Gangtok Tourist Places

Changu Lake is approx 40 Km away from Gangtok on the way to Nathula Pass. In Bhutaia Lacguage the word Tsomgo means the ‘Source on Lakes’. At an altitude of approx 12,000 ft above the sea level it is the most important tourist place to visit in Gangtok. the  Lake is oval in shape and approximately 1km long. It has an average depth of about 50 ft.  Snow melted water from the mountains around created the lake & the lake created a river namely Lungtze Chu. The lake further falls into Rangpo-chu.

According to the myth the spirituals gurus of Sikkim used to study the colour of the water of Tsomgo Lake to forecast the future of the state. So the local people considered the lake as sacred.

Changu Lake is a paradise for the ornithologists. The migratory birds takes a break near the lake while flying long way from Syberia to the Indian plains. Brahminy Ducks  is a one of the spices.

Tsomgo Lake permit

Tsomgo Lake – 2 copies passport size recent colour photographs & Photo ID proof (Passport/ Voter ID) for each & every guests. Minor may carry school/college ID along with photographs.

Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit to visit Tsomgo Lake. Permit can be obtained in Gangtok. All the guests must carry 2 copies passport size recent colour photographs, Passport & copy of Restricted Area Permit (RAP).

Best time to Visit Tsomgo Lake
October to December for clear weather & Best view of the lake.
January to mid April for snowfall & frozen lake.

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It is one of the major attractions in Gangtok. Nathula Pass is a trade route which connect Sikkim with Tibet.It is situated just 56 km away (3 hrs drive) from Gangtok. The road passes through Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) another major tourist attraction in Sikkim. Nathula Pass height is above 14,000 ft (4,200 mtr) and Gangtok to Nathu la is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The road connects Sikkim with Chumbi Vally (Tibet) on the other side of the border. You can have an ATM, which is the highest ATM available in the world.

A road travel from Gangtok to Nathu La Pass is one of the most charming travel experience. On the way one can visit Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) & Baba Mandir is also just 5 km drive. At Nathu La there is an Exhibition Centre on Indian National Army. You can also have a magnificent view of My. Chmolhari (in Bhutan) subject to clear weather.

Nathula Permit

Only Indian nationals are allowed to go to the Pass. Foreign nationals are not allowed to travel to the same. They can travel up to Tsomgo Lake (Changu) accompanied by a local guide.

Indian nationals also need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit the Pass. Tourist need to submit a photo copy of any of the photo ID proofs (Voter ID, Passport or any other id card issued by the Government of India / State Government) along with passport size recent colour photographs.  

Permit Cost for Nathula Pass : It needs an additional cost ranging around Rs.3,000/-  to  Rs.6,000/- depending of the no of tourist, category of car & season.
Nathula Pass Visiting days : It is open for 5 days in a week (except Monday & Tuesday)
Nathula Pass height : 14,150 ft (4,200 mtr). 

Best time to visit Nthula Pass
October to December for clear weather & Best view of the surrounding hills.
January to mid April for snowfall.

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It is near TV Tower, approx 3 km from the main marker. Lama Druptob Karpo built Enchey Monastery approx 200 years back. The monastery belongs to Nyingma Order. It is famous for its religious festival with Mask Dance (traditionally known as ‘Chham Dance’ ) organised on 18^th & 19^th of twelve month of Tibetan calendar every year (tentatively in December). Visitors can see colorful prayer flags, traditional Buddhist architecture, and beautiful murals inside. Enchey Monastery is not just a spiritual center but also a cultural hub in Sikkim.

The building looks beautiful with traditional Buddhist architecture. Colorful murals, prayer wheels, and statues of Guru Padmasambhava decorate the interior. Monks chant prayers that fill the monastery with a calming sound. From the courtyard, visitors can see lovely views of Gangtok town and the Kanchenjunga range on clear days.

Enchey Monastery holds special importance during religious festivals. The Cham Dance festival in January or February attracts many people. Monks wear vibrant masks and costumes and perform sacred dances to drive away evil spirits. Locals and tourists gather to watch and celebrate this tradition.

Enchey Monastery is a place to sit quietly, spin prayer wheels, or watch monks go about their daily routines. The gentle breeze, fluttering prayer flags, and mountain views create a truly spiritual atmosphere. Enchey Monastery remains one of Gangtok’s most loved and visited landmarks, showing the rich culture and faith of Sikkim.

Rumtek Monastery lies about 24 km from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. It is one of the largest and most important monasteries in the state. It is  among the most importent Gangtok tourist places, specially for the buddhist travellers. The monastery comes under the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It also serves as the main seat of the Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu tradition.

The original monastery was built in the 16th century by the 9th Karmapa. The present structure was built in the 1960s by the 16th Karmapa after he came to India. The monastery stands on a hill and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The architecture of Rumtek Monastery reflects traditional Tibetan style. The main building has a large prayer hall with tall golden statues, colorful murals, and thangkas (religious paintings). Monks live and study here, and visitors often see them chanting prayers or walking with prayer beads.

One of the highlights of Rumtek is the Golden Stupa, which contains the relics of the 16th Karmapa. The monastery also has a Dharma Chakra Centre, a place for Buddhist studies and teachings.

Many tourists visit Rumtek to feel the peaceful and spiritual energy of the place. During festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year), the monastery performs rituals and traditional dances.

Rumtek Monastery is more than just a tourist spot. It is a place of deep faith, learning, and culture. A visit here gives a better understanding of Sikkim’s spiritual heritage.  Read More…

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology stands in Deorali, about 2 km from Gangtok’s main town. It is one of the most important centers for studying Tibetan culture and Buddhism. The institute was established in 1958 with the support of the 14th Dalai Lama, who laid the foundation stone, and the then Chogyal (king) of Sikkim.

The building shows traditional Tibetan architecture with beautiful woodwork and a golden roof. Inside, visitors find a museum and a library. The museum displays rare statues, old manuscripts, thangkas (Buddhist paintings), and ritual objects. Each item tells a story about Tibetan and Buddhist traditions. The library has thousands of books and documents in Tibetan, Sanskrit, and other languages. Scholars from all over the world come here to study Buddhism and Tibetan history.

A peaceful garden surrounds the institute, making it a calm place for visitors. Prayer flags flutter in the breeze, adding to the spiritual feel of the site. Many tourists visit the institute to learn about Sikkim’s close connection with Tibetan culture.

The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology also conducts research and preserves Buddhist heritage. It works hard to protect rare texts and promote learning about Tibetan language, art, and religion.

Visiting the institute offers a glimpse into a rich and ancient culture. It is not just a museum but a living centre of knowledge and tradition. Anyone interested in Buddhism or Himalayan history should include this place in their Sikkim itinerary.

Further reading

Hanuman Tok is a famous temple & view point located around 11 km from Gangtok. It sits at an altitude of about 7,200 feet and offers a peaceful environment with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and holds great religious importance among the locals.

Many people visit Hanuman Tok not only for blessings but also to enjoy the beautiful scenery. On a clear day, visitors can see the majestic Kanchenjunga range from the temple premises. Legend says Lord Hanuman rested at this place while carrying the Sanjeevani herb to save Lord Lakshman. This mythologucal valllue makes it a famouns tourist place in Gnagtok.

The journey to Hanuman Tok feels refreshing. Tall trees, clean air, and peaceful surroundings make the visit memorable. A well-paved road leads to the temple, and a short climb brings you to the main shrine.

Hanuman Tok is perfect for those who seek peace, natural beauty, and a spiritual experience. Whether you are religious or simply love hilltop views, Hanuman Tok offers a rewarding stop in Gangtok.

Tashi View Point is a popular spot amoung Gangtok tourist places, about 8 km from the town centre. It offers a clear view of the majestic Kanchenjunga and other snow-covered peaks. Many visitors come here early in the morning to watch the sunrise light up the mountains in golden colours.

The place has a viewing platform and a telescope for a closer look at the mountains and nearby valleys. You can see Phodong and Labrang monasteries from here on a clear day. The fresh air and quiet surroundings make Tashi View Point perfect for photography and relaxation.

Local stalls sell tea, snacks, and souvenirs, adding charm to the visit. Families, friends, and couples often spend time here enjoying the cool breeze and beautiful scenery. The road to Tashi View Point is smooth, making it easy to reach by car or taxi.

Tashi View Point gives Gangtok’s stunning view landscape & Mt. Kanchendzonga on a clear day. If you love mountains and peaceful places, you should not miss Tashi View Point during your visit to Gangtok.

Ganesh Tok is a small and beautiful temple in Gangtok, located about 7 km from the town centre & near to Tashi View Point. It sits at an altitude of around 6,500 feet and offers amazing views of the city and the Kanchenjunga range. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and many people come here to seek blessings before starting new ventures.

The temple is small, so visitors often have to bend to enter and offer prayers. A viewing deck near the temple lets you enjoy a wide view of Gangtok, green valleys, and distant snow-capped peaks. The religious vallue & amazing view make it an importent visiting place in Gangtok.

Shops near Ganesh Tok sell snacks, tea, and souvenirs, making the visit even more enjoyable. The surroundings remain clean and peaceful, creating a perfect spot for photography and quiet moments.

The road to Ganesh Tok is easy to travel by taxi or private car. Visitors love spending time here for the cool breeze, beautiful scenery, and spiritual atmosphere. If you want to see Gangtok from a different angle and feel close to nature, Ganesh Tok is a must-visit place.

Just one km away from the main market it is one of the popular tourist attractions in Gangtok. In the year 1957 the institute was established with a view to manufacturing of the local art & handicrafts. The local government runs it to support traditional artisans and pass their skills to new generations.

Inside the showroom, you find rich woollen carpets woven with local patterns using natural vegetable dyes. Thankas (scrolls with traditional painting), masks, woollen carpets, dolls, Choksees (hand carved wooden table) are some of the important artefacts of the emporium. Handmade paper, extensive used as invitation cards & letterheads, is another unique artwork in the institute. Skilled artisans weave, carve, and paint on-site, working alongside trainees in a lively, creative space.

GICI offers training and production programs in carpet weaving, handloom weaving, Thangka painting, wood carving, mask making, and bamboo work. This program grows regionally, with 32 branch centres across Sikkim and nearly 400 trainees registered at the main institute.

You can shop here from Monday to Saturday. The showroom opens around 9:30 AM–12:30 PM, closes for lunch, then from 1 PM–3 PM. The sales area remains open year-round, excluding Sundays and 2nd Saturdays. A visit lasts about an hour.

Visitors love GICI for its vibrant crafts, friendly artisans, and chance to watch real-time creation. This place offers an enriching peek into Sikkim’s rich traditions. If you enjoy art, culture, and unique souvenirs, GICI deserves a top spot on your Gangtok journey.

Not only the beautiful landscape, Sikkim is gifted will with more than 5000 species of flowering plants. The cool & tropical climatic has made this state a home to more than 600 species of orchids & 30 species of rhododendrons. To showcase this natural treasure a Flower Exhibition Centre has been established & is a must see attraction during Gangtok sightseeing. It is situated near White Hall. You can reach it by a short 10–15 minute walk from MG Marg or a quick taxi ride. Exhibition centre displays various flowers, orchids & rhododendrons of Sikkim under one roof, making it a paradise for nature lovers. A small pond with a bridge adds charm and photo appeal. You can stroll through themed beds, enjoy gentle fragrances, and discover colourful blooms. Information signs teach you about each plant species. Flower Exebition Cantre is a must visit during your Gnagtok city tour.

Though the centre is open through the year, Mar to May will be the best time as the flowers will be in full blossom. International Flower Festival is organised every year tentatively in April, attracting top-quality orchids and rare plants from across Sikkim and beyond. It also hosts horticultural competitions and cultural events.

The centre opens daily at around 9.00 in the morning & closes at 5.00 at evening. Entry costs about ?10 per person. Allow about an hour to explore, take photos, and breathe in the fresh floral air. Add it to your Gangtok itinerary if you love plants and natural beauty.

Do?Drul Chorten stands on a hill near the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, about 2 km from central Gangtok. Locals built it in 1945–46 under the guidance of Trulshik Rinpoche of the Nyingma school. He consecrated the site to drive away evil spirits and bless the kingdom.

This white stupa follows the classic Tibetan design, crowned with a golden spire of thirteen tiers and a parasol finial. The dome reaches roughly 27?m high and sits atop a square base. Four smaller stupas at its corners house sacred relics.

Devotees walk around the stupa clockwise and spin 108 Mani?Lhakor (prayer wheels), each inscribed with “Om?mani?padme?hum.” They believe this ritual brings merit and clears negativity.

The stupa holds a Dorjee?Phurba mandala set, volumes of Kangyur scriptures, long rolls of mantras, and other sacred objects. Two shrines, Chorten Lhakhang and Guru Lhakhang, house large statues of Guru Padmasambhava.

A monastery for young lamas sits beside the stupa. It serves as a dharma preaching centre and houses about 700 monks.

You can visit Do?Drul Chorten daily from around 8?AM to 6?PM. It charges no entry fee, but donations help support its upkeep. Allow around 30–60?minutes to explore the complex, walk among the prayer wheels, and enjoy the calm setting.

Do?Drul Chorten offers culture, peace, and spiritual energy in one place. You can soak in Tibetan Buddhist traditions, admire the architecture, and experience a sacred ritual in a serene hillside retreat. It is advisable to add Do?Drul Chorten Stupa  in your Gangtok sightseeing.