There are many wonderful things to do in Gangtok such as rafting in the Teesta River, paragliding, visiting historic Buddhist monasteries, and trekking in dense forest trekking adventures. The Kangchenjunga Range spread around Gangtok offers many panoramic and delightful views to the tourists, along with the culture, tradition, and art of the local Sikkim makes Gangtok quite popular among tourists.
The atmosphere of Gangtok is quite calm and soothing where can spend some relaxing moments on the banks of lakes and lakes and take a long drive. Situated amidst the ancient rivers and mountains covered with snow and greenery, here are the top 15 things to do in Gangtok that will fill your journey with adventure and entertainment.
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Paragliding is one of the best adventure activity to do in Gangtok, with paragliding you can make your dream of flying in the sky a reality. It would be quite a surprise to see the spectacular views of Gangtok from the lush greenery of the hilly hills and the forests from the height of the sky.
You do not need any experience to become a paraglider, many trained experienced operators will accompany you during paragliding and you can safely see the fascinating views of nature while flying you. For paragliding you can fly from 2000 to 4500 altitude, apart from this you must also follow the rules laid down by the operator.
Gangtok has a number of spectacular treks surrounded by forests lined with rhododendrons, poplar, birch and elm trees where tourists can enjoy trekking. Walking on a track surrounded by high mountains, valleys, and picturesque footpaths, you can spend some time in the pleasant and comfortable conditions of the atmosphere.
Along with trekking, tourists can see the enchanting and magical views of Pandim peak from the terraced farmland and Samiti Lake. Pelling, Tendong Hill, Sandakphu, Chungthang-to-Lachung and Singba Rhododendron Reserve in Gangtok are excellent tracks.
The largest and major Teesta River in Sikkim offers rafting opportunities for tourists. There are many challenging routes in the river during rating, this river is quite long and boating can be done easily in it. If you are a new rafter, you do not need to worry, there will be many trained and rapping specialists on the banks of the river who will provide you with guidance, jackets, helmets, and other safety essentials for many rafting. 4 rapids have been earmarked for rafting in Teesta and its tributary Rangit River.
Apart from this, new raptors are first given the opportunity to do rafting in small waves and when they are comfortable in it, then they can then go rafting across the river. Tourists can also enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding forests along with rafting and the banks of the Teesta River are excellent places for picnics.
You must take a cycle tour to have a closer look at the Kanchenjunga and Himalayas and explore the surrounding landscape. Tourists start their cycle journey from Jalpaiguri to Siliguri and enjoy riding on Rishikhola, Zuluk, Nathang Valley, and Silk Route.
The Silk Route is located on the Chinese border, so tourists will need a permit, before a cycle trip, you can consult local experts who will help you a lot and can travel around to see the delightful views of the surroundings.
You must take a helicopter ride to see the mesmerizing view of the high mountains, rivers and forests of Gangtok. From the enchanting view of Gangtok city to the enchanting view of the spiritual monasteries and valley of flowers in a helicopter, it will give you great relief. Tourists cannot photography many places by helicopter as it has been banned by the Ministry of Defence but still helicopter ride is one of the best way to explore Gangtok.
Mountain biking is a must to experience the local rural life and culture along with the beauty of Gangtok’s wild villages, monasteries, flora, rivers, flora, and fauna. Gangtok has many great trails for mountain biking which are adrenaline tigers and thrills. Go biking to see the magnificent views of the mountain and feel the wonderful aroma while roaming the fields of cardamom.
To do mountain biking in Gangtok: Gangtok- Phodong- Rangrang- Dikchu Macha- Sirwani- Temi, Gangtok- Rumtek- Sang- Sirwani- Tami- Namchi- Jorethang – Melli & Gangtok- Rumtek- Sang- Sirwani- Tami- Namchi- Namthang- Rangpo is the most popular route.
Waterfalls falling as seven different streams from the mountains at the same place are known as Seven Sisters Waterfall. Offering enchanting views falling in the rock-face in three different levels, the view becomes even more spectacular during the rains, at which time the waterfalls come to life and fall down with a brisk flow and white The foamy water looks like milk.
Take some photographs or short videos with this view that will delight you all the time. The natural beauty around the waterfall is also mesmerizing and provides a pleasant atmosphere with peace. Seven Sisters Waterfall is a great place to have a picnic with your family and friends and to spend some relaxing moments around it.
Yak Safari will amuse you with a snowy view near Tsomgo Lake, 40 km from Gangtok. To feel the unforgettable experience of the huge mountains around Tsomgo Lake, thoroughly grab the yak hump and enjoy the safari. The yak found here is covered with heavy blankets by its owner and its horns are colored and tied with ribbon.
Do not panic to go on a yak safari as there is a trainer to control the yak which will give you a comfortable journey and you can enjoy the sight of the surroundings in peace.
Lal Bazaar is one of the popular destinations for shopping among the local residents and tourists, the Red Market was established in 1956 in the lower area of MG Marg. There are many stores, products and a variety of cuisines and besides this, many local residents shop in the market for dried fish, vegetables, pottery, flags, knives and cheese made from yak milk, etc.
On Sundays, the market is completely pleasant and many ethnic groups gather around here and sell local handicrafts and traditional items.
To fully see the beautiful views of Gangtok city, tourists must ride a cable car, it only has 24 seats, so during the pickup season of the tourists, there is a long line of cable car rides and if you have full If you want to enjoy this ride, then book in advance.
The cable car rides for 1 km and the three stations Deorali, Namnang and Tashiling come in the middle and you can answer anywhere but complete the ride on both sides as you are charged for the same amount of money. The cable car gives a wonderful view of the Gangtok urban scene and lush green valleys. Cable car rides are one of the thrilling activity to do in Gangtok.
Surrounded on all sides by the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga, just a few miles from Gangtok, the amazing natural view of the Tashi viewpoint attracts a large number of tourists. Tashi viewpoint is an ideal place to enjoy the spectacular view of sunset and sunrise, this view spells when the rays of the sun fall on the snow-clad Kanchenjunga hill. Along with this, tourists can also visit the nearby Lambrong Monastery and Phodong Monastery.
Like paragliding, hang gliding that fulfills tourists’ desire to fly in the sky. It is quite fascinating to see the natural view of Gangtok city and valleys, mountains, rivers, etc. Hang gliding is one of the popular adventure activities in Gangtok, during hang gliding you are hung between the bandage and the two wings, besides the belt is tied to the top points of the bandage to further protect it.
If you have experience of hang gliding then you can do it alone otherwise you can get thrilled with the help of a local pilot. You can record the entire journey by renting a GoPro camera to commemorate the beautiful Views of nature Gangtok.
The Nathu La Pass is part of the historical Silk Route and the silk route was also covered under it in ancient times. At the Nathu La Pass, situated more than 14000 feet above sea level on the India-China border, tourists can see spectacular views of snow-capped mountains amidst nature. From here, soldiers of both India and China are also present and are protecting their motherland. Praise the courage of the brave soldiers of Maa Bharati and do not forget to salute them.
Due to the high altitude and the Nathu La Pass, located on the border of the country, tourists should keep many things such as permits and oxygen cylinders. You can make your journey even more attractive by visiting the beauty of Nathu La Pass and the nearby Tsomgo Lake and Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple.
Shopping and tasting delicious cuisine at MG Market, surrounded by shops decorated with local items, clothing and souvenirs, and local restaurants with accents from local restaurants. The 1 km long MG route looks absolutely clean and traffic-free and walking and shopping on it will prove to be even more entertaining.
Tourists can shop here for local handicrafts and colorful clothes, besides enjoying Tibetan and Nepali dishes such as momos, Sikkim set meat with chicken, fermented soybeans, mushroom raw and dim sum, etc. Tourists can also enjoy baguettes, paninis, pizzas, hot dogs, and fresh lemon tea at the nearby Café in addition to the food.
Gangtok attracts a large number of tourists with its attractive natural scenery but the city has many spiritual and religious places where tourists awaken the spirit of devotion and reverence, among them Hanuman Tok. Hanuman Tok, dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman Ji, is a scenic spot located at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level. Tourists can get their blessings by visiting Lord Hanuman here, apart from this, the temple also has astonishing views of the world’s second-highest small Kanchenjunga Range which mesmerizes everyone.
Lord Hanuman had spent some time resting here on Hanuman Tok in ancient times when he was going to Lanka from the Himalayas for war and then the temple has been built here by the Indian Army.
In the largest city of Sikkim, Gangtok, tourists can do many adventurous, historical and spectacular things, besides enjoying the mesmerizing views of nature. Gangtok offers adventure, nature lovers and every tourist an opportunity to do many things. Tourists can make their Gangtok trip unforgettable by doing the top things to do in Gangtok mentioned here.
Q-1: What are the popular adventure things to do in Gangtok?
Ans: Popular adventure things to do in Gangtok are paragliding rafting, hang gliding, trekking, and mountain biking.
Q-2: What are the best things to do in Gangtok?
Ans: Paragliding, yak safaris, helicopter rides, and cable rides are among the best things to do in Gangtok.
Q-3: What are the popular items to shop in Gangtok?
Ans: Prayer flags and Buddha statues, Sikkim liqueurs, masks, traditional Sikkim handicrafts and Tibetan carpets are popular items to shop in Gangtok.
Q-4: What is the best place to trek in Gangtok?
Ans: The best places to trek in Gangtok are the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Gochala Trek, Tinjure Trek, and Green Lake Trek.
Q-5: What are the popular monasteries to visit in Gangtok?
Ans: Enchey Monastery, Ranka Monastery, Tsuk La Khang Monastery, Gonjang Monastery, and Dodrupchen Monastery are popular monasteries to visit Gangtok.
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Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, the gateway to North Eastern splendor – Sikkim is a beautiful homeland with its prismatic charm and ethnic wonders. The capital city of Sikkim is Gangtok and the state is also the second smallest state of India after Goa. The state is renowned all over the globe for its Buddhist Monasteries, Snow Capped Himalayan Mountains, Lush Green Valleys, and Pi...