Gangtok in 36 hours - Things to do and Where to Stay

The north eastern side of India has always been a very popular yet less visited places by the people not belonging from the Eastern part of the nation and Gangtok is no exception to that. Situated in the lap of the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas, it is one of the most popular travel destinations for eastern Indians, especially Bengalis and foreigners. It is a very important and holy pilgrimage site for the Buddhists and hence consists of many large and small monasteries of Buddhist Learning which offers a wonderful visualization of the ancient Buddhist culture even in the 21^st century.

The capital of Sikkim is about 125 kms from both NJP junction and Bajgdogra Airport, both situated in West Bengal and the last major train and aeroplane terminals from the city. From there the visitor needs to hire a cab or take a bus to Gangtok which takes about 5 hours and the entire road has a beautiful view of the Eastern Himalayan range on one side and the Teesta River on the other.

MakeMyTrip Car Rentals from Bagdogra to Gangtok

Things to do/see

Ganesh Tok

Located about 7 kms away from the city on the Gangtok-Nathula Road, this religious hamlet is a very holy site. It is a sacred shrine and is a must visit place for the traveller. Owing to its high elevation of about 6500 mts, it gives a birds eye view of the entire Gangtok area and if the weather is in favour, a picturesque view of the majestic Kanchenjunga Mountain and a clear view of all the five peaks which is the 3^rd highest peak In the world and the highest in India.

Tashi Point

Named after the late King of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal, the place is about 8 kms from the city on the North Sikkim Highway and also offers a wonderful view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga and Siniolchu Mountain situated in Sikkim.

Cable Car

The cable car is one the most exciting things to do in the city which runs from Bidhan Sabha to Deorali and gives an amazing view of the city and the surrounding valley. This is one the experiences that one must do while they’re in Gangtok.

Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek is one the most important and largest monasteries of Tibetan Buddhist learning in India and is located about 24 kms from the city.  The rituals and practices of the ancient Karma Kagyu lineage performed by the resident monks can be seen here. It has a golden stupa where the relics of 16^th Karmapa can be seen and also has a college of Higher Buddhist Studies in close proximity to it. This place offers an environment of serenity to the travellers heart and is a must visit place in Sikkim.

Book a hotel room in Gangtok on Yatra

There are loads of other places to see in and around Gangtok, but these are the most important destinations that one must check out if they are there for a short period of time. Nathula Pass, Lachen and Yumgthan Valley, Baba Mandir, etc are must visit places if you plan to go there with some time (which I did, obviously) and we’ll cover them soon. But if you are there for 36 hours only, you can check out the above mentioned places.