Travelling to the North-eastern India, more so Sikkim, is one of the best gifts you could give to yourself. The experiences one gathers here are a class apart. And if you happen to land in a place like Gangtok, a value-for-money vacation is guaranteed because there is an amazing array of things to do in the Himalayan hill town.
Travelling to the North-eastern India, more so Sikkim, is one of the best gifts you could give to yourself. The experiences one gathers here are a class apart. And if you happen to land in a place like Gangtok, a value-for-money vacation is guaranteed because there is an amazing array of things to do in the Himalayan hill town. Below are the few some of the Things to do in Gangtok.
Cable Ride
This is a kilometer of zig-zag thrill that starts from Deorali and takes the visitors to Tashiling. Offering a bird’s eye view of Gangtok, it is one of the most famous things to do in Gangtok city and top-rated among Gangtok tourist attractions.
It is a double-cable zig back ropeway, in which each cable car can carry up to 24 passengers only. There are no seats in the cable car, so you need to stand. The 1 km long ride (2 km to and fro) has three stations – the first station is at Deorali near the Institute of Tibetology; the next station is Namnang; and the topmost station is in Tashiling, close to the Secretariat.
You can disembark anywhere but a 2-way ride is highly recommended. The ticket price includes two-way ride and awesome views, both ways, are guaranteed. Further, this 7-minute ride is not limited to the complete city view only; if the weather is good, brace yourself for a glorious view of Khangchendzonga.
Yak Safari
Yak Safari makes for a unique experience among all the top things to do in Gangtok. A ride that slowly and steadily takes you to places in and around Gangtok while you firmly hold on to the hump of this huge mountain animal. As you move through the craggy terrain, amid the angelic beauty of Sikkim, the joyride gets into you completely.
Organized in different parts of Sikkim, Yak Safari is an unforgettable and one of its kind experience. The popular trails are Dzongri area and Tsomgo lake. Go up the mountain for a ride around the Tsomgo Lake and dont miss a photo session atop the Yak!
You can plan your safari as per the duration of stay there. Usually, the yak safari comes in a 3 to 5-day itinerary which can be planned according to your availability.
Mountain Biking
Gangtok has been a treat to mountain bikers, thanks to the grueling tracks that have turned into a biker’s delight. One of the best things in Gangtok for adventure lovers, mountain biking in Gangtok boasts of routes that trigger adrenaline and offer a lot of thrill.
The complete activity ranges from a period as short as four days to full-fledged 15-day trekking as well as biking expedition. Most trails are carved out to help you experience the best of forests, villages, monasteries, rivers, waterfalls, and biodiversity in Gangtok. it is also one of the most famous things to do in Gangtok.
River rafting on The Teesta River
Want to feel the adrenalin rush? Go white water rafting on the Teesta River – the absolute ‘must-do’ thing in Gangtok! Thunder down the Teesta’s rapids, enjoy the spectacular views of the dense forests that line its banks and take back some awesome stories to tell and retell. it is one of the most famous things to do in Gangtok
Paragliding
Fancy a bird’s-eye view of the lavish green hills, terraced rice fields and the monasteries in Gangtok? How about a stunning view of the Kanchenjunga in the distance? That’s paragliding for you, one of the most popular things to do in Gangtok. Flights are organized according to altitude and weather and you always have a certified pilot with you on these tandem flights, so you’re always safe.
Trekking
One of the biggest ‘it’ things to do in Gangtok is to go trekking across its many picturesque trails that take you through thick forests of poplar, birch, elm and oak trees, surprise clumps of exotic Orchids, wide expanses of terraced farmland and impromptu waterfalls with water clean enough to drink. it is one of the famous things to do in Gangtok
Visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Whether or not you’re a Buddhist, a visit to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology will leave you richer with its huge collection of spiritually and culturally important Buddhist artefacts, relics, books and manuscripts in the ancient Lepcha script among others; and thangkas (cloth paintings used in traditional prayers). One of the best known things to do in Gangtok, a visit to this institute/museum will be a unique experience.
Seven Sisters Waterfall
One of the must Things To Do in Gangtok is to visit the gorgeous Seven Sisters Waterfall. As the name suggests, there are seven waterfalls of different sizes that flow side by side. The scene is spectacularly mesmerizing. During the monsoons, all the seven waterfalls come to life and fiercely come down from the mountain and create huge waves below. This dangerous phenomenon is one sight that you must not miss on your trip to Gangtok. This has made the place a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, especially the ones with a camera. It absolutely is a thing to capture.
The seven waterfalls rushing down through the forest covered mountains create a perfect harmony and you can spend hours looking at them. The destination is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the view. As the sun starts to set down, the long shadows of the mountains and the orange sky reflect on the Seven Sisters Waterfall, making them even more magical. You can arrange a small picnic with your family and friends to spend a lovely day surrounded by nature.
Visit Nathu La Pass
If you are thinking about adventurous Things To Do in Gangtok then a trip to the famous Nathu La Pass can surely be the best thing to do for you. Located at a height of 14150 feet, the Nathu La Pass used to be a passage to the Silk Route when it was operational. The area offers a stunning view of the white mountains, and the journey itself is an adventure to remember. The India-China border is only a few feet from the Nathu La Pass and you can see the soldiers of both the countries guarding the border. You can visit the Sherathang Market and cloud-covered Kupup on your trip.
Because of its height, the Nathu La Pass has a lower level of Oxygen. Don’t let that stop you from enjoying Gangtok Adventure Activities as you can easily carry a small Oxygen cylinder with you. Apart from a Protected Area Permit, issued by the Sikkim Tourism Department, you will also need to carry an ID proof and two passport size photos with you. You won’t be allowed to enter the Nathu La Pass without them.
Visit Tsomgo Lake
Located in East Sikkim at an elevation of 3,780m, the Tsomgo Lake is also called ‘Changku Lake’. Associated with numerous myths and beliefs, this alluring lake is situated on the Gangtok Nathu La Highway and within the close proximity to the Chinese border.
During winters or summers, the climatic conditions prevailing around this stunning reservoir varies from chilly to moderate. Stunning views of the nearby snow-capped mountains, reflections of the loft clouds on the clear blue water surface and the alluring views of the surroundings make this lake a spectacular sight in Gangtok.
However, due to its close proximity with the Indo-China International Border, the non-Indian nationals might have to take special permissions in order to visit this lake. it is one of the most famous things to do in Gangtok
Helicopter Ride in Sikkim
A helicopter ride in Sikkim is an opportunity to get an aerial view of the Himalayan ranges and amongst the top things to do in Gangtok. It is a time to feast your eyes on the grandeur of this place. Be spellbound by the high-rise mountains, valleys, rivers and forests as you see them from the sky. See the Gangtok town and get a comprehensive eagle’s eye view of its landscape. You can also go on helicopter rides over the monasteries and explore their spirituality and devotion.
The best helicopter trip would be the one over the Valley of Flowers. There could be some rules pertaining to photography; as per the Ministry of Defense, photography may not be allowed in some regions. However, despite of such restrictions, a helicopter ride is a must while visiting the salubrious hill city in Sikkim.
Visit Rumtek Monastery
Also called the Dharmachakra Centre, the Rumtek Monastery is a renowned place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Built in the 16th century, this monastery is perched atop a hill from here you get a panoramic view of the city while on your Gangtok trip.
Being the largest monasteries in this region, people visit this place for its surroundings and picturesque views as well. A small path meanders from the monastery and passes through terrace rice fields. You can follow this path to witness sloshing streams and rare plants that make up a unique ecosystem. The monastery is surrounded by mountains, streams and forests. It is perfectly nestled amidst such enchanting beauty to make your visit to this place a memorable one.
The aforementioned are some of the many things to do in Gangtok. Bestowed with numerous avenues for recreation and adventure, this capital city of Sikkim has its own glory and charm. Be it the sprawling meadows to the sunset views from cliffs, everything about Gangtok are cradled by nature’s finest attributes.
View Sunset At Tashi Viewpoint
If you have ever wanted to view the Kanchenjunga mountain range from a close distance, then the Tashi Viewpoint is the ideal spot for you! Located only a few miles away from the main city, it can easily reached. Also, one of the most sought after destinations for the nature photographers and admirers, the mystique appeal of the viewpoint is a must for everyone.
Mostly swarmed during the early hours of the day, the rays of the rising sun creates a magical charm around the point. Illuminating the ambience with the golden sunrays, it offers the panoramic views of the Khanchendzonga and Siniolchu peaks. Circular in shape, it allows four people at a time and a visit to this viewpoint is one of the fantastic things to do in Gangtok.
Visit Temi Tea Garden
Here’s a unique thing to do in Gangtok – visit the Temi Tea Garden (47 Km from Gangtok), Sikkim’s sole tea grower, and take a tour of the facilities to get acquainted with the process of turning leaves into tea. The views of the verdant estate are stunning and it’s a memorable experience to have. Also, this is the only organic tea garden in the country and produces about 100 tons of tea in a year! Get some to flaunt back home.
Visit M.G. Marg
A visit to Gangtok is really incomplete without paying visits to M. G. Marg, Gangtok, which is a ‘must visit’ place. Marg’ refers to ‘Road’ in Hindi, so MG Marg means MG Road. Gangtok is the town centre of the hill town and just like any other important road in a city of India would be named as Mahatma Gandhi Road or MG Road, Gangtok is no exception and hence this place is named as M. G. Marg, Gangtok. Over the years, the road and the area around it has transformed.
The entire road is lined up with numerous glittering shops, restaurants, cafes and bars on both sides. It looks very similar to a shopping mall but out in the open. Locals and tourists take leisure walks or just sit and relax. Many tourists take a table at a roadside restaurant and watch the activities on the street, or relax on one of the benches laid alongside the road. The atmosphere out there is like a carnival. At MG Marg in December, The annual Gangtok Food and Culture Festival is held. It is one of the most important things to do in Gangtok.
Banjhakri Falls
There is an array of adventurous things to do in Gangtok and visiting the Banjhakri Falls is one of them. Out of all the breathtaking marvels of mother nature, the most refreshing and magical ones are the gushing waterfalls. The sounds of water hitting the hard rocks, the coldness of naturally occuring waters, and the surrounding greenery makes the falls look right out of a children’s storybook.
Gangtok gives one a chance to witness these magical natural wonders from up close. Banjhakri Falls are around 100-ft long waterfalls around 7 kilometers from Gangtok. These falls are a popular picnic spot completed with a manmade lake, a park that is themed on the Shaman Culture, structures with Sikkimese architecture, and gazebos.
Himalayan Zoological Park
For all the animal and wildlife lovers out there, Gangtok is like heaven on earth. Sitting in Bulbulay, at an altitude of 1780 meters is one of the most stunning Zoological Park. This Park is not only famous for the creatures it houses, but also for the magnificent views of the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga. Exploring the park and spotting animals is one of the things to do in Gangtok.
This Zoological Park was established in the year 1991. This Zoo is different from all the others that one has seen. Main aim of the zoological park is to keep the species under safe and regular conditions while they live in their natural habitat. Various animals that one can witness in this Zoological Park are Himalayan Red Panda, Himalayan black bear, snow leopard cat, Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Goral, Crimson-horned Pheasant, and many more.
The zoo is also home to various facilities like a cafe, a souvenir shop, a watchtower, washrooms, and various drinking water points.
