Gangtok Tourism

GANGTOK -"Land of Monasteries" 

Gangtok, the land of Monasteries. Situated at 5500 feet above sea level. The magnetic and astonishing views of mountain hills and lakes make the Gangtok one of the most tourists preferred and wonderful hill station of North-Eastern India. Gangtok is the state capital of SIKKIM. A state which is landlocked with China Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan that's the reason behind You have to take a Permit to visit some places of Gangtok like Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Lachen, etc. Gangtok is a city that will give you experience of all kinds of modern and Ancient world charm. It has vibrant Nightlife, a charming M.G Marg, beautiful Monasteries, Tibetology centers, Buddhist Culture, and many more things which turn you an unforgettable journey of your life.

BEST TIME TO VISIT GANGTOK, WHERE TO STAY IN GANGTOK, HOW TO REACH GANGTOK, FAMOUS PLACES TO EXPLORE IN GANGTOK AND BUDGET ($) OF GANGTOK.

So keep on reading I hope it helps you a lot.

*BEST TIME TO VISIT GANGTOK-

Gangtok in Winter (October to March)-

Winter Season is considered as the best time to visit Gangtok. The temperature ranges between 1°C to 5°C during winter. It is the ideal time to explore the spectacular view of Mountains, Beautiful Sightseeing and the Waterfalls. During this season you can experience vibrant festivals in the monasteries of hill Station and also enjoy the snowfalls.

Gangtok in Summer (April to June)-

Gangtok experiences a pleasing and flawless climate during the summer season. The combination of warm and cool sunshine and unsmoked air promises every visitor to an unforgettable vacation. Temperature ranges from 18°C to 25°C during this season.

Gangtok in Monsoon (July to September)-

Avoid traveling during monsoon because of heavy rainfall and landslides and the blockage of roads.

*WHERE TO STAY-

M G Marg and Development Area is the most popular and tourist favourite place to stay in Gangtok. Both places have so many options for hotels, restaurants, cafes, and local markets shops. But if you  don't like crowds and gathered markets then avoid M G Marg area. You can take Hotels around 2km away from the M G Marg.

LOOKING FOR HOTELS? CHECK THIS

*HOW TO REACH-

By Air- The Bagdogra(IXB) in West Bengal is the nearest airport which is around 124km away from Gangtok. After that, you have to hire a private taxi or shared jeeps to reach the city in approximately 4-5 hours.

By Train- The nearest railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri(NJP) in Siliguri which is around 148km away from Gangtok. NJP station is well connected with major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata. From NJP you can a take taxi to Gangtok or go to the Siliguri bus stand and catch the State bus to Gangtok.

Sumo taxis will cost you ₹400-₹500* each

State bus will cost you ₹200-₹300* each

By Road- Gangtok is well-linked with Siliguri, Kalimpong, and Darjeeling through the National Highway 31A. The scenic route, as well as the river Teesta flows and while the other side of beautiful lush green mountains gives you a thrilling experience. You can take State buses or Shared Taxis to reach Gangtok. 

*FAMOUS PLACES TO EXPLORE IN GANGTOK-

^ RUMTEK MONESTRY- (distance from M.G.Marg 41km )

image by google

Rumtek Monastery as also known as Dharma Chakra Centre. The Monastery was built in the mid-1700s with the classical Tibetan Gompa style. It is one of  the major and magnificent monasteries and also must visit place in Gangtok. The Shrine was established to widen the Buddhism culture and teaching Buddhism throughout the World.

Entry fee- ₹10* for each person

^ LAKE TSOMGO- (distance from M.G.Marg 51km)

The Tsomgo lake as known as Changu Lake situated at 44kilometer away from Gangtok at the height of 12300 feet above sea level. The glacial lake derives its water from the melting snow of mountains around it. Changu lake is one of the few high-altitude lakes in India which is situated on the Gangtok- Nathu La highway. While the lakes remain completely frozen during the Winter season. The turquoise waters of the lake reflect the astonishing views, that attract the tourists most.

You can book a private cab or shared taxis to explore this Tsomgo lake(border area).

You have to take a permit 1 day before to visit Changu lake from MG Marg.

^ BANJHAKRI WATERFALL- (distance from M.G.Marg 8.2km )

A popular and beautiful sightseen destination to visit in Gangtok. The hundred-foot Banjhakri waterfalls are located in Ranka Monastery which is 8 Kilo-meter away from the main city. The Waterfall that comes from a rocky height of around 40feet. The park where the are waterfalls located is in a thickly forested area. It is the perfect spot to admire the beauty of waterfall and spend some quality time around the waterfall which is covered with a full of greenery surrounded forest.

Entry Fee- ₹50* for each person

^ NATHULA PASS- (distance from M.G.Marg 68km)

Nathula pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Situated on the Indo-Tibetan border which is 14500feet above sea level. A mountain pass that's connects India with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The view and the experience of the road trip that makes Nathula a must-visit place in Gangtok. In winter Nathula Pass experiences heavy snowfall, the temperature of this area drops down up to -25degree Celcius.

You have to take a permit from M G Marg to visit Nathula Pass.

^ FLOWER EXHIBITION CENTRE- (distance from M.G.Marg 11km)

Flower exhibition Gangtok is one of the best places for natural flower lovers. A place with covered with full of greenery environment and good collections of Himalayan region Flowers with their technical names. It is famous because The Tourism Department of Sikkim organized the International Flower Festival every year in The month of May. Several beautiful plants and varieties of flowers can be seen here such as roses, alpine plants, Cacti, creepers, climbers, orchids, etc.

Entry fee- ₹20 each for Indian 

& ₹200 each for Foreigners

^ THE HIMALAYAN ZOOLOGICAL PARK- (distance from M.G.Marg 19km)

The Zoological Park is situated in Bulbulay which is 12km away from Gangtok main city. It is a place for wildlife lovers and you can get an amazing view of Mount Kanchenjunga from here. The zoo is created over 230 hectares of forested land in the Mountain's terrain. You can see many species of animals and birds here such as snow leopard cat, goral, crimson-horned pheasant, Himalayan Red Panda, Himalayan Palm Civet, Black Bear, etc.

Entry fee- ₹25 for each person

& SOME MORE PLACES TO VISIT IN GANGTOK

^ TASHI VIEW POINT (distance from M.G.Marg 14km)

^ M. G. MARG (distance from M.G.Marg 0km)

^ LAL BAZAR (distance from M.G.Marg 9.5km)

^ SEVEN SISTERS WATERFALL (distance from M.G.Marg 40km)

^ GANESH TOK (distance from M.G.Marg 19km)

^ BABA HARBAJAN SINGH TEMPLE  (distance from M.G.Marg 67km)

^ RANKA MONASTERY  (distance from M.G.Marg 18km)

^ LACHUNG (distance from M.G.Marg 116km)

BUDGET OF GANGTOK-

Accommodation- ₹500- ₹1000 min(budget hotels for 2 people)per night. around M.G.Marg Area

Fooding-₹500 per day 

Sightseeing- ₹1500- ₹2000 for a cab (that can be a divide into 4-5 person) including 5-6 points of Gangtok

Other expenses- ₹1000*/- for  parking and entry fees of some point like the zoo, flower Exhibition, etc

Itinerary for Gangtok- 4-5 days

You can explore Gangtok and some border areas like changu lake, lachung, etc with a budget of ₹7000-₹8000*/- each person. 

Babloo jee(Local)- You can contact him for Gangtok local tour- 9679258628

(If you want to visit lachung or lake Tsomgo I recommend you go through a tour and travel agent which will cost you ₹1500-₹2000* each for lachung which will 2-3 days trip and ₹500-₹700*each for lake Tsomgo which will same-day trip).