Gangtok

Exploring Gangtok – Sikkim’s Heartbeat of Culture, Views, and Vibes

Gangtok, the charming capital of Sikkim, is where serenity meets city buzz. After my peaceful yet thrilling experience through the winding roads and green expanses of Sikkim (Read the full Sikkim journey here), I spent two beautiful days soaking in the vibrant, colorful spirit of Gangtok — and trust me, it felt like the perfect finale.

Arrival in Gangtok – A City Above the Clouds

After our shared Sumo ride from Siliguri, the first glimpse of Gangtok’s misty hills and neat little houses clinging to the slopes was pure magic. It’s a hill station, but unlike the chaotic hill towns we’re used to, Gangtok felt organized, clean, and refreshingly calm.

Tip: If you’re visiting in July like I did, expect a few showers and carry a light rain jacket. The fog only adds more mystery to the town.

Must-visit places in Gangtok

Viewpoints & Scenic Spots

1. Tashi View Point
   – Best place to view Mt. Kanchenjunga, especially at sunrise.
2. Ganesh Tok & Hanuman Tok
   – Peaceful temples on hilltops with panoramic views of Gangtok and surrounding valleys.
3. Bakthang Waterfall
   – Small but pretty waterfall near Tashi View Point.

Monasteries & Spiritual Sites

4. Enchey Monastery
   – A 200-year-old monastery, peaceful and surrounded by pine trees.
5. Do Drul Chorten Stupa
   – A major stupa with 108 prayer wheels and spiritual significance.
6. Rumtek Monastery (approx. 24 km from Gangtok)
   – One of the largest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. Serene, colorful, and culturally rich.

Nature & Adventure

7. Banjhakri Waterfalls & Energy Park
   – A man-made park with a natural waterfall, Sikkimese folklore statues, and greenery. Great for family photos.
8. Himalayan Zoological Park
   – Open-air zoo with red pandas, Himalayan bears, and other mountain species in a semi-natural habitat.
9. Ranka Monastery (Lingdum)
   – Scenic monastery surrounded by forests; quieter and less crowded than Rumtek.

Fun & Unique Experiences

10. Gangtok Ropeway (Cable Car)
    – Offers aerial views of the town and valleys. Covers 3 stations.
11. Flower Exhibition Centre
    – Near Ridge Park; seasonal display of exotic flowers and orchids.

Local Culture & Markets

12. MG Marg
    – The cleanest and most popular street in Gangtok, with cafes, shops, and evening street performances. No vehicles allowed.
13. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
    – Learn about Tibetan culture, history, and Buddhism. Good for culture lovers.
14. Cottage Industries Emporium
    – Buy handwoven carpets, Sikkimese handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Optional Short Trips from Gangtok

• Tsomgo Lake (38 km) – Glacial lake at 12,400 ft; requires permit. Combine with Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass (Indo-China border).
• Nathula Pass – For Indian nationals only, with permit; open a few days a week.

---

Must-try food in Gangtok

Street Food & Snacks

1. Steamed Momos
   Soft dumplings stuffed with vegetables, paneer, chicken, or pork.
   ➤ Try them from local stalls near MG Marg.
2. Fried Momos
   Crispy, golden version of the classic momo — great with spicy chutney.
3. Shapta
   A Tibetan-style stir-fried meat (often beef or chicken) in spicy gravy. Best with Tingmo or rice.

Comfort Bowls

4. Thukpa
   A warming noodle soup with vegetables or meat. A perfect monsoon or winter meal.
5. Gyathuk
   Similar to thukpa but made with thicker handmade noodles and richer broth.
6. Phagshapa
   Sikkimese pork stew with dried red chilies and radish — tangy, spicy, and unique.

Traditional & Local Breads

7. Tingmo
   Soft, fluffy steamed Tibetan bread often served with spicy curry or shapta.
8. Sael Roti with Aloo Dum
   Ring-shaped fried rice bread (from Nepali cuisine) paired with a thick potato curry.

Drinks & Warmers

9. Butter Tea (Suja)
   Salty and creamy, made with yak butter — a traditional Tibetan drink, great for high altitudes.
10. Chhang (Local Millet Beer)
    Mildly fermented traditional alcohol served in bamboo mugs. Try it at homestays or local festivals.

Desserts & Sweets

11. Sel Roti with Sugar or Dry Fruits
    Sometimes served sweet during special occasions.
12. Local Bakery Cakes
    Try the apple pie, carrot cake, and freshly baked pastries at places like Baker’s Café or The Coffee Shop.

Cafes & Restaurants You Can Try

• Baker’s Café (MG Marg): Apple pie, coffee, and cozy vibes
• Taste of Tibet: For authentic Tibetan food
• Roll House: Famous for momos and aloo rolls
• Nimtho: Traditional Sikkimese thali experience
• The Coffee Shop (near MG Marg): Great for breakfast and hot chocolate

---

Best Hotels to Stay in Gangtok

Luxury Options:

1. The Elgin Nor-Khill Gangtok (Approx. ₹12,000/night):
   • A heritage property offering a royal and serene stay.
2. Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino (Approx. ₹10,000/night):
   • A luxurious retreat with world-class amenities and a casino.

Mid-Range Options:

1. Summit Golden Crescent Resort (Approx. ₹4,500/night):
   • A comfortable resort with stunning views and excellent service.
2. Lemon Tree Hotel Gangtok (Approx. ₹5,000/night):
   • Known for its convenient location and modern facilities.

Budget Options:

1. Zostel Gangtok (Approx. ₹1,500/night):
   • Ideal for backpackers and solo travelers, offering dormitories and private rooms.
2. Hotel Tibet (Approx. ₹2,000/night):
   • A budget-friendly stay with Tibetan-inspired interiors and warm hospitality.

---

How to Reach Gangtok

---

Adventure and Activities in Gangtok

1. Paragliding:
   • Fly over the scenic landscapes of Gangtok with breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
2. Trekking:
   • Popular treks include the Dzongri Trek and the Goecha La Trek.
3. Ropeway Ride:
   • Enjoy a cable car ride offering stunning aerial views of the city and valleys.
4. Yak Ride at Tsomgo Lake:
   • A unique experience riding these gentle creatures around the lake.
5. Shopping:
   • Shop for local handicrafts, woolens, and souvenirs at MG Marg and Lal Bazaar.

---

Gangtok Itinerary – 4 Days / 3 Nights

Day 1: Arrival + Local Sightseeing

• Arrive in Gangtok by taxi/shared vehicle from Bagdogra Airport or NJP (New Jalpaiguri Railway Station).
• Check-in to your hotel and rest for a bit after the mountain journey.
• Begin with local sightseeing by hiring a half-day taxi.

Places to Visit:

• MG Road – vibrant pedestrian-only street with cafés, shops, and handicrafts
• Do Drul Chorten Stupa – peaceful Buddhist stupa with spinning prayer wheels
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology – for Tibetan art, culture, and history
• Flower Exhibition Centre – seasonal flowers and orchids, good for quick photos

Evening:
Enjoy dinner at a café like The Coffee Shop, Nimtho (Nepali thali), or Baker’s Cafe.

Day 2: Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathula Pass (East Sikkim)

This is a full-day excursion, and you’ll need a permit. Book a local cab or ask your hotel/travel agent to arrange it the day before.

Places Covered:

• Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake): High-altitude glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
• Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir: A memorial temple of an Indian soldier, located in a surreal setting.
• Nathula Pass (Indo-China border): Open only on specific days (Wed–Sun) and requires a special permit. Altitude ~14,140 ft.

Important Notes:

• Carry your original ID (Aadhar/Voter ID) and 2 passport-size photos for permits.
• Wear warm clothing—it gets very cold even in summer.
• Nathula may be skipped due to weather/permit issues; it’s optional but worth it if available.

Evening:
Return to Gangtok and relax. Walk around MG Road, shop for souvenirs.

Day 3: Full-Day Gangtok City Tour

Start the day with breakfast and get ready to explore Gangtok’s nearby attractions.

Places to Cover:

• Tashi View Point: Best for sunrise and Kanchenjunga views (go early!)
• Ganesh Tok & Hanuman Tok: Small temples with panoramic views
• Banjhakri Waterfalls: Scenic waterfall park with traditional sculptures
• Enchey Monastery: Peaceful monastery on a hill, ideal for a cultural visit
• Ropeway (Cable Car): A short ride offering aerial views of Gangtok

Evening Options:

• Visit Lal Bazaar for a local shopping experience
• Café hopping at MG Road
• Try Sikkimese local dinner (Thukpa, Momos, Sikkim beer)

Day 4: Departure / Optional Free Day

• If you have time before departure, enjoy a lazy breakfast with a view.
• Optional visit to Ranka Monastery (beautiful and less crowded) or relax at the Tashi View Point again.

Then check out and drive to NJP/Bagdogra (takes around 4–5 hours depending on traffic).

---

Gangtok Travel Budget (Per Person)

Category	Budget Range (INR)	Details
Travel to Gangtok	₹300 – ₹500 (Siliguri to Gangtok)	Shared Sumo or jeep from NJP/Siliguri
Stay	₹800 – ₹1500 per night	Budget guesthouses or homestays; MG Marg or Development Area
Food	₹200 – ₹500 per day	Local eateries, momos, thukpa, and cafe meals
Local Transport	₹1500 – ₹2000 (1 day cab tour)	Covers places like Hanuman Tok, Tashi View Point, Monasteries
Entry Tickets & Ropeway	₹300 – ₹500 total	Ropeway (₹150), Banjhakri Falls, Zoo, etc.
Shopping/Souvenirs	₹300 – ₹800 (optional)	Local teas, woollens, magnets, handmade crafts
Permits (if extending to Tsomgo/Nathula)	₹200 – ₹300	Apply via travel agents in MG Marg

Money-saving Tips:

• Book shared taxis for sightseeing (if solo or couple)
• Eat at local stalls or small cafes
• Stay walking distance from MG Marg to avoid transport costs
• Avoid visiting during peak seasons to get better hotel deals

Tips for Visiting Gangtok

• Best Time to Visit:
  • March to June for pleasant weather and blooming flowers.
  • October to December for clear skies and snow-capped mountains.
• Permits:
  • Inner Line Permits (ILP) are required for visiting places like Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La Pass. Arrange permits in advance.
• Local Transport:
  • Shared cabs and private taxis are the primary modes of transport.
• What to Pack:
  • Warm clothes, comfortable footwear, and rain gear if visiting during the monsoon.

Why Gangtok is a ‘Travel and Heal’ Spot

Despite being the capital city, Gangtok felt meditative. The balance of nature, culture, and warm locals gave me a kind of peace I didn’t expect from a busy town. It’s a reminder that healing doesn’t always need complete isolation — sometimes, a vibrant hill town with clean air and kind smiles is all you need.