There are many other places such as Ganesh tok, Hanuman tok, Banjhakri falls etc. Any traveler who had been to Gangtok, would tell you about the Gangtok's testy Momo, Thukpa, diversity of the cuisine, unique Sikkimese hospitality, cultures, streams, winding Tista river on the way to town, beautiful mountainous landscape etc.

• Climate
  
• Places to see in Gangtok
  • Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
    
  • Do Drul Chorten
    
  • Enchey Monastery
    
  • Ganesh Tok
    
  • Hanuman Tok
    
  • White Hall
    
  • The Ridge
    
  • Flower Exhibitions
    
  • Deer Park
    
  • Tashi View Point
    
  • Himalayan Zoological Park
    
  • M.G.Marg & Lal Bazar
    
  • Saramsa Garden
    
  • Rumtek Monastery
    
  • Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
    
  • Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery
    
  • Water Garden
    
  • Ban Jhakri Falls
    
  • Tsomgo Lake
    
  • Sa-Ngor-Chotshog
    
  • Menmecho Lake
    

Climate

Temperatures in Gangtok range from an average maximum of 28 °C in summer to minimum of 8 °C in winter. Rainy season usually starts in May and June and lasts up to August and September. Gangtok had experienced many snowfalls in the past, but unfortunately these days snowfall is very rare. To experience the snowfall, one may have to take a trip up to Tsomgo Lake

Places to see in Gangtok

At the first glance, people usually hate this town! to be honest. Too many vehicles rolling around, way too many concrete buildings for a small town, may be that is the result of its being the capital? But, if we look at the brighter side, Gangtok itself is a travel destination, most of the Buddhist monasteries are located here, such places are Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, Ganesh tok, Hanuman tok, Banjhakri falls and most important one is Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, where you get to see years old Buddhist arts and artifacts.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

The most prestigious Namgyal research Institute of it's kind in the World, Institute was founded by ruler of Sikkim of that time, the 11th Chogyal Tashi Namgyal in 1958 and it is a treasure of vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare Thankas (Colorful tapestries used in Buddhist liturgy). Apart from an attractive museum, it has over 200 Buddhist icons and other artifacts. As far as it's collections are concerned, it is only one in India, Other two are in "Institute of Peoples of Asia" in Moscow and Toyo Bunko, in Tokyo.

Do Drul Chorten

Do Drul Chorten at Dotapu Chorten, Gangtok was built by Trullshi Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Inside this stupa, a complete set of Dorjee Phurba, Kangyur relics (Holy Books) and other religious objects. Around the stupa are 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer wheels. The stupa is surrounded by Chorten Lakahang and Guru Lakhang, where two statues of Guru Rinpoche are present.

Enchey Monastery

Enchey Monastery (the Solitary temple) , Lama Durptob Karpo is said to have flown in here from Mainam Hill more than 200 years ago and he built a small hermitage at the spot of Enchey monastery. In 1901 during the regin of Sidkong Tulku, a monastery was built in the form of a Chinese Pagoda. It belongs to Nyingmapa order.The monastery is 2 kilometers away from the main Gangtok town, near Telecom tower. The main Puja is held here every year on the 18th and 19th day of the 12th month of Tibetan Calender.

Ganesh Tok

Ganesh Tok is Hindu deity temple is located uphill, about 5 kilometers from Gangtok. This small temple is devoted to lord Ganesha. From here a fine view of Gangtok town can be seen. Many popular pictures of Gangtok are taken from here. The picture on the right is view of old Ganesh Tok. The newly renovated temple is much larger and has 2 view points on the building. The idea is to provide superb view of the town. On a clear day, with no haze, especially the morning time can be perfect time to shoot photographs of the town and enjoy the view. Or if you are religious or spiritual person, this place could be perfect place to worship Ganesha or meditate in this peaceful temple.

Hanuman Tok

Hanuman Tok is located 8 to 9 km away from Gangtok town (7,200 ft) is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Hanuman. The temple is few kilometers up from Ganesh Tok. It is another peaceful place to worship and meditate. The Hanuman Tok compound is little larger compared to Ganesh Tok, but it offers clear view of Mt. Khangchendzonga from here. Entrance of the temple consist of long upstairs, and when you reach the temple, you might feel little exhausted, but once you reach the top it is all worth walking. The temple is really peaceful and the view of surrounding hill and mountains is just breathtaking. Hanuman Tok is maintained by a unit of the Indian Army.

White Hall

White Hall was built in memory of first Political officer of Sikkim , Claude White in 1932. White hall is a small two storied building and has typical British architecture, all the important functions used to held in this hall, till the 1960.

The Ridge Garden

Few kilometers above the M.G marg of Gangtok, is a small stretch of plain called Ridge, the park was recently renamed to "Chogyal Palden Thendup Namgyal Park". The park has small fountain and a pagoda type resting place. It is a good place to relax and read books. Just below is White Hall and Flower Exhibition center, and just above the traffic point is Mintogang, the official residence of Chief Minister of Sikkim. Mintogang in English means "blossomed crowned hilltop".

Flower Exhibitions

Flower exhibition center is a modest sized flower nursery, just below Ridge garden. Here you can find many varieties of Orchids and other flowers most of the year, but best time to visit this place is around April-May (spring season), when they gather and showcase fresh varieties of orchids and other flowers from around the state. If you are a flower lover and have little time, then it's worth peeping inside and explore the varieties of high quality orchids of Sikkim. Outside exhibition center on the corner, visitors can buy various seeds of plants and orchids.

Deer Park

Just near the Secretariat of Sikkim is located the Deer Park of Gangtok, a.k.a Rustomji Park, it was established in 1950s and as name suggest, different species of deer & red pandas were kept here. But few years ago all the animals were shifted from Deer park to Himalayan Zoological Park, which is just above Ganesh Tok.

Tashi View Point

Tashi View Point is about 6 or 7 kilometer away from Gangtok town, it is near Pangthang. Tashi View point was built by late Chogyal Tashi Namgyal, it offers splendid view of Kanchenjunga. Suggested time to visit Tashi View point is in early morning when sky is clear, so you can walk up the stairs of the View Point and enjoy the unspoilt view of Kanchenjunga. Since, the view point is located near the intersection of North Sikkim and Ganesh tok roads, visitor can stop by and spend few minutes here enjoying the view. There are few cafeteria are now open where you can drink tea and have breakfast or lunch.

Himalayan Zoological Park

Himalayan Zoological Park is located near Bulbuley, the entrance to the park near Ganesh Tok. Park is extended about 205 hectares, at an altitude of 5840 ft (1780 meters), fully wire fence surrounding the area. The park is still in initial stage, there may not be abundant of animals in here yet, but the park houses few Red Pandas, Snow Leopard, Barking Deer, Bears and other animals. Normally a visitor is charged Rs. 10/- for the entrance and Rs. 20/- extra with vehicle.

M.G.Marg & Lal Bazar

M.G Marg is newly renovated street of Gangtok, and only pedestrian zone in town, where a visitor can bring children, relax, take photographs and go shopping. M.G Marg is remains the main market of Gangtok. Government decision to renovate the street has been a success, it has definitely added charm to this place, M.G. marg now looks more relaxing and refreshing. Almost all the major Shops, Hotels, Restaurants are here in M.G. Marg. it is also one busy place in mid day time. If you are lucky enough, you could get to see some cultural programs happening in the street.

Lal Bazaar : is located just below M.G marg is another local market. Lal-Bazaar starts immediately when you step on a long stairs leading downwards, the whole area consists of small size shops and saloons, it is more like a flea market. Just when you reach Denzong Cinema Hall, the famous movie hall, next to it is a newly constructed building called Kanchenjunga Shopping Plaza. Which used to be the main Lal-Bazaar of Gangtok. This market was first built in 1956, named after J. Lal, a Dewan of the Chogyal. It was recently renovated and renamed to "Kanchenjunga Shopping Plaza". The 1st and 2nd floors of the building are entirely vegetable shop. 2nd and 3rd floors have many small clothing shops where you can get inexpensive cloths, from jeans, shirts, bags, shoes and more.

Saramsa Garden

Saramsa Garden is about 14 kilometers from Gangtok, 1-2 kilometers from Ranipool town, on the way to Pakyong is a public garden, and a local picnic spot called Saramsa Garden, the area is quite big to hold about 5 to 10 picnic parties at a time. Saramsa Garden (a.k.a) is the home of Sikkim 's many exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants. Sikkim's first International flower festival was organized here in 2008.

Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery or Dharma Chakra Centre is located at 24 kilometers away from Gangtok,East Sikkim. The Monastery is the seat of the Karmapa Kagyu lineage outside Tibet. The main monastery is surrounded by the monks dormitory. Roof peak of the monastery is comprised of four storied golden sculpture, known as Ghanzira. Inside, the monastery is the paintings of the Kagyu lineage, the eight great Bodhisattvas, the sixteen Arhats, the Genduk Chogngi etc. 

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden

Situated at an altitude ranging between 1800m. To 2200m, established in 1987, it comprises of virgin temperate forest of oaks and as many as 50 different kinds of trees species. The Garden is situated at a place which is only a scenic beauty for the tourists but also adjoins Rumtek Monastery and Fambongla Wildlife Sanctuary. It is open for the Visitors from 1000hrs. to 1600hrs.

Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery

Zurmang Kagyud Monastery is located at Lingdum, East Sikkim is at a distance of about 20 kms from Gangtok. The present Gharwang Rimpoche is the twelfth successive incarnation of the Glorious emanation of Zurmang Gharwang. A place worth visiting for it's religious and exquisite architecture.

Water Garden

Water Garden at Martam Khola is on 21 A National Highway , 16 Kms south of Gangtok. It is an Ideal spot for Picnic with small swimming pool for children.

Ban Jhakri Falls

Ban Jhakri Falls is about 10-12 kilometers from Gangtok on the way to Ranka. Ban Jhakri Falls is a new sightseeing destination for tourists, its compound spreads on about 2 two acres of land. The main attraction of the park is waterfalls, which is about 40 feet long, the force of the falls is quite intense and fun to watch. Other then falls, there are few resting places, a small swimming pool with a dragon, and number of statues of Ban Jhakri, Lyam Lymay, Mangpas and Lepcha ancestor. The place can be quite crowded during the peak tourist season. It is a good place to spend few hours enjoying the view of water falls and having fun with the statues.

Ban literally means forest or jungle, and Jhakri means healer. A Ban Jhakri is a mythical man, who exist only in folktales within the Nepali Community in Sikkim. Local beliefs that Ban Jhakri used to dwell in the forest and live in rock caves worshiping sprits. Any tale of Ban Jakri can be either good or bad, some believe him as evil person and some as good. A famous tale the Banjhakri is that, he used to pickup small children and take them to forests to teach Banjhakri ways.

Lyam Lymay is mythical evil woman, exist only in folktales. Her stories are filled with many dark and hostile incidents, she was evil and very ugly. Her one such story tells that, she used to dwell in forests, rivers and caves, she would run miles to catch person for the dinner. She could run downhill easily, but she could not run up, because of her huge breasts and twisted feet. May be that's why they say "If you see Lyam Lyame, run up, not downhill".

Mangpas are spritual prist belong to Kirati People of Nepali community, a religion who still practice shamanism and worship stones, forests and river as their god, they are neither Hindus nor Buddhist or Christians. Mangpas are required to carry out many Kirati rituals.

Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake is one of the most popular destination for tourists, it is located at 35 km from Gangtok. On the way to the Lake, one can enjoy nice scenery and snowed hills. The Lake is situated at an altitude of 12,310 ft, has an average depth of 50 ft, and remains frozen during the winter months up to mid-May.

Tsomgo Lake, is cool placid water harmonies with the scenic beauty around which doubled by it's reflection in the lake. During the winter season the lake becomes frozen. A temple of Lord Shiva is constructed on the Lakeside. Lake has average depth of 15 meters, footpath along the lake takes one to a resting shed. 

Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre

Located on a beautiful hill top it is a Tibetan refugee monastic institution established in 1961 by his Eminence Luding Khen Rimpoche, Head of Ngorpa, sub-sect of the Sakya Order, with the blessing of H.H. Sakya Trizin and H.H. the Dalai Lama. This is the only monastery of the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim.

Menmecho Lake

This is another beautiful lake located twenty kilometres ahead of the (Changu) lake. Quite big in size, it lies cradled between the mountains below the Jelepla pass and is also the source of the river Rangpo-chu which meets the Teesta at Rangpo. Like the (Changu) Lake, it also derives its water from the melting snow around especially from the stream that originates just below the Jelepla pass.The lake is famous for its trout and a farm to cultivate these fish also exists nearby. Accommodation for the visitors coming here is available at the dak bunglow and tourist lodge near the lake. Tourists are not yet permitted to visit this area.