Things To Do
in Gangtok
Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim, perched on a ridge in the eastern Himalaya with clear views of snow-capped peaks on good days. It blends Tibetan-Bhutanese-Nepali cultural influences, colorful monasteries, and a relaxed hill-station vibe. Narrow winding streets open onto viewpoints, markets, Buddhist monasteries and modern cafés along MG Marg.
Gangtok is a gateway for treks into the Kanchenjunga region and for scenic drives to mountain lakes and border passes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Sikkimese dishes like phagshapa. Afterward, embark on a walking tour through the vibrant streets of Gangtok, where colorful shops and local artisans create a bustling atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to visit the beautiful Enchey Monastery, which offers stunning views and a serene ambiance.
After lunch at a cozy restaurant, head over to the bustling M.G. Marg, the main promenade of Gangtok, where you can shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts. Enjoy a leisurely stroll while indulging in some street food, trying out local favorites like momos and thukpa. The afternoon can also be spent visiting the Gangtok Ropeway for a breathtaking ride that offers panoramic views of the city and mountains.
As the sun sets, find a nice spot at a rooftop café to enjoy the stunning views of the mountains while sipping on a warm cup of tea. Engage with locals and fellow travelers, sharing stories and experiences, which adds to the rich cultural immersion. Finish your day with a peaceful walk back to your hotel, soaking in the brisk mountain air and the twinkling lights of the city.
After an early breakfast, set off for a scenic drive to Tsomgo Lake, which is approximately 38 kilometers from Gangtok. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes, with lush green hills and winding roads that will leave you in awe. Upon reaching the lake, take a moment to admire its serene beauty and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
Once you’ve soaked in the views, enjoy a yak ride around the lake, providing a unique perspective of the stunning scenery. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake, surrounded by the tranquil environment and fresh mountain air. After lunch, explore the nearby Baba Mandir, a shrine dedicated to a soldier, which adds cultural depth to your adventure.
Return to Gangtok in the evening, with the drive back allowing for more picturesque views as the sun dips below the horizon. Once back in the city, treat yourself to a hearty dinner at a local restaurant, tasting Sikkim's unique cuisine. Conclude the day by taking a leisurely stroll along M.G. Marg, enjoying the vibrant night atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea at a café | $1.5-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (double room) | $30-80 |
| 🚕Local taxi (short ride) | $2-8 |
| 🚌Public bus / shared jeep (intercity) | $0.5-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning Himalayan scenery and viewpoints with relatively easy access
- Rich cross-cultural heritage (Bhutia, Lepcha, Nepali) and colorful monasteries
- Gateway for trekking and high-altitude lakes like Tsomgo and the Kanchenjunga region
- Pleasant café culture and approachable local cuisine
- Monsoon landslides can disrupt travel and make some roads unsafe
- Limited flight connectivity (small regional airport) and long road transfers from major airports
- Narrow hilly roads and occasional traffic congestion in town
- Some popular sights require permits or are subject to border restrictions
- "Namaste" - Hello / Respectful greeting
- "Tashi Delek" - Good luck / Good wishes (Tibetan greeting)
- "Dhanyabad" - Thank you (Nepali/Hindi)
- "Maaf garnuhos" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Kati ho?" - How much is it?
- "Yo kaha ho?" - Where is this?
Places to Visit in Gangtok
Visit one of these nice places.
An alpine glacial lake with striking blue-green water and mountain reflections, especially photogenic in clear weather and early morning.
Multiple hilltop viewpoints offering panoramic sunrise/sunset views over Gangtok and, on clear days, the snow-capped Kanchenjunga.
A large, colorful monastery complex with ornate architecture, prayer flags and monks—rich in cultural photo opportunities (ask before photographing people).
Vibrant street life, evening lights and seasonal flower displays; good for candid urban shots and food photography.
From the lower trek camps and ridges you can capture dramatic approaches to the Kanchenjunga massif—best for trekking photographers.
Food in Gangtok
Gangtok Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed or fried dumplings filled with vegetables, chicken or pork; available at street stalls and restaurants across Gangtok—try them with spicy achar/tomato chutney.
Must-Try!
A warm noodle and vegetable (or meat) soup popular for cold days; widely available in Tibetan-style eateries and cafes.
A traditional Sikkimese pork dish with radish and chilies, often served in family-run restaurants and local dhabas.
Fermented leafy-green condiments and side dishes commonly served with rice—look for them in local home-style restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main local market for fresh produce, local snacks and small food stalls—great for seeing everyday life and sampling street bites.
Evening vendors sell momos, noodles, roasted corn and chai; a safe place to try common street food within the central tourist area.
Small alleys around the market have shops and stalls selling momos, thukpa, and packaged local snacks like sel roti and chhurpi.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes in monasteries where required, dress modestly, walk clockwise around stupas/chaityas, and ask permission before photographing monks or people.
Use Namaste or Tashi Delek as polite greetings. A slight bow or joining palms is appreciated in formal settings.
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon in conservative areas; be mindful of noise and local sensibilities in villages and monasteries.
If invited to a local home, small gifts like sweets or useful travel items are appreciated; accept refreshments when offered as a sign of respect.
Safety
Tipping in Gangtok
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: round up taxi fares, leave 5–10% in sit-down restaurants if service is good, and give small tips to porters and drivers for multi-day services.
Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used—carry small bills for markets and mountain stops. Credit/debit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and larger shops in Gangtok, but network/connectivity can be spotty; ATMs are available in town. Digital payments (UPI/wallets) work in some places but may be less convenient for short-term foreign visitors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
May–June are mild and pleasant (15–25°C) and popular with visitors; afternoons can be hazy. Pre-monsoon offers clear mountain views early in the season.
June–September brings heavy rain, landslide risk and road disruptions—expect muddy trails and some closures; visibility for mountain photography is reduced.
October–November is one of the best times: clear skies, crisp air and excellent views of Kanchenjunga; ideal for treks and photography.
December–February are chilly (near freezing at night) with occasional snowfall at higher elevations; lower Gangtok stays cold but often sunny—some roads or passes may close due to snow.
Gangtok at Night
Hiking in Gangtok
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A classic multi-day trek into the Kanchenjunga range starting from Yuksom and passing through scenic valleys, alpine meadows and offering spectacular close-up views of Kanchenjunga.
A relatively accessible day-hike near Gangtok with good birdwatching opportunities and panoramic views—good for short nature walks.
Short hikes and forested trails around the sacred Khecheopalri (located a drive from Gangtok) with serene lakeside views and local religious significance.
Famous ridge treks with views of Everest, Kanchenjunga and other major peaks—reachable with additional travel into the Singalila range (often combined with Darjeeling/Sandakphu itineraries).
Less-crowded short treks that offer quiet forest sections, meadows and close views of local mountain scenery—suitable for half- to full-day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Gangtok by plane.
Approximately 35–45 km from Gangtok; small regional airport offering limited flights (subject to operational status). Road transfer takes around 1–2 hours depending on conditions.
Major airport near Siliguri, West Bengal — about 120–140 km/4–5 hours by road to Gangtok depending on traffic and road conditions. Most national and many international connections arrive here; common transfer point for visitors to Sikkim.
A larger airport in Assam used by some travelers as an alternative when combining northeastern India trips; much farther (6–8+ hour drive) and generally not the primary gateway for Gangtok.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Sikkim and Gangtok; Nepali language, culture and cuisine are prominent.
Tibetan-origin community with Buddhist traditions; visible in monasteries, festivals and cultural practices.
Indigenous community of Sikkim with distinct language, customs and ties to local ecology and spiritual traditions.
Small communities of people from other Indian states and ethnicities work in tourism, trade and services; the population is culturally diverse and multilingual.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is widely played and followed across Sikkim, with local clubs and community matches attracting interest.
Cricket is popular, especially among youth, and played in village grounds and urban fields.
Trekking and mountain sports are a major recreational focus—Goecha La and other routes attract trekkers and mountaineers for endurance and high-altitude challenges.
Traditional sports and cultural events—archery and local livestock-related festivals—remain important in rural and community festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gangtok.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common (vegetable momos, thukpa, dal, rice and vegetable curries). Informality of menus means pointing to ingredients helps; many guesthouses and cafés will prepare simple vegetarian meals.
Vegan choices are available but less widespread—ask about butter/cheese (chhurpi) in dishes. Gluten-free options exist (rice-based dishes, soups), but cross-contamination is possible in busy kitchens.
Pork and yak dishes are served in many places; request chicken, fish or vegetarian alternatives and check with staff at mid-range restaurants for halal certification if required.