10 Things-To-Do in Gangtok

Discover the best things to do in Gangtok, Sikkim - from monasteries and MG Marg to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass. A practical travel guide for visitors.

1/1/20263 min read

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, sits quietly in the Eastern Himalayas, overlooking deep valleys and snow-lined peaks. It feels calm yet alive. Clean streets, mountain air, monasteries on hilltops, and a steady rhythm of local life make Gangtok an easy city to slow down in. For travelers, it works both as a base to explore high-altitude landscapes and as a destination with culture, food, and gentle walks.

Below are 10 real, experience-driven things to do in and around Gangtok, ideal for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike.

1. Walk Around MG Marg

This is the heart of Gangtok. A clean, vehicle-free boulevard lined with cafés, souvenir shops, bakeries, and benches. Locals stroll here in the evenings, musicians perform occasionally, and cafés serve excellent coffee. It is the best place to feel the city’s everyday pulse.

2. Visit Rumtek Monastery

Located about 23 km from Gangtok, Rumtek is one of the most important monasteries in Sikkim. The architecture, prayer halls, and mountain backdrop create a peaceful atmosphere. Visit in the morning to see monks in prayer and to avoid crowds.

The Gangtok Ropeway connects lower and upper parts of the city. It offers wide views of rooftops, valleys, and distant mountains. It is a short ride but gives a good visual understanding of Gangtok’s steep terrain and layout.

4. Explore Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

This museum and research center houses rare manuscripts, Buddhist artifacts, masks, and thangkas. Even if you are not deeply into history, it helps you understand Tibetan Buddhism and its influence on Sikkim.

5. Day Trip to Tsomgo Lake

About 40 km from Gangtok, this high-altitude glacial lake changes color with the seasons. In winter it freezes, while in summer it reflects the sky and surrounding mountains. Travel permits are required, usually arranged through local operators.

6. Visit Nathula Pass

If weather and permits allow, Nathula is a memorable experience. At over 14,000 ft, it sits on the India–China border and was once part of the ancient Silk Route. The air is thin, the landscape stark, and the sense of history very real.

7. Spend Quiet Time at Enchey Monastery

Closer to the city than Rumtek, Enchey Monastery is smaller and calmer. It is ideal for a short visit, reflection, and views over Gangtok. During religious festivals, masked dances are performed here.

8. Try Local Sikkimese and Tibetan Food

Don’t leave Gangtok without trying momos, thukpa, phagshapa, and fermented foods like gundruk. Small local eateries around MG Marg and Lal Bazaar serve some of the most authentic flavors, often family-run and affordable.

9. Visit Hanuman Tok for Sunset

Maintained by the Indian Army, this hilltop temple offers one of the best views of Gangtok and, on clear days, the Kanchenjunga range. Even non-religious visitors come here for the calm atmosphere and scenery.

10. Shop at Lal Bazaar

This is where locals shop. You will find fresh produce, traditional clothes, spices, and household items. It is less polished than MG Marg but far more authentic and lively, especially in the mornings.