Imagine not appreciating snow-capped mountains or not liking the serenity they bring to our hearts and minds. Not us, though, right? We have visited many hill stations, but this time let’s try something new by exploring Gangtok. This small city offers numerous attractions that will definitely bring joy to your heart. We've compiled all of the useful information you'll need when planning a trip to Gangtok in this guide.
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim and home to mystical places, is located at an elevation of 5410 feet in the ridges of the Lower Himalayan region. The city offers a mesmerising view of Kanchenjunga, which is the third highest peak on the planet. Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalis make up the majority of the population in the city, reflecting the beautiful aspects of this region and its rich culture.
How to reach Gangtok?
In Gangtok, neither a distinct airport nor a railroad station exist. The closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, which is located about 120 kilometres away. The station has excellent connections to major cities, and you may go to Gangtok from here by comfortable taxi or jeep. You can also board a state-run bus from the Siliguri Bus Station for a less expensive ride.
The closest airport can be found 124 kilometres from Gangtok in Bagdogra, West Bengal. From the airport, you can take any private or shared vehicle that will drop you off in two hours in Gangtok. The River Teesta serves as a wonderful backdrop for the journey from Bagdogra to Gangtok, which is breathtakingly stunning. A helicopter service is additionally provided by Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation from Bagdogra to Gangtok, which takes less than 25 minutes.
Sikkim recently constructed its very own airport at Pakyong. About 22 kilometres south of Gangtok is where the town is situated. Pakyong Airport is one of the tallest airports in India, standing at a height of 4646 feet. You can only obtain flights to Pakyong from Kolkata and New Delhi because Pakyong airport is not yet completely functioning. From the Pakyong Airport, a private cab may drive you in about an hour to the city of Gangtok.
What is the best time to visit Gangtok ?
As Gangtok is a hill station, the weather is cool and calm all year. For your convenience, we have divided the year into seasons and explained it in simple terms.
March to Mid-April
This time, Gangtok experiences the spring season, in which the climate is very decent. Even though the atmosphere feels cool, it is not bitterly cold. Beautiful skies and breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga will be yours to enjoy. This period is considered the shoulder season and is a great time to visit.
Mid-April to Mid June
During these months, summer officially begins, so the climate is perfect. The air is refreshing and relaxing. Temperatures in the morning might get as high as 22 degrees. The atmosphere is ideal for outdoor pursuits and city exploration. It is a decent chance to explore the vast areas of West and North Sikkim, which become difficult to access in winter. This time is considered the peak season. Bring some extra clothes and a shawl in case it gets cold at night.
End-June to September
There is a lot of rain during these three months. It is not encouraged to visit Gangtok during the monsoon season owing to the increased risk of landslides and waterlogging caused by the intense rainfall. It’s not suitable to travel to Gangtok at this time, but as it’s the offseason, price levels of hotels and other things have decreased dramatically.
October to November
The rainy season has officially ended, and a wonderful fall has arrived. Without the worry of a natural calamity, it's one of the ideal times to travel. The weather is still perfect for touring and outdoor activities, and the clear, azure skies make it easy to see the snow-covered mountains. Book everything in advance because there are a lot of tourists during this time of year.
December to February
The bleak and bitter cold of winter has knocked on Gangtok's door now. The temperature drops to 4 degrees, which gives birth to a chilly ambience. Although snowfall is uncommon in Gangtok itself, it does cause the closure of popular locations like Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake.
Top places to visit in Gangtok
There are many incredible venues in Gangtok where you may have a good time. Although there are numerous locations to see, the key attractions are highlighted here and should not be missed when visiting.
M. G. Marg
This location, which is also known as M. G. Road or Mahatma Gandi Road, has a magical atmosphere. This location is a must-see if you desire a quiet day free of honking, rubbish, smoke, or other disturbances. There are several elegant restaurants and glitzy stores there.
Rumtek Monastery
One of the biggest monasteries in Sikkim, Rumtek belongs to the Kagyu sect, which had its beginnings in Tibet in the 12th century. The monastery's architecture is among the best in the world and is a replica of the classic in Tsurphu, Tibet. The monastery offers a breathtaking perspective over Gangtok town due to its hilltop location. In the form of wall murals, silk paintings, thangkas, and 1001 miniature golden models of Buddha, it contains some of the most precious Buddhist holy art.
Tashi View Point
The picturesque Tashi View Point is the ideal location to take in the breathtaking surroundings, which include the mountains, valleys, and Gangtok town. This well-known tourist destination lies 8 km outside of the city and is well-known for having some of the best sunrise and sunset views. From this vantage point, one can see the Kanchenjunga and Siniolchu Peaks' shifting colours as the sun slowly glides across the sky, as well as prominent monasteries in Gangtok, Phodong, and Labrang.
Ban Jhakhri Waterfall and Energy Park
The park, which is spread across 2 acres of forestland, has a man-made lake, gazebos, paved walkways, and a footbridge. The park's theme is based on the legend surrounding the shamanic deity Ban Jhakri, who is regarded as the father of Nepali shamanism and the god of the forest. The park is around 6 kilometres from the centre of Gangtok, and it takes 30 minutes to go there by local taxi from the market area. You may visit the park after exploring the Ranka Monastery because it is on the road to Ranka village.
Flower Exhibition Centre
Prominently known as Ridge Park, it’s a floral heaven. If you enjoy floriculture, an hour or two will fly by on the latter, a flat stretch of road directly above Gangtok Town. The climate in Sikkim is ideal for orchid growing, and Ridge Park is home to an incredible variety of orchids. Although there are many orchids and blossoms all year long, the best time to visit the location is in the spring, between April and May. This is where the annual International Flower Festival of Gangtok is held in May. It’s open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
CABLE RIDE
This one-kilometer zig-zag thrill route brings travellers from Deorali to Tashiling. It provides a bird's-eye perspective of Gangtok and is the top tourist attraction in the city. It is a double-cable zig-zag ropeway with a 24-passenger maximum capacity per cable car. You must stand since there are no seats in the cable vehicle. The aerial gondola is 935 metres long, and it takes approximately fifteen to twenty minutes to travel the entire distance from start to finish. There are three terminal stations on it: Deorali, Namnang, and Tashiling. At any of the three stations, you can board or exit the train.
Yak Safari
When you visit the Changu Lake, often referred to as the Tsomgo Lake, one of the most serene things to do in Gangtok is a yak safari. A 40 kilometre trip will get you to the lake from Gangtok. A market can be found in the vicinity, while mountains covered in snow can be found on the other sides. Yak safari is unquestionably a special experience that you must not pass up.
In the same manner as other hill towns, Gangtok provides tourist tours. So you can also book a holiday package. Food is very nice in Gangtok, and the most well-liked location for lodging in Gangtok is M G Marg, which is surrounded by a lot of hotels. Gangtok is truly a magical place where you can come to rewind your soul and boost your energy.
