Things to Do in Gangtok for Every Traveller

Welcome to Gangtok, the enchanting capital of Sikkim! Nestled at an altitude of 1,650 metres above sea level and perched in the lap of the Himalayas, Gangtok is a place where natural beauty meets cultural diversity. Gangtok's mesmerising sightseeing options, tranquil ambience, snow-capped peaks, gurgling waterfalls, and ancient monasteries make it a perfect destination for those seeking peace, adventure, and cultural experiences.

From the serene Tsomgo Lake to the bustling city centre, Gangtok offers several places to visit that will leave you captivated. There are also many things to do in Gangtok, making it an ideal destination for travellers. In this blog, we will take you on a journey through some of the best places to visit in Gangtok, so fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is a glacial lake located 12,313 feet above sea level. It is one of India's highest lakes and is always frozen in the winter. Snow-clad mountains surround the lake, and its crystal-clear water makes for a beautiful sight.

What makes Tsomgo Lake not to be missed on anyone's Gangtok tour packages is its ever-changing colours. The lake reflects different hues, ranging from turquoise to deep blue, depending on the sunlight and weather conditions. In addition, the lake is considered sacred by the locals, and there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on its banks. Tourists can enjoy a yak ride around the lake, take a stroll along its banks, simply soak in the scenic beauty or go trekking in the nearby hills, making it one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Gangtok for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Gangtok Ropeway

The Gangtok Ropeway, also known as the Deorali Ropeway, is one of the famous things to do in Gangtok, Sikkim, that offers a unique experience to day trippers. The ropeway ride provides a bird's eye view of the city and the surrounding mountains, making it a great way to appreciate Gangtok's beauty from a different perspective.

But what makes the Gangtok Ropeway unique is its engineering. The ropeway is the only one in India with a double-cable zig-back system. The cars travel on two cables, and the system reverses direction at the midpoint, allowing for a continuous and uninterrupted ride. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes and covers a distance of 1 km, passing over the Deorali bazaar and landing at Tashiling Secretariat.

The ropeway ride is a must-try experience for anyone visiting Gangtok, as it offers an exciting and unique way to see the city's stunning landscape.

Rumtek Monastery

Another popular local sightseeing spot of Gangtok is the Rumtek Monastery. The monastery attracts globetrotters from all over the world, who come to explore its vibrant cultural heritage and learn about Tibetan Buddhism.

One of the main reasons why tourists visit Rumtek Monastery is to witness the stunning architecture and art of the monastery. The building is a masterpiece of traditional Tibetan architecture, featuring a golden stupa, colourful murals, and intricate carvings.

The monastery's stunning interior is adorned with ancient Buddhist artefacts, including thangkas, statues, and other religious relics, making it a feast for the eyes and the soul.

Rumtek Monastery is also a hub of religious and spiritual practices, and visitors can participate in daily prayer ceremonies and rituals. The serene ambience of the monastery, coupled with the chanting of the monks, creates a peaceful and meditative atmosphere that is truly unique.

Banjhakri Waterfall

One of the most well-liked things for many tourists to do in Gangtok is to visit this mesmerising waterfall. It is named after the Banjhakri, which is a shamanic healer of the Lepcha community. The main attraction of the park is, of course, the Banjhakri Waterfall itself. The waterfall cascades down a rocky slope from a height of around 70 feet, creating a spellbinding and picturesque sight. Visitors can get up close to the waterfall and feel the refreshing mist that comes from it.

Surprisingly, it's not just a waterfall but also a themed park that celebrates the Lepcha culture and tradition. The park features beautiful gardens, a natural stream, and several man-made waterfalls that create a serene and relaxing environment.

As visitors walk through the park, they will come across several beautiful sculptures and murals depicting the Lepcha folklore and legends, which add to the park's cultural significance. Visitors can also enjoy various adventure activities, including ziplining, rock climbing, and rope walking. It's an ideal place to spend a peaceful day surrounded by natural beauty and immerse oneself in the local culture and tradition of the Lepcha community.

Hanuman Tok

Another one of the famous things to see in Gangtok is this temple. The temple is dedicated to Hindu Lord Hanuman, who is worshipped for his strength, devotion, and loyalty. What makes Hanuman Tok stand out from other tourist places to visit in Gangtok is its location. The temple is located on a hilltop at an altitude of 7,200 feet, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the city of Gangtok. Visitors have to climb a steep staircase to reach the temple, which can be quite challenging, but the panoramic views from the top make it all worth it.

What makes Hanuman Tok even more special is that the Indian Army maintains it. The temple is situated on the premises of an army cantonment, and the soldiers take care of the temple and ensure that it's clean and well-maintained. Apart from the temple, there is also a viewpoint at Hanuman Tok that offers some of the best views of Gangtok. From this vantage point, visitors can see the entire city, the Himalayan range, and the distant Tsomgo Lake.

Do Drul Chorten

Do Drul Chorten is a prominent stupa which is considered one of the most significant Buddhist shrines in the region. The stupa is unique in its architectural style, which is a blend of ancient Tibetan and modern Buddhist design. A well-known Tibetan lama named Trulshik Rinpoche constructed the stupa in 1945 with the aim of warding off evil spirits and fostering peace and prosperity in the area. The decorations of prayer flags and religious symbols on the stupa make it a pleasant and fascinating place to visit.

Another unique feature of Do Drul Chorten is the several smaller chortens that surround the main stupa. These smaller chortens, known as 'mani-lhakor,' are inscribed with prayers and mantras and contain thousands of tiny prayer wheels that can be spun by visitors. Spinning the prayer wheels is believed to bring good luck and merit to the person, and it's a widespread practice among locals and tourists.

Its historical and cultural significance, combined with its beautiful design and serene atmosphere, make it one of the must-visit things to do in Gangtok.

Enchey Monastery

Enchey Monastery in Gangtok is a beautiful and peaceful Buddhist monastery. It was built in the 19th century on the site where a revered lama had once meditated. The name 'Enchey' means 'solitary temple' in the local language, reflecting the isolated location of the monastery in the midst of dense forests. It is a 200-year-old monastery known for its intricate wood carvings and murals and is home to several monks who practise Buddhism.

The main prayer hall of the monastery is adorned with beautiful thangkas, prayer flags, and a golden statue of Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim. It is also surrounded by natural beauty, with the lush green forests and hills of Gangtok providing a stunning backdrop to the monastery's serene atmosphere. It definitely needs to be added to the itinerary and things-to-do list of Gangtok.

Gangtok is a city that truly has it all. From breathtaking natural beauty to rich cultural heritage, and adventure activities to peaceful meditation spots; this charming city in the Himalayas offers something for everyone. Whether you're seeking a serene escape into nature or an adrenaline-filled adventure, Gangtok offers several things to do and has plenty of places to visit. The Tsomgo Lake, Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, and Gangtok Ropeway are iconic landmarks one cannot miss. The Banjhakri Waterfall and Hanuman Tok are other must-visit destinations for nature lovers.

For those seeking adventure, trekking, paragliding, and river rafting are popular activities that offer a thrilling experience in the picturesque landscapes of Gangtok. And for those who seek tranquillity, Gangtok offers a perfect setting to meditate and reflect.