10 Gorgeous Places To Visit In Gangtok
Here is the extensive list of places that one must visit while on their holiday in Gangtok:1. Nathu La
One of the world’s highest motorable roads, Nathu La is perched at an altitude of 14,450 ft above sea level and is the major road connecting India with Tibet. The route is absolutely gorgeous and covered in thick snow during winters. It is also one of the three significant trading routes between India and China which is why it remains operational all year round. Due to the high altitude the temperatures in the area are extremely low most of the time in the year. So, it is during summers that most tourists frequent the route.
2. Rumtek Monastery
One of the biggest buddhist monasteries in Gangtok, Rumtek monastery is a beautiful place for you to reconnect with spirituality. It is a religious place that belongs to the Kagyu Sect of Buddhism. The people following this sect are historically from Tibet and have started living in India since the 12th century. If you’re in Gangtok make sure to stop by this magnificent monastery just to marvel at its beauty, if not for spirituality. The monastery remains open from 10AM to 5PM in winters and in summers it stays open from 8AM to 5PM.
3. Tsomgo Lake
One of the most beautiful and famous glacial lakes in India, Tsomgo lake which is also known locally as the Changu Lake is situated near NathuLa. The lake is perched at an elevation of 3,753 meters above sea level. It remains frozen during the winter months and the best time to visit the lake is during summers. The picturesque beauty of the lake attracts a number of tourists every year. Yak & mule rides are available near the lake that are popular among tourists.
4. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
An amazing place for history and spiritual buffs, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is an amazing edifice that blends academics and culture perfectly. It is a beautifully decorated place with a lot of historic paintings and artifacts that you must check out. Apart from that you can also see the exhibits of cloth paintings, age old manuscripts and trumpets made out of human bones. It is a highly recommended place for a family tour in Gangtok.
5. Kanchendzonga
The most breathtaking sight that you will ever see is the sun rise over Kanchendzonga. Towering over the region, it is the third highest peak in the world. It’s snow capped peaks are certainly a sight to catch. Tashi & Sanghik viewpoints are the best places to witness the magnificent peak of the mountain. Make sure to carry your cameras and camcorders to record one of the most stunning views you’ll ever see in your life.
6. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple
One of the most revered and mysterious places in Sikkim is probably the temple of Baba Harbhajan Singh. Legends have it that the spirit of Harbhajan Singh who was an army man posted on the Indo China border resides in the place. The locals and the military enshrined this temple in his memory and it is said that the spirit guards the borders till today. One must make sure to visit this mysterious place in Gangtok on their visit.
7. Himalayan Zoological Park
A great place for families visiting Sikkim, the Himalayan Zoological Park is a must visit place for animal and wildlife lovers. The place is famous for sheltering red pandas, snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, Himalayan black bears, Civets and many other exotic animals that cannot be found anywhere else in India. Make sure not to feed any of the animals as it is against regulations for the safety of the animals. You can visit the zoo 9AM to 4PM from Monday till Saturday.
8. Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs
Another beautiful place near Gangtok, the Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs is quite a sight to catch in Sikkim. It is located near a cave called Kadosangphu which is 135 km away from Gangtok city. The warm water of the hot spring is not just pleasurable during winters but also rich in sulphur that gives it numerous medicinal values. The hot spring remains open from 8AM till 4PM and you can have a swim in the waters once you take due permission from the authorities.
9. Namchi
True to its name, Namchi which means ‘top of the sky’ is the place that shelters the 135 feet high statue of Guru Padmasambha. It is a magnificent structure atop the Samdruptse valley in Namchi and one must see in a lifetime. You can also take in the view of the Kanchendzonga from the Namchi point in its full glory. In all the Gangtok tour packages that you will ever see, you’ll find this place in the itinerary because it is a highly recommended place in Sikkim.
10. Tsuk La Khang Monastery
Another highly revered place in Gangtok, Sikkim, the Tsuk La Khang Monastery is a palatial place that houses some of the oldest manuscripts of Buddhism. The place also has numerous idols and paintings of Buddha that people from far off places come to see. It is a must visit place for everyone who follows Buddhism and the path of spirituality. The entire place is decorated beautifully with ornate walls and ceilings. Make sure to spend at least a couple of hours at this peaceful place with your family and friends to understand the true meaning of this peaceful religion. The place remains open from 7AM till 5 PM on all days of the week.
So, if you are now convinced that a trip to Gangtok is a once in a lifetime time thing and you are ready to make the most out of it, do make sure to check out some amazing Gangtok tour packages. While summers are the best time to visit this cool city, winters are great too. Places like NathuLa and Tsomgo Lake will be out of bounds because it will be snowing too hard but you can check out many more places mentioned above. Make sure to build a snowman and jump into a snowball fight with your friends. The food in Gangtok as well shopping is highly recommended. Try out some Northeastern, hilly cuisine to keep yourself warm and buy souvenirs like warm clothes, jewelry, handicrafts and many more for back home. Overall have a ball of time with your bunch while in Gangtok and Sikkim during your holiday.
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