When you think about pristine snowy peaks of the Himalayan mountain range, crystal clear glacial lakes, lush greenery, adventurous trekking tracks, vivid temples, serene monasteries and mesmerizing white clouds touching you softly then the beautiful city of Gangtok comes in the mind. Nothing could be more refreshing and rejuvenating to mind and body than a trip to this capital city of Sikkim, the Himalayan state of India. Gangtok is known as the ‘Land of Monasteries’ due to being home to numerous big and significant Monasteries which draws a huge flow of religious tourists of Buddhism faith.
The city of Gangtok is the hub of the political, religious, spiritual, tourism and social activities. The mesmerizing view of the white snowy top of the Mt. Kanchenjunga, the picture-perfect landscape beauty, breathing fresh mountain air and healthier and refreshing climate all together will let you spend the best peaceful holiday amidst the natural surroundings away from the crowded and noisy cities. In this blog, you get to know the various tourist attractions you should visit while on the Gangtok trip. Here is the extensive list that includes most of the must-visit tourist destinations in Gangtok-
Tsomgo Lake:
One of the most famous lakes in Sikkim, the Tsomgo Lake is located around 40 km from the Gangtok, en route to the Gangtok to Nathu La. Also, known as the Changu Lake, the lake offers you an enchanting sight of the crystal clear lake water with the backdrop view of the mesmerizing white snowy peak of the Himalayan mountain range along with the pureness of the surroundings envelope in the immense tranquility. In the winter season, the frozen water of the lake enhances its magnificence and charm. You can also enjoy the Yak ride in the nearby areas and satiate your hunger pangs by savoring the tasty Momos or Maggi at the eateries nearby where you can also take a sip of the delicious hot tea specially prepared with the Yak milk and butter. An inner line permit will be required to visit the lake.
Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial: When you leave the Tsomgo Lake and move around 18 km towards the Nathu La, you will arrive at a famous destination known as the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial. The memorial is dedicated to a soldier of Indian Army named Major Harbhajan Singh, who lost his life in 1968 in this region. He was considered as the saintly person and respectfully called as ‘Baba’ and thus his memorial is also known as ‘Baba Mandir’. There is a legend that the soul of Baba Harbhajan Singh is still present in the region and guarding the international border of India and China by conveying his message in the dreams of the Indian Army men present there about any possible danger at the border. The local people and families of Army men often visit the Baba Mandir and pay their respect to the shrine of this saint soldier. Tourists also visit this place while on the journey to the Nathu La from Gangtok.
Nathu La:
The famous tourist destination in the East Sikkim, the Nathu La is located in the Gangtok district at an altitude of 14,500 ft., around 55 km away from the main city of Gangtok. Since the 18th century, the Nathu La has held an essential place in the trade relation between India and Tibet. Apart from being an important link between Indian and Chinese trade centers at present, the place is also a popular tourist destination. With the stunning sight of the white snow-covered mountain peaks of the Himalayan range, the Nathu La attracts numerous Nature-loving tourists from various corners of the world. The Nathu La is the protected place so only Indian citizen can visit the place after obtaining an inner line permit.
Kyongnosla Alpine Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is one of the most picturesque high altitude sanctuaries in Sikkim located nearby the Tsomgo Lake. This wildlife sanctuary is also a big attraction for the tourists who visit the Tsomgo Lake. The sanctuary is home to the many flora and fauna and pretty famous for the sighting of Red Pandas and Snow Leopards. The flora consists of famous species of Himalayan alpine flowers such as magnolias, colorful primulas, irises, poppies, etc. The Kyongnosla waterfall present inside the sanctuary enhances the mesmerizing view of the landscape. The breathtaking view of the sparkling water spouting down from the 10, 400 ft. height is something that will captivate you with its beauty.
Rumtek Monastery:
One of the biggest monasteries in the Sikkim, the Rumtek Monastery is known for its tranquility and beautiful surroundings. This most famous monastery of Sikkim is situated around 23 km away from Gangtok at an altitude of 5000 ft.amidst the lush greenery. The landscape where the monastery is located offers you the captivating scenic view with green covers and small flowing streams. The monastery is constructed with the architecture of the traditional Tibetan style and adorned with the colorful frescoes. The proud possession of the monastery is the golden Stupas which contains the relics and ashes of the sixteenth Karmapa. The tranquil environment, cleanliness and simplicity of the monastery and the spiritual ambiance will soothe your mind and refreshes you with its divine aura.
Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Ganesh Tok is situated on a hilltop around 6 km away from the Gangtok. The beauty of the place is captivating as it also offers you the panoramic view of the mountain peaks of the Himalayan range including the Mt. Kanchenjunga. The Hanuman Tok is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and located at a vertical climb of 4 km below the Ganesh Tonk. The view of Gangtok city and the mountain peaks from the temple is marvelous and enchanting. The temple is maintained by the Indian Army and a popular tourist attraction in Gangtok.
Gangtok Ropeway – Cable Car Ride
One of the most amazing experiences in Gangtok, the Cable Car ride is among the top tourist attraction in Sikkim. If you are in Gangtok then this experience should not be missed. The Ropeway ride starts from the lowest station at Deorali Market and travel 1 km and reach to the highest station at Tashiling near the Secretariat. You have to take the ticket for this ride and the ticket cost includes both-way ride so it is best to take the 2-way ride and enjoy the amazing view of both sides. The panoramic view of the Gangtok city and the Himalayan mountain peaks will mesmerize you with its beauty.
Banjhakri Water Falls and Energy Park
Around 4 km away from the Gangtok city, the mesmerizing Banjhakri Falls is situated amidst the lush greenery of a valley. The Banjhakri Water Falls offers captivating picturesque vistas of Nature, which makes it a popular tourist destination in Gangtok. The Energy Park is developed with the theme of the shamanic traditions of the people of Sikkim and consists of many sculptures portraying its tradition and culture. The attractions of the park are statues of Jhakri, statues of the ancestors of the Lyam Lymay, Mangpas, and Lepcha peoples of Sikkim, a lake with a dragon statue in the center and the beautiful surroundings.
