the month of January, visit the monastery to see the mask dance or Cham.

White Hall: Built in 1932, the White Hall is situated on the Ridge and displays the typical British architecture. This two-storied building was constructed in the memory of Claude White, who was the first Political Officer of the state.

Other places to see in Gangtok Sikkim are Flower Exhibition Center, Rumtek Monastery, the Ridge, Tasuklakhang, Tsongo Lake, Labrang Monastery, Himalayan Zoological Park, Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre and Kechopari Lake. 

Things to do in Gangtok

From mountaineering to sightseeing to white water rafting, there are many activities in Gangtok Sikkim to keep you busy and entertained. Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is a place where you not only enjoy adventure sports but also rendezvous with your inner soul. From the thrills of waters to tranquil locations to majestic mountains, Gangtok is an exotic tourist destination in the country. The list of things to do in Gangtok is quite long and interesting.

If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can choose from a long list of activities in Gangtok Sikkim to satiate your desire for adventure. Trekking, mountaineering, mountain biking, white water rafting, yak safari and hang gliding are some of the adventure that you can enjoy while in Gangtok Sikkim. Trek Gangtok's vast landscapes and mountains. Picturesque and mesmerizing sights are guaranteed.

Gangtok Sikkim is full of incredible sights, from snow-capped mountains to silvery rivers to beautiful monasteries. Are you confused how to spend your time in Gangtok? Start with the list of tourist attractions in Gangtok Sikkim to get started with your trip. The city has lots in store for travelers. Some of the tourist attractions in Gangtok Sikkim are Institute of Tibetology, Tsuk-La-Khang Monastery, Rumtek Monastery and Pemayangtse Monastery. Visit Deer Park to see Red Panda, one of the endangered animals.

Shop till you drop. One of the most popular things to do in Gangtok is shopping . You may buy carved furniture, tea, paintings, traditional jewelry, colorful dresses, carpets, Lepcha weave bags and many other items. Shopping in Gangtok will leave you with a bagful of sweet memories. Lal market, old market and new market are some shopping places in Gangtok.

Travelers can also go for excursion trips from Gangtok. Changu Lake is 35 km from the city and is an ideal site for family picnic. Also visit a temple of Lord Shiva located on the lakeside. Other excursion sites from Gangtok are Yumthang, Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok, Phoodong Monastery, Tashi View Point and many more.

Best Time To Visit Gangtok

The best season to visit Gangtok is between October and May. The flowers bloom from March to May and clear views of the Himalayan peaks are guaranteed between October and mid-December. June to September brings heavy rains causing landslides that can disrupt communication. January and February means snow in the higher altitudes and visits to some of the tourist spots around Gangtok will not be possible.

How to reach Gangtok

Getting to Gangtok Sikkim can be fun and overwhelming. Gangtok is a capital city of Sikkim and is blessed with nature. India Tour Guides not only offers information about tourist attractions in Gangtok but also keeps you informed about the best way to reach Gangtok. You can also book your trip and hotel rooms online here.

By Air: Bagdora in West Bengal is the nearest airport from Gangtok Sikkim. From the airport, it will take only 4 hours drive to reach Gangtok Sikkim. The airport links Gangtok to all major parts in the country. Sikkim Helicopter Service by Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) allows travelers to get to Sikkim from the airport.

By Train: Trains to Gangtok can be an efficient and stressful way of getting to Gangtok Sikkim. New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station from Gangtok Sikkim. A 4-hour drive will take you to Gangtok from the railway station, which is well connected with other major destinations in the country.

By Road: Buses can be an affordable way to visit Gangtok. It can be a bit slower than if you take train or flight to visit Gangtok Sikkim. But if you are traveling from Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Siliguri, travel by road can easier and affordable. Drive by the NH 31 to reach Gangtok. Travel by bus to Gangtok adds two important factors - flexibility and affordability. Darjeeling is 4-hour drive and Bhutan is 6-hour drive away from Gangtok.