Gangtok Tour Packages

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and is part of the Eastern Himalayan ranges. It is popular as a tourist destination owing to its lush greenery, spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges, trekking trails, gushing waterfalls and of course, its association with Buddhism. Gangtok is an ideal destination for a tranquil holiday, one that you can explore with Holidify’s amazing Gangtok tour packages suitable for all kinds of travellers. 

Gangtok is known for its natural splendour that comprises the picturesque and holy Tsomgo Lake, the Reshi Hot Springs believed to possess medicinal properties, Saramsa Garden with its multitude of flowers and the majestic Seven Sisters Waterfalls. If you wish to catch a glimpse of the world’s third highest peak, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Gangtok is the place to be; in fact, there are numerous trekking trails to the mountain. With a strong Tibetan influence, Gangtok is home to many beautiful monasteries.

Part of the former Silk Route, Nathula Pass connects Sikkim to Tibet and is a must-visit destination; make sure to get a permit beforehand. Gangtok’s undulating terrain offers the possibility of engaging in adventurous activities like trekking, mountain biking, riding the popular Gangtok Ropeway, paragliding and going on a yak safari. Gangtok tour packages often include local festivals like the Buddhist festival called Saga Dawa Festival.

The best time to visit Gangtok is from late September to mid-December and March to May. So that you can experience the best of the region, Gangtok tour packages also include nearby destinations like Darjeeling, Pelling and Lachung. Located in West Sikkim, Pelling is the state’s second most-visited tourist destination and is known for its beautiful monasteries like the Pemayangtse Monastery and Sangachoeling Monastery. It is also home to the ruins of the Old Rabdentse Palace, picturesque Darap Village, Rimbi River and Rimbi Waterfall. You have plenty of opportunities for bird watching and attending cultural programs. Visit Darjeeling to discover its massive tea plantations, Singalila National Park, Rock Garden and Tiger Hill offering splendid views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Don’t miss out on its monasteries or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train.

Lachung in North Sikkim is synonymous with the Bhim Nala Waterfall, the Lachung Monastery that hosts the Mask Dance, the half-frozen Gurudongmar Lake and Lachung Zero Point that is surrounded by snow-clad peaks and rivers. Holidify has a number of amazing Gangtok tour packages that are completely customisable and budget-friendly, making them the perfect choice for a short vacation with friends or family!

Places to Visit in Gangtok

Ganesh Tok:  Ganesh Tok is a small temple and a loved viewpoint in Gangtok. Situated on top of a hill, the quaint place has mind-stirring views of the Kanchenjunga hill. The temple (dedicated to Lord Ganesh) is, however, so small that it can only fit one person at a time. Colourful flags are tied across the stairs making it stand out. 

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is an abode of centuries-old Tibetan-Buddhist culture and its history. Built in the Tibetan architectural style amidst the lap of lush green nature, the façade rises majestically with its tall golden towers, attractive and significant murals and colourful frescos. It houses a museum and a library, which are the prime attractions for tourists.

MG Road: MG Road is the heart of Gangtok and its most happening place. It is the central shopping hub with various shops, restaurants, and hotels lined up along both sides. The entire area is free of smoke, litter, and vehicular traffic. It's a pedestrian-only zone, and vehicles are not allowed. 

Do Drul Chorten: Do Drul Chorten is one of the most important stupas in Sikkim, nestled in the stunning valleys of Gangtok. The Stupa has around 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer wheels. These wheels are engraved with important mantras which can be chanted by rotating them. Inside the monastery is the complete set of Dorjee Phurba, holy Buddhist texts and other religious paraphernalia. 

Tashi Viewpoint: Situated 8 km away from central Gangtok, Tashi Viewpoint is a scenic beauty from where travellers can get a view of the magnificent Mount Sinilochu and Mount Kanchenjunga. This spot also serves as a fabulous picnic place.

Banjhakri Falls: The Banjhakri Falls is situated at a distance of 10-12 kilometres from Gangtok on the way to Ranka monastery. Beautifully landscaped gardens abound the waterfall along with beautiful statues of Lyam Lymay, Mangpas, Lepcha, and Ban Jhakri ancestors. The entrance of the park also comprises of several recreational activities and refreshment stalls.

Enchey Monastery: Enchey Monastery, meaning 'the solitary temple', is a holy pilgrimage spot for the Buddhists. There is a massive metal roofed prayer hall inside while the porch has a wheel of law which ripples in perfect sync with the chants of the monks. It is also a famous tourist location due to the Chaam dance (a special prayer offered by monks by wearing masks) organized on the 18th, 19th day of the 12th lunar month as per the Tibetan calendar. 

Nathu La Pass: Nathula, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, is a mountain pass in the Himalayan peaks that co-joins Sikkim and China. It is located around 60km from Gangtok and most Gangtok tour packages include Nathu La as a day trip. There are a number of waterfalls that gush along the way from Gangtok to Nathu La. It also offers an opportunity to see beautiful snow peaks encircling the area. A valid permit to visit Nathu La Pass is given to only Indian Nationals. The permit is obtained by applying to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department. This can be done with the help of a registered travel agency. Valid identity proof and two photographs are necessary for the same.

Tsomgo Lake:  Tsomgo Lake is one of the few high-altitude lakes in India situated on the Gangtok - Nathu La highway. Also popularly known as Changu Lake, it is a part of every Gangtok tour package. This glacial lake is famous for its colour changing waters. Monsoons see a bright aquamarine lake whereas, in the winters, it freezes into a translucent cover of ice. As the summer approaches in mid-May, the periphery of this lake is dotted with a thousand blossoming flowers that lend the waters a riot of vibrant colours. The Tsomgo lake is located in a restricted area and requires all visitors to obtain permits that allow them to enter the otherwise restricted area. Foreign nationals are required to obtain special permits.

Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir: Situated on the road passing between Nathu La and Gangtok, Baba Mandir is the shrine which was built at the Samadhi of Harbhajan Singh. It is the local belief that anyone passing through has to pay their respects at this temple. Many people believe Harbhajan Singh comes to the temple every night and does his rounds after putting on his uniform. People worship him as a saint who guards the lives of soldiers along the border. Tourists who come here leave their water bottle for a few days and collect it later for it is believed that by drinking that water all the wishes come true. Since Baba Mandir comes under the protected area, you need to go through a registered tour operator in Sikkim and acquire a Protected Area Permit. 

Lachen: Situated in the northern district of Sikkim, Lachen is one of the most beautiful towns and an attractive tourist spot which forms a base for the famous Gurudongmar Lake. A freshwater lake, it is one of the highest water bodies in the world as it is situated at an altitude of 5,210 m. About 5 km ahead of this lake is the Tso Lhsmo Lake. With prior permission from the army, you can trek from the Gurdongmar Lake to Tso Lhsmo Lake. Lachen is included in almost every Gangtok tour itinerary with a 1 night stay.

Lachung: Lachung is a tourist hotspot situated in North Sikkim, located close to Lachen. Gangtok holiday packages mostly include 1 night stay in Lachung along with Lachen. This town is a popular tourist attraction because of the many waterfalls that gush in this area. It is also a preferred base to visit the famous Yumthang Valley (Valley of Flowers). Since the place is close to India-China border, Inner Line permit is required. Popular attractions to visit in Lachung include Lachung Monastery, Seven Sisters Waterfall, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary among others.

Yumthang Valley: The popular Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim is located 140 km north of Gangtok. Famous as the "Valley of flowers", this is a rare and exotic location with hot springs, rivers, yaks and lush green meadows. Yumthang Valley is closed to tourists between December and March due to the heavy snowfall in the region. It is only an hour drive from Lachung.

Things to Do in Gangtok

Experience a Yak Safari: Experiencing Yak Ride is one of the most essential activities and unique things to do in Gangtok. You can experience the joyride in any one of the three places where the activity is organized. You can try it at Dzongri area and/or Tsomgo lake. Never forget to leave the saddle or you disbalance and are on the ground in no time.

Enjoy the Gangtok Ropeway: Known to be one of the top thrilling things to do in Gangtok, Gangtok Ropeway has a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the valley below. The double cable zig back ropeway can carry up to 24 passengers and covers a distance of 2 km to and fro. The aerial ropeway is 935 m long, from the start to the endpoint and the complete journey takes a total of 15 - 20 minutes. It has three terminal stations - Tashiling, Namnang or Deorali. You can get on or get down at either of the three stations. The cable car station is situated around 100 feet upwards where you can reach in an elevator.

Trek to Kanchenjunga: The third highest peak in the world, the majestic Kanchenjunga is one of the most stunning mountains in the world. Surrounded by Nepal, Sikkim and Tibet, this mountain was first scaled in 1955 but since then has been declared sacred. There are a lot of trekking routes in Kanchenjunga which will take you through woody forests and serene countryside. Experiencing a trek here is one of the most thrilling things to do in Gangtok.

Walk through Flower Exhibition Centre: Flower Exhibition Centre, which is situated in Gangtok, showcases flowers from the different parts of Sikkim together under a single roof. A medium-sized tropical greenhouse, the centre is filled with unusual species of plants including numerous species of fresh orchids namely Anthurium and Lilium. The presence of such different varieties of colourful flowers along with its enchanting fragrance fills up the entire centre making it a very refreshing place for the visitors. 

Paragliding: Paragliding is one of the thrilling things to do in Gangtok and one activity that you must definitely experience. The place lets you try your hand at the opportunity with the help of a professional trainer and with complete safety measures. Besides giving you a very amazing adrenaline rush, the activity lets you have a bird's eye view of the beautiful city.

Shopping in Gangtok

The exotic hill station also has numerous souvenir shops for tourists and the locals. Few of the most important things you should take back from here are-

• Canvas paintings and wall hangings give you a taste of the traditional day 
• Handicrafts and Tibetan carpets which reflect the arts and culture of the city.
• Hand-woven jackets are extremely exquisite and pretty and a must-have souvenir.
• Sikkim is popular worldwide for its most delicious tea. You can try a couple of varieties of ‘Sikkim Tea’ from any of the local stores.
• Black cardamom which is exclusively farmed here 
• Hand carved wooden tables
• The locally produced wine and hard liquor is of premium quality
• The best places for shoppers are MC Marg for dress material, trinkets, shoes, souvenirs etc. with traditional Sikkimese designs. You can also get books on Buddhism, porcelain cups and other gifting items.
• The Tibet Road has a line of shops and emporiums for handicrafts and handloom products.
• There is also Lal Bazaar famous for all kinds of everyday things like cheese, incense sticks and electronic gadgets.

Food in Gangtok

What is impossible to miss in Gangtok includes Momos, Thukpa, Wonton, Gyathuk, Thenthuk and more, along with a Sikkim style meat patty called Shah-Phaley. Along with this you get to choose from a huge variety of authentic soups almost unique to the area. Chang is a locally made alcoholic beverage and is a must try while here. Authentic Tibetan and Indo-Chinese cuisines are also available in the restaurants and must also be tried.