Things to Do in Gangtok: A Complete Activity Guide for Every Traveler

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim, And its located very close to the Himalayas, so this city has some of the most beautiful attractions, such as the natural beauty surrounded by mountains and the extraordinary weather, which is covered in clouds.

Gangtok is also popular for its cultural heritage. also has a unique attraction for tourists and a half, which attracts any traveler to come to Gangtok again and again. with some various activities for nature and adventure lovers, which delight every tourist.

Some notable activities include Trekking, Hiking, Cable Car Riding, River Rafting, and more.

In this article, we will provide a detailed guide to the most enjoyable activities in Gangtok, which will help make your trip more exciting and memorable.

Things to Do in Gangtok

As I mentioned earlier, Gangtok is a wonderful city surrounded by hills and is the capital of Sikkim.

Here, you can experience adventure and cultural heritage along with natural beauty.
Anyway, let’s see what experiences you can enjoy in Gangtok.
Let’s enjoy the beauty of nature.

Visit Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake is about 12,400 feet above sea level, between mountains surrounded by ice. The melting water of the mountain ice is said to have created the lake.

The temperature here is always low, in winter, the lake is completely covered with ice, and in summer, the surrounding environment becomes quite spectacular due to the surrounding mountains. The lake’s water becomes transparent, which makes it look much more beautiful.

Visit Handrel Waterfalls

Another unique attraction of Gangtok is the Handrel Waterfalls.
This waterfall is located very close to Gangtok, and you can see it after going just 7 kilometers.

The environment around the waterfall is relatively calm and surrounded by greenery so that you can experience another aspect of nature here.

Visit the Flower Exhibition Center

Visit the Flower Exhibition Center in Gangtok to see a variety of flowers and plants. This center has a unique collection of different varieties of orchids, flowers, and plants.

Gangtok Cable Car Ride

In Gangtok, you will find a one km-long cable car ride from Deorali to the Tashiling Secretariat. This ride will take you about 15-20 minutes, and from this cable car, you will see Gangtok, Kanchenjunga Valley, and Sikkim Legislative Assembly.

Yak Riding

If you want to go yak riding, you can see many yaks around Tsomgo Lake, and the yaks are always ready to take you on a trip.
However, do not forget to take pictures with the yaks.

Visit the Rock Climbing at Tenzing Hillary Park

If you want to combine rock climbing and mountain trekking, you can go to Tenzing Hillary Park. Here, you can do both.

Shopping at MG Marg

MG Marg is the heart of Gangtok, There is a long walking street here, and on both sides of the street, there are various types of shops and showrooms. These shops include cafes, clothing shops, Sikkimese handicrafts, tea shops, and all kinds of other shops.
You can wander around and shop to your heart’s content.

Temi Tea Tasting

One and the only tea garden in Sikkim is famous for Temi Tea. You can enjoy tea from this garden by sitting in the tea shops or cafes. And if necessary, you can also collect more tea from the shops.

Thukpa and Momo

While roaming the streets of Gangtok, don’t forget to try the Tibetan dishes Thukpa (noodle soup) and Momo (dumpling). You can find these dishes in any restaurant and street food shop in Gangtok.

These two dishes are well-known as famous and tasty dishes in Sikkim.

Taste of Fermented Food

Gundruk (fermented vegetables), rice beer (chang), and Phagshapa (pork and vegetable stew) are some of the local dishes. These dishes will help you enjoy the real taste of local food.

So if you want, try to taste these dishes too.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities – Best Things to Do in Gangtok

Gangtok is an ideal destination for adventure lovers,

Because in Gangtok, you will find various types of adventures. For example, in Gangtok, you will find many other activities like cable car, river rafting, yak riding, trekking, rock climbing, paragliding, etc.

So if you want to enjoy all the activities together, go to Gangtok. Anyway, let’s know in detail about some adventures in Gangtok.

Trekking through Phambong La Wildlife Sanctuary

First of all, you will find Phambong La Wildlife Sanctuary just 20 kilometers away from Gangtok City, If you are a nature lover, this trekking will be a highlight.

On this trek, you will see some of the best bird species and rare wildlife. The sanctuary is spread over ​​about 52 square kilometers and is located at 7,000-12,000 feet, so it is a perfect place for trekking.

Also, while walking on this trekking route, you will see a vast variety of orchids, sweet bamboo gardens, and mountain forests,

Secondly, if you are lucky, you can also see red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and gorals (gorals are mountain goats). There are also several observation towers in the sanctuary. From these towers, you can easily see and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Enjoy the Thrill of River Rafting in Teesta River 

One of the most attractive rivers in Gangtok is the Teesta River. If you want, you can go river rafting on it. There are several options for river rafting on the Teesta.

The water melted from the mountains comes down from above at high speed in this river, and it has rapids of different levels, which will give you a different experience of river rafting.

However, there are certain times for river rafting here because the river flow is not always good. Summer (March-June) and autumn (September-December) are absolutely ideal for river rafting during these times and if the flow is suitable.

Now, let’s see where you can go rafting on the Teesta River!
Rafting on the Teesta River is usually done from the Border Road Bridge to Melli, there are some mild rapids at the beginning, but if you are new to river rafting, this will be perfect and safe.

if you are experienced in river rafting, there are also medium to high-level rapids, which will give you a different level of rafting experience. Apart from that, you can enjoy rafting better through the green hills and villages on both sides.

However, river rafting is not only exciting; it is essential to take some precautions, such as life jackets and helmets, which are mandatory for safety. Beginners can easily enjoy this thrill with the help of a trained guide.

River rafting on the Teesta River will be one of the most memorable experiences of your Gangtok trip!

Take a Cable Car Ride at Deorali

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Gangtok is the Dehrali Cable Car Ride,
You should do this cable car ride in Dehrali during your trip to Gangtok,

It is about 1 kilometer long and will give you the pleasure of the ride in 7-10 minutes. Also, you can see the entire Gangtok city from this cable car station. And after climbing the cable car, you can see a fantastic view of the city below.

Which includes the surrounding mountains, the Teesta River, the houses below, and the cars moving on the road. All in all, you can enjoy the extraordinary beauty of nature.

Shopping and Dining

Shopping and dining can be another attraction for you during your trip to Gangtok.

You will find the city’s heart on MG Marg, which is famous for shopping in Gangtok; here, you can buy local handicrafts, Tibetan crafts, woolen clothes, and souvenirs. Apart from this, another shopping place in Gangtok is Lal Bazaar. However, you will also get more local food in Lal Bazaar.

In terms of food, Gangtok is a heavenly place. Here, you can find many types of basic Tibetan, Nepali, Bhutanese, and local Sikkimese food. You will never forget its taste once you eat Momo, Thukpa, Fermented Suya, Sale Roti, and local tea in Gangtok.

These foods in Gangtok are delicious, which makes my tongue water whenever I think of them.

Explore MG Marg for Local Shopping

MG Marg is located in the heart of Gangtok and is the city’s most popular shopping and walking route.

Here, you will find various handicraft shops, souvenir shops, clothing stalls, and local food restaurants on both sides. You can buy Tibetan crafts, wooden and metal handicrafts, woolen clothes, Nepali jewelry, and Sikkimese tea from here.

However, locally made thanka paintings, wooden masks, and handmade Kashmiri shawls are especially popular. Another great aspect of MG Marg is that it is a completely vehicle-free place. No cars are allowed here, but there is a main road 20-40 feet below for car traffic.

So you can shop safely at MG Marg. Many small lights are lit here in the evening, so the best time to visit MG Marg is in the evening. When traveling to Gangtok, do not miss shopping and enjoying local cuisine at MG Marg!

Taste Sikkimese Delicacies at Local Eateries

In Gangtok, the local food cannot be harmful in any way.

You can find the famous dishes of Sikkim in various local eateries, street food corners, and restaurants in this city. The most popular is Momo, which is made with different fillings, such as chicken, cheese, or vegetables.

In addition, Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup) is a tasty and healthy dish comforting in cold weather. There is also Gundruk, a type of fermented vegetable, and fermented Suya or Churpi, one of the favorite dishes of the local people of Sikkim.

In addition, if you want, you can try Sel Roti (fried rice bread), Shafale (Tibetan deep-fried pastry), and Chang (local organic drink). There are many good eateries around MG Marg and Lal Bazar in Gangtok, where you can enjoy the real taste of these delicious dishes.

Visit Lal Bazaar for Fresh Produce and Local Goods

Lal Bazaar is another vibrant market in Gangtok, where you can find various products, including organic produce, local spices, and handicrafts.

This market is mainly run by local farmers from Sikkim, who sell their products, such as organic vegetables, fruits, dairy products, herbs, and spices, here.

But in particular, Sikkimese red rice, organic cardamom, Nepali chili powder, and Tibetan herbal tea are available here. Besides, if you wander the market, you will see local handicrafts, bamboo and wooden items, and handmade Nepali jewelry, which is very beautiful.

You can visit this market in the morning and see how busy it is.

Because locals gather to buy fresh produce in the morning, visiting Lal Bazar should definitely be on your travel list if you want to explore Sikkim thoroughly!

Offbeat and Unique Experiences

Gangtok is not just a tourist destination, its also known for some offbeat and unique experiences.

For example, in Gangtok, you can meditate at Buddha Park, visit local villages in the foothills of the Himalayas, or spend time in a Tibetan Buddhist cave.

You can also take a yak ride, attend Buddhist prayers at a local monastery, or learn about traditional Sikkimese farming methods.

Visit Tinkitam for a Quaint Village Experience  

Gangtok is already full of natural beauty, but away from the hustle and bustle of Gangtok, Tinkitam village is in the middle of nature.

This small hill village is rich in natural beauty, with green tea gardens and traditional Sikkimese culture. If you go there, you will see the lifestyle of the local villagers, their agriculture, and their traditional houses.

In particular, the orchid garden and hot water springs of Tinkitam will give you a different feeling. Also, in winter, you can enjoy a charming view of Kanchenjunga from very close.

A perfect place to spend quiet time, this village will find peace of mind along with silence in this village.

Explore the Hidden Gem of Reshi Hot Springs

Located quite far from the hustle and bustle of Gangtok, Reshi Hot Springs is a unique attraction of Gangtok. Reshi Hot Springs is located on the banks of the Rongpo River in Reshi village, Sikkim. To get there, you will have to do a short trek.

Here, you will find a wonderful spring of hot water, even in the cold, which you can enjoy. This natural hot spring is very popular for winter travel, Because you can soak your body in this hot spring, even in the cold of winter.

In addition, the water of this hot spring is said to help reduce various skin diseases and arthritis pain, there is a natural bathhouse made of simple bamboo next to the spring, where you can bathe comfortably.

Discover the Peaceful Kabi Longstok

Kabi Longstock is located about 17 km from Gangtok. Kabi Longstock is an integral part of Sikkim’s historical and cultural side. This is where the Lepcha and Bhutia peoples signed a treaty of friendship in the 17th century. 

The treaty is considered a symbol of Sikkim’s historical unity, and a monument has been erected to commemorate it. However, this place is a unique attraction not only for history lovers but also for nature lovers.

Wherever you look, you can see dense forests, birds chirping, and a peaceful and quiet environment that will calm your mind. By visiting this area, you can see local monasteries and pilgrimage sites and learn about the diverse culture of Sikkimese in depth.

Best Time for Specific Activities

Gangtok offers different experiences at different times of the year. Each season witnesses different adventures and beauty. Below is a list of the best things to do according to different seasons

Spring (March-May): Best time for sightseeing and trekking

Spring is the most beautiful and vibrant time to visit Gangtok. Because the weather is pleasant during this time, the surrounding mountains are covered with rhododendrons, orchids, and other wildflowers.

Moreover, this is a good time for trekking lovers. Great experiences can be gained, especially at Phambong La Wildlife Sanctuary and Dzonghari Trek. Also, spring is the ideal time to visit Changu Lake and Nathula Pass because, at this time, the lake’s ice starts melting, and the water takes on a full blue color—which your eyes will have to see.

Apart from these, the weather is perfect for walking and shopping on MG Marg at this time. The most important thing is that photography is excellent during this time, so for photography lovers, spring is the most colorful and attractive time of the nature of Gangtok.

Spring is undoubtedly the best time to enjoy Gangtok’s natural beauty and peaceful nature.

Summer (June – August): Ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring nature

Gangtok becomes a comfortable travel destination for you during summer.

Although it is hot everywhere else during this time, Gangtok is much more remarkable due to its location in the Himalayas, which is much more comfortable during summer. Summer is the perfect time for trekking and hiking, as well as Tasi Jhel and Nathula Pass.

Moreover, since the weather is clear, you can ride a cable car and see the picturesque city view from the area above Gangtok. This is also the best and most popular time for river rafting on the Teesta River. Gangtok is an unparalleled destination for spending time in nature in summer!

Monsoon (September – November): The perfect time for green nature and cultural experiences

During the monsoon, Gangtok takes on a new aura. The green color of nature becomes more dense, and the environment creates a refreshing feeling. The rain during this time makes the nature of the hilly region more alive and beautiful.

And the natural scenery after the rain, especially the enchanting picture of clouds around the Himalayan ranges, is fantastic to see. However, since it rains most of the time during this time, traveling can also be a problem.

You can travel there if you want to see Gangtok during the monsoon.

Winter (December – February): Ideal time to enjoy snow activities and peaceful views

Winter is the best and most seasonal time to visit Gangtok. its also takes on a unique look during this time because the surrounding mountains are covered in snow. And the surrounding weather is freezing.

However, snow is the unique attraction of this time. In winter, you can visit the snowy regions of Nathu La Pass and Lachung in Gangtok because here, you will find a cool atmosphere between the snow-capped mountains and the clouds, which will take the natural environment one step further.

Also, during this time, hot water springs like Reshi Hot Springs will give you a very relaxing experience. Also, in the winter morning, you can see a fantastic view of the snow-covered roads and villages of Gangtok, which is impossible to see at other times.

In winter, Gangtok becomes a world of ice, where you will get lost in a paradise of peace, beauty, and nature.

Gangtok is a wonderful place to visit. Here, every tourist can enjoy different activities according to their choice. You will find adventure, natural beauty, cultural experiences, and a peaceful environment here.

Also you will find trekking, river rafting, cable car rides, tasting local cuisine, and visiting historical places. You can enjoy the green hills, waterfalls, and snow scenes here as a nature lover. You can also do various activities.

Again, you are interested in history and culture. In that case, there are various monasteries, festivals, and traditional places to explore, enjoy the natural beauty of Gangtok, and do various activities. So, without further delay, start planning your next trip and enjoy Gangtok’s heritage, nature, and adventure!