The city of Gangtok in Sikkim, with its serene environment and breathtaking views, is a beautiful place nestled among the towering peaks of the eastern Himalayas. The name Gangtok, meaning “Top of the ridge,” is well suited for a destination perched at a height of 5,400 ft. This city is not only popular for its blend of serenity and adventure but also for its commitment to cleanliness and an eco-friendly approach to traveling.

Gangtok is about 125 km from the Bagdogra Airport and the New Jalpaiguri Railway station, both in the Darjeeling district of Bengal. There is also the newly inaugurated Pakyong Airport, located around 20 km away from the urban centre of Gangtok, with flights to and from two major cities, Kolkata and New Delhi.

The Best Places to Visit in Gangtok

Gangtok offers many spots from where the magnificent peaks surrounding the Kanchenjunga can be seen. With its extraordinary natural beauty and religious significance, there are many amazing places to visit in Gangtok. The MG Marg is the bustling epicentre of the town, with both visitors and locals gathering together to walk in the car-free street. A plethora of shops, old and new restaurants, vendors selling street food, musicians, and artists line up the street, giving it a lovely blend of culture, colours, sound, and aroma. Some Sikkimese specialties like the thukpa (Himalayan noodle soup), momo, and sha-phaley are worth a try. The souvenir items sold in a few of the shops include locally blended and brewed teas, handcrafted jewelry, and wooden showpieces and keepsakes.

There are unique opportunities for those interested in delving deeper into Buddhism. Visitors can participate in meditation sessions as well as workshops and programs on Tibetan philosophy and culture, held regularly in the Rumtek Monastery (formerly Dhammachakra Centre), Enchey Monastery, Ranka Monastery, and a few others. The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology houses a large collection of Tibetan manuscripts, artworks, and other documents, providing a glimpse into the past of Tibetan heritage.

The Hanuman Tok offers panoramic views from its location, the Himalayan Zoological Park, featuring animals like snow leopards, Himalayan palm civets, red pandas, and Himalayan black bears kept in open pens, and the Flower Exhibition Centre with rare plant species are some of the best places to visit in Gangtok.

Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake, both toward the east of Gangtok, offer a mesmerizing experience in the heart of the majestic Himalayas, with winding roads, snow-capped peaks, and lush valleys greeting visitors along the way.

The Best Time to Visit Gangtok

The months from September to December and March to May are the best time to visit Gangtok. The monsoon months of June to August see a lot of rainfall, leading to the closure of routes during this period. While the winter months, despite the biting cold, bring out a certain charm. The temperature in Gangtok ranges from 6-7°C minimum to 22-24°C maximum during most of the year, except for the harsh winter months. The Tsomgo and Gurudongmar lakes freeze over, and the Nathula Pass nearby is covered in snow.

For those who prefer the vibrant colours of the spring, the blooming red rhododendrons, various types of orchids, and other wildflowers dotting the place are sure to take one’s breath away.

The Best Places to Stay in Gangtok

While there are many hotels in Gangtok, you should choose a resort or a hotel offering pristine views of the rugged mountains. The Mayfair Spa Resort and Casino, situated amid woods and greenery, is among the best places to stay in Gangtok. The hotel’s architecture has an element of traditional Sikkimese style along with modern-day facilities. The resort is best suited for a relaxing holiday with four dining options including, an international cuisine restaurant, a cafe for outdoor snacks, a poolside cocktail and barbecue station, and a bar serving alcohol.

Another great hotel in Gangtok is the Elgin Nor-Khill Heritage Resort & Spa. Situated in the heart of Gangtok town, 5000 ft up in the Himalayas, the hotel is an epitome of elegance and grace. You can avail rejuvenating spa treatments and make the most of your Himalayan holiday.