Gangtok Travel Guide: All You Need To Know

Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim, a small state located in the northeastern part of India. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and adventure activities. Here are some things to know about Gangtok:

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit Gangtok is from March to May and from October to November. During this time, the weather is pleasant and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
• Getting around: Gangtok is a small city and it is easy to get around on foot. Taxis and shared jeeps are also available for longer distances.
• Permits: Foreign nationals need a permit to enter Sikkim. These permits can be obtained at the border checkposts or at the Sikkim Tourism Office in Kolkata or Siliguri.
• Currency: The currency used in Gangtok is the Indian rupee (INR). You can exchange foreign currency at banks and exchange offices.
• Language: The main languages spoken in Gangtok are Nepali, English, and Hindi.
• Food: Gangtok is known for its delicious food, especially its momos and thukpa. There are also many cafes and bakeries that serve a variety of snacks and desserts.
• Sights: Gangtok has many amazing sights to explore, including the Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, and the Nathula Pass. The city also has many hiking trails and adventure activities like paragliding and river rafting.
• Shopping: Gangtok is known for its handicrafts, woolens, and traditional jewelry. Some popular shopping areas include MG Marg, Lal Bazaar, and the Handicrafts and Handlooms Emporium.
• Safety: Gangtok is a safe city, but it’s always a good idea to take basic precautions like not walking alone at night and not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.
• Local customs: Gangtok has a rich cultural heritage, and it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. For example, it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering monasteries and other religious sites.

Places to Visit in Gangtok

Gangtok is a beautiful city surrounded by scenic mountains and valleys. There are several amazing places to visit in and around Gangtok. Here are some popular tourist attractions in Gangtok:

• Tsomgo Lake: This glacial lake is located about 40 km from Gangtok and is a popular destination for tourists. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is considered sacred by the local people.
• Rumtek Monastery: This is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim and is located about 23 km from Gangtok. It is home to a large collection of Tibetan Buddhist artifacts and is known for its stunning architecture.
• Enchey Monastery: This monastery is located in the heart of Gangtok and is known for its peaceful surroundings and stunning views of the city.
• Hanuman Tok: This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is located on a hilltop about 11 km from Gangtok. It offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
• Tashi Viewpoint: This is another popular viewpoint that offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range.
• Banjhakri Falls: This waterfall is located about 7 km from Gangtok and is a popular picnic spot for tourists.
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: This is a research institute that is dedicated to the study of Tibetan culture and history. It has a large collection of Tibetan artifacts and rare manuscripts.
• Flower Exhibition Centre: This center showcases a variety of flowers that are native to Sikkim and is located near the White Hall Complex in Gangtok.
• Himalayan Zoological Park: This park is home to a variety of animals that are native to the Himalayan region, including the red panda, snow leopard, and Himalayan black bear.
• Nathula Pass: This pass is located on the border between India and China and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. However, it requires a permit to visit and is only open to Indian nationals.

Best Time To Visit Gangtok

The best time to visit Gangtok is during the months of March to May and from October to mid-December. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season from June to September should be avoided as heavy rainfall can cause landslides and disrupt travel plans. The winter months from December to February can also be quite cold and snowy, so travelers who are not used to such conditions may find it uncomfortable. However, this is a good time for those who want to experience snowfall and winter sports like skiing.

Things to Do in Gangtok

Gangtok offers a variety of activities and things to do, including:

• Visit monasteries: Gangtok is home to several beautiful monasteries, such as Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, and Ranka Monastery.
• Explore the local markets: Gangtok has a lively market scene with several popular markets such as M.G. Road and Lal Bazaar, where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional Sikkimese attire.
• Visit the Tsomgo Lake: This serene lake, located at an altitude of 12,400 feet, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
• Go on a trek: Gangtok is surrounded by several trekking trails that offer stunning views of the Himalayas. Some popular trails include the Dzongri trek and the Singalila trek.
• Enjoy local cuisine: Gangtok offers a wide range of local delicacies such as momos, thukpa, and gundruk, which are a must-try for food lovers.
• Visit the Himalayan Zoological Park: This park is home to several endangered species such as the red panda and the snow leopard.
• Take a cable car ride: The Gangtok Ropeway is a popular tourist attraction that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
• Visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: This institute is dedicated to the study of Tibetan culture and history and has a large collection of Tibetan artifacts and rare manuscripts.
• Attend the Gangtok Summer Festival: This festival, held every year in May-June, showcases the culture, cuisine, and traditions of Sikkim.
• Visit the Nathu La Pass: This mountain pass, located on the India-China border, offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is an important historical site.

How to Get Around in Gangtok

Gangtok is a small city and is easily navigable on foot. However, to explore the surrounding areas or for longer journeys, there are several modes of transportation available:

• Taxis: Taxis are a convenient and popular mode of transportation in Gangtok. They are readily available and can be hired for a few hours or for a whole day.
• Shared taxis: Shared taxis are a more economical option and are a popular mode of transportation for short journeys in and around Gangtok.
• Buses: Gangtok has a good network of local buses that connect different parts of the city. They are a cheaper alternative to taxis but can be crowded.
• Motorbikes and bicycles: Motorbikes and bicycles can be rented from several shops in Gangtok. This is a great way to explore the city at your own pace and enjoy the scenic beauty.
• Cable car: The Gangtok Ropeway is a popular tourist attraction that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
• Walking: The city is small and many of the popular tourist destinations are within walking distance. This is the best way to explore the city and soak in the local culture.

Where to eat in Gangtok

Gangtok has a diverse food scene, with a variety of restaurants and eateries serving local as well as international cuisine. Some popular places to eat in Gangtok are:

• The Coffee Shop: This café is known for its coffee, sandwiches, and pastries.
• Roll House: This is a popular eatery that serves delicious rolls, momos, and thukpa.
• Taste of Tibet: This is a must-visit restaurant for lovers of Tibetan cuisine. It is known for its momos, thukpa, and Tibetan butter tea.
• Baker’s Cafe: This café is known for its cakes, pastries, and bread.
• The Square: This restaurant serves a range of international cuisine such as Italian, Mexican, and Indian.
• Nimtho: This restaurant serves authentic Sikkimese cuisine such as gundruk, phagshapa, and chhurpi soup.
• Roll House Tibet: This is a popular eatery that serves delicious Tibetan rolls, momos, and thukpa.
• MG Marg: This is the main street in Gangtok and is lined with several restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls.
• Baker’s Cafe: This is a popular bakery that serves a range of cakes, pastries, and bread.
• Thakali: This is a popular restaurant that serves authentic Nepali cuisine, including thali and momos.

Famous street stalls in Gangtok

Gangtok has a vibrant street food culture, with several street stalls serving delicious local and international cuisine. Some popular street stalls in Gangtok are:

• M.G. Marg Food Stalls: This is the main street in Gangtok and is lined with several food stalls serving local snacks and delicacies such as momos, thukpa, and chowmein.
• Keventer’s: This is a popular food stall that serves burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes. It is located on M.G. Marg and is a must-visit for foodies.
• Gompu’s Food Stall: This is a popular food stall that serves delicious Nepali-style momos.
• Tibetian Fast Food Stall: This is a popular food stall that serves Tibetan-style momos and thukpa.
• Janta Sweets: This is a popular sweet shop that serves a variety of sweets such as rasgulla, gulab jamun, and sandesh.
• Roll Point: This is a popular food stall that serves delicious rolls.
• Bhanu Bhavan: This is a popular food stall that serves traditional Sikkimese snacks and delicacies such as chhang, gundruk, and sishnu soup.
• Bhutia Market: This is a local market that is famous for its street food stalls. It is a great place to try local delicacies such as sel roti, aloo dum, and churpee.
• Tibetan Market: This is another local market that is famous for its street food stalls. It is a great place to try local snacks and delicacies such as momos, thukpa, and gyathuk.
• Local bakeries: Gangtok has several local bakeries that serve a variety of cakes, pastries, and bread. These are a great place to grab a quick bite or to stock up on snacks for your travels.

Where to stay in Gangtok

Luxury accommodation

Gangtok offers several luxurious accommodation options for travelers looking for a comfortable stay. Some popular luxury hotels in Gangtok are:

• Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino: This is a luxury resort located in the picturesque town of Gangtok. The resort offers a range of rooms and suites, a spa, and a casino.
• The Elgin Nor-Khill: This is a heritage hotel located in the heart of Gangtok. The hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, a spa, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
• The Royal Plaza: This is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Gangtok. The hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, a spa, and a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city.
• The Chumbi Mountain Retreat and Spa: This is a luxury resort located on a hilltop overlooking the city of Gangtok. The resort offers a range of rooms and suites, a spa, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
• Summit Golden Crescent Resort & Spa: This is a luxury resort located in the picturesque town of Gangtok. The resort offers a range of rooms and suites, a spa, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

These luxurious accommodations provide a comfortable and relaxing stay with excellent facilities and services.

Budget accommodation

Gangtok has a range of budget accommodation options for travelers looking for affordable and comfortable places to stay. Some popular budget hotels in Gangtok are:

• Hotel Sonam Delek: This is a budget hotel located in the heart of Gangtok. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities.
• Hotel Tibet Gallery: This is a budget hotel located in the center of Gangtok. The hotel offers simple and clean rooms with basic amenities.
• The Oriental: This is a budget hotel located in the heart of Gangtok. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities.
• Hotel Mount Pleasant: This is a budget hotel located in the center of Gangtok. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities.
• Hotel Tashi Tagey: This is a budget hotel located in the center of Gangtok. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities.

These budget accommodation options provide a comfortable and affordable stay for travelers looking to save on their expenses.

Travel Tips Gangtok

Here are some travel tips for visiting Gangtok:

• Plan your trip during the best time to visit, which is from March to May and from October to December, to enjoy the pleasant weather and clear skies.
• Get a permit from the Sikkim Tourism Department to visit Gangtok and other parts of Sikkim, as the state has restricted access for tourists.
• Pack warm clothes, as the weather in Gangtok can get chilly, especially in the evenings.
• Explore the local markets to buy souvenirs and handicrafts, and taste the local cuisine, which is a fusion of Tibetan, Nepali, and Sikkimese flavors.
• Take a scenic drive or a cable car ride to get stunning views of the mountains and the city.
• Be respectful of the local culture and customs, and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
• Hire a local guide or join a tour to learn more about the history and culture of Gangtok.
• Stay hydrated and take precautions against altitude sickness, as Gangtok is situated at a high altitude of over 5,000 feet.
• Practice responsible tourism by not littering or disturbing the local flora and fauna.
• By following these travel tips, you can have an enjoyable and hassle-free trip to Gangtok.