Things to Do in Gangtok
Reading Time: 6 minutesDo you know? The famous seven sisters of the Northeast have a brother who is quite popular among tourists. We are talking about none other than Sikkim, a region that shares a border with Assam and mesmerises everyone with its beauty. Among the several attractions of Sikkim is Gangtok, the hill capital that was established as a pilgrimage site in the 1800s. Slowly, the land got enveloped with several viewpoints and monasteries, becoming a pristine spot for hikers and Buddhist followers. Travellers have so many things to do in Gangtok, making it difficult to create an itinerary for a limited days.
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This blog covers the most adventurous, quirky, and memorable activities to enjoy in the hill station. Use it as a guidebook to make sure you don’t miss out on one of the best experiences of your life if you are planning a vacation.
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What are the Best Things to Do in Gangtok?
What used to be a small village in the early 1800s is now famous as the Switzerland of the East. You’ll find yourself among natural beauty, whether you love to explore mountains, scenery, lakes, or waterfalls. Here is a list of things you shouldn’t miss while exploring the capital of Sikkim:
1. Paragliding in the Mountains
Have you ever seen travellers experiencing the thrill of sky and wondered to yourself, and wished you could do the same? At Gangtok, you’ll find multiple opportunities to paraglide and feel free. One of the most popular spots for the activity is Bulbuley Dara near Reshithang Village. The take-off point from 2,200 m altitude promises an uncompromised view of the entire city.
You can pick any of the following flight options:
Medium Fly
- Height: 1300 to 1400 m
- Landing Point: Stadium Field
- Duration: 5 to 10 minutes
- Price: INR 2500 per person
High Fly
- Height: 2200 m
- Landing Point: Bulbuley
- Duration: 15 to 20 minutes
- Price: INR 5000 per person
2. Seek Calmness at the Monastery
Gangtok is known to be the central point for monasteries due to its ties with Tibet and Buddhist history. So, if you are visiting the hill station, here are a few places worth checking out:
- Rumtek Monastery: Rumtek, or Dharma Chakra Centre, is known as one of the most prominent spiritual sites in Gangtok. It is used to study and practice Kagyu teachings, which go back to the Indian Mahasiddhas’ origin.
- Chorten Monastery: The Buddhist temple is famous among Bhutanese who pray, spin the prayer wheels, and walk around the structure to pay their respect.
- Enchey Monastery: This monastery is popular for its serene environment and sprawling gardens. It was founded in 1909 and belongs to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism.
- Guru Lhakhang Monastery: The monastery was built to prevent China from attacking and invading Tibet. Today, it is a sacred place to regularly perform ceremonies and rituals.
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3. Enjoy a Yak Safari
About 40 km from Gangtok is the famous Tsomgo Lake, where you can enjoy a yak ride around the lake. It is at an altitude of approximately 12,310 ft and is the perfect place to enjoy the mountain and city view.
You can easily rent the yak close to the market, and they will take you to Yumthang Valley, a natural sanctuary with snow-covered trails.
The price for your yak safari will depend on the destination:
- Towards the Bridge: INR 500
- Towards Yumthang: INR 1000
You can pay an additional INR 200 for a photograph.
Another point for the yak safari is from the Dzongri Lake, at a height of 4,200 m. You can reach Yuksom, a small town approximately 119 km from Gangtok.
- Yak cost: INR 300
You have to pay an additional INR 50 for a photograph
4. Witness Sunset at the View Points
Gangtok offers much more than what meets the eye. The capital of Sikkim has several attractive viewpoints that will make your knees go weak. From the gorgeous sunrise at Tashi to a peaceful sunset at Namnang, you’ll always feel closer to heaven here. Here’s what each of these scenic sites offers:
Tashi View Point: The site was built by the ruler of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal, and offers an unhindered view of the Himalayas. There’s a cafeteria built right in the location so people can enjoy their quality time without getting starved.
Distance: 8 km from Central Gangtok
Namnang View Point: This location promises one of the best views of the hill station and is often quaint. It offers a quick glimpse of the Kanchenjunga range and is the perfect destination for naturalists. You can trek to reach the top point if you are looking for an adventure.
Distance: 1.3 km from Central Gangtok
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5. Explore Popular Restaurants
When in a new city, it’s an unspoken rule to try what the food tastes like. So, if you are searching for the most famous places to eat, here are a few options to explore:
Queen’s Pod: Tadong
Cuisine: Oriental, Mughlai, Italian, Korean
Highlights: Open-terrace ambience, lighting, thoughtful interior
Cost: Approx INR 1,500 for two
Lhasa Newar Kitchen & Bar: Bakthang
Cuisine: Nepalese, Tibetan, Italian
Highlights: Thoughtful staff, warm ambience, beautiful presentation
Cost: Approx INR 1,500 for two
Mu Kimchi: Vishan Gaon
Cuisine: Korean, Pan-Asian
Highlights: Attractive interior, cooperative staff
Cost: INR 600 for two
6. Cycle Through Exciting Trails
Feel the adrenaline rushing through your veins when you cover the rough terrains of the Silk Route. The cycling begins from Sillery Gaon, where you get every necessary equipment, like a cap and rigging tools. While covering the trail, you’ll cross several popular spots like Zuluk, Rishikola, and Nathang Valley. You will always be accompanied by a guide so you don’t get lost or get stuck due to any inconvenience along the way
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7. Experience Hang Gliding
Last but not least, enjoy hang gliding, an adventurous activity that makes you feel like a bird. You will fly over the Himalayan Range and remain suspended in a harness for safety and control. One of the most famous spots for this thrilling sport is the Jorethang, near Gangtok.
Distance from Gangtok: 80 km
Starting Price: INR 2,500 per person
GoPro Camera on rent: INR 1,000
You’ll be spoilt for choice, as there are several things to do in Gangtok. However, the choice depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. Apart from what we shared above, you can also enjoy shopping at local markets, a helicopter ride across Sikkim, and a city view through a cable car. Be energetic, explore what all the place has to offer, and make memories that you can remember for a lifetime.
