Best Places to Visit in Gangtok | Into The Snowy Wonderland
Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, lies at the heart of the state’s tourism landscape. In early 2024, Sikkim tourism witnessed a tremendous surge, with a projection of 1.2 million footfall by the year-end.
Along with a picturesque landscape and pleasant weather conditions, the cultural tapestry and the spiritual fervor spread across the state are major factors in drawing tourists in large numbers. Further, the festivals and food of the state speak of the rich heritage.
Gangtok captures the true essence of Sikkim, and it’s the gateway to many wonderful destinations. Further, with the best cafes and shopping destinations, it fuses the old-world charm of Sikkim with modern amenities.
So, do you want to explore the best places to visit in Gangtok? Here is a guide for you.
Best Places To Visit Gangtok: Know The Wonders Of The State
For an eternity, people have associated Gangtok with the best views of Mount Kanchenjunga. However, with the right balance of urbanization and natural beauty, the city continues to be one of the best hill stations in India.
The capital city of Sikkim, built as a Buddhist pilgrimage, has witnessed many political unrest and human crises. However, despite all the hurdles, the city has maintained its position as a tourism hotspot.
Further, with a lot of spiritual hubs and natural wonders, the places to visit in Gangtok will spoil you with choices. Also, do you want to have a complete guide about snowfall in Gangtok? Read our complete guide.
1. Namchi
Namchi is a magnificent Sikkimese city. It is translated to be the ‘top of the sky’ and it is among the most beautiful regions for visiting near Gangtok that will give you a startling view of the Khangchendzonga range and Ranjit valley. This destination is famous for a few heritage monasteries, a life-size idol of the Guru Padmasambhava, and the pilgrim centers. Devotees like to visit this town year-round because of these attractions. A tour to Namchi will allow you to visit Pelling, Nathula Pass, Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, explore Yumthang valley, and visit Sikkim. You can also experience tranquillity and peace as you explore wildlife sanctuaries, snow-capped mountains, and Buddhist monasteries.
2. Yuksom
Yuksom is a meeting place for Lamas. It is the former capital of Sikkim and is among the best places to visit in Sikkim. It is a quaint hamlet that promises pristine serenity and beauty to locals and tourists alike. This hamlet is home for Dubdi Gompa which is the oldest monastery in Sikkim and many more stupas and monasteries. It is a religious hill town that is also a trekking enthusiasts’ heaven and is undeniably among the best places to visit in Gangtok. The location is 38km from Gangtok. The major attractions of the place include the Norbugang Park, the Kathok Wodsalin Gompa monastery, and the royal palace of Tashi Tenka.
3. Tsomgo Lake
The site is famously known as the sparkling Glacial Lake. It is perched at 2400 feet on the Nathula – Gangtok highway. The other name for Tsomgo lake is Changi Lake and is well known as the most popular and highest Lake in India. It is a glacial Lake that remains fully frozen in the winter and is among the most spectacular sceneries to view in Gangtok. Individuals like to indulge on ice skating and yak rides at this place and like piping hot tea and instant noodles from the neighboring food kiosks. The destination is 38km from Gangtok. The major attractions are Brahminy ducks, Primulas flowers, and yellow and blue poppies.
4. Nathu La Pass
This place is festooned with stunning scenery. Nathu La pass falls among the highest motorable roads globally and is situated at 14, 450 feet above sea level. It is among the highest visited places in Gangtok. It is a famous corridor that forms part of the historical Silk Route that connects Tibet and India. Nathu La is only open for Indians from Wednesday to Sunday and you have to get an entry permit from the zonal offices of the tourism department in advance. The exhibition center and war memorial of India are the major highlights of Nathu La Pass.
5. Ravangla
Ravangla is a picture-postcard travel destination. It is snuggled between Maenam and Tendong Hills and overjoys all tourists with the tranquillity of nature, the jaw-dropping beauty of the Himalayas, and peace. The hamlet is adorned with monasteries and aromatic tea estates. This beauty makes it among the best places to visit in Gangtok. The major attractions that you will find here include dark-throated thrush, blue whistling thrush, babblers, and verditer flycatchers.
6. Zuluk
The place is off-the-wall and unconventional. To get to Zuluk, you use a winding road that has 32 hairpin bends. It is among the best places to visit in Gangtok. Zuluk has a picturesque hamlet that is part of the historical silk route and provides stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga. One of the most enthralling things is to drive through this route and hence it attracts adventure riders globally. The major attractions are the Nag temple and the Thambi viewpoint.
7. Lachung
You can also refer to Lachung as the riverside Hamlett. It is located on an elevation of 8610 feet and is known as the most picturesque village in Sikkim. Lachung is among the best places to visit in Gangtok. Hamlet lies on the river banks and its eternal charm. Pristine landscape, and scenic beauty allure both foreigners and other tourists. The scenic splendor of Lachung makes it a lovely place to visit in October in Gangtok.
8. Pelling
Pelling is one of the best places to visit in Gangtok. The destination is adorned with lush green forests and sparkling forests. What makes it one of the best places to visit on Gangtok is the amazing view of the Himalayan ranges together with the Kanchenjunga peak. Pelling will make the jaw to drop in astonishment. It has easy connectivity with the major attractions are mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, and rafting sports.
9. Yumthang
Yumthang is a gorgeous flowery valley that is near Gangtok. The destination is surrounded by snow-capped valleys and is a natural habitat for rare and exotic species of several wildflowers such as louseworts, primrose, and cobra lilies. It is good to visit this gorgeous valley during the spring and summer seasons if you want the best viewing of the colorful riot of the available flower beds and an enjoyable trekking experience.
10. Khecheopalri
Visit this place if you want your wishes to come true. Khecheopalri is a paradise for nature lovers and is the most popular religious place Visit Gangtok. Tourists, especially Buddhists and Hindus visit the lake all year round and take part in the mass prayer on the 15th full-moon day of the Lunar calendar between February and March. The lake is located amidst dense forests and is crystal-free and clear of any particles like leaves. Several people believe and sight that birds that are present in this forest remove all the particles that drop on the water.
What Is The Best Time To Explore The Places To Visit In Gangtok?
The best time to visit Gangtok will depend on the experience you want in Sikkim. Each season has a unique charm. For example, winter is the season for you to visit Gangtok if you want to enjoy the snow and join festivals like the Gutor Chaam performance or the Red Panda Winter Festival.
I visited Gangtok in December, and it transformed into a snowy wonderland that bustled with music and romance that month.
However, if you want to see the flowers and vegetation, spring (March to May) is your season.
Further, Autumn and Summer are the best seasons if you want to explore outdoor pursuits and sightseeing destinations.
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