Explore Lakes
The capital city of Gangtok has a lot to offer for its visitors out of which lakes are the ones that attract tourists throughout the year. With around 1-2 hours of journey, visitors can explore numerous glacial lakes each of which offers unique landscapes on its own. Tsomgo Lake is the most popular lake located at a distance of 41km from the city followed by Yalk-La-Lake, Sarathang Lake and Hangu Lake. Having located at an altitude of over 3,500m, these lakes are mostly frozen during winter and offer experiences of a lifetime for their visitors.
Trekking
Apart from scenic lakes and glorious snow-fed mountains, the city of Gangtok is a paradise for adventure seekers with numerous trekking and hiking trails. Although Yuksom- Dzongri Trek and Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek are considered to be the most popular ones, there are numerous trekking trails that can be chosen based on difficulty levels and duration. These treks not only allow you to climb up to the challenging summits but offer stunning landscapes of the surrounding valleys that are worth the adventure.
Paragliding
Gangtok is known for offering diverse adventure options to its visitors and paragliding is one of the major attractions. Flying above the lush green mountains and witnessing the beauty of the city from the perspective of the bird offers the experience of a lifetime. Reshithang and Banjhakri are the two major paragliding hotspots from where visitors can take part in these exciting adventures. Each ride is guided by an expert who will help you navigate through the valleys while ensuring your safety throughout the ride.
Bird Watching
Situated on the southeast corner of Sikkim, Gangtok is well known for its changing climatic conditions and rich wildlife based on altitudes. This diversity in weather allows the city to inhabit numerous species of Himalayan and migratory birds making it an ideal destination for bird lovers. The city is home to more than 190 species of birds with Red-tailed Minla, Himalayan Swiftlet and Whiskered Yuhina being the most popular ones. There are numerous groups that offer visitors to sight these species by guiding across popular birding hotspots of the city.
Visit Monasteries
Gangtok besides being the largest city of the state is well known for its cultural diversity which can be seen from its ancient monasteries and religious sites. The city is home to some of the oldest monasteries in the country that date back to the early 16th century. Rumtek Gompa, Enchey Monastery and Dubdi Gompa are the most popular ones. These monasteries not only showcase the rich culture of Buddhism but attract tourists with their architectural marvels and serene vibes. There is an ample number of monasteries located within the city making exploring them one of the popular experiences among tourists.
Savor Cuisines
Food is a major part of any culture and Sikkimese cuisine has able to gain a reputation all over the country for its unique taste and flavors. Having similarities with Nepali and Tibetan cuisines, most of the dishes are prepared using organic food ingredients that give the food its traditional taste and textures. Momo, Bamboo Shoots, Thukpa, Sel Roti and Churpi are some of the most popular food dishes in the city. While the majority of the dishes contain meat and non-vegetarian items, there are various options for vegetarians as well. The Sikkimese cuisines are well known for their spiciness and are mostly incorporated in the majority of its food dishes.
MG Marg
MG Marg is a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly street in Gangtok, Sikkim, India. Named after Mahatma Gandhi, this bustling market is a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. It's a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences.