Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is built along a steep ridge at about 1,650 metres, with the Ranikhola valley below and Kanchenjunga visible on clear days. It is a small, orderly city, known for its clean streets, its pedestrian MG Marg and its mix of Buddhist, Hindu and Nepali cultures.
The things to do in Gangtok include monasteries such as Rumtek and Enchey, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, viewpoints around the ridge, a cable car ride, evenings on MG Marg and day trips to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass. It is also where travellers arrange permits for North Sikkim.
Two to three days is ideal. March to June and September to December are the best months.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Gangtok travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Gangtok
- Stroll MG Marg in the evening
- Visit Rumtek Monastery
- See Enchey Monastery
- Visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Do Drul Chorten
- Ride the Gangtok ropeway
- See Kanchenjunga from Tashi View Point
- Visit Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok
- See Banjhakri Falls
- Take a day trip to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula
- Visit the Flower Exhibition Centre
Comparing hill stations? See our guide to a Darjeeling and Sikkim itinerary.
Planning something active? Read our guide to adventure activities in Sikkim.
In the city
Stroll MG Marg
Mahatma Gandhi Marg is Gangtok's pedestrian high street, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants, with benches and flower beds down the middle. Smoking, littering and spitting are prohibited, and the street stays remarkably clean. It is liveliest in the evening.
- Best time
- Evening
- Good for
- Everyone
Visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, founded in 1958, is a research centre with a museum of Buddhist icons, thangkas, manuscripts and ritual objects. Nearby, Do Drul Chorten is a large white stupa ringed by prayer wheels, built in 1945.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Good for
- Culture seekers
See Enchey Monastery
Enchey Monastery, above the city, belongs to the Nyingma school and is about 200 years old in its origins; the current building dates from 1909. Its annual cham dance takes place in winter.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
Ride the ropeway
The Gangtok ropeway runs between Deorali and the Secretariat area, giving views of the city and valley. It is a short ride, and queues can be long at weekends.
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Good for
- Families
See Tsuklakhang
Tsuklakhang, the former royal chapel next to the old palace, is where Sikkim's kings were crowned and married. It is the venue for major festival dances such as Pang Lhabsol; at other times, access may be limited, so ask locally.
Viewpoints and nature
See Kanchenjunga from Tashi View Point
Tashi View Point, on the road north of the city, offers views of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding peaks on clear mornings. Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok, small hilltop temples, give different views over Gangtok and the ranges.
- Best time
- Early morning, October to December
See Banjhakri Falls
Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park, a few kilometres from the city, is a landscaped park around a waterfall, with statues depicting the shamanic tradition of the jhakri. It is popular with families.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Good for
- Families
Visit the Flower Exhibition Centre
The Flower Exhibition Centre near the Ridge Park shows orchids and seasonal flowers, especially in spring. Sikkim has hundreds of orchid species.
- Best time
- March to May
Day trips
Visit Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek, about 24 km from Gangtok, is the largest monastery in Sikkim and was rebuilt in the 1960s as the seat of the Karmapa of the Karma Kagyu school after he left Tibet. Its main hall, golden stupa and courtyard are impressive. Security checks apply and ID may be needed.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Good to know
- Carry ID
Go to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula
Tsomgo Lake, about 38 km away at 3,750 metres, is a glacial lake with yaks, snow and mountain views. With a permit and on permitted days, Indian nationals can continue to Nathula Pass on the India–China border and the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir. Permits are arranged through registered agents, usually a day in advance.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Good to know
- Permit required
Arrange a North Sikkim trip
From Gangtok, two- to three-day packages go to Lachung and Yumthang Valley, and to Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake. Permits, vehicles and stays are arranged together. Check road status, as landslides can close routes.
More around Gangtok
See Hanuman Tok and Ganesh Tok
Hanuman Tok, a temple on a hill above the city maintained by the Indian Army, is one of the best places near Gangtok to see Kanchenjunga at sunrise. Ganesh Tok, a tiny shrine on a ridge closer to town, has a viewing platform over the city. Both are usually combined with Tashi View Point on a morning sightseeing loop.
- Best time
- Early morning
Visit the Himalayan Zoological Park
The Himalayan Zoological Park at Bulbuley, next to Ganesh Tok, keeps red pandas, Himalayan black bears, snow leopards and other mountain animals in large forested enclosures along a walking or driving loop.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Good for
- Families
See the Ridge Park and White Hall
The Ridge, above MG Marg, is a shaded walkway past the Palace gates and White Hall, a colonial building. In spring, the flower show at the Ridge brings orchids and seasonal blooms.
- Best time
- March to May
Visit Lingdum (Ranka) Monastery
Lingdum Monastery at Ranka, about 20 km from Gangtok, is a large, relatively new monastery with a spacious courtyard, forested surroundings and a calm atmosphere. Morning prayers are a good time to visit.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours including the drive
Drive to Seven Sisters Falls and Tashi View Point
On the road towards North Sikkim, Seven Sisters Waterfall near Gangtok is a roadside cascade that is at its fullest after the monsoon. It is often a stop on the way to Lachung.
Food and shopping
Eat Sikkimese and Tibetan food
Gangtok has many small restaurants serving momos, thukpa, phagshapa, sha phaley and gundruk soup. Try local teas and, if you drink, local millet beer.
Shop at Lal Bazaar and the handicraft centre
Lal Bazaar, below MG Marg, is the local market for vegetables, spices, chhurpi and household goods. The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom sells carpets, thangkas, masks and woodwork made by local artisans.
- Good for
- Shoppers
Festivals
Losar, Saga Dawa and Pang Lhabsol
Losar, the Tibetan new year in February or March, brings monastery prayers and masked dances. Saga Dawa in late spring features processions with scriptures through Gangtok. Pang Lhabsol in late summer honours Kanchenjunga with warrior dances at Tsuklakhang, the former royal chapel. Dates follow the lunar calendar.
The Red Panda Winter Carnival
Gangtok's winter carnival, usually held in December, brings food stalls, music and cultural performances to MG Marg and makes an otherwise quiet season lively.
- Best time
- December
Things to do in Gangtok by type of traveller
Families: MG Marg, the ropeway, Banjhakri Falls and a Tsomgo day trip for snow.
Couples: Sunrise at Tashi View Point, a Rumtek visit and evenings at MG Marg's cafés.
Culture seekers: Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Rumtek, Enchey and the handicraft centre.
What to do in Gangtok with one day
Start with sunrise at Tashi View Point, then visit Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok. Visit Enchey Monastery and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology before lunch. In the afternoon, drive to Rumtek, then return for the ropeway and an evening on MG Marg.
Practical tips for Gangtok
- Bagdogra Airport is about four to five hours away; Pakyong Airport has limited flights.
- Shared jeeps and taxis are the main transport; there are no app cabs in most areas.
- Arrange Tsomgo, Nathula and North Sikkim permits through registered agents in advance.
- Carry ID; checkposts and some monasteries ask for it.
Plan the rest of your Gangtok trip
Gangtok things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Gangtok?
Walk MG Marg, visit Rumtek and Enchey monasteries, see the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, ride the ropeway, visit viewpoints such as Tashi View Point and Ganesh Tok, and take a day trip to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula.
How many days are enough for Gangtok?
Two to three days for the city and Tsomgo, plus two or three more for North Sikkim.
Can I visit Nathula Pass from Gangtok?
Yes, Indian nationals can visit with a permit on permitted days. Foreign nationals are not allowed at Nathula.
What is the best time to visit Gangtok?
March to June and September to December.
Is Gangtok good for a family holiday?
Yes. MG Marg, the ropeway, the zoo, Banjhakri Falls and a Tsomgo Lake day trip for snow suit families well.
Things to do near Gangtok
- Things to do in Sikkim: the whole state
- Things to do in Pelling: Kanchenjunga views in West Sikkim
- Things to do in Darjeeling: about four hours away
More things to do in Sikkim
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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