The Capital City of Sikkim will make you feel like you are actually on “Cloud Nine”!! It is one of the most mesmerizing hill stations in India. Gangtok is worth visiting place at least once in a lifetime. So, here is an overview of a trip to Gangtok which will force you to go there :).
First, we will see reaching Gangtok:
By Train: You can get the train from Siliguri that will take you to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. From there Gangtok is 120 km. You can take a cab which will cost you 4k-5k. Even public transport is also there which will cost 250 INR per person.
By Flight: Nearest airport to the city is Bagdogra Airport, West Bengal. It is 124 km away from Gangtok city. You can book a cab and it will take 2:00 – 2:30 hours.
Now, you are in Gangtok. Let’s explore the best places to visit in Gangtok ;).
MG Marg
MG Marg is the main market of Gangtok. It is a street occupied by shops, bars, hotels, restaurants, shopping complexes on both sides and is a pedestrian zone. People who are fond of shopping will love this place. Even this is worth a place for food lovers. You should not miss the street food there. Handcrafted things from locals are really good.
A walk to this Road at night times will give you so chill vibes. The whole street gets illuminated by lights at night and the decorations of all the shops and the street are just amazing. On Both sides of the road, benches are there to sit and relax. You can enjoy your evening there. The market remains closed on Tuesdays.
From our experience staying in MG Marg will cost you more so you can search for hotels that are 2km away at an affordable price.
Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple
This is the Samadhi of that soldier who is On Duty even after death. Harbhajan Singh Baba– Hero of Nathula. This is a must-visit place due to its legacy.
There is a big photo of Baba inside the temple which is worshipped. Devotees put bottles of drinking water and collect them after some time as a blessing. It is assumed as blessed water that fulfills wishes. Army soldiers always pray there before moving forward.
This is so peaceful place with a pure environment. Since it is at a high altitude there is a lack of oxygen. Children and old people should take proper precautions before going there.
Foreigners are not allowed to visit there. Indians need permits to visit there. It is 54 km from MG Marg which will take you around 1.5 hours to reach here. Temple comes on the route to Nathu La.
Best time to visit here is in summer so that you can pay your respect there and can do darshan. In winter due to heavy snow, it is very difficult to reach the temple. From here you can move forward to see Nathu La.
Nathu La
Nathu means listening ears La means pass. Nathu La is one of the open trade borders of India and China. It is 10 km from Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple will take approximately 30 minutes to reach here. The real beauty of Nathu La is the mountains covered with snow. It is the best place to visit in Gangtok.
Forgoing Nathu La you need a permit, for us, the cab driver made all the arrangements for the permit. For a permit, you need a passport size photograph and any government Id Proof. Making a permit will cost you 200 INR, Children below 4 years do not require a permit. So do not forget to keep all these!!
You should never miss hot tea with maggie at that high altitude. Having hot beverages with snow all around, a clear sky, and a breathtaking view will make your stay priceless. It is such a nature’s beauty. Since it is at a high altitude lack of oxygen is there, so take proper precautions before going there.
Best time to visit there is between April to October. For Indians, Nathu La remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. There is an army exhibition center and canteen at Watershed War Memorial, you can go to pay tribute to our Soldiers.
Tsomgo Lake or Changgu Lake
Tsomgo Lake is 16 km down to Nathu La. Tsogmo in a real sense signifies ‘Source of Water. This place is best for Yak Riding and is the main attraction of visitors. You should visit this place in summer because in winter the water of the lake freezes. This monstrously wonderful ice sheet lake is one of the top Sikkim attractions for travelers.
Tsomgo Lake mirrors the immense perspectives of snow-clad mountains around it, making your excursion to Sikkim considerably more paramount. The verdure family in this area incorporates Primulas, transitory ducks – Brahmini, yellow and blue poppies, Irish, Yaks, and Ponies. The best opportunity to see snow is from Jan to Mar and for Rhododendrons and Orchids is from April to May.
This beautiful lake is one of India’s most noteworthy elevation lakes. Once in a while, people get a chance to see musk deers, gorals, and red pandas in the high range of Tsomgo. Well our bad luck, we did not see it.
Zuluk
Zuluk is a Wildlife Sanctuary that is a 1-hour journey from Tsomgo Lake. It is famous for its rare species of flora and fauna. This is the most beautiful place in Sikkim which holds the ability to entrance its guests adjacent with enchanting perspectives on the mountains surrounding it.
Mt. Kanchenjunga and Thambi View Point are used to visit travelers that arrive in Zuluk. It is surrounded by forests. Tigers, Red Panda, and Himalayan bears have also been seen there. At the time of Summer, Zuluk and its surroundings get covered by beautiful flowers mostly rhododendron.
