Gangtok
Gangtok, The mountainous state of Sikkim is located in northern India, and its capital is Gangtok. When British rule ended, the city—which had been founded as a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the 1840s—became the seat of an independent monarchy before joining India in 1975. It continues to be a center for Tibetan Buddhism today, as well as a starting point for hikers arranging transportation and permits for expeditions through the Himalayan mountain ranges of Sikkim.
MG Marg
A trip to Gangtok would be lacking without visiting M. G. The “must-visit” location in Gangtok is Marg. In Hindi, “Marg” stands for “Road,” so “MG Marg” refers to “MG Road.”. The town center of the hill town is called Gangtok, and just like any other significant road in an Indian city, it is referred to as M. G or Mahatma Gandhi Road. Marg, in Gangtok. The road and its surroundings have changed over time.
There are numerous glistening shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars lining both sides of the road. Although it’s in the open, it resembles a shopping mall very much. Visitors and locals alike stroll leisurely or simply unwind. While dining or unwinding on one of the benches positioned alongside the road, many tourists choose to sit at a table in a roadside restaurant and observe the activity on the street. There is a carnival-like vibe all around. The annual Gangtok Food and Culture Festival takes place in December at MG Marg.
Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple
Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, which is 52 kilometers from Gangtok and situated at an elevation of 13,123 feet between Nathula and Jelepla Pass, is a special place primarily because of the history associated with it. The Eastern Himalayas’ hostile high-altitude terrain is said to be guarded by his ghost, which is said to protect every soldier there. Since Sepoy Harbhajan Singh of the 23rd Punjab Regiment went missing 35 years ago, Baba has been a legendary figure.
The army launched a manhunt, and it took them three days to locate his body. There is speculation that he personally guided the soldiers to the location. The soldiers built a Samadhi in his honor, and the locals still hold the soldier posted here in the area in the protection of Baba’s spirit. Baba was retired in December 2016 with full honors after being treated by the Indian Army as if he had never died.
Hanuman Tok
Hanuman Tok, a spotless and divine location in Gangtok’s upper reaches, is devoted to Lord Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god. Devotees from all over the nation are swarming this complex of temples. On the way to another well-known attraction, Nathula, this Sikkim shrine is situated 11 kilometers from Gangtok. A visit to this location will enlighten you; as you climb the stairs, you can see a distant prayer taking place and hear religious music. The view one gets, which includes a glimpse of a small portion of Gangtok town and the alluring nearby hills and valleys, is the best part of it all.
According to legend, Hanuman flew from the Himalayas to Lanka with Sanjeevani Mountain to rescue Lord Rama’s brother Lakshman, stopping here to rest. In close proximity to the Hanuman Temple is a small Saibaba temple. At this location, you can also find a number of stupas and chortens, and right in front of the stairway’s entrance is the Sikkim’s Namgyal Royal Family’s cremation ground. The third-largest peak in the world, Mount Kanchenjunga, can be seen from this religious site in Gangtok, which is surrounded by luxuriant vegetation. The Indian Army currently takes care of Hanuman Tok.
Ranka Monastery
The East Sikkim neighborhood of Gangtok is about 20 km from the Buddhist monastery known as Ranka Monastery. Lingdum Monastery is another name for it. Located in the middle of expansive views for visitors, this monastery is spread out over a sizable area. A Bhutia and Lepcha market selling warm clothing and trinkets is located outside this stunning and sizable monastery. In 1998, Jurmang Gharwang Rimpoche constructed the Lingdum Monastery as a critique of Tibetan design.
The Lingdum Monastery also houses the 16th Karmapa Lama statue monastery, a 10-meter-tall statue of Guru Rimpoche, a 15-meter-tall copper statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, and other statues. Don’t forget to interact with the young monks if you visit in the evening so that you can participate in the prayer offered by the monks. Behind it is a sizable hostel where the young monks live.
Himalayan Zoological Park
One of the top sights in the North East Himalayas is the Himalayan Zoological Park in the Sikkim region. Animals are allowed to live in the zoo in their natural habitat, which is unique and the first of its kind in India. With an area of 230 hectares of forested land and elevations ranging from 6,500 to 8,000 feet, it provides magnificent views of Mount Kanchenjunga.
The objective of this national park is to preserve wildlife in its natural habitat without interfering with it. Because of this, a wide range of wildlife can be found here, including the Snow Leopard Cat, Himalayan Palm Civet, Himalayan Black Bear, and Crimson-Horned Pheasant. Across from Ganesh Tok, another must-see site in the mountain town, is where you’ll find the entrance to the Zoo at the end of a short pathway.
Black Cat Museum
To display the lengthy history of the Sikkim state, a cutting-edge museum has been established in Gangtok. The museum includes a captivating photo gallery showcasing the rich history, culture, traditions, and significant battles fought by Sikkimese warrior clans, as well as an audio tour guide system (the only one in Sikkim). Major skirmishes that took place in Sikkim are also chronicled in the museum. The museum boasts a unique Selfie Room where visitors can take captivating pictures. The gift shop offers a variety of regional keepsakes that will help you remember your trip.
Along with an Audio Tour Guide System (the only one in Sikkim), the museum features a captivating photo gallery showcasing the rich history, culture, traditions, and significant battles fought by the warrior clans of Sikkim. Significant skirmishes in Sikkim are also chronicled in the museum. In the museum’s one-of-a-kind Selfie Room, visitors can take captivating pictures. The local merchandise available in the gift shop will help you remember your trip.
Banjhakri Water Falls
Banjhakri Falls, which doubles as an Energy Park, is the ideal location for a picnic or a leisurely stroll among the trees, and what better way to pass a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of Gangtok Town than at a waterfall.
The park, which is spread out over 2 acres of forestland, has gazebos, paved walkways, a footbridge, and a man-made lake. The park’s theme is based on the legend surrounding the shamanic deity Ban Jhakri, who is regarded as the father of Nepali shamanism and the god of the forest.
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Freshwater springs higher up in the mountains provide the Banjhakri Falls’ natural source of supply. It is the jewel in the crown of the park and raises the tourist destination’s natural aesthetic value.
FAQs: Top 7 Places To Visit In Gangtok
Why is Gangtok so famous?
Gangtok is also known as the land of monasteries due to the sheer number of monasteries it houses. It has emerged as a major Buddhist pilgrimage center and has some of the finest monasteries in India that you cannot afford to miss. The Rumtek monastery is undoubtedly one of the greatest monasteries in the country.
What is the best time to visit Gangtok?
During its peak season, that is from September to June, Gangtok draws in many tourists, Still if you inquire the best time to visit Gangtok then the bracing autumn that is the months of September and October and from Spring to summers that is from March to June is the ideal time.
Which is better Darjeeling or Gangtok?
Though the weather in Darjeeling is subtropical with high humidity. Gangtok’s climate is somehow similar to the Darjeeling climate. The weather in Gangtok remains relatively cooler and is ideal for a trip. The best time to visit Gangtok is from October and mid-December.