Gangtok Ropeway
Offers you slow aerial views of the city and a time to sit back and watch. It also takes you to the highest point in the city..
Deer Park
The Red Panda and fleet footed deer can be observed in a natural habitat. An imposing statue of the Buddha is situated here. (Open from 8.00 am- 11 am. on working days and 8.00 am. to 5.00 pm. on holidays).
Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa)
Encircled by 108 prayer wheels, this is one of the most important stupas of Sikkim, built by Truisi Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order, containing rare mandalas, of Doli Phurpa (Bajra Kilaya), holy books and mantras.
Research Institute of Tibetology
Renowned worldwide centre for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion, it is a treasure house of rare thankas, statues, over 200 Buddhist icons and prized objects of art. (Closed on Second Saturdays and Govt. holidays).
Orchid Sanctuary
An exotic treat of over 200 species of orchids set amidst beautiful landscape. Situated just below the Institute of Tibetology.
Enchey Monastery
3 kms from Gangtok, this 200 year old monastery was built on the site blessed by the great tantric master Lama Druptab Karpa, revered for the flying powers accredited to him. Religious masked dances are performed here on special occasions.
Orchidarium
Maintained by the Dept. of Forests, one can see a spectrum of colourful orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants.
Rumtek Monastery
Situated 24 kms away, this is the seat of the 'Kagyu order' a close replica of the original Kagyu in Tibet. Here one can find some of the most unique art objects in the world.
Tashi View Point
Situated 8 kms from Gangtok, this place offers a breathtaking view of the majestic mount Khangchendzonga and Mount Siniolchu.
Phodong Monastery
38 kms from Gangtok, one of the six major monasteries of Sikkim. About 4 kms from Phodong is the uniquely architectured Labrang Monastery.
Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom
Mingle with the local artisans here. instituted by the government to preserve & promote traditional crafts you could also shop for prized Tibetan carpets, choksees, traditional paper, thankas etc.
Do Drul Chorten
Considered one of the largest stupa in Sikkim it is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels. Was built by the Van. Trulshi Rinpoche in 1945. Today a much acclaimed centre of Buddhist learning it treasurres a vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts along with an admirable volume of over 200 Buddhist icons, Thankas and other religious objects.
Ganesh Tok
About 7 kms from the city it offers majestic views of the city far below and the looming Mt Khangchendzonga and Mt Siniolchu.
Hanuman Tok
11 kms away from the city a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman consecrates the spot and also offers thrilling views of the mountains around.
Himalayan Zoological Park
Located 8 km away from town it is home to the elusive red panda, the cuddly state animal, barking deer, Himalayan black bear and others.
Tsomgo Lake
This tranquil lake is a much visited site about 34 Km from Gangtok at 12,400ft. It freezes completely during the winter and is much revered by the locals. In spring a variety of flowers bloom upon its banks and is also an ideal habitat of the red panda.
Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial
This temple lies amidst the Nathu-La and the Jelep-La passes and is built in the memory of Harbhajan Singh, a sepoy in the 23rd Punjab regiment. It has now become a site for pilgrimage and devotees leave a bottle of water which they later collect to take back home.
Nathu La
Nathu La is a pass on the Indo-Chinese border that serves as a trade link between the two countries. Situated at a distance of 56 kms from Gangtok, Nathula Pass once had been the main access for Sikkim -Tibet Trade. Nathu La used to be known as the Silk Route.
Fambong Lho Wildlife Sancturary
25 km away from Gangtok this pristine forest of oak, chestnut, bamboo, fems etc offers one a tranquil getaway from the humdrum of life. In it also thrives a large number of rhododendron species, wild orchids along with a large number of birds and animals.
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre of the Kagyud order is almost a replica of the original Kagyud headquarter in Tibet. This largest Dharma Chakra Centre in the world hauses some of the most unique religious scriptures and rare artifacts.
Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery
Located at Lingdum village about 20 Km from Gangtok it was built by the present Gharwang Rinpoche who is the 12th incarnate of Zurmang Gharwang.
Aritar
The Aritar lake (Lum pokhari) near Rhenock, about a 3-hour drive from gangtok is a serene getaway. You can explore typical sikkimese village life here and get recharged inits ranquil locales. You could also savour the experience of spending a night in an old British bungalow built in 1895 there.
Best Buys
Gangtok is indeed a treasure trove for its tourists. Besides curios you may pick up bronze and silver jewelry, turquoise, coral jewelry and beads easily from Gangtok. For the food freaks Gangtok offers the dried fish, yak's cheese (churpi), and yeast for making the local beer (tomba).
