All good things in life come in small packets, and Gangtok is a good illustration. Be it the rich flora, the warm-hearted people, or the serene Buddhist monasteries, this small town occupies an important position in the itinerary of tourists in search of tranquility from the humdrum of modern life. With plenty of tourist places and activities, your Gangtok trip will offer a complete package of fun and excitement.
Over time people have started visiting the North-Eastern states to hunt for thrill, adventure, peace, and more. Be it the natural beauty, cuisines, food, or cultural diversity; this makes Gangtok Tourism important for the Northeast region.
Gangtok lies to the south of the district of East Sikkim. It is a hilly town and spreads down the western side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipul River. The entire Kanchenjunga range can be viewed from the city, and it is worshiped as a local deity. It is 721 km from Calcutta, 584 km from Patna, 140 km from Darjeeling, and 589 km from Guwahati.
From viewpoints to monasteries, there are many tourist attractions in Gangtok Sikkim to visit. Take a look. Among all, the most-visited site of Gangtok is the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Built-in 1958, this institute is a research center for Mahayana Buddhism and Tibetan culture. Besides being a museum of traditional and old artifacts, one can also buy Buddhist religious books and other objects of craft.
Nearby is a gompa for young lamas. The Tsuk-La-Khang or Royal Chapel is the main place of worship and assembly for the Buddhists and has a huge repertoire of religious relics. It is open during the Losar festival.
Other Gangtok tourist places you can add to your itinerary include -
Located at a distance of 24 km from Gangtok is Rumtek Gompa, a rich monastery and abode of the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a very famous site, and devotees often flock to it throughout the year. Located at a distance of 35 km towards the northeast of Gangtok is the Tsomgo or Changu Lake. Special permits are required to visit this picturesque locale. Don't miss these best places to visit in Gangtok.
The best time to visit Gangtok is from October to mid-December and March to May. But if you visit between October and December, you will see the Himalayan peaks and Mt Kanchenjunga.
Summer in Gangtok - During this season, Gangtok weather is not harsh but only days of warm sunshine and clear days. It is a good time for a honeymoon, sightseeing, adventures, and relaxation.
Winter in Gangtok - January and February mean snow in the higher altitudes, and visiting many tourist spots is not possible, as roads remain closed. If you want to experience snowfall in Gangtok, plan your trip during these months.
Monsoon in Gangtok - June to September brings heavy rains making traveling dangerous due to landslides. The best time to visit Gangtok depends on your reason to visit; make plans accordingly. ;
The rare Himalayan flowers, especially Rhododendron, bloom during March and May. This makes the entire town blissful to visit. If you plan your Gangtok Trip during this time, you are up for a treat.
From hotels offering luxurious facilities to those located in serene areas, there is a wide range of places to stay in Gangtok. You can choose the property as per your requirements and budget. Here we have listed some of the best hotels in Gangtok -
By Air - The nearest airport to Gangtok is located in Bagdogra, West Bengal. You can catch a flight from major Indian cities here. Bagdogra airport to Gangtok by road is only about 124 km away. Helicopter services are also provided by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, operating daily from Bagdogra to Gangtok (20 min ride).
By Train - New Jalpaiguri Junction in Siliguri is the closest rail stop to Gangtok. The distance from Gangtok to Siliguri is approx. 114 km and can be covered in about 3 hours by road. This railway station is linked with major railway lines in India.
By Road - The busiest route in and out of Sikkim is the road between Gangtok and Siliguri, the nearest airport and railway station. We would provide you with all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and intercity drives
Location
Tourists Attractions in Gangtok
Places Around Gangtok
Fairs & Festivals in Gangtok
Best Time to Visit Gangtok
Accommodation in Gangtok
How To Reach Gangtok
Ans. People in Gangtok mostly speak Nepali. English and Hindi are also widely spoken and understood in Sikkim, especially Gangtok. Tibetan, Lepcha, and Bhutia (Sikkimese) are other languages used in Gangtok.
Ans. 2 to 3 days are enough for exploring Gangtok. You can visit the top tourist attractions, savor local delicacies, enjoy views of Mount Kanchenjunga, and interact with the locals.
Ans. Yes, Gangtok is among India’s safest countries. Whether it's family, couples, or solo female travelers, tourists of every kind can visit Gangtok without having to worry about their safety.
Ans. Sikkimese cuisine is widely known but less explored in India. Dig into the mouthwatering streets food or dine at famous restaurants to enjoy these Gangtok foods -
Ans. From September to December and March to May, the weather in Gangtok remains cool, making outdoor activities a pleasant affair. The average temperature of Gangtok fluctuates between 9°C and 20°C, which is ideal for sightseeing.
Subscribe Our Newsletter for get latest updates
Follow us:
