8 Things to Do in Gangtok to Experience the Adrenaline Coursing Through You

Gangtok is Sikkim’s paradise where you’ll come across never seen before views and natural beauty. The best way to experience vacationing here is by indulging in the fun things to do in Gangtok. Imagine paragliding with the view of the Kanchenjunga mountains covered in lush greenery and snow or trekking in Nathula Pass amidst the snow. Surreal is what you’re going to feel about this whole vacation of yours, so consider this a hint to plan a trip to Gangtok right away.

Things to Do in Gangtok: Delve into Adventure Activities Against Scenic Beauty

The captivating and alluring environment of Gangtok would definitely charm you. So, get ready to swoon over the mesmerizing views that await you and enjoy holidaying in the lap of the Himalayas. It’s a vacation that you’ll always remember and memories that you’ll forever cherish because that’s what we’ll ensure with these offbeat things to do in Gangtok.

1. Trekking: Nathula Pass, Kanchenjunga Mountain, Green Lake, Varsey, Singalila, Yuksom-Dzongri
2. Skiing: Mt. Katao, Yumthang Valley
3. River Rafting: Teesta River, Rangit River
4. Picnic Spots: Seven Sisters Waterfall, Ban Jhakri Falls Park
5. Cable Car Ride: Deorali, Namnang, Tashiling
6. Yak Safari: Tsomgo Lake, Dzongri Area
7. Shopping: MG Road, Lal Bazar, Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms
8. Camping: Reshi Hot Springs, Teesta River, Tsomgo Lake, Dzongri, Singalila
9. Paragliding: Baliman Dara, Bulbuley Dara
10. Monasteries: Rumtek Monastery, Phodong Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, Enchey Monastery
11. Mountain Biking: Bulbuley Road, Bhusuk-Sokey Road, Bhuksuk-Pakyon Road
12. Temples: Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

1. Trekking in Nathula Pass: Take in the View of this Snow-Covered Beauty

Trekking in Nathula Pass is one of the most popular adventure activities in Gangtok that you can indulge in. This pass which connects India to China was once the place for the silk route to function. It’s also one of the highest motorable roads in the world, located at an altitude of 4300 m. You can also drive here, but walking on the roads with snow surrounding you from every side is a whole other feeling. Therefore, it’s undoubtedly one of the places to travel in India in summer that you can’t miss out on. It’ll give you enough time to soak in the beauty of this place and to enjoy it as much as you can. You’ll require a permit to visit this place, though, so get one a day before.

Best time to visit Nathula Pass: May to October

Nathula Pass timings: Wednesday to Sunday – 8 A.M to 3:30 P.M

Nearby attractions in Nathula Pass: Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

How to get a permit for Nathula Pass:

• Indian Nationals are the only ones who can get a permit
• You must visit the Civil Aviation Department
• Carry a valid identity proof and two photographs

Nathula Pass travel tips:

• Wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes
• Stay hydrated

2. Skiing at Mt. Katao: Indulge in Thrilling Activities in the Snow

Mt. Katao is located 15000 ft. above sea level and is the perfect spot for tourists to indulge in adventurous activities like skiing, snow tubing, snowboarding, etc. In addition to being covered in snow, you’ll still come across lush greenery, creating a perfect symphony of vibrant colors. The vistas of breathtaking mountains, clear blue sky, and a captivating view, you’re in for a memorable time here. It’s one of the things to do in Gangtok in December because that’s when you’ll get the full experience of this destination. However, you’d again need a permit to access this location because it’s part of the military base, so you require Indian Army’s permission to visit this place. This location is worth a visit, though.

Best time to visit Mt. Katao: March to June or December to February

Nearby attractions in Mt. Katao: Zero Point

Mt. Katao travel tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes
• Dress up in multiple layers of clothing
• Indulge in adventure sports

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3. River Rafting in the Teesta River: Spend an Unrivalled Day in the Water

The Teesta River is among the major tourist attractions in Gangtok because it offers you a chance to indulge in plenty of activities from boating to white water rafting. When it comes to things to do in India, nothing can beat river rafting. The highlight of rafting here is that the rapids of this river are graded between I to IV on an international level, so rafting here isn’t child’s play. However, it’ll be a thrilling experience to conquer the high flow of the water. It’s a fun activity that you cannot miss out on because it’s one that you’ll reminisce for years to come.

Best time for river rafting in Teesta River: October to June

River rafting timings: 9 A.M to 4 P.M

River rafting fee: Around INR 500/- to 1000/- depending on the route

Popular river rafting routes:

• Makha-Rongpo (Shortest Route)
• Dikchu-Teesta Bridge (Intermediately Long)
• Dikchu-Kali Johra (Approx. five hours long)
• Bordang-Melli (Over five hours)

Other adventure activities in Teesta River: Boating, camping

Nearby attractions to Teesta River: Rumtek Monastery, Ban Jhakri Falls,

River rafting travel tips:

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
• Listen to the safety instructions carefully

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4. Picnic near the Seven Sisters Waterfall: Indulge in a Therapeutic Time Here

Your list of places to visit in Sikkim must include this location because the magnificence of the Seven Sister Waterfall is unmatched. The water cascading down the mountains surrounded by lush greenery is a sight to behold. The magical and enchanting feeling of sitting near this waterfall and enjoying the breathtaking view is enough to make your day. That’s why this activity is considered among the romantic things to do in Gangtok. The flow of the water would keep you hooked, and you’d lose sense of time here because that’s the power this place would hold over you. This place is a haven for everyone to relax, soak in the alluring beauty of the seven waterfalls and enjoy some peaceful downtime.

Best time to visit Seven Sisters Waterfall: May to July

Seven Sisters Waterfall timings: 8 A.M to 5 P.M

Nearby attractions in Seven Sisters Waterfall: Ban Jhakri Falls, Tashi Viewpoint, Hanuman Tok

Seven Sisters Waterfall travel tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes
• Carry an extra set of clothing

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5. Take a Dip in the Reshi Hot Springs: Soak in Warm Water in the Cold Weather

The cold climate of Gangtok calls for a warm dip in the Reshi hot springs, which is located at an ideal location with gorgeous views to look at. Therefore, it’s one of the things to do in Sikkim Gangtok. There’s also a religious significance of this place as the pilgrims used to spend time in the hot springs for days during the spring as they believed that the water here contains medicinal properties. This belief developed in the people due to the “Cave of Occult Fairies” or Lho Khandro Sang Phug, which is a small monastery beside the river. It’s believed that due to this religious site, the water of the hot springs is holy. You can even trek to this point, relax in the hot water, and then stay here overnight in the huts built to enjoy the experience even more.

Best time to visit Reshi Hot Springs: December to February

Nearby attractions in Reshi Hot Springs: Rangit River Valley, Lho Khandro Sang Phug monastery

Reshi Hot Springs travel tips:

• Carry an extra set of clothing
• Wear sturdy shoes for trekking

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6. Cable Car Ride for Panoramic Views: Enjoy the City Views from the Top

A cable ride from one point to another is the highest form of tourist activity that you can indulge in. It gives you a bird’s eye view of the city, which is a completely different vantage point compared to traveling normally. This two-way zig-zag ropeway is an ideal combination of fun and thrill, which is why it’s a part of our list of things to do in Gangtok Sikkim. This cable car can accommodate 24 passengers at once and it’s recommended to go to and fro for glorious views of the city. There are 3 stations in this 1 km long ride and during peak season, you should expect a long waiting line. The stunning view of the Kanchenjunga Mountains makes this ride worthwhile.

Cable Car Ride timings: 9:30 A.M to 4:30 P.M

Cable Car Stations:

• Deorali near the Institute of Tibetology
• Namnang
• Tashiling near the Secretariat

Cable Car fees:

Adults – Around INR 110/-

Children of 3 to 6 years – Around INR 70/-

Video camera – Around INR 100/-

Cable Car travel tips:

• Expect a long wait time, so reach the starting point accordingly

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7. Yak Safari to Tsomgo Lake: Enjoy a Ride on this Mountain Animal

If you’re planning on visiting the gorgeous and serene Tsomgo Lake, then traveling there on the back of a Yak is the right way. These mountain animals are absolutely beautiful, decorated with colorful clothes. The slow and amazing ride to the lake would let you soak in the surrounding views of the mountains, greenery, and the rocky terrain. It’s quite a fun and entertaining activity to indulge in Gangtok and one that makes this city a famous destination for honeymoon in India. When you have such a unique way of going to the lake, why would you choose any other way, right? So, give this Yak Safari a try and you’ll not regret it.

Yak Safari fees: Around INR 500/-

Yak Safari travel tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes
• Don’t remove your feet from the saddle
• Maintain your balance

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8. Shopping at MG Marg: Explore the Vibrant Streets of Gangtok

MG Marg is one of the most exciting places to visit in Gangtok. This vibrant road is full of shops, restaurants, cafes, and other fun places for you to explore. The best part is that it’s a no-car zone, so you don’t have to worry about vehicles ruining your experience. You can leisurely stroll along this 1 km long boulevard, which is absolutely clean, and you’d also notice green buildings lining the street because of Sikkim government’s green initiative. Visiting this street is one of the things to do in Gangtok at night because that’s when this place comes alive with bright lights. It’s also where the Gangtok Food and Culture Festival takes place annually in December. So, visiting the heart of the city should definitely be on your bucket list. There are several Gangtok sightseeing locations as well here to keep you engaged.

MG Marg timings: 8 A.M to 7 P.M, closed on Tuesday

Nearby attractions in MG Marg: Statue of Unity, Statue of Mahatma Gandhi

Famous restaurants in MG Marg: 9’Ine Native Cuisine, The Dragon Wok, Nimtho, Taste of Tibet, Baker’s Cafe

Famous hotels near MG Marg: Hotel Sonam Delek, Treenz Kanta Chumbi Residency, Summit Alpine Abode Continental, Muscatel Delamere Central

Popular street food to try in MG Marg: Shapta, Thukpas, Tsampa Shakes, Ningro Churpi

MG Marg travel tips:

• It’s a no spit and litter zone
• Smoking is prohibited here
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking
• Try authentic Sikkimese food
• You’ll have to park your car at a distance

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These were some of the most jaw-dropping things to do in Gangtok that would make your trip to this city an enthralling one. From indulging in adventurous activities like river rafting, camping, and paragliding to exploring the shopping places and gorgeous monasteries, you’ll have a memorable time here. You’ll be returning home with a suitcase full of memories that you’ll look back on for several years. This city in Sikkim is a must-visit for every mountain lover and nature afficionado. So, book our Gangtok tour packages for an adventurous journey.  

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