Sikkim’s most popular city and also the capital of the state has the most unique beauty and is surrounded by flourishing green valleys and magnificent mountains. You can get plenty of customized packages to visit the best destinations in Gangtok. People from every corner of India visit Gangtok to catch a glance at majestic snow-covered mountains. Gangtok is the best and a favorite spot for vacations, trekkers, Buddhist pilgrimage, adventure lovers. The place is suitable to spend with family, friends as well for couples.
The weather is comfortable and suitable throughout the year. Moreover, the Panoramic view of Gangtok is worth appreciating, the green valleys and misty mountains.
The most preferable season to visit Gangtok is from September to June. Most visitors go there during the autumn(Sep-Oct) and spring to summer(Mar-June).
During winters the temperature in Gangtok is around 3- 7 degrees Celsius and you may consider that to be the best time to visit Gangtok. Avoid visiting any hill station during monsoon due to heavy rainfall and landslides.
Places to visit in Gangtok
While you are booking any of the packages, make sure you are spending more than 1-2 days there if you want to visit the best destinations in Gangtok. There are plenty of places to visit in and nearby Gangtok and it will take time to explore every part of Gangtok. Here are some places I am mentioning in this blog which is a must-visit place.
1. Rumtek Monastery
This monastery is one of the most popular and remarkable monasteries in the town. This divine monstery is a school of Tibetian Buddhism and is mainly known for its Kagyu teachings. It is a 3 storeyed Tibetian Gumpa styled building. The monastery is designed in a unique and traditional Tibetian way. Therefore this destination is included in almost all the Gangtok tour packages due to its uniqueness. If you visit the Rumtek monastery in the morning hours, you can get a glance of monks offering morning prayers.
2. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
When it comes to Tibetan knowledge, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is well known for that. The place consists of Tibetan fine arts, sculptures, antiques. The script works are in various languages like Sanskrit, Tibetan, Lepcha, and Chinese. The institution has a library that carries more than 60 thousand books that are also considered the first lessons of Gautama Buddha. You can find the rarest and ancient objects used in Tibetan culture. The visiting hours are from 10 am to 4 pm (Mon-Sat).
3.Tashi Viewpoint
This is one of the most beautiful and noteworthy view spots in Gangtok. The best time to pay a visit to the Tashi viewpoint is March to June because the weather is just perfect for the scenario at that period. Probably this viewpoint is one of the best destinations of Gangtok. The space is pleasant and you can spend a better time with family and friends and can relish the sunrise and sunset and witness the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga.
4. M G Marg
You may call M G Marg the heart of Gangtok. A huge number of people, the tourists as well as the localities gather here to spend their leisure time. The street is lined up with numerous restaurants and cafes. Not only that, the area has a lot of shops that deal with great Tibetan foods and items.
5. Do Drul Chorten Stupa
This spot is the historic one in Gangtok. Do Drul Chorten is built by Trulshik Rinpoche, leader of the Nyingma community in 1945-46. It has 108 Mani Lhakor conventional which is called petition wheels of Buddhism and it is believed to have wish accepting properties. Moreover, the stupa has the figure of Dorjee Phurpa or Vajra Kilaya. The location of the stupa is near the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Gangtok center.
6. Ban Jhakri falls
This destination is a picnic spot in Gangtok and if you love to spend some with a group of friends or your family, you must visit Ban Jhakri falls. The waterfall is around 100 ft and the falls are considered to be very holy by the locals of Gangtok. Besides, this waterfall always has visitors throughout the year. The best time to visit here is between February and April.
7. Khecheopalri Lake
This lake is also known as Kha-chot-palri and is situated very close to Gangtok town. The lake is surrounded by statues of Lord Shiva, Goddess Tara, and Guru Padmasambhava. Also, the trekkers of Yuksom never leaves the opportunity to visit this magnificent lake. If you are visiting during the month of October, you can be a part of the Chho-Tsho celebration. The best time to visit this place is February to March because of the pleasant weather.
8. Ganesh Tok
This destination is near to Tashi viewpoint and Bakthang Falls and you must visit there for witnessing the beautiful architecture and nature. There is a temple that is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and the view from this spot is just amazing. The temple is present at a high of 6500 ft and you can view Mt.Kanchenjunga, Eastern Himalayas, and Gangtok.
How to reach Gangtok?
Like any of the hill stations, you can reach Gangtok by three means of transportation.
By Air: The nearest airport from Gangtok is Bagdogra around 125km. However, you can book a rental car from Bagdogra to Gangtok.
By Railways: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri and the station is well connected to all major stations of our country and is 117 km from Gangtok.
By Roads: You can book a car from Siliguri or Kolkata to Gangtok. Sikkim public transport buses operate daily from Siliguri and Bagdogra.\
Also, you can rent a car to visit the nearby best destinations of Gangtok.