Top 20 Places to Visit in Gangtok With Budget Plan

Top 20 Places to Visit in Gangtok: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a vibrant hill station renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and welcoming people. This blog explores the top 20 places to visit in Gangtok, providing detailed information on each location along with budget estimates in Indian Rupees (INR) and US Dollars (USD).

1. MG Marg

Overview

MG Marg, the heart of Gangtok, is a pedestrian-only zone bustling with shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's a perfect place to soak in the local culture and enjoy a leisurely stroll.

Highlights

• Shopping: Explore local handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs.
• Dining: Sample local cuisine at various eateries.

Budget Breakdown

• Shopping: INR 500 - 2,000 ($7 - $27) depending on purchases.
• Dining: INR 500 - 1,500 ($7 - $20) per meal.
• Transportation: INR 100 - 200 ($1.50 - $3) for a taxi within Gangtok.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 1,100 - 3,700 ($15 - $50) per person

2. Tsomgo Lake

Overview

Located at an altitude of 12,400 feet, Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake that offers breathtaking views and a serene environment.

Highlights

• Natural Beauty: Stunning scenery with snow-capped mountains.
• Yak Rides: Enjoy a unique yak ride along the lake.

Budget Breakdown

• Entry Fee: INR 20 ($0.30) per person.
• Yak Ride: INR 200 - 500 ($3 - $7).
• Transportation: INR 3,000 - 5,000 ($40 - $67) for a round-trip taxi.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 3,220 - 5,520 ($43 - $74) per person

3. Nathula Pass

Overview

Nathula Pass, located on the Indo-China border, is a historic trade route and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Highlights

• Historical Significance: Once part of the Silk Route.
• Scenic Views: Panoramic vistas of the Himalayas.

Budget Breakdown

• Permit Fee: INR 200 ($3) per person.
• Transportation: INR 4,000 - 6,000 ($54 - $80) for a round-trip taxi.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 4,200 - 6,200 ($57 - $83) per person

4. Rumtek Monastery

Overview

Rumtek Monastery, one of the largest in Sikkim, is a significant center for Tibetan Buddhism and offers a peaceful retreat with stunning architecture.

Highlights

• Cultural Insight: Learn about Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
• Architectural Beauty: Admire the intricate designs and murals.

Budget Breakdown

• Entry Fee: INR 10 ($0.15) per person.
• Transportation: INR 500 - 1,000 ($7 - $13) for a taxi.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 510 - 1,010 ($7 - $14) per person

5. Ganesh Tok

Overview

Ganesh Tok is a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, offering panoramic views of Gangtok and the surrounding hills.

Highlights

• Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the city and mountains.
• Serenity: A peaceful spot for meditation and reflection.

Budget Breakdown

• Entry Fee: Free.
• Transportation: INR 100 - 200 ($1.50 - $3) for a taxi within Gangtok.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 100 - 200 ($1.50 - $3) per person

6. Hanuman Tok

Overview

Hanuman Tok, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is situated at an elevation of 7,200 feet and offers magnificent views of Mount Kanchenjunga.

Highlights

• Spiritual Experience: A revered pilgrimage site.
• Scenic Beauty: Stunning views of the Himalayas.

Budget Breakdown

• Entry Fee: Free.
• Transportation: INR 200 - 400 ($3 - $5) for a taxi within Gangtok.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 200 - 400 ($3 - $5) per person

7. Tashi View Point

Overview

Tashi View Point offers a spectacular view of the Kanchenjunga and Siniolchu peaks. It's an ideal spot for photography and enjoying sunrise and sunset.

Highlights

• Panoramic Views: Breathtaking mountain vistas.
• Photography: A perfect spot for capturing stunning landscapes.

Budget Breakdown

• Entry Fee: INR 10 ($0.15) per person.
• Transportation: INR 100 - 200 ($1.50 - $3) for a taxi within Gangtok.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 110 - 210 ($1.50 - $3) per person

8. Do Drul Chorten

Overview

Do Drul Chorten is one of the most important stupas in Sikkim, surrounded by 108 prayer wheels and housing sacred relics.

Highlights

• Spiritual Ambiance: A place for prayer and meditation.
• Cultural Significance: Important site for Tibetan Buddhism.

Budget Breakdown

• Entry Fee: Free.
• Transportation: INR 100 - 200 ($1.50 - $3) for a taxi within Gangtok.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 100 - 200 ($1.50 - $3) per person

9. Enchey Monastery

Overview

Enchey Monastery, built in 1909, is an important religious site for the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism and is known for its colorful festivals.

Highlights

• Architectural Beauty: Traditional Tibetan designs.
• Festivals: Experience vibrant local festivals.

Budget Breakdown

• Entry Fee: Free.
• Transportation: INR 100 - 200 ($1.50 - $3) for a taxi within Gangtok.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 100 - 200 ($1.50 - $3) per person

10. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Overview

This institute is a premier center for research on Tibetan culture and history, housing a museum with rare artifacts and a library with ancient manuscripts.

Highlights

• Cultural Insight: Learn about Tibetan history and culture.
• Rare Artifacts: View unique relics and manuscripts.

Budget Breakdown

• Entry Fee: INR 20 ($0.30) per person.
• Transportation: INR 100 - 200 ($1.50 - $3) for a taxi within Gangtok.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 120 - 220 ($1.70 - $3) per person

11. Banjhakri Falls

Overview

Banjhakri Falls is a popular picnic spot surrounded by lush greenery and features a park with sculptures and traditional Sikkimese architecture.

Highlights

• Natural Beauty: Scenic waterfalls and lush surroundings.
• Picnic Spot: Ideal for a day out with friends and family.

Budget Breakdown

• Entry Fee: INR 50 ($0.70) per person.
• Transportation: INR 200 - 400 ($3 - $5) for a taxi.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 250 - 450 ($3.50 - $6) per person

12. Flower Exhibition Centre

Overview

Located near Ridge Park, this center showcases a wide variety of seasonal flowers, including rare orchids.

Highlights

• Floral Displays: Beautiful displays of flowers and plants.
• Photography: Great spot for capturing vibrant colors.

Budget Breakdown

• Entry Fee: INR 20 ($0.30) per person.
• Transportation: INR 100 - 200 ($1.50 - $3) for a taxi within Gangtok.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 120 - 220 ($1.70 - $3) per person

13. Tsuk La Khang Monastery

Overview

Located inside the Royal Palace complex, Tsuk La Khang Monastery is a significant place of worship and hosts important Buddhist festivals.

Highlights

• Religious Festivals: Experience local festivals and ceremonies.
• Architectural Beauty: Traditional Tibetan architecture.

Budget Breakdown

• Entry Fee: Free.
• Transportation: INR 100 - 200 ($1.50 - $3) for a taxi within Gangtok.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 100 - 200 ($1.50 - $3) per person

14. Saramsa Garden

Overview

Saramsa Garden, also known as Ipecac Garden, is a beautiful botanical garden perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.

Highlights

• Botanical Collection: Diverse variety of plants and flowers.
• Picnicking: A great place for a family outing.

Budget Breakdown

• Entry Fee: INR 20 ($0.30) per person.
• Transportation: INR 200 - 400 ($3 - $5) for a taxi.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 220 - 420 ($3 - $6) per person

15. Ranka Monastery

Overview

Also known as Lingdum Monastery, Ranka Monastery is known for its serene environment and stunning architecture.

Highlights

• Peaceful Ambiance: Ideal for meditation and reflection.
• Scenic Beauty: Picturesque location with beautiful views.

Budget Breakdown

• Entry Fee: Free.
• Transportation: INR 300 - 500 ($4 - $7) for a taxi.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 300 - 500 ($4 - $7) per person

16. Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary

Overview

This sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and bird watchers.

Highlights

• Wildlife Viewing: Spot various animals and birds.
• Trekking: Enjoy trekking through the lush forests.

Budget Breakdown

• Entry Fee: INR 50 ($0.70) per person.
• Transportation: INR 300 - 500 ($4 - $7) for a taxi.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 350 - 550 ($5 - $8) per person

17. Khecheopalri Lake

Overview

A sacred lake for both Buddhists and Hindus, Khecheopalri Lake is known for its tranquility and natural beauty.

Highlights

• Spiritual Significance: A revered pilgrimage site.
• Scenic Beauty: Serene environment surrounded by forests.

Budget Breakdown

• Entry Fee: Free.
• Transportation: INR 2,000 - 3,000 ($27 - $40) for a round-trip taxi.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 2,000 - 3,000 ($27 - $40) per person

18. Namchi

Overview

Located a few hours from Gangtok, Namchi is known for its beautiful monasteries and the famous Namchi Monastery.

Highlights

• Scenic Views: Stunning vistas of the surrounding hills.
• Cultural Sites: Explore monasteries and local culture.

Budget Breakdown

• Entry Fee: Free.
• Transportation: INR 2,000 - 3,000 ($27 - $40) for a round-trip taxi.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 2,000 - 3,000 ($27 - $40) per person

19. Ropeway

Overview

The Gangtok Ropeway offers a thrilling ride with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills.

Highlights

• Scenic Ride: Enjoy breathtaking views from the cable car.
• Photography: Capture stunning landscapes from above.

Budget Breakdown

• Ticket Fee: INR 110 ($1.50) per person.
• Transportation: INR 100 - 200 ($1.50 - $3) for a taxi within Gangtok.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 210 - 310 ($3 - $4) per person

20. Seven Sisters Waterfalls

Overview

A beautiful cascade of seven waterfalls, the Seven Sisters Waterfalls is a popular spot for picnics and photography.

Highlights

• Natural Beauty: Stunning waterfalls amidst lush greenery.
• Picnicking: Ideal for a day out with friends and family.

Budget Breakdown

• Entry Fee: Free.
• Transportation: INR 500 - 1,000 ($7 - $13) for a taxi.

Total Estimated Budget: INR 500 - 1,000 ($7 - $13) per person

Conclusion

Gangtok offers a diverse range of attractions, from serene monasteries and scenic viewpoints to thrilling adventures and vibrant markets. With this comprehensive guide, you can explore the top 20 places to visit in Gangtok while keeping your budget in check. Whether you're seeking spiritual enlightenment, natural beauty, or cultural experiences, Gangtok has something for everyone. Enjoy your journey through this enchanting hill station in the heart of the Himalayas!

Happy travels!