Best Things to do in Gangtok-Adequate Travel

Planning a tour to Gangtok, Sikkim? We have brought a list of things to do in Gangtok that will make your travel happening and lively. Gangtok is one of the prime attractions in the North-East region of India which is famous for its landscapes and picturesque scenery. Blessed with natural resources, pleasant weather conditions, and umpteen outdoor activities. India is known for its majestic hill stations and Gangtok defines its majestic beauty which attracts tourists across India and the world. 

Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim and is isolated from the rest of the country because it is located surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery. Gangtok is one of the best hill stations in Sikkim and is known for its rivers thus it is rich in natural resources. There is a lot to explore and experience in Gangtok and get to know the culture of this beautiful city. April to June and October and November are considered the best months to visit Gangtok. 

The city is surrounded by the grandeur of nature and has a laid-back atmosphere. Go to Gangtok if you want to have a healthy holiday. So without further ado, things to do in Gangtok.  

1. Nathu La Pass

Nathu La Pass is one of the best places to visit in Gangtok for an adventurous bike ride. The route to Nathu La Pass is risky and edgy which is why it is considered a preferred route for an adventurous bike ride. It is located at 4300 meters above sea level and acts as one of the 3 connecting links between India and China. 

Winter and summer both are the best seasons to visit this beautiful place in Gangtok. Nathu and La both refer to listening ears and passing. One of the three open commercial border crossings between India and China, Nathula is well known for its stunning beauty and lovely surroundings.

Location: 54 km east of Gangtok

Best time to visit Gangtok: April to June and October to November

Timings: NA

Cost: Starting at ₹200 per person

2. Mt Katao

If you are craving an adventure trip then visit Mt Katao where every step will increase the adrenaline rush in your body. One of the beautiful places in Gangtok, Mt Katao is nothing less than a heaven on earth. It is situated 14000 m above sea level giving you a glimpse of the beauty of the mountains.

The flora and fauna here are hard to miss here because the whole mountain range is covered with beautiful flora like primula, poppy, rhododendron, and many others. The high mountain ranges are always covered with snow and the reflection of the sky on ice is just mesmerizing. 

Location: Lachung, Gangtok

Best time to visit Gangtok: March to June

Timings: NA

Cost: NA

3. Mountain Biking

Gangtok is a treat for the riding cycles and motorcycles because of its challenging routes and scenic beauty. Mountain biking in Gangtok is one of the best things to do and the whole adventure is like a treat to adventure lovers. 

Mountain biking offers a lot of thrill and adds adventure to the boring trip to Gangtok. You can take part in an expedition for four to 15 days long including trekking and mountain biking. The trails are carved in a way to help the participants explore deep forests, beautiful routes, rivers, waterfalls, biodiversity, and monasteries in Gangtok. Gangtok sightseeing with a mountain bike is fun. Road trips in India are known worldwide including Nathu La Pass and Leh, Ladhak.  

Best places: Kallimpong and Pelling

Best time to visit Gangtok: Any month of the year

Timings: NA

Cost: Starting ₹8000-15000 per person

4. Paragliding

Humans tend to explore and evolve and thus a wish to fly high in the sky must also come true. Paragliding gives you the wings that you always wish for to see the scenic beauty of Gangtok from above. One of the most loved adventure sports in Gangtok, paragliding is famous in Gangtok. There are several places where you can do paragliding and enjoy the moment. 

Oh, and you don’t have to be a professional to do paragliding. There are several operators that quill helps you do this adventure with full safety. All enthusiasts fly with a licensed pilot who controls the whole flight and its navigation. Unquestionably, paragliding is one of the most popular things to do in Gangtok. 

Best places: Baliman Dara, Reshithang village

Best time to visit Gangtok: March to June and September to November

Timings: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Cost: Starting ₹2000-5000 per person

5. Cable Ride

Cable rides will give you a bird’s eye view to sightsee Gangtok from above. Each cable car can carry at least 24 passengers at a single time. The zig-zag thrill that cable ride offers to make it one of the best Gangtok things to do. The Gangtok city from above is the top-rated thing that many people do. 

There are no seats in the cable car and therefore, you need to stand while riding on it. Make sure to mark a two-way ride because the ticket for a cable ride includes two ways ride. The ride will take 6 to 7 minutes while you can embrace the serenity of Gangtok and vibe along.  

Location: Deorali, Gangtok

Best time to visit Gangtok: April to June

Timings: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Cost: Starting ₹110 (adult) and ₹70 (child) per person

6. Tsuk La Khang Monastery

Monasteries and Buddhist culture are famous in Gangtok as it represents the century-old history and culture of Sikkim. One of the prominent religions in Sikkim, Gangtok is well known for the monasteries where people visit to offer their prayers to Lord Buddha. 

Tsuk La Khang Monastery is a prominent monastery with a beautiful sculpture of Lord Buddha and mesmerizing ancient Indian architecture. This monastery is decorated with wooden carvings made to resemble the head of a snow lion in every nook and cranny. The walls of the monastery are decorated with murals and altars.

Location: Royal Palace Complex, Gangtok

Best time to visit: All year except July-September

Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Cost: NA

7. Seven Sisters Waterfall

Around 32 kilometers from Gangtok, on the Gangtok-Lachung Highway, lies the well-known waterfall known as Seven Sisters. Even though the seven sisters’ waterfalls are positioned horizontally they look different when viewed from a distance. And as you approach the waterfall it will become hard to differentiate. 

Another well-known location to visit while in Gangtok is Tashi View Point, which was built by the late monarch of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal, to get pristine views of the surrounding hills and Mt. Kanchenjunga. Along the route, there are numerous additional waterfalls worth visiting, including the similarly reviving and invigorating Banjhakri Falls. It is one of the best things to see in Gangtok. 

Location: National Highway, North Sikkim, Gangtok

Best time to visit Gangtok: May to July

Timings:  8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cost: Free

8. Lal Bazaar

Traveling to Gangtok and not visiting Lal Bazaar will not do justice to your Gangtok trip. Lall Bazaar is a compilation of local Sikkim artists, farmers, and chefs. Whether you want to buy an authentic Sikkim dress or eat local cuisine, Lal Bazaar is the perfect place. 

It is located near M.G road which is the prime location in the city of Gangtok. You can find various daily utility things here. A once-visit place, Lal Bazaar offers tons of things that represent the culture of Sikkim. From food to dresses, this place has everything for everyone. You can hit the streets of Lal Bazaar even at night although you won’t find many shops open at night. It is one of the best things to do in Gangtok at night because it enables you to explore the streets of Gangtok.  

Location: Lal Bazaar, Gangtok

Best time to visit Gangtok: Any month of the year

Timings: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm

Cost: Varies with product and vendors

9. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in North Sikkim is well-known for its magnificent rhododendrons, which are located there. The sanctuary covers an area of 43 square kilometers and is located at a height of 3,048 to 4,575 meters. 

It has numerous types of rhododendrons. The greatest time to visit the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is from April to July when the azaleas are in full bloom and transform the area into a riot of color.

Location: Yumthang Valley, Gangtok

Best time to visit Gangtok: late February to mid-June

Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

Cost: NA

10. River Rafting

Sikkim may be the smallest state in the northeastern region, but it enjoys some of the best outdoor activities like hang gliding, high-elevation trekking, and wilderness river rafting, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. 

The state is a haven for thrill-seekers since it is brimming with natural beauty, encased by Himalayan mountain ranges, and filled with mesmerizing vistas traversed by the icy taken care of bright waters. One of the finest adventurous activities you can partake in in a location like the Teesta River is river rafting in Gangtok.

Popular routes: 

Sikip – Jorethang – Majitar – Melli 

Makha – Sirwani – Bardang – Rongpo

Best time to visit Gangtok: All year except July-September

Timings: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Cost: Starting ₹500-1000 per person

11. Yak Safari 

Yaks are typically found at high elevations of around 9000 feet, but during the winter they are moved down to an area of about 7000 feet. They are also used to transport commodities in the Himalayan area. So remember to take pictures when riding the yak.

Sikkim’s yaks draw tourists. You may find a lengthy line of yaks waiting to carry passengers if you head to the locations for the Yak Safari. What are the benefits of taking a Yak ride, then? View the Yak Riding information and take advantage of this experience while touring Sikkim.

Location: Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok

Best times to visit Gangtok: June and July

Timings: NA

Cost: Starting ₹300 per person

Final Thoughts

This article is a proper Gangtok travel guide that will help you take part in various activities in the city and outskirts. It is a well-informed travel guide that you must read before planning a trip. Whether you are with your family, friends, or on solo travel, there is enough heart content that will make your Gangtok journey memorable. 

When most of the region in India witnesses extreme heat during summer, the weather in Gangtok remains pleasant and favorable for travel. Summer is considered the favorable season to travel to Sikkim. The location of the city makes it favorable for tourists to visit here any month. 

What are you waiting for? Pack your bags now and head towards an adventurous journey of Gangtok. Make sure to share your experience with our viewers by commenting down below.   

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