Gangtok brings happiness inside as it sends a message of peace of Buddhism. An ample number of monasteries showcases the cultural richness of the city.

The capital of Sikkim is also known as the tourism center of the state. Major day trips throughout Sikkim normally start from here. The city has excellent networks of tourist vehicles which enable tourists to roam around at any time during the day. Astounding views of the scenery of different seasons, hilltop view of the mountains makes this place as nature lovers wonderland.

The city itself has a lot of attractions including natural, historical, religious, wildlife destinations.

Notable places in Gangtok

Ranka Monastery

At around 50 minutes drive from the Gangtok City, Ranka Monastery is one of the new monasteries of the region. Built on 1998, the monastery is also known as Lingdum Monastery. One of the primary attractions include peaceful ambiance throughout, make this a place to practice meditation. Golden Buddha statue, elegant wall paintings, and wall hangings add richness to the monastery.

Banjhakri Waterfalls and Energy Park

Banjhakri waterfall is situated in the same route of Ranka Monastery, hence you can plan to combine both the places in a single trip. Abundant greenery surrounding the 98 ft high natural waterfall is the center of the attraction of this energy park. Attractions of the park include several gazebos, statues of Jharki (The healer) and a Dragon statue at the center.

Hanuman Tok

Temple of Lord Hanuman situated at around 11 km from the Gangtok city with an altitude of 7,200 ft. The temple offers you a breathtaking view of Mount Kanchenjunga on a clear day. Prayer chants and religious music create a wonderful spiritual environment while you are climbing the paved stairs to reach the temple from the parking lot. As per the locals, Lord Hanuman rested here while his journey from the Himalayas to Lanka with Sanjeevani herbs.

Rumtek Monastery

One of most famous monasteries in Sikkim located on the opposite cliff of Gangtok city. It’s known for the elegant Tibetan architecture of Kargyu sect of Buddhists. It offers a great view of the entire Gangtok city from the nearby viewpoint.

Himalayan Zoological Park

Located at 3 km from the city, Gangtok Zoo is unique across the zoos you might have visited. It follows the modern zoo concept where animals are kept as natural habitats. You have to patient to have a glimpse of the wild as they are spread across the forest. As per the zoo authority, several endangered animals like Himalayan Black Bears, Snow Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Red Pandas, Tibetan Wolfs could be found at the Gangtok Zoo. Zoo also offers a fascinating view of Mount Kanchenjunga on a clear day.

Enchey Monastery

Enchey Monastery endorses Chinese Pagoda style monasteries and it situated within the city limits. You can easily walk up to (Takes around 30 minutes) this monastery from M.G Marg on a clear day. A century old monastery considered as a very sacred one for Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism.

Enchey Monastery

Tashi View Point

This is one of the major viewpoints near Gangtok and a must visit one. Situated around 8 km from the city, Tashi view point is known for a panoramic view of Mount Kanchenjunga and Siniolchu. It is also known a sunrise view point. On a clear day, it creates a heavenly ambiance during sunrise when peaks change colors with the rising sun.

Ropeway Ride

Astonishing panoramic view of the entire Gangtok city, along with a view of Mount Kanchenjunga and view a flowing river at down makes the ropeway ride an unforgettable experience. On peak seasons waiting time is generally high, plan to be in the queue at around 9:00 a.m. Ticket includes both way ride, but you can choose to get down at any preferable station.

Flower Exhibition Centre

A wide collection of the blossoms of Hills. Aroma of the flowers will tempt you to spend the entire evening in the center. Flower photographers would love this place for the variety of available colorful flowers.

Other spots

There are several other spots you could choose to visit if time permits.

• Kanchenjunga National Park
• Ganesh Tok View Point
• Do Drul Chorten
• Seven Sisters Waterfall