Sikkim’s capital city Gangtok is hands down the prettiest hill station you will ever be to. It instantly makes you fall in love with its beauty, cleanliness and well maintained township. It is an ideal destination for a relaxing vacation with your friends and family.
So before you head to Gangtok make sure you know all the great things that you must do to experience Gangtok in its absolute best!
1. Ride the cable car
As cliche as it may seem, do not forget to ride the cable car the first thing when you reach Gangtok. It gives you the best possible view of the entire city where you are going to spend the next few days. The cable car takes you right above the heart of the city and you get to see amazing views all around. Admire the beauty and make sure to click loads of pictures!
Price – 120 INR/ person
2. Gorge at these amazing local cuisines!
The best way to know a place is to taste it’s local cuisine. And Gangtok offers one of the most delicious cuisines including Tibetan, Japanese and Nepali.
Dine at The Dragon wok, a Chinese and Japanese cuisine restaurant at MG Marg. Savour their specialities Pork rice, Prawn, get a Bento box or choose your favourite drink from their extensive bar menu.
Price – 700 INR/ for two without alcohol
Head to Taste of Tibet to enjoy some authentic Tibetan food. Enjoy Thukpa, momo and try Shapale an unique Tibetan speciality that is bound to make you fall in love. Enjoy a delicious meal or sip locally brewed beer.
Price – 600 INR/ for two approx
3. Visit Tsongmo lake!
Tsongmo lake and Baba mandir is a one day trip from Gangtok. Situated at an altitude of 12,300 ft Tsongmo aka Changu lake is a glacial lake with majestic views. The place also boasts of a high altitude cable car which gives you a magnificent experience. Enjoy yak safari at the lake or just stroll around taking in the views.
Price – Yak safari – 100 INR.
Cable car – 250 INR/ person for a round trip.
Head to Baba mandir about an hour drive away. The place is a memorial honoring Indian soldier Baba Harbhajan Singh. Visit Baba’s shrine which is believed to have fulfilling powers.
Charges – none
Timing – 8 am to 2.30 pm
If you start early you will also have ample amount of time to head to Nathula pass and visit Indo-China border. Note that these are restricted areas and you must acquire inner line permits so don’t forget to carry the essential documents while travelling.
4. Shop at MG Marg
If you are staying in Gangtok this is where you are going to spend most of your evenings shopping local handicrafts, snacking on delicious platters or just strolling around. Gangtoks’s iconic MG Marg has loads of shops displaying all sorts of merchandise, bars and restaurants lining up on both sides of the road. This is the ideal place for you to buy exciting souvenirs for all your friends and family.
Things to buy :
- Tibetan carpets
- Sikkimese tea bags
- Wall hangings
- Winter wears and shawls
- Buddha statues
- Prayer flags
5. Paragliding for that adrenaline rush!
Get that thrilling experience of soaring high in the mountains right at Gangtok. Experience 360 degrees view of the mighty Himalayas and feel the adrenaline rush. Flight typically is of medium range or high range and the flight time ranges from 15 to 20 mins. Trained instructors will accompany you as you have the best experience of your life.
Charges – Starting from 2500 INR for a medium flight.
How to reach Gangtok?
Gangtok is located in Sikkim, a beautiful state in North east India. It shares borders with China, Nepal and Bhutan. Gangtok is well connected by road from Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri,in West Bengal. The nearest airport is Bagdogra and the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. You can either reserve a cab or take public transportation from any of these places.
Charges range from 2500 to 3000 for a reserved cab.
Where to stay in Gangtok?
Gangtok being a popular tourist destination do not lack any facilities. You will get wide range of accommodations ranging from hotels, resorts and home stays. Get a hotel in or near MG marg so that you can walk around easily. Backpackers and solo travellers may also opt to stay at the new Zostel in Gangtok which is just 1 km away from MG marg.
Other top attractions in Gangtok!
- Rumtek Monastery
- Ganesk Tok view point
- Tashi view point
- Rafting and camping in Teesta river
- Seven sisters waterfall
- Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Read my blog post for an extensive North Sikkim tour itinerary to add with your Gangtok trip!
https://thenomadicgirlfamily.wordpress.com/2020/12/04/travel-to-winter-wonderland-north-sikkim/
Happy Travelling!
The Nomadic Girl 