Here we have brought together all you need to know about your trip including the best time to visit Gangtok, places to visit, and hotels in Gangtok.
The capital city of Sikkim is Gangtok. The city is a must-visit place if you are planning to travel to Sikkim. It covers an area of 2.6 sq km and has a population of 11,000 residents. There are many scenic places to visit in Gangtok like National Highway Institute, Rumtek Monastery, Lamayuru Gompa, Jorethang Monastery, and more.
Best Time To Visit Gangtok
There are a number of factors that determine the best time to visit Gangtok, but the most important is climate. Out of the year, the best time to visit Gangtok is between March and June, when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall can be expected.
During the monsoon season (June-August), it rains an average of two days per week with heavy precipitation on Mondays. Winter months see temperatures drop below freezing at night; the Temperature is hot in the daytime, however, this doesn’t last long before strong winds kick up again making it feel colder than it actually is!
Summer/Spring (March to June)
The best time to visit Gangtok is during the summer months, i.e., between March and June. During this time, the weather is pleasant and not too hot as it can get higher in May. The flowers are in bloom and there are plenty of activities for tourists to enjoy such as hiking in forests or rafting on rivers like River Bhagirathi where you will find yourself surrounded by nature’s beauty at its best!
Places to Visit in Gangtok
Gangtok is a popular destination for tourists from India and all over the world. Gangtok, which was once called the Valley of Flowers, has a variety of places to visit, shop, eat and drink. People who are traveling to this popular tourist destination can plan the trip depending on their budget and the time they have with them.
You can plan your trip to Gangtok by considering your all options. Commonly Gangtok is a place that offers both snow and summer tourism. There are many places in Gangtok where you can relax and enjoy your holidays or get engaged in adventure sports.
1. Nathu La Pass
Nathu La is situated at an elevation of over 5000m above sea level and is one of the major passes of India. Being one of the highest motorable roads in the world, Nathu La Pass connects Sikkim to China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. The road goes up to a height 5000m above sea level, making it difficult for people suffering from motion sickness or heart problems to travel. The world’s highest motorable road (Skardu-Kargil Road) was built on hairpin bends between Khapalu and Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan.
After a long time, the Nathu La Pass is back on the International Tourism map. Readers may wonder how they can experience this sky-touching pass or how they can forget to revisit it again. Gangtok means ‘city of joy’ and there’s no wonder why. The beautiful city is a slice of heaven on earth with its snow-capped mountains, rivers & waterfalls and breathtaking culture. One such gem of Gangtok is this place that you wouldn’t want to miss.
To read more about Nathu La Pass Click Here.
2. Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek, the seat of the 17th Karmapa, is dedicated to meditation. It’s a great place for those seeking spiritual enlightenment. While most of the famous tourist spots in Sikkim are open only during summers and are desolate in winters.
Rumtek is an exception to that. This is because it sees pilgrims from various parts of India and abroad throughout the year. In fact, despite winter being the most appropriate time for peace and tranquility, Christmas time is believed to be the busiest here.
3. Tsongmo Lake
March is the best month to visit Gangtok and especially this beautiful Tsomgo Lake. It is a frozen tourist attraction in Gangtok, Sikkim. It is situated in a calm upper space of the Hill like the others.
This is a place one must visit before getting into the ‘ice-cold season’ of year-end. The pool of water freezes over during the winter months it becomes a walkway for tourists and locals where you can ice skate, fish, and enjoy many other sporting activities. What I noticed here was that people dressed up in traditional clothes which made it all the more interesting.
4. Ganesh Tok
Ganesh Tok is one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Gangtok every season. This temple constructed in the year 1972 was dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the Hindu God of prosperity and remover of obstacles.
So, if you are eager to visit beautiful places and spend some time with your near and dear ones then Gangtok is just an ideal destination for the same.
5. Seven Sister Waterfalls
First, the seven sisters are protected from the monsoon rains and other weather changes by a colossal rock formation. The river, rejuvenated by the monsoon shower cascades down through seven different levels onto the Bangla plain.
It is a prime example of flawless architecture of nature supported by a natural rock structure. Fanciful stories associated with several myths, fables and folklore adds to the significant charm of this sight.
In fact, Seven Sisters is just not a waterfall but also a heritage site where one can find a variety of flora and fauna. This magnificent waterfall became more popular when it was included in ‘Project Tiger’ in 1980. Now it is one of the most sought-after places on the Gangtok tour packages list.
6. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple
We decided to visit Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple in Gangtok in October. We were curious to see a place where we can visit during all seasons and planned the trip in a way that we could be here during different seasons.
The temple is the only military shrine in the country and it is located between the Osho & Namgyal glaciers. You should visit these places and capture the beauty in your eyes & hearts.
7. Flower Exhibition Centre
Each flower has a delicate beauty of its own, but the special qualities and aroma of some flowers make it a trip worth taking. All through the year, Gangtok’s flower exhibition center depicts the vivid splendor of nature in full bloom.
The nine-acre garden blooms into brilliant colors at every turn and offers over 100 varieties of exotic flowers.
8. Saramsa Garden
Hidden in the outskirt of Gangtok, Saramsa Garden is indeed a metropolis that works wonders on your senses. The ever-blooming stunning range of different colored flowers with the surrounding lush greenery is going to hold your attention. The garden is planned in such a way that the exotic plants are displayed on one side and the natural ones on the other.
The Garden has 14 different species of orchids collected from different parts of Sikkim. One can also enjoy a hot cup of tea at the cafeteria inside the garden.
9. MG Road
It is said no trip to Gangtok is complete without MG Road- Mahatma Gandhi Marg or Road. It’s one of the cleanest places with the least smoke and litter, even vehicles are not allowed here. It looks mesmerizing after the sunset and the place is lit-up. Shopping, walking, and spending a good time here after a day full of adventure are highly recommended.
Though we suggest march as the best time to visit Gangtok, a cultural fest is organized here if by chance you’re visiting in December.
Amazing things to do in Gangtok
- Paragliding – Want to see Gangtok’s lush green slopes, terraced rice fields, and monasteries from above? If you feel up for it, don’t miss paragliding in Gangtok except for the months of July to September.
- Trekking- If you’re visiting here other than the monsoon season, this activity with your friends or partner would really be interesting.
- Enjoy some time at Picnic spots such as Seven sister waterfalls and tendong hills, check out the best time to visit Gangtok before planning your trip.
- Have fun at Yak Safari – If visiting Tsomgo lake, there’s no reason to miss an amazing Yak ride here.
- Take a Cable car ride in the hilly areas.
- Take blessings from the Beautiful Monasteries along your itinerary.
If you’re more days with you to explore, you may plan a trip to Siliguri- 100 Kms away from Gangtok – Click here to check out things to do there.
Hotels in Gangtok
From luxury to budget accommodations, you’d find amazing hotels in Gangtok. According to the places you plan to visit, you can book comfortable stays here- Book the best hotels in Gangtok.
Conclusion
Looking for the best time to visit Gangtok, then it is during the summer months. You can also visit this place during the winter season as well but it will be a lot cold and humid and also hilly areas can be slightly riskier. So if you want some good weather while in Gangtok, then March-June is the best time for that too!
