OT Staff
The capital of Sikkim is a pristine hill station in the Northeast of India. Besides boasting a magnificent view of Mount Kangchenjunga, Gangtok is abundant in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here are the best places you should check out.
This natural waterfall is sourced by springs and falls from a height of approximately 30m. It is part of the Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park complex which is a recreational centre for tourists. Enjoy views of the cascading falls from the pavilions dotted around it.
At 2,194m above sea level is Hanuman Tok, a sacred shrine from where you can see the mist-covered mountains of Mount Kangchenjunga. According to legend, Hanuman rested here during his flight from the Himalayas while carrying the sanjeevani herb to save Lakshman.
This museum houses a priceless collection of Tibetan and Buddhist iconography and artefacts, including tantric skullcap bowls and trumpets made from human thigh bones. A highlight of the collection is a series of five thangkas depicting the history of Sikkim and that of the Namgyal dynasty.
The first zoological park in Sikkim covers an area of 205 hectares and lies at a height of about 1,780m. It is home to animals like the Himalayan monal pheasant, red panda, snow leopard, goral, Himalayan palm civet, Himalayan black bear, satyr tragopan and more.
The Gangtok Ropeway is less than a kilometre long and takes visitors on a captivating journey through the skies. On a clear day, you can glimpse Mount Kangchenjunga and other snow-capped mountain ranges. From the entry point at Deorali, the cable car ascends to Namnang and Tashiling.
This stupa was built by Trulshik Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Inside it is a complete set of kangyur (holy books) and other religious objects. Around the stupa are 108 mani-lhakor (prayer wheels) that are rotated clockwise.
The Rumtek Monastery was built in the 16th century and is the largest monastery in Sikkim. It displays the best of Tibetan architecture along with rare Buddhist art pieces. The massive prayer hall is decorated with splendid murals, statues and ancient thangkas.
Also known as Ipecac Garden, this public garden was initially dedicated to growing fruit for local colonial officers when it opened in 1922. The garden has since been repurposed as an orchidarium and recreational place for picnickers.
Trips to North Sikkim typically pass the Tashi Viewpoint, which has inspiring views of the Himalayan peaks. The best time to stop here is during the morning when the golden hues of the rising sun lend the scene a surreal glow. Visitors can also rest and picnic in the area.
The shopping arcade of Gangtok is a pedestrian-only zone from where visitors can buy souvenirs, warm apparel, handicrafts and books while indulging in authentic Sikkimese cuisine. The annual Gangtok Food and Culture Festival takes place in this area every December.