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3-Day Trip to Gangtok: Exploring the Best Places to Visit in Gangtok
If you’re looking for a laid-back getaway in the mountains with a touch of adventure, you gotta add Gangtok to your list. I just had three fantastic days there, exploring some stunning places, and I can’t wait to share what I saw and did. It was the ideal blend of chill vibes and fun, from gorgeous views and serene monasteries to an unexpected snowstorm at the Indo-China border. Here’s how everything went down:
Day 1: Arrival & West Gangtok Sightseeing
Around 1:00 PM, we made a smooth landing at Bagdogra Airport to begin our tour. We left for Gangtok, which is roughly a four- to five-hour journey away, after a quick cab ride. The trip got quite breathtaking. We drove by the lively city of Siliguri, but the Teesta River was what really drew our attention. It was flowing in the opposite direction from where we were going, and it seemed like nature had set up a show for us. The surrounding green mountains have been breathtaking, adding to the excitement.
We had a quick lunch at a local restaurant around four o’clock in the afternoon before continuing on our journey. We arrived in Gangtok at 7:30 PM and checked into the Zip by Spree Hotel near the busy Mall Road.
We quickly changed and left for Mall Road, which was so close to the resort. The entire street had excellent lighting, creating a lively atmosphere. We enjoyed a pleasant evening exploring the shops, bakery, and chats. We then returned to our hotel and went to bed, excited for the next day’s experiences.
Day 2: Exploring West Gangtok – A Day Full of Serenity and Adventure
We spent our first full day in Gangtok exploring the western part of the city, which had 4 amazing locations covered. This is how it went:
1. Shanti Viewpoint
I agree that it was an amazing sight when we turned our first bend of the day into Shanti Viewpoint. We could see the entire town of Gangtok from here. With views of the entire city and the surrounding hills, this is the best spot to experience that “Wow!” moment. The serene surroundings and gentle breeze added to its amazing quality.
2. Ranka Monastery
Then, we set off to Ranka Monastery, which meant a little uphill hike. Once we got there, the peaceful atmosphere hit us right away. The monastery was beautiful, making it a great place for some quiet reflection. The views of the mountains and valleys were just stunning. We spent a good amount of time there, enjoying the tranquility before we decided to stop for lunch at a local diner close by.
3. Rumtek Monastery
After lunch, we decided to visit Rumtek Monastery, another beautiful and calm location. It’s one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim and really worth a look. The peaceful vibe was enhanced by the monks chanting in the background, which made everything feel so serene. We took our time exploring the area and enjoying the moment before moving on to our next adventure.
4. Banjhakari Waterfall
Once we got to Banjhakari Waterfall, it was nighttime, and the place had a magical vibe. The waterfall looked even more beautiful as the sunlight faded, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy nature. We spent a little while there, soaking in the sound of the water, then headed back to the hotel around 8 PM.
The dinner at the resort was a great way to wrap up our fun-filled day. We had a nice meal, kicked back, and took a break after all the cool stuff we did before.
Day 3: A Snowy Adventure at Nathula Pass & Tsomgo Lake
Day three turned into set to be much less warm and full of adventure. We awakened early to discover some of the most famous spots in Gangtok.
1. Nathula Pass
Our first destination become Nathula Pass, positioned right at the Indo-China border. The temperature become freezing, and as we were given closer to the bypass, we should virtually experience the weather converting. The perspectives have been breathtaking, but the cold wind and snow flurries made it sense like we have been on pinnacle of the sector. It became superb to be at this type of historically full-size place.
Unfortunately, at the same time as we have been there, the climate took a flip for the worse. The snow were given heavier, and the infantrymen suggested us to leave before conditions got even worse. Even with the quick go out, it become an revel in we’d in no way neglect!
We need government permission to enter Nathula pass. Before planning for Nathula, check with the Hotel Admin or Driver for the permit.
2. Baba Mandir
Next, we visited Baba Mandir, a respected shrine devoted to a soldier who sacrificed his life in provider to the US. The temple became simple but non-violent, and you can without a doubt sense the patriotism inside the air. Spending a few moments right here gave us an experience of calm before we headed to our subsequent destination.
3. Tsomgo Lake
After Baba Mandir, we made our way to Tsomgo Lake (additionally referred to as Changu Lake), and it changed into certainly lovely. The lake, surrounded by using snow-capped mountains, looked like some thing instantly out of a dream. We had been fortunate sufficient to witness a light snowfall even as we had been there, which made the experience even more magical. We grabbed a few local meals at a small eating place through the lake, courtesy of our friendly motive force, and loved the warm temperature of the meals because the snow lightly fell around us.
After some pics and taking inside the breathtaking views, we decided to leave because it was getting chillier through the minute. We headed back to the Hotel at 7 PM to relax, have dinner, and relax up for our next destination
Gangtok is a hidden gem, where the humble people and serene surroundings make you feel at peace instantly. The places to visit in Gangtok offer not only breathtaking views but also a spiritual tranquility that stays with you long after you leave. It’s truly a place worth visiting once in a lifetime.
Final Thoughts on Places to Visit in Gangtok
Gangtok is truly a remarkable place that offers more than just stunning landscapes. There’s a place for everyone to find peace in the monasteries, adrenaline at Nathula Pass, or soak up the sights. Gangtok will give you memories that will last a lifetime, with Peaceful monasteries, panoramic city views, serene lakes, and snowy adventures.
The best time to visit Gangtok
- March through May (spring) and September through November (fall) are the best seasons for breathtaking views and outdoor activities.
- The best seasons for snow lovers and winter enjoyment are December through February.
- June to August (summer) is the ideal time of year for a cool getaway with green scenery but be prepared for occasional rain.
Ways to Reach Gangtok
Getting to Gangtok is relatively easy, with a few options depending on where you’re traveling from. Here’s everything you need to know about how to reach Gangtok:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), located about 124 km away from the city. Bagdogra is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai via regular flights.
- From Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok:
After landing at Bagdogra, you can hire a taxi or take a private vehicle to reach Gangtok. The journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on road conditions. Taxi fares range from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 for a one-way trip.
By Train:
The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), about 120 km from Gangtok. NJP is well-connected to several cities across India, including Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati.
- From NJP to Gangtok:
Once you arrive at NJP, you can take a taxi or a shared jeep to Gangtok. The ride will take approximately 4 to 5 hours, with taxi fares typically ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500.
By Road:
Gangtok is well-connected to neighboring cities like Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong via National Highway 10. Whether you’re traveling from Bagdogra, Darjeeling, or Siliguri, you can hire a private taxi or hop on a shared jeep to Gangtok.
- From Siliguri to Gangtok:
The drive from Siliguri to Gangtok takes about 4 hours. You can hire a taxi for around ₹1,200 to ₹1,800. - From Darjeeling to Gangtok:
The drive from Darjeeling to Gangtok takes around 4 hours as well, with taxi fares ranging between ₹1,500 to ₹2,500.
Shared Jeeps and Buses:
- Shared Jeeps:
If you’re on a budget, you can opt for shared jeeps, which run between Siliguri and Gangtok. This is an economical way to travel and will cost you around ₹250 to ₹500 per person. - Buses:
There are also government and private bus services available from Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri to Gangtok. The buses are affordable, with fares typically ranging from ₹150 to ₹300, but the journey can take longer than traveling by jeep or taxi.
