BEST Places to Visit in Gangtok (2025)

Places to Visit in Gangtok

Gangtok, being the capital of Sikkim, offers a variety of attractions from serene lakes and monasteries to scenic viewpoints. Gangtok, the city in the Hills, is an attraction for tourists and is established as a Buddhist pilgrimage site. The place is naturally structured to attract tourists and people with beautiful landscapes and natural beauty. Let’s discuss the top Places To Visit In Gangtok.

Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake)

Being a high-altitude glacial lake, it is considered a sacred place that becomes beautiful when get freezes in winter and is surrounded by alpine flowers in warmer months. Here, you will need to have permits to visit the place, so book in advance to enjoy without stress. The lake changes its hue with the seasons – a vibrant blue in summer to a dazzling sheet of ice in winter. You can enjoy a yak ride along the shores.

Nathu La Pass

It is a historical mountain pass that connects Sikkim with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. It offers spectacular views and is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Here, you also need to have a permit to visit the place. The pass offers you an experience of breathtaking and dramatic landscapes.

Tashi Viewpoint

This viewpoint is situated about 8-10 km from the main Gangtok town. It is along the North Sikkim Highway near Pangthang. It offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. It is one of the best Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Gangtok. You can have views of sunrise and sunset with a catchy and attractive look as the rising sun paints the snow-capped mountains with its golden hues.

Seven Sisters Waterfalls

The waterfall is one of the Places to visit in Sikkim, where a captivating natural attraction waits for your arrival. This waterfall is 32 km from Gangtok and is known for its seven distinct streams of water cascading down a rugged cliff face. It becomes more attractive and impressive during and after the monsoon. You can hire a cab service in Gangtok from a trusted and reliable cab service provider to reach these spots.

Bakthang waterfalls

Bakthang waterfalls, being another delightful waterfall that offers beautiful sightseeing, are perfect for a quick photo shoot. It is a small but beautiful waterfall that attracts tourists for local sightseeing.

Ganesh Tok

This temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesh, is a faith for spiritual beings. The place is scared as well as offers incredible bird’s eye views of Gangtok town spread out below. The majestic mountains add more beauty and attraction to the temple’s views.

Himalayan Zoological Park

For wildlife enthusiasts, the Himalayan Zoological Park is a gem. Unlike traditional zoos, this park has the objective of making the natural habitats of animals and birds alive. Here, you can spot the animals like snow leopard, red pandas, and Himalayan black bear.

Khangchendzonga National Park

Named after the mountain, Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain peak in the world, the national park is a must-visit spot because it will be loved by your children and family. It is one of Sikkim’s natural heritages and has been a part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a biodiverse wonderland that is home to stunning alpine lakes, lush valleys, and towering peaks. It’s a paradise for trekkers and nature lovers. You will need a dedicated time to explore the park.

Monasteries and Spiritual Sites:

Gangtok is deeply connected with Buddhist culture, and its monasteries are not just places of worship but also repositories of ancient wisdom, art, and tranquillity.

Rumtek Monastery: The Heart of the Kagyu Lineage

Considered as one of the most important monasteries in the world, Rumtek Monastery is a spiritual and architectural attraction. It’s the seat of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim and has a magnificent golden stupa containing the relics of the 16^th Karmapa.

Do Drul Chorten Stupa

This impressive white stupa, adorned with a golden top, is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels. Spinning these wheels while chanting mantras is believed to cleanse sins. The tranquil ambience and the rhythmic hum of prayers make it a perfect spot for calm meditation and prayer.

Enchey Monastery

This is an important seat of the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. Its beautiful idols, ornate carvings, and collection of masks used in the famous “Cham” dance festival offer a glimpse into rich Buddhist traditions. The monastery provides a peaceful escape from the bustle of the town.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

This renowned institute is dedicated to the study of Tibetan language, religion, and culture. There is a vast collection of rare Buddhist manuscripts, ancient artifacts, and a museum showcasing unique ritualistic objects and Thangkas (scroll paintings)

Ranka Monastery (Lingdum Monastery)

It is a relatively new but equally grand monastery. The sprawling complex, vibrant prayer flags, and the soothing sounds of chanting frame an incredibly peaceful environment. The place offers panoramic views to enjoy the spot.

Shopping in Gangtok

The city offers some shopping places so that you remember that you have visited Gangtok, Sikkim. You can buy clothes, cups, and other lovely things from the local market. Let’s learn about Shopping in Gangtok :

1. MG Marg (Mahatma Gandhi Marg)

Being the heart of Gangtok, MG Marg is not only a place for leisure and dining, but also the prime shopping hub. You can find a mix of smaller and larger stores here.

What you can buy:

• Sikkimese Cups and Teapots – Made of ceramic, these cups and teapots come with vibrant traditional designs.
• Woollen winter wears – Jackets, pullovers, shawls, and sweaters
• Gift items – Keychains, local trinkets, etc.
• Silver jewellery – Beautiful silver jewellery adorned with semi-precious stones and local, unique designs
• Sikkim Tea – organic tea packages
• Thangkas and Buddhist Figurines – Smaller Thangka paintings and Buddha statues
• Fashion and accessories, etc.

2. Lal Bazaar

A bustling local market, located near MG Marg. Lal Bazaar offers true Sikkim life, especially on Sundays.

What you can buy:

• Organic produce – fresh vegetables, fruits, free from chemicals
• Local delicacies – chhurpi, homemade noodles, various pickles
• Handicrafts and woven goods – Lepcha weaves, pottery, and smaller handcrafted items
• Khurki – traditional curved Nepali knife

3. Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms (DHH)

A must-visit spot if you are interested in genuine Sikkimese Handicrafts.

What you can buy:

• Thangka Paintings – Cultural and artistic pieces
• Tibetan Carpets – Beautifully hand-knotted woollen carpets
• Wooden Carving – Traditional foldable tables (Choktse), masks, and decorative pieces
• Handwoven Textiles – Traditional Sikkimese dresses (Bakhu or Kho), Shawls, scarves
• Handmade paper products

4. Old Market / New Market

In the old market, you can find various things like fashion wear, accessories, and handicrafts. While in a new market, you can find dry fruits, barfis, and local snacks.

Tips for shopping:

While MG Marg shops might have fixed prices, you can often bargain at Lal Bazaar and smaller street stalls.

For high-quality, authentic handicrafts, the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms is the most reliable spot.

While many shops accept digital payments, having some cash is always useful, especially in the smaller markets.

Top Hotels in Gangtok

Here, we have mentioned some of the top hotels in Gangtok, Sikkim.

• The Golden Crest Hotel: (3-star) – This casual hotel offers free breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, and a restaurant with international cuisine. It has a rating of 4.0 based on 1473 reviews.
• Udaan Hotels | Alpine Resort, Gangtok: This hotel has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps.
• Five Gangtok: This is a 4.1-rated hotel on Google Maps.
• HOTEL AMBA REGENCY – Hotel And Restaurant In Gangtok: (3-star) – This hotel has a rating of 4.2 based on 361 reviews.
• Great Eastern Valley Residency: (2-star) – This hotel has a rating of 4.3 based on 254 reviews.
• The Regal: (3-star) – This hotel has a rating of 4.1 based on 562 reviews.
• Lemon Tree Hotel, Gangtok: (4-star) – This hotel features a restaurant, an outdoor pool, a spa, and free breakfast. It has a rating of 4.3 based on 1493 reviews.

The prices of these Top Hotels in Gangtok are between the range of ₹ 1500 to ₹ 5000 and above. Prices can vary according to availability and season.

Now, there is no need to mention or explain the beauty of Sikkim and Gangtok. So, what are you now waiting for?? Book a taxi service in Gangtok with a reliable cab service provider like ChikuCab. For extraordinary comfort, book Urbania Tempo Traveller in Gangtok from a safe and comfort-focused cab rental provider.

Best Time To Visit Gangtok

The best times to visit Gangtok are generally:

From March to June (Spring/Summer): During this period, you will be able to observe pleasant weather, blooming flowers (especially rhododendrons), and clear skies for mountain views

From October to February (Autumn/Winter): During this phase of the season, you can experience clear skies offering stunning views of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga. If you are willing to experience snow in Gangtok, December to February is a good time, especially at higher altitudes like Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La Pass.

You should try to avoid the monsoon season (July to September) due to heavy rainfall, which can lead to landslides and affect travel.

FAQs

Abhishek Singh

I’m a wanderer who loves venturing on to unknown and unseen places. I explore freely to various fun and adventurous places, whether it be spiritual temple tours, captivating landscapes, and more. I wonder around in search of hidden gems and tourist attractions, temples, and other places.