Many of us harbour a childhood dream of finding adventure in the hills, just like the characters in the stories of Ruskin Bond. Others yearn to find some peace in the monasteries far away from anything and anyone. A majority of us, however, simply want to enjoy the beauty of the mountains. Interestingly enough, there is one place in India that is an amalgamation of all these things. Indeed, Gangtok in the Indian state of Sikkim has something for everyone.
Located in the Eastern Himalayas, Gangtok is situated at an altitude of 5,410 feet. This charming hill station offers stunning views of snowy mountains, lush greenery and peaceful monasteries. The town is a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich culture making it a unique travel destination. With its winding roads, scenic viewpoints and peaceful atmosphere, Gangtok is one of the most picturesque places in India. Join us as we explore the beauty of this place and learn why it deserves a spot on your bucket list soon.
Nathula Pass is one of the most popular destinations in Gangtok. It is one of the highest points you can visit in Sikkim. Located at an altitude of 14,140 feet, it serves as a border post between India and China. The pass is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and is one of the world’s highest motorable roads. If you are lucky, you can even spot yaks grazing in the snow!
At Nathula Pass, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas and also explore the small neighbourhood market selling Tibetan souvenirs.
Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changgu Lake or Tsongmo Lake, is a high-altitude glacial lake situated in Gangtok at an elevation of 12,310 feet. Tsomgo Lake is an ideal spot for nature lovers, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Here, you can also get a chance to see a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds and the Tibetan yak.
Tsomgo Lake is particularly beautiful during the winter months when the lake is frozen. In the summer, the surrounding area blooms with wildflowers, making the spot Instgram-worthy. Indeed, Tsomgo Lake offers a peaceful, almost surreal experience, making it one of the top attractions in Gangtok.
A trip to Gangtok is incomplete without visiting the famous Hanuman Tok, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Legend goes that when lord Hanuman was flying to Dunagiri to bring the Sanjeevani herb for Lord Lakshmana, he rested here.
The temple is at an altitude of 7,500 feet. Built in 1952, Hanuman Tok is a wonderful place for both spiritual seekers and nature lovers. You can also enjoy the view of Gangtok city and the majestic Kanchenjunga from the premise of the temple.
The Ranka Monastery is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim. Also known as the Pal Karma Zurmang Shedup Chokhor Lingdum Monastery, it is surrounded by lush forests and scenic mountains. The monastery has a grand entrance and is a classic example of traditional Tibetan Buddhist architecture. It also serves as a university for religious learning and meditation. It follows the Zurmang Kagyu tradition and is a great place to learn about Tibetan Buddhism and find inner peace amidst nature’s beauty.
The Himalayan Zoological Park is a must-visit for all nature enthusiasts. Located in the Bulbuley Valley, this park is home to several species of animals and birds, many of which are native to the Eastern Himalayas—one can get a glimpse of the red panda, the Himalayan Monal or even the snow leopard here.
The park spans across 230 hectares, so you can enjoy a scenic walk through the park while observing the wildlife in its natural environment. The Himalayan Zoological Park is truly a must-visit place for families and wildlife lovers to learn more about the fauna of the region.
About 10 km away from Gangtok lies the Banjhakri Falls, a stunning natural wonder that should be on every traveler’s itinerary. The waterfall cascades down from a height of about 70 feet and has lush greenery and breathtaking landscapes on all sides.
The word banjhakri is made up of two words – ban (jungle) and jhakri (healer). According to the local community, a banjhakri is a traditional healer who resides in the forest and performs healing ceremonies and worships holy spirits. This is why the energy park in which the falls is present has interesting figurines and statues of various banjhakris, lepchas, rituals and ceremonies. The premise also has beautifully landscaped gardens with walking paths that lead you through a peaceful forest, making it an ideal place for nature walks and photography.
The Gangtok Ropeway or cable car ride, is a fun way to see the city. The ropeway takes you from Deorali to Tashiling, offering breathtaking views of Gangtok, the surrounding mountains and the valleys below. The scenic views from the cable car, especially during sunrise or sunset, are truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re exploring serene monasteries, hiking to breathtaking viewpoints or taking a scenic cable car ride, Gangtok is sure to deliver. A visit to Gangtok promises to gift you with memories that will last for a lifetime.
You can visit Gangtok from March to June and September to December, when the weather is pleasant and not very cold.
You can choose to stay at hotels, guesthouses and homestays.
Nathula Pass is generally open to tourists from May to October. It is important that you consult the local authorities before planning your visit.
Rumtek Monastery, Hanuman Tok, Ranka Monastery and Tsomgo Lake.
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