places to visit in Gangtok
Gangtok the capital city of Sikkim is situated within a distance of just 70 km away from Nathula Pass, which is the frontier with Sikkim as well as Tibet. Up until 2008, Gangtok was not accessible to tourists due to politics. Since then, Gangtok has seen a large influx of visitors to its snow-capped mountain ranges and monasteries. There is no doubt there are many beautiful places to visit in Gangtok.
It is one of those places where you can enjoy a holiday while shopping for some souvenirs while enjoying the snow, nature and adventurous activities.
Visit these top Gangtok tourist attractions if you are planning a trip to Gangtok.
1. Tsomgo Lake - A Serene and Peaceful Glacial Lake
A serene and beautiful lake located at an altitude of 12,000 feet, the Tsongmo Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Gangtok. The lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is a perfect spot for a picnic or a day trip.
2. Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple - A Temple Dedicated to a Brave Soldier
The road that passes between Nathu La and Jelepla Pass, at a distance of 64 km and an altitude of 4000m, Baba Mandir is the temple that was built in the Samadhi of Harbhajan Singh.
3. Nathula Pass - A Stunning High-altitude Mountain Pass
Nathula Pass is a mountain pass in the Himalayas. At an elevation of 16,400 feet (5,000 m), it is the highest motorable pass in India and the second highest road in the world. Nathula Pass is one of the beautiful places to visit in Gangtok.
4. Rumtek Monastery - One of the Largest Monasteries in Sikkim
Rumtek Monastery is a Buddhist monastery, surely hit your list of places to visit in gangtok. Located atop a hill, and is one of the most prominent landmarks in Gangtok.
There are ten floors inside Rumtek monastery which have been kitted out with modern facilities, including kitchens and toilets. The monks here engaged in activities such as teaching and performing rituals.
Getting there:
Air: Bagdogra located within West Bengal is the nearest airport situated 124 kilometers from Gangtok. For civil flights, there's an air-conditioned helicopter service that is available daily that flies between Bagdogra and Gangtok. From there, you can take an auto to Gangtok or take taxis.
Road: Bus services are regularly available from Bagdogra, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Calcutta.
Rail: Siliguri (114 km) or New Jalpaiguri (125 km) both railway stations nearest to Gangtok. From there, take a taxi or a bus.
Best time to visit: During the annual Ladrang festival that falls in the month of February. This three-day event sees thousands of devotees entering the monastery to pay homage to Guru Padmasambhava, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Amitabh Bhagwan.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10
Time Required: 1-2 hrs
5. Kanchenjunga: One of the Beautiful Places to Visit in Gangtok
The third-highest peak on earth, the magnificent Kanchenjunga which is also spelled Kangchenjunga is among the most breathtaking mountains. This amazing place surrounded by Nepal, Sikkim and Tibet, Mt Kanchenjunga was first reached in 1955, and since then, it is declared sacred place. "Kanchenjunga" is the Tibetan name that translates to "The Five Treasures of the High Snow'.
Getting there:
Rail: New Jalpaiguri acts as Jalpaiguri's closest railway station to Yuksom located about 150 kilometers away.
Road: Yuksom The base camp of Goecha La is easily accessible by road from a variety of major cities , including Siliguri. It's about 140 kilometers away and is an entry point to Sikkim as well as the capital, Gangtok.
Best time to visit: From December to January
Things to do: Take in a breathtaking panorama of the mountain, Tiger Hill is among the top.
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