Top Tourist Destinations in Gangtok, Sikkim That You Must Visit Once

The beautiful hill of Gangtok, located in the capital of the north-western Indian state of Sikkim, define soaring Himalayan peaks, serene Glacial lakes, high mountain passes, and healthy weather. The town is one of India's most peaceful holiday destinations, and every year calls on countless tourists to travel here in special search of immense peace and loneliness, away from the hilariousness of the chaotic city.

The small hamlet is not least a paradise for lovers of nature. At all times, it lets them enchant themselves with unparalleled views of nature; be it the mystical beauty of the world's third-highest mountain peak' Mt. Kanchenjunga, the hypnotist of the ever fascinating' Banjhakri Falls' or the wilderness of' Nathu La' the second highest mountain pass in the world, is sure that you will in no time be completely awe-inspired by a rustic scenery and will come back home with a magnetizing scenery graced forever into your memory.

1. Nathula Pass

Nathu La is a high-altitude pass on the ancient silk route at the border between Indo-China and is a popular tourist destination in Sikkim. Every year, several people come to the valley and enjoy the scenic trek while watching the lyrical waterfalls on the way between Gangtok and Nathu la. The view from the snow-covered mountains under the light blue sky and the long winding roads is also astonishing. Nathu la offers a magnificent mountain view of the Chumbi Valley.

The Tibetan term' Nathu' and' La' means' Listening Ears' &' Pass' Tibetan term. Located at 4302 m above sea level, it is one of the highest motorways in the world with picturesque beauty and a fresh mountain breeze. Most of the year, the site receives cold weather and is overcrowded during the summer months. The other two are in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, which is a fascinating fact about that mountain pass is to be found in three trade frontier posts between China and India.

2. Hanuman Tok Temple

Hanuman Tok is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god, an immaculate and divine place on the highest reaches of Gangtok. It is a temple complex that is swarming with devotees from across the country. This site in Sikkim is located on the road to another famous site, Nathula, 11 kilometers from Gangtok. When you go up the staircase, a far-distant priest is seen and religious music is heard. Theirs are amazed at this place. The best thing about all that is the panorama that includes a small part of the city of Gangtok and the enchanting surrounding hills and valleys.

Legend has it, as Hanuman flowed from the Himalayas to Lanka to rest in this very place as he saved Lakshman, the brother of Lord Rama with Sanjeevani (herb) Mountain. Next to the Hanuman temple, there is also a little temple in Saibaba. You will also see several stupas and chortens here and you will also find a crematory area for the Namgyal Royal family of Sikkim just before the entrance to the stairway. Surrounded by lush greenery, this religious place of Gangtok has a view of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third biggest summit in the world. The Indian Army is currently taking care of Hanuman Tok.

3. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Namgyal Tibetology Institute is an important Institute in the Tibetan language, art, religion, and culture. It promotes and carries out research in the field of Tibetan. The building is decorated with Tibetan traditional architecture, and lush greenery is a spectacular visitor's attraction. Its gold-line towers, colorful frescoes, attractive walls, and a variety of windows on the top floor with a view of the beautiful and natural sunny mountains.

There's a Tibetan library on its first floor, which has one of the world's biggest collections of Tibetan literature and documents. But the majestic image "Bodhisattva of knowledge" brought by Manjushri, which is the focus of attraction here. The territory on which the institute is built was donated by Sikkim's late king Tashi Namgyal, who was named after the Institute. The 14th Dalai Lama laid the foundation stone of the institute on 10 February 1957 and was late opened by the Indian Prime Minister. On 1 October 1958, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

4. Sa Ngor Chotshog Centre

Located in the Upper Tathangchen district of Gangtok, Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Center is a great place to look for spirituality. The main attraction is its unique beauty and spectacular architecture. A religious place for the Tibetan refugee is the Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre. The Dalai Lama and HH Sakya Trizina bless that popular attraction, which was created in the year 1961 by the Ngorpa leader, Eminence Luding Khen Rimpoche. This is the only Sikkim monastery belonging to the Tibetan Buddhist order of Sakya. There are many murals and thangkas on the plastic walls of this monument. The monastery also has a large Shakyamuni statue of the Buddha and an outer stupa decorated with waving flags.

5. Enchey Monastery

This holy Buddhist pilgrim is the mystical wonderland surrounded by magnificent natural beauty, the literal meaning of Enchey Monastery, that is, "the solitary temple." The high pines, the exiting whiff of flower-covered wetlands, and the picturesque view of the hills of Kanchenjunga instill an atmosphere of calmness in the hearts of the devotees. It is situated 3 km north-east of Gangtok, about 200 years old Monastery. It is an important seat in Vajrayana Buddhist School's Nyingmapa order.

6. Himalayan Zoological Park

The Himalayan Zoo is lined by staggering trees on either side of a path that leads one inside, not simply by the beautiful Himalayan wildlife but also by the enclosure itself. This zoo is situated at an altitude of 1780 meters and covers about 230 acres of forest land and boasts a wonderful view of Mount Khangchendzonga. This unique zoo is one of the best places in Gangtok where exotic wilderness is well preserved in its natural habitats can be seen. The zoo's highest attraction is the endangered Red Pandas, which hide and shelter trees. During the day you visit the other sights are the variety of the birds such as the Golden Pheasant, the Amherst Pheasant, the Silver Pheasant, the Satyr, the Kalij, etc and the Himalayan Black Bears, the Clouded Leopard, Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolfs, the Leopard Cat, and the Himalayan Palm Civets and the Gorals and the Bark Deer.

In addition to this, Himalayan Zoological Park offers convenient facilities, such as cafés and souvenir shops for drinks and souvenirs. The enclosure has many benches, including at the water points, so that you can rest while you explore. There is also a watchtower for you to get a panoramic view of the zoo.

7. Seven Sister Waterfalls

Seven Sisters’ is a popular waterfall locating around 32 km from Gangtok on the Gangtok-Lachung Highway. As the name implies, if viewed from afar, the seven different waterfalls are harmoniously arranged sideways on a large cliff. When the rains come to a fervent life offering an astounding view, it becomes a must-see location in Gangtok. Out of the lush green vegetation that plasters rough cliffs, the gurgling water of the fall falls on the calcareous rock, creating a toned sound.

It is a place where tourists can stop and relax because of the picturesque beauty of the fall. Visitors are invited to a long photographic session with their prismatic of the setting sun. Every fall mountain is filled with visitors hanging cameras on their sides. It is the hotspot for tourists who want to take pictures. It is also a perfect place to picnic for families with children. A waiting shed and cafeteria have been built by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department to let people cool them and shoot photos from the wonderland of this nature.

8. Tashi View Point

This lovely little viewing point in Tashi is a perfect place to experience the brilliant environment, such as the mountains, the valleys, and the Gangtok. Located 8 km away from the city, this famous tourist resort is mostly known for offering some of the best views of sunrise and sunset. The colors of the Kanchenjunga and Siniolchu peaks can be seen when the sun and the famous convents of Gangtok, Phodong, and Labrang slowly move from this viewpoint.

The Tashi View Point is a notable place for nature lovers to spend a peaceful time away from the lively crowd, amidst the echoing sound of birds and the breeze. Tashi is the ideal place for tourists to relax while enjoying a panorama and buy souvenirs from the shops set up here. The best part is that access is free, however, if you want to use the jacks or telescope to get a close view of the attractive surroundings of Sikkim's capital, you will be charged a minimum cost of Rs 10/-.