gangtok trip november

Things to do in Gangtok in November

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November is a great time to visit Gangtok . The weather is usually moderately chilly, humid but cool , with temperatures ranging from 40—57°F (5—14°C) . There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Gangtok during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Rumtek Monastery, go on a trek to Nathula Pass, go on a river rafting adventure, and more !

Gangtok has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your November trip to Gangtok . Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to November . We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Gangtok in November . Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout November , temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Table of contents

  • Experiences
  • Weather and what to wear
  • Attractions

gangtok trip november

Best events and things to do in Gangtok in November

Top experiences in november, visit the rumtek monastery, go on a trek to nathula pass, go on a river rafting adventure, go on a wildlife safari in khangchendzonga national park, go on a tea plantation tour, visit the tashi viewpoint, holidays in gangtok in november.

  • Diwali/Deepavali ( November 12 )
  • Guru Nanak Jayanti ( November 27 )

Other notable holidays

  • Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti ( October 2 )
  • First Day of Sharad Navratri ( October 15 )
  • First Day of Durga Puja Festivities ( October 20 )
  • Dussehra ( October 24 )
  • Christmas ( December 25 )
  • Republic Day ( January 26 )
  • Ramadan Start ( March 12 )
  • Dolyatra ( March 25 )
  • Holi ( March 25 )
  • Good Friday ( March 29 )
  • Ramzan Id/Eid-ul-Fitar ( April 11 )
  • Ambedkar Jayanti ( April 14 )
  • Weather in Gangtok in November

Temperatures on an average day in Gangtok in November

The average temperature in Gangtok in November for a typical day ranges from a high of 57°F (14°C) to a low of 40°F (5°C) . Some would describe it as moderately chilly, humid but cool .

For comparison, the hottest month in Gangtok , June , has days with highs of 69°F (21°C) and lows of 55°F (13°C) . The coldest month, January has days with highs of 49°F (10°C) and lows of 29°F (-2°C) . This graph shows how an average day looks like in Gangtok in November based on historical data.

Historical temperature average in November

General weather summary, what to wear in november, best attractions for gangtok in november.

Tsongmo Lake

Top searches in Gangtok

Popular road trips from gangtok, what's the weather like in gangtok .

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Gangtok for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

  • Weather in Gangtok in January
  • Weather in Gangtok in February
  • Weather in Gangtok in March
  • Weather in Gangtok in April
  • Weather in Gangtok in May
  • Weather in Gangtok in June
  • Weather in Gangtok in July
  • Weather in Gangtok in August
  • Weather in Gangtok in September
  • Weather in Gangtok in October
  • Weather in Gangtok in December

All road trips from Gangtok

  • Gangtok to Bangkok drive
  • Gangtok to New Delhi drive
  • Gangtok to Darjeeling drive
  • Gangtok to Kathmandu drive
  • Gangtok to Kolkata (Calcutta) drive
  • Gangtok to Jaipur drive
  • Gangtok to Hanoi drive
  • Gangtok to Agra drive
  • Gangtok to Mulund West drive
  • Gangtok to Varanasi drive
  • Gangtok to Thimphu drive
  • Gangtok to Bengaluru drive
  • Gangtok to Pokhara drive
  • Gangtok to Hyderabad drive
  • Gangtok to Chiang Mai drive
  • Gangtok to Udaipur drive
  • Gangtok to Yangon (Rangoon) drive
  • Gangtok to Luang Prabang drive
  • Gangtok to Chennai (Madras) drive
  • Gangtok to Shillong drive
  • Gangtok to Bagan drive
  • Gangtok to Jodhpur drive
  • Gangtok to Pune drive
  • Gangtok to Mysuru (Mysore) drive
  • Gangtok to Guwahati drive
  • Gangtok to Ahmedabad drive
  • Gangtok to Mumbai drive
  • Gangtok to Leh drive
  • Gangtok to Amritsar drive
  • Gangtok to Chiang Rai drive

All related maps of Gangtok

  • Map of Gangtok
  • Map of Bangkok
  • Map of New Delhi
  • Map of Darjeeling
  • Map of Kathmandu
  • Map of Kolkata (Calcutta)
  • Map of Jaipur
  • Map of Hanoi
  • Map of Agra
  • Map of Mulund West
  • Map of Varanasi
  • Map of Thimphu
  • Map of Bengaluru
  • Map of Pokhara
  • Map of Hyderabad
  • Map of Chiang Mai
  • Map of Udaipur
  • Map of Yangon (Rangoon)
  • Map of Luang Prabang
  • Map of Chennai (Madras)
  • Map of Shillong
  • Map of Bagan
  • Map of Jodhpur
  • Map of Pune
  • Map of Mysuru (Mysore)
  • Map of Guwahati
  • Map of Ahmedabad
  • Map of Mumbai
  • Map of Amritsar
  • Map of Chiang Rai

Gangtok throughout the year

  • Gangtok in January
  • Gangtok in February
  • Gangtok in March
  • Gangtok in April
  • Gangtok in May
  • Gangtok in June
  • Gangtok in July
  • Gangtok in August
  • Gangtok in September
  • Gangtok in October
  • Gangtok in November
  • Gangtok in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Gangtok ?

Get inspired for your trip to Gangtok with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

  • 1-Day Gangtok Itinerary
  • 2-Day Gangtok Itinerary
  • 3-Day Gangtok Itinerary
  • 4-Day Gangtok Itinerary

Two Together

2 days in gangtok: mountains, monasteries, and sikkimese food.

Equal parts boisterous and serene, Gangtok rises out of misty woods and faces the revered Kanchenjunga. Between tiers of candy-coloured houses, shabby multi-storeys, chic cafes, modern restaurants, and bustling markets, countless cars zip-zap up and down the steep slopes. For most travellers, Gangtok is the gateway to Sikkim; it is from Gangtok that visitors travel to the flower-filled valleys of North Sikkim, the protected lands and wilderness of the Lepcha, and the alpine lakes that dot the old Silk Route. Our 2 days in Gangtok itinerary is planned around the best things to do in Gangtok and will show you the best of this cheerful capital.

GANGTOK, SIKKIM / INDIA

Gangtok drips style. Puffer coats and fuzzy sweaters (no ugly sweaters here even for Christmas!), red lipstick and ripped jeans, Bhutanese-style kiras and fitted jackets, funky haircuts and cosy scarfs, sexy boots and stylish sneakers, and a sprinkling of bling rule the streets. To be as stylish as the locals, I’ll need to be born another time!

Though the urban sprawl of Gangtok has spread all the way down to the valley floor at Ranipool, Gangtok continues to be one of the greenest capitals in the country. Swathes of forests, some featuring orchids, rhododendrons, and ferns, crowd the mountainside. Located at an altitude of 1650 m on a ridge facing the revered Kanchenjunga, Gangtok has been the darling of tourists from surrounding states who come here to visit its many monasteries, the majestic Tsomgo Lake, to shop, and to stuff their face with momos. The food scene is gaining velocity with young entrepreneurs like Binita Chamling opening restaurants like Nimtho where you can get a taste of elusive local dishes. They are showcasing the state’s diverse produce and educating people to see that Sikkimese food is a lot more than momos and thukpa. Small businesses are also shipping traditional ingredients like dalle pickles and bottled preserves like rukh tamatar ko aachar to food enthusiasts across the country.

In our 2 days in Gangtok itinerary, we will explore some of the best things to do in Gangtok. Read on to find out!

2 Days in GangtoK Itinerary

Monasteries, directorate of handicrafts and handloom, mg marg, tsomgo lake, baba mandir, nathu-la pass, how to reach gangtok, when to visit gangtok, where to stay in gangtok.

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Gangtok Itinerary Day 1

AM // Wake up early and head to Tashi Viewpoint to see the sunrise, then continue to Ban Jhankri Falls and onwards to Ranka Monastery (also known as the Lingdum Monastery), the seat of the Zurmang Kagyu tradition. Surrounded by dense forests, the Ranka Monastery is a sanctuary of solitude. Next stop: Rumtek Monastery , Sikkim’s largest monastery and the seat-in-exile of the Gyalwang Karmapa. It is a must on any Gangtok itineraries. Visit during the morning prayers; the chorus of chants and the rhythmic beats of the ceremonial drums creates a divine atmosphere. There are some eateries outside the monastery where you can have breakfast.

Post breakfast, travel 24 km back to Gangtok. Stop at Enchey Monastery where, according to legends, Guru Padmasambhava had subdued the spirits of the Khangchendzonga, Yabdean, and Mahakala at the Enchey Monastery. A gentle stroll from Enchey Monastery will bring you to Ridge Road , a tree-lined stretch overlooking the city. Ridge Road is bookended by the White Memorial Hall and the Flower Exhibition Centre on one end and the Tsuklakhang , the royal chapel and monastery, at the other end. If flowers are your thing, visit in April when the flower exhibition is held; numerous varieties of endemic orchids are on show alongside other flowers found in the mountains of Sikkim.

FESTIVALS: Losoong , held in January, marks the end of the harvest season and is celebrated by the Lepcha and the Bhutia communities. Masked dances are held at Rumtek and Phodong monasteries. Two days before Losar , the Tibetan New Year, mask dances are held at the Rumtek monastery to celebrate the Gutor Chaam, which signifies the victory of good over evil and the ritualized destruction of evil.

Flag a taxi on the way downhill and head to Do-drul Chorten and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology which houses ancient manuscripts, thangkas, rare statues, and ritual objects. Among the manuscripts are the Prajna Paramita and Astasahastra written in Tibetan golden script, and an 11th-century palm-leaf manuscript of the Saratama Prajnaparamita by Ratnakara Shanti.

TIP : Enchey Monastery and Do-drul Chorten are located within Gangtok and you can hike to them.

Nearby is the Deorali station of the Gangtok ropeway . One of the top things to do in Gangtok is going on a ropeway ride. Hop into a gondola—return tickets are INR 117 as of 2020—and climb to the Tashiling station. Not only does the ropeway offer a magnificent view of the city of Gangtok with its patchwork of colourful houses clinging to the mountainside, but it also offers a view of the Kanchenjunga on clear days.

From the Tashiling station, walk to MG Marg , the buzzing heart of Gangtok, for lunch at Taste of Tibet where you can feast on momos , shyapleys , and bowls of piping hot gyathuk .

Also read : Gangtok has some of the best restaurants in Sikkim. See Best Places to Eat in Gangtok for a list.

PM // No trip to Gangtok is complete without a visit to the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom (10 am to 4 pm, Monday to Saturday) where you can see and learn about Sikkimese handicrafts like thangka paintings, Lepcha weaves, hand-painted masks, carpets, and handmade paper made from the local algeri tree.

One of the top things to do in Gangtok is spending some time on MG Marg . The pedestrian-only stretch is lined with Gangtok’s most popular restaurants and shops but if you intend to shop for woollens, take the connecting staircase to Lal Bazaar, a multi-storied complex where you can shop for woollens (cute hats and mittens and socks, anyone?), apparels, and shoes (oh! those boots!). Also, fresh produce! Women sit behind towering piles of fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh leafy greens, wild mushrooms, kinema wrapped in banana leaves, colourful spices and foraged berries. Buy a bag of dimpled oranges and some local apples to snack on!

For a quick snack, get a plate or two of momos from Shuffle momo . Their green bean chilli momo is unique and amazing!

Eating Sikkimese food is one of the top things to do in Gangtok. For dinner, settle down at Nimtho for a taste of authentic local food, including tongba . The Thakali and Sikkimese thalis are highly recommended. The Thakali thali has rice, kaali dal, jhaneko saag , tareko aloo , and three types of aachar. We also ordered the jhol momo , mushroom sandheko, piro aloo, buff sukuti, and ghyuma. Though the best Sikkimese food is only available at homestays like Darap’s Daragaon Village Retreat and Rinchenpong’s Mayal Paradise Homestay, the food at Nimtho is the closest you will find to home-cooked local food if you do not have the time to travel beyond Gangtok.

Also read : Enjoying our 2 days in Gangtok itinerary? Why not club a trip to Gangtok with a tour of Darjeeling? Check out our 3 Days in Darjeeling itinerary for a list of things to do.

Gangtok Itinerary Day 2

AM // On the second day of this 2-days in Gangtok itinerary, travel to one of India’s most scenic places. Start for Tsomgo Lake no later than 9 am. Located at an elevation of 3753 m, Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is a popular tourist draw. The blue-green waters set against a backdrop of snowy mountains are picturesque. On the shores of the lake, you can see yaks. You can pose for a photo with a yak for a few bucks. There’s also a ropeway—Asia’s highest—that’ll take you to the top of the surrounding mountain from where you can get magnificent views of the lake.

17 km ahead on the old Silk Route is the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple . According to the Incredible India website, “The legend of Baba goes back 35 years when Sepoy Harbhajan Singh of the 23rd Punjab Regiment went missing. A manhunt was launched and it took the army three days to find his body. It is believed that he himself led the soldiers to the site. The soldiers raised a Samadhi in his name and to this day people in the area believe that Baba’s spirit protects the soldier posted here. The Indian Army treated Baba as a soldier who never died and he was retired with full honours in December 2016.” It is believed that the spirit of Harbhajan Singh protects every soldier posted in these inhospitable altitudes.

En route to Baba Mandir is the Nathula Pass , a must-visit on this 2 days Gangtok trip. There is not much to see except the Indian army and the Chinese army facing each other in one of the most politically sensitive areas of the world. Be warned of the rarefied air; you have to walk up a long flight of stairs to reach the top of the pass. Reach out to the army, if in distress.

IMPORTANT ! Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit to visit Sikkim. Nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, and Nigeria require prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to apply for a permit. Foreigners are not allowed beyond Tsomgo Lake. Both Indian and foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit to visit Tsomgo Lake. Book a taxi or reserve seats in a shared vehicle at least a day earlier and provide your driver or hotel with two passport-sized photos, a copy of a government ID (preferably your passport or voter ID because not all places in Sikkim accept the Aadhar card), and a copy of the completed travel card the day before so that they can apply for a permit on your behalf. Permits are released starting at 7 am the same day depending on weather conditions.

You can lunch at one of the small villages on the way or return to MG Marg where you can settle down at The Dragon Wok for Chinese specialities, like sliced pork with black mushroom or mala chicken, or a bowl of ramen. They also serve sushi and bento boxes.

Also read : Wondering where to travel from Gangtok? Come to West Sikkim where solitude will welcome you with open arms. See our Complete West Sikkim Travel Guide to plan an amazing trip.

PM // Walk to Rachna Bookstore , where you can spend hours exploring Raman Shrestha’s thoughtfully curated collection of regional literature and books from the northeast. We support local bookstores, whenever we can, and we have spent hours reading and relaxing here! If there are too many books you want to buy but don’t have luggage space, Raman will ship them to your address. They also have a café where you can grab a sandwich or a cup of coffee. They also accept orders for cakes and Japanese cheesecakes.

Of course, this 2 days in Gangtok itinerary ends with some more delicious food! Settle down at Hamro Bhansa Ghar for a traditional Nepali thali with rice, dal, sabji, your protein of choice, and pickles. They also do a tongue-tickling aloo sandeko that you must absolutely not miss!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachna Books® (@rachnabooks)

In Gangtok, the ancient and the modern flow seamlessly into each other. Spend 2 days in Gangtok experiencing the whiff of cold Himalayan air, a taste of Sikkimese food, and a lesson in the history of Sikkim and Sikkimese culture.

Gangtok Quick Guide

The nearest airport is Bagdogra and the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), from where you can hire a taxi for INR 3000-4500 depending on the size of the vehicle. The journey takes around 5 hours. En route, you can stop for  rafting on the Teesta .

Shared taxis and buses to Gangtok are available from the  Sikkim National Transport (SNT) Bus Terminus  in Siliguri. For the bus schedule, check the  SNT  website.

You can also fly into Gangtok’s only airport, Pakyong Airport, but be warned that flights are often cancelled due to bad weather. Plus, it is cheaper to fly into Bagdogra and take a shared taxi to Gangtok.

For a unique experience, you can  ride a helicopter to Gangtok  from Bagdogra. The 30-35 min flight is priced at INR 3500 per ride.

If you are arriving from Darjeeling, you can opt for a shared taxi. Reserved cars charge around INR 4000-4500.

For pleasant weather, come in spring and summer which are the months of March to early-May. The trees are lush and flowers, including native orchids, bloom around the hillside. In April-May, the annual flower show is held with great fanfare. Avoid the monsoon for the roads often are blocked by landslides. Besides, cloudy skies mean little to no views of the Kanchenjunga. Skies are clear in autumn and winter, from October to February, and though it can get really cold, the clear views are worth the heavy woollens.

There are numerous options to stay in Gangtok .

We usually stay at  Bookman’s BnB . Run by the amiable Raman Shrestha, Bookman’s Bnb is located atop a cafe and a bookstore in Gangtok’s Development Area. If you love books and are interested in knowing about writings by Sikkimese authors, Rachna Bookstore is the place to visit. It’s a 10-minute walk from the busy MG Marg and promises solitude. Rooms start from INR 1500.

If you want to stay at a hostel,  Zostel Gangtok  is a good bet. With its beautiful views and charming rooftop, it’s a great place to stay and meet fellow travellers.  Tag Along Backpackers  is another option if you are looking for hostels.

More Sikkim Travel Guides

Yuksom, sikkim, travel guide, mayal paradise homestay, rinchenpong, sikkim, the complete west sikkim travel guide, uttarey, sikkim, travel guide, rinchenpong, sikkim, travel guide.

How did you like our 2 days in Gangtok itinerary? What are your favourite things to do in Gangtok?

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Mohana & Aninda

Mohana and Aninda are travellers and advocates for car-free travel. Two-together is their travel blog where they document their travels to encourage and inspire readers to seek solace in new places, savour local cuisines, and relish both unique and everyday experiences. When they are not travelling, they are actively researching trip ideas and itineraries, obsessing over public transport timetables, reviewing travel budgets, and developing content for their blog. They are currently based in Edinburgh and exploring Scotland and beyond by public transport.

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Three reservoirs walk: pentland hills, best walks on gigha, things to do on gigha: complete travel guide, best places to eat in the east neuk of fife, best places to eat on the isle of gigha, 8 responses to “2 days in gangtok: mountains, monasteries, and sikkimese food”.

That is a true hidden gem 🙂 I’ve never heard about it but it looks great pleace to enjoy mountains without the crowds.

This part of India is so unique. I’ve been to Darjeeling which is kind of near, but I would absolutely love to visit Gangtok.

Exactly now I am in Pelling to enjoy the freeezzziiiinngggg winter!! Got a good guidance for the Gangtok tour.

Your blog is very informative, meaningful, and to the point. Being a travel blogger I find you have a very good writing sense due to which you explain details about many destinations perfectly, Your blog is like books of Lonely planet for various travel destinations. If someone required destination information your blog is enough instead of searching anywhere. Keep it up with your meaningful blog writing.

Thank you so much for your kind words!

Thanks for the blog! It’s damn informative and tbh pretty epic. Legit on our way to get some momos at the 🐉 wok! Cheers

Glad you found it helpful! Hope you had some delicious momos 🙂

Your pictures are stunning! Thank you for sharing your lovely experience of Gangtok. It is great place to enjoy snowcapped mountains, picturesque beauty and yak rides.

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Tale of 2 Backpackers

PLACES TO VISIT IN GANGTOK – A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Northeast India , Sikkim

Places to visit in Gangtok - Travel Guide

Last Updated on: Aug 6, 2022  

About this blog: Gangtok is perhaps one of the most beautiful hill stations of India. This small Himalayan town has a myriad of attractions in and around. Once you are here, you will feel that you are in a different place altogether. Neat and clean, the city is as peaceful as you want it to be and as beautiful as your heart wants to see. The capital of Sikkim with all its beauty and charm will make you fall in love with it. We have visited Gangtok a number of times and in this blog, we will share with you our experience and expertise on Gangtok. Read this comprehensive Gangtok Travel Guide to know about the places to visit in Gangtok, how to reach, where to stay and other relevant details.

Gangtok, the heartland of the mystical Sikkim is definitely one of our favourite destinations in northeast India. Perched at an altitude of 5410 feet in the ridges of Eastern Himalayas, Gangtok is quite a beautiful travel destination in Sikkim . . The name Gangtok literally means the ‘ Top of the Ridge ‘. The city spreads over a forested mountain that faces the snow-clad Kanchenjunga peaks. There are many vantage points in and around Gangtok from where you can get magnificent views of Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan ranges. The city definitely offers a great sight to all its visitors.

Ranka Monastery - Places to visit in Gangtok

So once you are at the city, there are a lot of places to visit in Gangtok and loads of things that will simply make you fall in love with this hilly capital of Sikkim. We have collated the best of them for your next trip to Gangtok.

About Gangtok, the Capital of Sikkim

Gangtok was not always the capital city of Sikkim. When the Namgyal dynasty established their rule in Sikkim in 1642, Yuksom was declared the capital of the kingdom of Sikkim. Quite obviously, Sikkim was then a free kingdom ruled by monarchy. Later, Rabdentse was declared the capital from 1670 to 1814 and then Tumlong was the capital between 1814 and 1894. Finally, King Thutob Namgyal transferred the capital of Sikkim to Gangtok in 1894 and it became the centre of royal administration in the kingdom of Sikkim.

Much later in 1975, Sikkim joined India as its 22nd state and Gangtok became the capital of Sikkim. While Lepchas are the original inhabitants of the city, Bhutias and Nepalis also form a large part of the population. Gangtok has always remained a peaceful place having an eclectic mix of cultures and ethnicity. 

Flowers of Gangtok at M G Marg

How to reach Gangtok?

Like Darjeeling, you can reach Gangtok from Bagdogra, Siliguri or NJP. New Jalpaiguri or NJP is the nearest railhead. Gangtok is located about 125 km from NJP and Bagdogra Airport and it takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach there.

Recently, Sikkim has opened its own airport at Pakyong. The town is located about 22 km south of Gangtok. Pakyong Airport, located at an altitude of 4646 feet is one of the highest airports in India. However, Pakyong airport is not fully operational and you will get flights only from Kolkata and New Delhi to Pakyong. Private taxis are available from Pakyong Airport to Gangtok city and it takes about 1 hour to reach.

Those looking for budget options, numerous shared jeeps are also available for Gangtok from Siliguri SNT Bus Stand. Buses are also available from Siliguri Bus stand to Gangtok, but jeeps are more comfortable.

Winding roads towards Chungthang in North Sikkim

Gangtok is located about 98 km from Darjeeling and it takes about 3.5 to 4 hours to cover the distance from Darjeeling to Gangtok . Kalimpong is about 75 km (3 hours journey by car). Private cars are available from all these places to Gangtok and vice versa.

Tip: Travelers coming from America will need to get a visa online prior to arrival. The India evisa for US citizens is very easy and is usually issued in 2-4 days.

Getting Around Gangtok

Taxis, both private and shared, are the main mode of transport in and around Gangtok. You can get a total tour package from local travel operators or can go to the local taxi stands and negotiate on your own.

For travelling from Gangtok to other parts of Sikkim, you can either book a car or travel by shared sumos and jeeps. Buses also ply in Gangtok, but the numbers are very less.

There are a number of taxi stands in Gangtok, each earmarked for specific destinations.

View of Gangtok city

Gangtok Taxi Stands

Deorali Taxi Stand

Deorali Taxi Stand, also known as the Mainline Taxi Stand is the most popular taxi stand located at Deorali Bazar on the NH10, about 2 km from Gangtok town centre. Commercial taxis from West Bengal and other states are not allowed to enter Gangtok town beyond Deorali Taxi Stand.

From Deorali Taxi Stand you will get small taxis and larger SUVs for sightseeing in Gangtok.

You will also get shared sumos to Siliguri, NJP, Darjeeling and Kalimpong from Deorali Stand. Taxis for Siliguri are usually available everyday from morning till 5:30 PM in the evening.

Vajra Taxi Stand Gangtok

Vajra Taxi Stand or North Sikkim Taxi Stand

This Taxi Stand is located near the Vajra Cinema Hall in Gangtok. As the name suggests, you will get shared jeeps to various places in North Sikkim like Mangan, Phodong, Kabi Lungchok and sometimes even Lachen and Lachung.

Please Note: You need a separate permit to visit protected areas of North Sikkim like Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley.

You can actually book private taxis from Vajra Taxi Stand with the local drivers and negotiate the rates. The drivers can also help you with the required permits.

M G Marg Taxi Stand

This is another taxi stand just below the M G Marg. From here you will get taxis, both private and shared to places in West and South Sikkim. You will get shared jeeps to places like Pelling, Geyzing, Rinchenpong , Jorethang, Ravangla and Namchi. You will also get private cars from here for local sightseeing in Gangtok.

There is another Taxi Stand near the Children’s Park near M G Marg from where you can get shared cabs and taxis to places nearby in and around Gangtok.

There are no city buses within Gangtok. So you have to depend on taxis for sightseeing tours.

However, SNT (Sikkim nationalized Transport) buses are available from Gangtok to Siliguri and Kalimpong. The main SNT Bus Stop is located near the Paljor Stadium Road, about 7 minutes walking distance from M G Marg. There is another bus stand at Deorali Bazar area.

Roads of Sikkim

What is the Best Time to Visit Gangtok?

The weather of Gangtok is quite similar to that of Darjeeling . This is usually one of the reasons why these two places are often visited together. Like most of the hill stations, Gangtok too experiences extreme cold and rains.

Places to Visit in Gangtok

There are a lot of tourist attractions in and around Gangtok including beautiful monasteries, waterfalls and viewpoints. Here, we have given a few of the main attractions and places to visit in Gangtok.

1. M G Marg

M G Marg Gangtok - Places to visit in Gangtok

The M G Marg is the heart of Gangtok and is literally so. It is a pleasant walking street with no vehicles, rowdy traffic or garbage. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Gangtok. There are numerous shops and food joints on either side of the M G Marg and seats in the between. Once you visit M G Marg, you will simply realise that you are in a different place and not in any crowded Indian city.

2. Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery - Places to visit in Gangtok

Located about 23 km from the main city, Rumtek Monastery is the most famous monastery in Gangtok and must be on your list of places to visit in Gangtok.

Rumtek monastery is one of the largest in Sikkim and belongs to the Kagyu sect that originated in the 12th century in Tibet. The architecture of the monastery is one of the finest in the world and resembles the original one in Tsurphu, Tibet.

Situated on a hill-top, you can see an amazing view of Gangtok town from the monastery. It houses some of the rarest Buddhist religious artwork in the form of wall murals, silk paintings and thangkas (scrolls with intricate hand paintings) and 1001 miniature golden models of Buddha.

3. Enchey Monastery

Enchey Monastery - Places to visit in Gangtok

Situated on the northern outskirts of the city on the Nathula-Gangtok road, Enchey monastery is almost 200 years old. Enchey Monastery literally means ‘the solitary temple’ . The small Buddhist monastery is surrounded by pines and conifers is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Gangtok.

The monastery was rebuilt in 1908 by the 10th King of Sikkim and renovated in the style of a Chinese pagoda. Entrance to the main shrine depicts the Kings of four cardinal directions that protect the monastery and the universe. It remains open for visitors everyday between 6 AM to 4 PM. You can hire a taxi from Gangtok and reach Enchey in 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Lingdum or Ranka Monastery

Ranka Moanstery - Places to visit in Gangtok

Lingdum Monastery or Ranka Monastery is situated 20 km from Gangtok and is considered to be the most beautiful in East Sikkim. Like the other two, Ranka monastery is surrounded by forested mountains as well.

A monk at Ranka Monastery

The monastery has a huge courtyard and comprises a two-storeyed building. There is a stairway that leads to the upper level where the inner sanctum is located with a huge golden Buddha statue. The walls are adorned with intricate paintings and beautiful thangkas.

5. Tashi View Point

View of Gangtok from Tashi Viewpoint - Places to visit in Gangtok

Tashi viewpoint is located around 8 km from Gangtok town. It is the perfect place to witness the surrounding mountains and valleys of Gangtok and the town itself. It offers the gorgeous view of the sunrise with the snow clad peaks illuminated with changing colours. On the opposite side, you can view the Phodong and Labrang monasteries.

6. Ban Jhakri Waterfall and Energy Park

Ban Jhakri Waterfall in Gangtok - Places to visit in Gangtok

Ban Jhakri waterfall is located in a beautiful landscaped park within a forested area about 7 km from Gangtok town and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Gangtok. The park spread across an area of 2 acres is well manicured with paved pathways and footbridges. There is also a manmade lake here where you can go boating.

There are gazebos at several points where you can relax while soaking in the view of the flowing stream that forms at the bottom of the waterfall and the greenery all around. The park uses non-conventional energy sources like solar energy. Also there are slides and swings in the park that generate power when used by the children. The 100 foot waterfall, known as the Ban Jhakri Waterfall is located at the end of the park and is a great site to enjoy.

7. Bakthang Waterfalls

Bakthyang Waterfall on the way towards North Sikkim

This wonderful waterfall is located on the North Sikkim Highways towards the Tashi View Point around 3 km from Gangtok. It is not that high but the width makes it look powerful. There is a rope sliding available here for the adventure enthusiasts. It is a small slide, but can be quite thrilling as the droplets of water are sprinkled on you as you slide down the rope. It takes around 20 min to reach the place from Gangtok and the place offers great views of the mountains and a part of the Gangtok city.

8. Ganesh Tok

Ganesh Tok is located close to Tashi viewpoint and is a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is located at an altitude of 6,500 ft and at a hill adjacent to that of the huge TV Tower. Tourists come here not only to offer prayers to Ganesh, but also to admire the magnificent views from the viewing lounge and the circular balcony around it. Beside the small temple is the viewing lounge with glass panels. You can see Gangtok town, rolling hills and the snow capped mountains including Kanchenjunga.

A monk walking on the roads of Gangtok

9. Hanuman Tok

Hanuman Tok, dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Hanuman is located at an altitude of 7200 ft and 11 km from Gangtok town on the road towards Nathula. The place has a serene atmosphere and offers one of the best views of the Kanchenjunga ranges from Gangtok.

Legend has it that Hanuman stopped here for some time before he flew down to Lanka with Sanjeevani (herb) Mountain from the Himalayas to save Laxman, Lord Rama’s brother. There is also a temple of Sirdi Sai Baba here just right of Lord Hanuman Temple. The cremation ground of erstwhile Namgyal Royal family is located nearby.

10. National Institute of Tibetology, Deorali

The National Institute of Tibetology or the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (as it was earlier called) is one of the most important institutes doing research in Tibetan language and culture. The building is a fine example of the Tibetan architecture and designs. It has a museum in its premises and a Tibetan library that has a rich collection of books about Tibet and the Himalayas. The Institute is located at Deorali within a serene ambience. The most remarkable thing to see here is the majestic image of Manjushri (Bodhisattva of knowledge and wisdom), which was brought here all the way from Tibet.

11. Do Drul Chorten

Drodul Chorten Gangtok - Places to visit in Gangtok

The Do Drul Chorten is located at Deorali at a short walking distance from the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. The Chorten was built by Trulshi Rimpoche in 1945. The Stupa is marked by a golden dome that can be seen from various places in Gangtok. The Stupa is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels all of which have Tibetan prayers inscribed on them.

12. Ridge Park, White Hall and Flower Exhibition Centre

Gangtok Flower Show

Ridge Park is a beautiful garden that boasts of Himalayan orchids and shrubs that Sikkim is so famous for. The Ridge is actually a flat road located uphill from the Gangtok town leading to the Palace Gates. It is just a fifteen minutes’ walk from M.G. Marg in Gangtok.

The White Hall is a historical two storey building of British architecture built in 1932 in memory of the first British Political Officer Sir James Claude White. The Flower Exhibition Centre just adjacent to the White Hall is the place that draws a large number of visitors during the annual flower exhibition. You will find a number of orchids and flowers all around the year, but the best time to visit the place is during the spring season between April and May. The International Flower Festival at Gangtok , held in May every year, takes place here. This place must be on your list of places to visit in Gangtok in May.

Ridge Park is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

13. Ropeway Ride

View from Ropeway Ride at Gangtok

If you are at Gangtok, do not miss the ropeway ride. It starts from Deorali and covers a kilometer of zig-zag way to Tashiling. You will get a magnificent view of the city from the ropeway.

14. Paragliding in Gangtok

Paragliding at Gangtok

The thrill of getting an aerial view of Gangtok city as well as some Himalayan peaks is simply inviting. You can go for a paragliding in Gangtok . There are two types of paragliding trips offered in Gangtok – Medium fly and High Fly. You do not require any special training for these trips as you will be accompanied by a trained pilot.

Baliman Dara near Gangtok is the takeoff location for the medium Fly. The flying time is 5-10 minutes. Landing takes place at a stadium field at Reshithang Sports Village. For the High Fly, the takeoff location is Bubbuley Dara and the altitude from where you take off is almost 2200 meters.

Gangtok Sightseeing Tours

Just like any other hill stations, Gangtok offers sightseeing tours as well. You have to take a local taxi or reserve a car for the sightseeing tour in Gangtok.

The most popular sightseeing tours in Gangtok are the 3-point tour, 7-point tour and the 10-point tour. These are just the standard tours. You can definitely talk with your driver and adjust the places as per your choice. Here, I will just mention the places visited in these tours.

Clouds over mountains

Places visited in Gangtok 3-point Tour (takes about half-day)

  • Tashi Viewpoint
  • Hanuman Tok

Tentative cost for small taxi: Rs 1200 (In high season) and Rs 1000 (in low season)

Places visited in Gangtok 7-point Tour (half-day tour)

  • Bakthang Waterfall
  • Enchey Monastery
  • Flower Exhibition Centre
  • Handicrafts Centre

Tentative cost for small taxi: Rs 1800 (In high season) and Rs 1500 (in low season)

Places visited in Gangtok 10-point Tour (half-day)

  • Drodul Chorten
  • Institute of Tibetology
  • Ropeway or Cable car

Tentative cost for small taxi: Rs 2000 (In high season) and Rs 1800 (in low season)

There is another 10-point tour offered where you will be taken to Ranka Monastery, Rumtek Monastery and Ban Jhakri Waterfall.

The tentative cost for this full-day trip is Rs 3000 (In high season) and Rs 2800 (in low season)

Day Trips from Gangtok

The most famous day trip from Gangtok is the full day trip to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass.

Tsomgo Lake

At Tsomgo Lake in Gangtok

Tsomgo Lake or Chhangu Lake (as it is locally called) is an oval-shaped beautiful glacial lake situated at an altitude of 12310 ft. The lake is located about 35 km from Gangtok and takes about 2 hours to reach by road. The name Tsomgo means ‘ Source of water ’. Tsomgo Lake is definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Gangtok.

During summer and autumn, you will find primula flowers and other alpine vegetation around the lake. The lake becomes frozen and a snowfield during the winter months. There are a number of stalls and shops selling food, drinks and snacks. You can also take a ride on the yaks at Tsomgo Lake.

Nathu La and Baba Mandir

Playing with snow at Nathu La - Places to visit in Gangtok

Nathu La is a mountain pass that was a part of the old trade route between India and China. Nathula Pass is located at the Indo-Chinese border at an altitude of 14,140 ft. Permits are required to visit the Nathu La which can be obtained from the Gangtok DC office. The Baba Mandir located atop the pass is named after the Sentry Harbhajan Singh, who died here in 1968.The border security personnel here believe that his spirit is still alive and is looking after the army officials posted at the terrain.

Snow covered Tsomgo Lake

You have to take a large vehicle for a trip to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass. These places are restricted areas and you will need permits to visit them. You have to carry valid ID proofs (PAN Card is not accepted) and photographs to get the permits.

We would suggest you get your permits done by some reputed travel agents or your hotel in Gangtok. Also get your permits done at least a day in advance.

Tentative Fare for Car

Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir: Rs 4000 – 4500

Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass: Rs 5500 – 7000

Yak at Tsomgo Lake

Day Trip to Pelling

You can go for a day-trip to Pelling, Geyzing and Pemayangtse while staying at Gangtok. However, I would recommend staying at Pelling, which is a wonderful destination in West Sikkim.

Where to Stay in Gangtok?

Gangtok offers a wide range of accommodations starting from hostels, homestays, budget hotels, mid-range to luxury stays. There are a number of hotels around M G Marg, the most popular option for staying in Gangtok. M G Marg is literally the heart of the town and you will get all the good restaurants, shops and attractions nearby.

However, if you wish to avoid the crowds, then you can stay at homestays a little away from the town.

You can book your stay from here. This is one of the sites from where we do most of our online bookings.

Where to Eat in Gangtok?

Cafe in Gangtok - Places to eat in gangtok

Gangtok is a place for the foodies. You will get various Tibetan and Sikkimese cuisines. Also, simple street food like momos, thukpa are yummy. Most of the restaurants and eateries are around the M G Marg Area. Didn’t we mention M G Marg to be the heart of Gangtok?

A few famous restaurants of the city are Taste of Tibet, Café Culture, Green Tara restaurant, Gangtalk among so many others.

Momos of Sikkim

Gangtok Travel Guide (FAQs Answered)

Gangtok can be a bit expensive, especially for solo travellers, mainly because of transport options. But if you plan well, you can explore Gangtok on a budget very well. Budget accommodations are found in Gangtok and food is also cheap. Transportation to non-restricted places (where you do not need permits) can be cheaper if you opt for travelling in shared vehicles. For solo travellers or couples, you can look for other travellers like you and travel together to places like Tsomgo Lake and North Sikkim.

March to June is the best time to visit Gangtok and it is also the peak season. The weather is cool and is perfect for those who want to beat the heat of the plains. The months of October and November are also a good time to visit Gangtok. We would recommend you to avoid the monsoon.

Gangtok, as well as entire Sikkim is one of the safest places to visit in India. The people are helpful and the crime rate is also quite low there. Gangtok is also one of the safest places for women travellers. I have travelled across Sikkim solo without facing any problems or feeling unsafe!

2 days are enough to visit the major attractions of Gangtok. You can use one day for local sightseeing and another day for visiting Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir. From Gangtok, you can also visit North Sikkim, Pelling in West Sikkim and South Sikkim as well.

M G Marg area is the best area to stay in Gangtok. There are a number of hotels of all budget, mid-range and high-range categories in the M G Marg area. M G marg is the heart of the city and markets, restaurants are all quite accessible from there.

If you are visiting Gangtok in the summer months, carry light woolen clothes and jackets with you for the evening. While mornings can be bright and sunny, the evenings can get colder. For winter months, you must carry heavy woolen like sweaters and jackets. Also carry your scarfs, woolen caps and gloves for the winter months. Do carry proper shoes and socks as you might have to walk a bit to explore Gangtok.

Gangtok usually does not get snowfall in the winters. However, routes to high altitude places like Tsomgo Lake, North Sikkim might get snowfall and remain blocked during the winter. Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass get a lot of snowfall during late December and January. And so do places in North Sikkim (Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley) and some places in the Silk Route (Zuluk and Nathang Valley).

Hope our Gangtok Travel Guide helped you in planning your trip and decide on the places to visit in Gangtok. If you have any questions regarding Sikkim, ask your questions in the comment below or drop us a mail. If you found this blog useful, please share this with your family, friends and neighbours.

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Places to visit in Gangtok

Agni Amrita

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What a well written article and beautiful photos. Your blog really captures the picturesque beauty of Gangtok. Last year before the pandemic hit, I along with my best friends planned a trip to Gangtok. Needless to say we were searching for a hotel which was both aesthetic and budget friendly. So with crossed fingers, we booked our 3 nights stay in Gangtok at Rosedell Inn. I must say, all 3 of us were so thrilled when we reached the hotel. The view from the balcony was astounding. The rooms were clean and spacious. The staffs were friendly and helpful. They even arranged camp fire for us with music and good food. It was definitely a night to remember!

Thank you so much!

Wonderful post.This blog has an amazing information about the destination. Pi. Thank you so much for sharing the details.

GANGTOK is capital town and a popular holiday destination of Sikkim. A bi-cable Jig-back Passenger Aerial ropeway of 935 meters long from Deorali Bazar to Tashiling Secretariat via Sikkim Legislative Assembly was built in the year 2003. The visitors can have a panoramic view of the full Gangtok city while taking a ride in this ropeway. DRILL (Damodar ropeways & infra limited) provides the cable car or ropeway ride service at Gangtok.

I found North Sikkim very beautiful. Have you guys been there. This is a very well written article. Great tips.

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Gangtok – A Complete Travel Guide and Itinerary

When thinking about a trip to the mountains, most of the people in India will consider either Himachal, Uttarakhand or Kashmir. A major part of the Himalayas that often gets overlooked is the beautiful North-Eastern part of India. Though tourism here is actually on the rise, not a lot of people visit. States like Assam and Sikkim do get a fair share of tourists but only a handful of people would consider visiting Arunachal, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura. While I will be covering these lesser-visited states in another article, in this particular post I want to talk about the beautiful town of Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim.

Sikkim may be a small state in size but is a giant when it comes to natural beauty and cultural diversity. Nestling in the Himalayan Mountains, it is home to the summit of Kangchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. Almost the entire state is a mountainous terrain with an elevation ranging from 280 meters (920 ft) to 8,586 meters (28,169 ft) in northern peaks near Nepal and Tibet.

Other than this, the state has over 80 glaciers, 28 mountain peaks, 5 major hot water springs, over 100 rivers and streams, 227 high altitude lakes, and 8 high mountain passes. So yes, a trip here is a dream come true for all kinds of tourists including families, bikers, trekkers and adventure seekers.

gangtok

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Gangtok is the capital and the largest town of Sikkim. At an elevation of 1,650 meters (5,410 ft), it is the center of Sikkim’s tourism industry. It was once an important transit point for traders traveling between India and Tibet. Descending the hillside in steep tiers and providing a spectacular view of the Khangchendzonga, Gangtok acts as a perfect base for tourists traveling to various other parts of Sikkim.

Though now a busy administrative and business center, the town has not still lost its charm. Apart from stunning natural beauty consisting of plunging green valleys, water streams, and enchanting landscapes, Gangtok also has an interesting and cheerful mix of cultures and communities. There are several places in and around Gangtok that can keep its visitors busy for days altogether. What those places are and how you can plan a trip to Gangtok is what we will be discussing further in this article.

Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Manali

How to reach Gangtok

Gangtok is a very well connected town and getting here is not going to be a problem at all. Depending on your own preference, you can either drive here by your own vehicle or arrive by either a train or flight.

How to reach Gangtok by Air

The nearest airport to Gangtok is the Pakyong Airport, located in Pakyong town, about 35 kilometers from Gangtok. It is a newly built airport that was recently inaugurated in September 2018. It is one of the five highest airports in India. From the airport, you can get a taxi from the prepaid counter for a drop to Gangtok town.

Other than Pakyong, the next nearest airport is in Bagdogra which is about 4 hours drive from Gangtok. Once you land at Bagdogra, you can rent a taxi for 2000 – 4000 for a drop to Gangtok, depending on the type of taxi you chose.

How to reach Gangtok by Train

The nearest train station to Gangtok is the New Jalpaiguri Junction railway station in Siliguri. It is a major railway station and all trains between Guwahati to rest of the country pass through here. You can easily find a train to New Jalpaiguri from almost every major city in India. Gangtok is about 125 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri and it takes about 3-4 hours to complete the journey.

How to reach Gangtok from Siliguri

Once you reach Jalpaiguri by train, you can find taxis from the railway station itself, for Gangtok that will charge you about Rs. 3000 for a drop.

Another cost-effective way would be to board a train from the railway station for the Siliguri bus stand. There are several buses available from Siliguri for Gangtok operated by Sikkim National Transport. All the buses start in the first half of the day though. The last bus leaves at around 12 noon and reaches Gangtok between 4 to 5 PM. Fare per person is Rs. 200 and you can buy a ticket on the spot from the ticket counter.

Shared taxis too can easily be found heading towards Sikkim from the railway station itself. A shared cab will cost between Rs. 200 – 300 per person. The driver may quote you a high amount initially and you will have to bargain it down.

How to reach Gangtok by Road

If you were traveling by your own vehicle, then you can easily drive to Gangtok by NH 10 which lnks Gangtok to Siliguri. Please note though that the condition of the roads around Gangtok is not that great. From Siliguri, you will reach Kalimpong and then continue driving to Gangtok.

Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Shimla

Local Transport in Gangtok

The main Sikkim Nationalised Transport bus stand is near M.G. Road. There is another bus stand near Deorali Bazaar. From both these stands, you can get daily state transport buses nearby towns like Siliguri, Kalimpong and other local areas. The frequency of these buses is however not that great and the local taxis are a more commonly used mode of local transport.

For Tashiding, Yuksom and Pelling, buses depart from 07:00 and 12:30 from SNT bus stop. Hourly services are also available for some places like Jorethang, Namchi, Ravangla and Geyzing.

Private and Shared Taxis

Taxis, both private and shared, are the most common way of commuting in and around Gangtok. Depending on your own preference and budget, you can either book one taxi for the entire tour or use shared cabs for visiting particular spots.

One thing you must know is that commercial taxis from other states are not allowed in Gangtok. Deorali Taxi Stand, also known as Mainline Taxi Stand, is where a taxi from any other state will drop you at. From here, you will have to rent a local taxi to take you to your destination or to show you around. This taxi stand is located near Deorali Bazaar.

Vajra Taxi stand near Vajra Cinema Hall is where you can get a cab for local sightseeing. Another taxi stand is near M.G. Road. For visiting places like Tashi viewpoint, you can get a taxi from the taxi stand near the Children’s park. For visiting Ranka Monastery and Ban Jhakri Waterfall, you can get a taxi from Ranka Taxi Stand.

Fares of the shared taxis in Gangtok are mostly fixed. The drivers however do tend to overcharge so ask around before you finalize with one. From Gangtok, it will cost Rs. 155 per person to get to NJP Railway station. Gangtok to Namchi is Rs. 110, Rs. 120 for Kalimpong.

Helicopter Ride in Gangtok

Yes, there is a helicopter service available in Gangtok for both moving in and out of town, and for local sightseeing. The helicopter service is known as Pawan Hans and is operated by Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC).

You can book a helicopter ride for reaching Gangtok from Bagdogra airport and vice versa. It is a journey of about 35 minutes and will cost you Rs. 3500 per person. A Helicopter can take a maximum of 5 people. You can call STDC @ 03592-203960 to inquire and book a seat. However, after the airport at Pakyong became operational, this service does not get used much as now the tourists can catch a flight direct to Pakyong which is barely 30 kilometers from Gangtok.

Local Sightseeing

A helicopter ride of approximately 15 minutes is available to give you a birds-eye view of Gangtok and the surrounding peaks. It will cost about Rs. 3000 per person. You can extend this flight further to cover Tsomgo Lake and even Kangchenjunga peak. The price will increase accordingly and you can call 03592-203960 to inquire and book.

Also Read: Mcleodganj – A Comprehensive Travel Guide and Itinerary

How to reach Gangtok in winter?

All of the ways to reach Gangtok that I explained above will remain applicable for the winter season as well. The only catch is that the roads towards high altitude places like Nathu La and Tsomgo Lake will get blocked at this time. But except for these places, the rest of the Gangtok remains completely open for tourists in the winter season.

local sightseeing in gangtok

Places to see in Gangtok

I have actually covered this topic in greater detail in another article, Sightseeing in Gangtok – Best Places to visit in Gangtok . But for a brief overview, below is a list of tourist attractions in Gangtok.

  • Kangchenjunga Peak
  • Seven Sisters Waterfalls
  • Nathu La Pass
  • Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir
  • Tsomgo Lake
  • Himalayan Zoological Park
  • Gangtok Ropeway
  • Hanuman Tok
  • Plant Conservatory
  • Tashi Viewpoint
  • Bakthang Waterfalls
  • Do-Drul Chorten
  • Enchey Monastery
  • Lingdum Monastery / Ranka Monastery
  • Ban Jhakri Waterfall
  • Kanchenjunga Tourist Complex
  • Ridge Road / Ridge Park / Flower Exhibition Center
  • Rumtek Monastery
  • Tsuglakhang Palace Monastery
  • Saramsa Garden
  • Gonjang Monastery

For more information on all these places, please read Tourist Attractions in Gangtok and its Vicinity .

Things to do in Gangtok

Below is a list of tourist things that you can be a part of in Gangtok. Like places to visit, even this information is covered in more details in the tourist places in Gangtok article I provided a link of above.

  • White Water Rafting in Gangtok

Camping in Gangtok

  • Paragliding in Gangtok
  • Helicopter Ride
  • Motorcycling
  • Yak Ride at Tsomgo Lake

hotels in gangtok

Where to stay in Gangtok

Accommodation is not going to be a problem at all in Gangtok, irrespective of the time of the year you arrive. The small town is a major tourist hub and as such, there is an endless list of hotels here. You can choose to either stay at the center of the town, like on or near Mahatma Gandhi Road, or a bit away from the crowd, on the outskirts of the town.

In terms of budget, assume a minimum of Rs. 1500 – 2000 as accommodation cost here. Finding a hotel below this amount is going to be really challenging, even in offseason.

I would not recommend booking a hotel in advance in Gangtok unless it was recommended by someone and you already knew that it was good. Like other tourist places like Shimla and Manali, there are a lot of tour agents and hotels here that talk big, charge much but offer poor and little. It will be better to arrive first, check out the hotels, find one per your liking, negotiate a deal and check-in.

If you would like to spend a couple of days in camps, then yes, you can do that as well. Campsites in Gangtok are mostly around River Teesta and in the surrounding jungle.

Also Read: How to Plan a Visit to Dharamshala

Where to eat in Gangtok

If you want to try some of the best foods that Gangtok has to offer, you must visit M.G. Road. Most of the good restaurants, eateries, and cafes are located here. Out here, you get a wide variety of foods. You can try Indian, western, Chinese, continental & other cuisines, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. If you would like to stick to the Indian menu only, even then you will not be disappointed. Restaurants here serve some amazing north and South Indian dishes.

If you are a Jain, then I will recommend visiting a restaurant called ‘Rasoi’ on MG Road, near Sikkim Tourism Center. They serve a Jain Thali. There are several other pure vegetarian Veshno restaurants as well.

What to eat in Gangtok

It is really hard to name an item to try. The menu out here is vast and you will get the majority of Chinese, Indian, Tibetan and western menu. I will strongly recommend that you do not eat at your hotel and visit M.G. Road for your meals. Visit different restaurants and try something new; eat something you have never eaten before.

M G Road in Gangtok

Shopping in Gangtok

M.G. Road is once again the spot you will visit for shopping as well. The market remains open from morning to late evening every day, except Tuesday.

The entire market is lined up with shops selling different items like traditional Sikkimese dresses for women, Thangkas, decorative Sikkimese Cups, woolen carpets, Buddhist Prayer Flags, foldable wooden tables, pot holders, tray mats, handbags, homemade pickles, Temi Tea and several handicraft items that you can buy as a souvenir. These are just a few items over the top of my head. The list is actually much longer.

Sikkimese cups are what I will recommend buying. These are really beautiful to look at and will not cost you more than Rs. 100 apiece at most. Another item that I will strongly recommend is Temi Tea. It is tea but grown locally and organically using orthodox methods.

snowfall in sikkim

Weather of Gangtok

Because of its high altitude, this entire region experiences a mild and temperate climate all year long. The temperature here ranges from an average maximum of 22 °C (72 °F) in summer to an average minimum of 4 °C (39 °F) in winter.

Best time to visit

The months of March, April, May, and October are the best time to visit Gangtok. These are the months that will suit the majority of the tourists. This, however, may not be applicable to everyone. To see snow, you should come in January or February. For a budget trip, the months of July to September will be the best but the risk of the rain will also be there.

For visiting with family, March to May is a good time. January to March is best for a honeymoon trip. You should plan after April if you want to also visit Nathu La because the road to the pass remains closed in winter.

I have actually covered this topic in far greater details in a different article, When is the Best time to visit Gangtok that I will urge you to read.

Things to pack for Gangtok

Apart from other necessary items, the most important thing that you must not forget is a valid identity proof. If you have an Aadhar Card, bring that along. If not Aadhar, then any other government-issued ID proof will do but it should have your address on it. Without a valid ID proof, you will not be able to get a protected area permit to visit places like Nathu La.

What kind of clothes you should pack will entirely depend on your time of visit. It can sometimes get pretty hot here during the summer season and you may not need even a light jacket. If you were planning a visit in March or April, just pack your regular cotton clothes along with a light jacket or a few light woolens.  A cap to cover your head and a muffler can come handy as well.

If traveling in May or June, pack your regular cotton clothes and one light jacket just to be on a safer side. For a trip from July to September, the monsoon season, you should pack clothes that can dry faster. If possible, carry an umbrella and raincoat as well. A couple of light woolens or a jacket can be useful during morning and evening.

If you were traveling in October and November, you will need to bring your woolen clothes and a good warm jacket. For a trip between December to February, you will need to pack heavy woolens. Some other clothes to pack would be thermals, a warm heavy jacket, good quality gloves, cap that can cover your head and neck both, a muffler, shoes & warm socks.

Also Read: Dalhousie – How to Plan your Trip & What to See !

Important Tip

Please note that you cannot rent winter clothes in Gangtok. But you can get snow gears like long fur coats, leather gloves, caps, etc or rent at places like Nathu La, Tsomgo Lake and Yumthang valley market. So if you were visiting in a non-winter month and had plans to travel to either Nathu La or Tsomgo Lake, you do not have to worry about packing heavy woolens. Just bring your light woolens and you can rent the snow gear for a few hours while visiting a high altitude spot.

monsoon in sikkim

Road Conditions

Road conditions around Gangtok are a little bad. Once you cross Siliguri and approach Gangtok, roads will be average at best. This remains applicable to the main town and other sightseeing places as well. The average speed between Gangtok and other cities will not be more than 25 – 30 kilometers per hour.

Best Vehicle

Considering the condition of the roads, an SUV with good ground clearance will be a good choice for the trip, if you were driving on your own. With that being said, it is not absolutely mandatory and you can easily complete the trip even in a small hatchback as well. The only condition is that it must be well maintained and well serviced for the trip.

Also Read: Nainital – How to Plan your Trip & Explore

Itinerary for Gangtok

Below is an example of an itinerary that you can follow for your trip to Gangtok.

Day 1 – Arrive at Gangtok and arrange your permits. Rest and take a walk through the town. Visit MG Road, do some shopping, try some local food.

Day 2 – Visit Tashi View Point, Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok, Bakthang Waterfall, Chorten Stupa. Take a ride in Cable Car.

Day 3 – Visit Tsomgo Lake, New Baba Mandir, and Nathula Pass

Day 4 – Fly Out

Minimum Time needed for the trip

4 Days is what I will recommend at the least for visiting Gangtok. What I suggested above is a very simple itinerary that will cover most of the tourist places. If you had more time in hand, then you can stay for a couple of more days and cover Yumthang valley and Zero Point. You can also travel to Lachen from Gangtok and visit Gurudongmar Lake.

ban jhakri waterfall

Why to visit Gangtok?

There are several reasons why you can consider Gangtok for your next vacation. The place is easily accessible, well connected, has good accommodation options, great markets to shop at and plenty of food to try. Unlike other major tourist destinations, you will find Gangtok to be really very clean.

It does not matter whether you were coming solo, with friends or family, a trip to Gangtok will never fail you. Tourist attractions here cater to all kinds of tourist groups.

Is it safe to visit Gangtok?

Yes, Gangtok is a very safe place to visit, provided that you too do not do anything that puts you in harm’s way. People here are very simple and helpful. The place is well connected, has good medical facilities, cellphone reception, and is visited by a lot of families throughout the year.

Does it Snow in Gangtok?

Snowfall in the main Gangtok town is extremely rare. The average winter temperature here ranged between 5 to 7 degrees Celsius. However, the nearby high altitude places like Nathu La, Tsomgo Lake, Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang and Zero Point witness heavy snowfall in winters. For people who visit here wanting to see snow, a day trip to either of these places will well serve the purpose.

Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Mussoorie

Bank / ATMs in Gangtok

Gangtok is a major town and all major banks provide banking and ATM facilities here.

Petrol Pumps / Mechanics

Petrol Pumps and mechanics will be available as well for both minor and major fixes.

Hospital / Medical Assistance

There are several hospitals in Gangtok and medical assistance will be easy to find if required.

Mobile Network in Gangtok and Data Connectivity

You will get a good cellphone reception in Gangtok, irrespective of which network you were on. Jio works best here followed closely by Airtel. In terms of data, you will get 4G Speed.

  • People of Gangtok really like their tea to be very sweet. You will have to tell them to put less sugar as per your preference.
  • You should avoid getting any tour packages from either the airport or the New Jalpaiguri railway station. They will provide you cabs in bad condition, lowest standard hotels and will definitely overcharge you.
  • Rather than buying a package, you should plan your trip all on your own. Rent a cab only for the desired destinations and book a hotel only after you have checked everything and negotiated a deal after bargaining.
  • Plastic bags are banned here. You cannot sell or use plastic bags in Gangtok.
  • Spitting or littering is a punishable offense. If found doing so, you will have to pay a huge fine. There are bins everywhere in the city for garbage disposal or spitting.
  • Smoking in public areas is not allowed and is a punishable offense.
  • Though Gangtok is safe for tourists, it is advisable to take a hotel in Gangtok itself and not in a remote area if you were traveling alone.

I hope the information above on visiting Gangtok was of help. If you have any questions; or need any other details; please feel free to ask in the comments section below; or at our Community Forum ; and I will be glad to answer.

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Elvis Velui

Elvis loves the mountains. He is from the beautiful state of Sikkim and tries his best to explore new places and promote tourism in remote North eastern areas.

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Hi can you suggest a good hotel around 5000 in April, plan to travel with wifey and 12 year old daughter. Also do you know a good local travel taxi agent for local sight seeing?

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Thank you very much.

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You are welcome !!!

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Gangtok in November - Gangtok Forum

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I am planning to travel to Gangtok alone in mid November for 5 days to bust stress. Can you let me know any good Hotels there with budget of 4k-5k per day. I want good facilities, nature with good views. Also let me know how good will the climate be during mid November.

Dear Kannan,

Greetings from gangtok..

Please visit Akshma's Home stay http://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g659796-d7175602-Reviews-Akshma_s_Home_Stay-Gangtok_Sikkim.html

and contact me on 9093545458

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You may try Suhim Portico, Sonam Deleke ,Nettle and fern.

gangtok trip november

hi Kannan_ihg,

as you will be coming to Sikkim to bust stress you can try the hidden forest retreat,maple wood resort..these places are away from the town area..

in case you want to check out other relaxing and peaceful locations do check out yuksum,darap,kaluk ..or try the old silk route ..

thank you and regards

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Gangtok Hotels and Places to Stay

Pickyourtrail Travel Blog

Gangtok: 3 Nights, 4 Days of Unforgettable Delight

If you are looking for one-of-a-kind holiday in Gangtok, you are in the right place! We bring you a 3 nights 4 days Gangtok tour plan, with a refreshing mix of sightseeing attractions and adventures alike. Immerse yourself in the alluring locales of Gangtok or have a go at the lip-smacking cuisine of Gangtok, and no matter what kind of a traveller you are, this Gangtok tour plan includes it all!

Gangtok Tour

For a place with bright mentions both in literature and history, Gangtok is unbelievably cheesy! How else do you explain the attention-hogging Kangchenjunga and the snow-filled December diaries? On a clear day, a snow-clad Kangchenjunga indulges in a peek-a-boo rendezvous with the lustrous sunrays. Enjoy the fleeting warmth while it lasts or cave in to the gushing cold winds, for nothing a hot plate of Tofu momos or bell pepper noodle soup cannot fix! Welcome to Gangtok.

Succumbing to the dreamy views from your Gangtok resort, when you are swayed between wanting to do nothing and longing to see everything, take a quick look at this 3 nights 4 days Gangtok tour plan! It might be the answer to your perfect holiday in Gangtok. Why 3 nights 4 days? Gangtok’s most attractions and highlights are well-connected for transfer, and even the outbound day trips are situated close to the city. To be able to get a fair share of culture, adventures and culinary experience, a 3 nights 4 days Gangtok tour plan is enough and to spare!

Day-wise Itinerary:

  • Day 1 – Arrival, Gangtok city
  • Day 2 – Viewpoint Attractions and Waterfalls
  • Day 3 – Long Drive, Tsomgo Lake
  • Day 4 – Souvenir Shopping, Departure

Day 1: Gangtok City

gangtok trip november

So you have arrived at Gangtok’s nearest airport, Bagdogra. Wonder what’s your tour plan for today? Located in Siliguri, the airport is 124 km away from Gangtok. You can hire a taxi or drive a rental car to reach Gangtok, which takes roughly 4 hours to reach.

Check in to your designated hotel . Other than the scenic ride from Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok, your first day in Gangtok doesn’t include any other major plan. It’s no surprise that Gangtok being a hill station experiences as early sunsets as 5:00 pm especially during the later months on a year and it’s best to sit today out. (Still figuring when to visit Gangtok? Read more about the best time to visit Gangtok ).

But that ain’t going to refrain you from setting out to explore Gangtok city on your own. Go for a walking tour shopping for some Lepcha clothes, Sikhemese tea or Akor earrings.

Activities Covered: – Walking tour – City exploration

Must-try: Due to strict border policies, many Gangtok sites are categorized as protected or restricted areas. They require entry passes whose requisites differ for Indian and foreign travellers. Check these criteria before including any major attractions to your Gangtok tour plan.

On the second day of your 3 nights 4 days Gangtok tour, go on a sightseeing excursion around the major tourist attractions of Gangtok. Also a hotspot for honeymooners, these are easily one of the most romantic places to visit in Sikkim . Enjoy the traditional breakfast at your hotel and get ready for a long day.

Soak up the sweeping views of Kanchenjunga from the Tashi Viewpoint or if the view is obstructed by the mist-wrapped surroundings, engage in a nature walk around the place.

Hop on your ride and reach Bakthang Waterfalls which is located 3 km from Tashi Viewpoint. You can also visit Ban Jhakri Waterfalls which is quite farther. After perhaps taking a dip in the waterfalls, continue exploring the nearby attractions like Hanuman Tok, Flower Show, and Handicraft Centre.

Activities Covered: – Tashi Viewpoint – Bakthang Waterfalls – Hanuman Tok – Handicraft Centre

Read more: Incredible things to do in Sikkim for the adventure of a lifetime

Must-try: The handicraft centre is popular among tourists thanks to their exhaustive collection of traditional products. However, keep a check on your spending, as they cost way more than other shopping streets.

Savour your sumptuous breakfast platter at your hotel itself or leave room for the tempting wayside food stalls. It can’t get any better. Start from MG Marg and spend an hour trying a hot bowl of thukpa or cheese-filled momos.

Leave soon for Tsomgo Lake as you might like more time there. Absorb the breathtaking Tsomgo Lake, the topmost inclusion in your entire 3 nights 4 days Gangtok tour, and go on a trekking tour spotting ornate yaks lounging near the emerald-blue lake

Visit Baba Mandir which is right there. The place looks beautiful especially after a snowfall, and the swaying prayer flags amidst deep-white snow are a stunning sight to behold.

Activities Covered: – Street food at MG Marg – Tsomgo Lake – Baba Mandir

Must-try: If you are staying longer or planning to extend your vacation, ask your tour planner if Nathula Pass can be added to the itinerary. If you crack the entry pass part, there awaits the most stunning scenic route ever!

gangtok trip november

After you finish your breakfast, head out to the kaleidoscopic shopping streets near your hotel. Look out for hand-made Sikhemese ceramics or artefacts.

Sikkim is also known for its traditional spices and farm-to-table beverages. Make sure to buy them for home.

Retire to your 4-hr journey to the Bagdogra Airport with a heavy shopping bag and infinite memories!

Activities Covered: Souvenir shopping

Must-try: Keep in mind when to visit and what to pack if you are visiting Gangtok during the colder months. Gangtok’s extreme weather cannot be taken lightly and if will be difficult to move around if not prepared.

Gangtok is a must-visit place in India that packs a punch of adventure with fairytale-looking attractions and experiences. Explore Gangtok by booking your all-inclusive Gangtok tour package. Meanwhile, if you are looking for a lively alternative to your daily routine,  book a staycation  close to your city and escape right away! If you are looking for a perfect international trip, Pickyourtrail offers you the best International tour packages where you can customize your itinerary.

❌ Personal Expenses ❌ Additional Sightseeing tour cost ❌ Flight Tickets

Read more: Honeymoon in Sikkim – Guide for a memorable honeymoon in Sikkim

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Akshaya Devi

240 posts published..

Scared of driving in Chennai traffic but also planning a solo bike trip to Ladakh. Don't be surprised if you find me all hyper, someone somewhere in the world must've misquoted Martin Scorcese or justified a bad coffee saying "C'mon, coffee is coffee".

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Gangtok Weather in November

gangtok trip november

Autumn fades away, winter is here!

By the month of November, the temperature in Gangtok drops to 10 degree Celsius. The chilly winter slowly finds its way into the city. Trekking and other fun adventure activities can be indulged in and visitors from all across the world come to Gangtok to experience the beginning of the winter season. Snowfall starts in the higher altitude regions and lakes start to freeze by the end of November. Yes, it gets cold but the beautiful landscape of Gangtok is best explored during the winters. Most tourists also say that winter is the best season to visit Gangtok. You can savour hot juicy momo drink freshly brewed cup of coffee as you witness the drastic change of climate in November. For those that love adventure and enjoy cold weather, November is the perfect month to visit Gangtok.

How to Reach Gangtok

gangtok trip november

Though the state of Sikkim can be accessed by various mode of transportation, the ultimate journey to reach Gangtok can only be covered by land. Read on…

By Air: If you are on a quick trip to Gangtok and are limited by time constraints then you should opt for a flight journey. Once you have decided on the dates, book a flight to Bagdodra Airport in West Bengal. By road Bagdodra is five hours away from Gangtok. Once you arrive at Bagdodra, book a taxi or avail the helicopter service to Gangtok. Besides Bagdodra Airport, you can also book a flight to Pakyong airport. This airport is located 35 km away from Gangtok and is a new airport. Not all flights land here, so check the dates accordingly and book a flight that meets your needs.

By Train: For those that believe in making beautiful memories while on a journey, train is the best option. When you travel by train, you can experience the essence of each state that you pass and also witness the beautiful cultures and countryside that the state has. During a train journey to Gangtok, you will travel through the interiors of different states and get the chance to view the exotic landscape. Since there are no train stations in the state of Sikkim, you will have to stop at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri. This is the closest station to Gangtok. Once you reach Siliguri, you will have to avail cab or bus services to Gangtok. This journey will be covered within 4 hours.

By Road: Since the beautiful city of Gangtok is nestled amidst the hills, a journey by road to Gangtok will bring an amazing experience. During this journey you will experience the changing landscape and get the opportunity to stop by street side food joints that offer mouth-watering delicacies. You can either self-drive or book you own cab to Gangtok. The roads are well maintained and as you near Gangtok, you will feel the change in climate, temperature drops down drastically, so make sure you keep warm clothes handy. The sight of the mighty Himalayas gets better as you near Gangtok.

While in Gangtok, there are umpteen things to do!

Into the wild during goeche la trek.

gangtok trip november

Goeche La is a small village located close to Gangtok. It offers amazing view of the snow-capped mountains and is surrounded by lush green forests. The trek to Goeche La lasts for 11 days. During the entire trek you will be accompanied with a scenic view of the mountains. You will also travel through narrow paths, valleys, rivers, waterfall and small villages. This journey though tiring is worth it. Once you reach the final destination, Goeche La, unwind and relax!

Along the borders of India and China at Nathula Pass

gangtok trip november

Nathula Pass is one of the most popular tourist destination. It looks heavenly as winter hits the state of the Sikkim. You can experience and explore the high altitude beauty of the Himalayas here. The scenic view of the mountains is best experienced at Nathula. Hiking or driving along this region is a fun thing to do. You can also spend time in Kupup Golf course which is located very close to Nathula Pass. Remember to get your permits sorted beforehand and always keep your ID’s handy while you are here.

Experience Fairy tale at Tsomgo Lake

gangtok trip november

Tsomgo Lake is a sacred lake close to Gangtok. This lake gets frozen during the winters thus offering a splendid beauty. The Lake is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains which look all the more exotic during the winter season. There is also a temple by the banks of this lake which is very sacred to the locals here. You can spend memorable times unwinding and appreciating nature’s gift of wonders here. You can also grab a hot cup of tea in the stalls here and indulge in Yak Safari. There is also an Alpine sanctuary close to this lake, spend time exploring that too!

Dip in for a relieving shower at Phurchachu Hot Springs

gangtok trip november

Since the winters here get extremely cold, a dip at Phurchachu Hot Springs brings in a sense of instant warmth. It is believed that the waters here have medicinal properties in them. Since the water here have a high content of Sulphur, it aids in healing muscular problems, and other joint pains. As you sit here relaxing, enjoy the scenic view of the mountains that surround this place. This spring is open 24 hours and is open to all!

Celebrate the festival of lights in Gangtok

gangtok trip november

Diwali known as Tihar in Sikkim is an auspicious festival celebrated with grandeur. During the celebration, several animals are honoured on certain days. The first day is dedicated to crows, second day to Dogs, third day to cows, and fourth day to Bullocks. Exotic local cuisines are also prepared to celebrate this occasion. The city of Gangtok looks mesmerising during this festival, as the streets are lit with different coloured lights. On the last day of this festival, youths walk the street singing traditional carols (bailo). Exchange of gifts and bhai tika are also organised on the last day.

Celebrate the mist of winter in Gangtok!

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Sikkim Travel Information at a Glance

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  • About sikkim
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